The influence of support conditions on the behaviour of square concrete tanks

Abstract

Summary The paper describes a theoretical and experimental investigation of the structural behaviour of a tank in the shape of a cube under six different support conditions which include point, line and distributed reaction patterns. It is demonstrated that the method of supporting the tank has a significant effect upon the magnitude and distribution of the bending moments, particularly those values used in the design of the sections of the wall panels and floor slabs of tanks. The accuracy of the analytical predictions is checked by deflexion and curvature measurements taken on a Perspex model tank with appropriately simulated support conditions. Generally, there is a good correlation between the theoretical and experimental results.