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A FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF CONICAL ELEVATED WATER TANK

Conference Paper · August 2014

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 39th Conference on
Our World in Concrete & Structures
22-23 August 2014, Singapore

A FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF CONICAL ELEVATED WATER

TANK

Swagat Mohapatra *, N. V. Nagaraju † and Jainish Kotadia ‡

*
L&T-Sargent & Lundy Limited
L&T-Knowledge City, SEZ Unit, Vadodara, India 390019
e-mail: <[Link]@[Link]> webpage: [Link]

Keywords: Elevated Tank, RCC, Finite Element Analysis, Finite Element Modelling

Abstract. This Analysis and design of elevated water tank is a specialized

engineering subject requiring use of empirical methods along with smart structure
analysis software. This combination has ensured optimization in material quantity
and has minimized design duration. In the present study, a review of types and
design procedures for reinforced concrete elevated water tanks and the
applicability of smart structural engineering software for analysis are presented.
Model of a conical-elevated water tank with storage compartment divided into four
quadrants is evaluated using finite-element modelling techniques. Techniques of
modelling foundation at the base with appropriate interpretation of the geo-
technical parameters are presented here. Types of elements, modelling
techniques, load definitions using Indian Standards and analysis parameters used
while modelling of the tank are studied. Model presented described shows the
stress behaviour of the compartment walls and shaft, stress distributions around
locations with change in geometry. Results of the finite-element analysis are
presented, accompanied by a discussion on its limitations and recommendations
of described study.

1 INTRODUCTION
The Water is basic need of all. Water is a basic need for effective operation of any kind of
the industrial structure. Adequate water distribution depends on design of a water tank and thus
its design plays an important role in the effective operation of plant. An elevated water tank is a
large water storage container constructed for holding water at certain height to have a
pressurized water distribution system. Many new ideas and innovation have been ma de for the
storage of water and other liquid materials in different forms and fashions. There are many
different ways for the storage of liquids such as underground, ground supported, elevated tanks,
etc.
The present conical elevated water tank is designed to cater the requirements of service
as well as potable water to 375 MW Gas based Power Plant. The water tanks under
consideration required a capacity of 200 cu.m (100 cu.m for Service Water and 100 cu.m for
Potable water) at an elevated height of 25 meters. Potable water is required for canteen, toilets,

†
L&T-Sargent & Lundy Limited
‡
L&T-Sargent & Lundy Limited

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 Swagat Mohapatra, N.V. Nagaraju and Jainish Kotadia

etc., and service water is required for HVAC makeup, GT Evaporative cooling water pumps, etc.
Exhaustive investigations were made to select the type of material to be used for the construction
of elevated water tank. Different aspects are studied before determining final decision considering
most favourable option:

a) FRP Water tanks

Economy: Often, a major advantage of FRP is its lower cost. When comparing materials for
corrosion service, rubber lining, titanium, exotic stainless materials are very frequently
alternatives to FRP. In these cases, FRP may offer both a satisfactory solution to corrosion
issues and the lowest cost. These costs depend upon the application, the design considerations,
the pressures (or vacuums) involved, the product configurations, raw material cost and
availability.
Constructability: The flexibility with which FRP can be modelled is the versatility of FRP. It is best
for many applications because we can build things which cannot be built economically with any
other materials. We can mould almost any configuration, or piece, for which we can build a
temporary or permanent mould.
Design: The design of FRP is bit complicated as these are generally guided by manufacturer’s
specifications and no elaborative standard for use in complex structure is still available.

b) Steel Water tanks

Economy: Often, use of steel tank is considered un-economical due to its basic cost of
investment in material transportation and storage. Steel is greatly vulnerable to marine
environment, which will require considerable preventive maintenance expanse.
Constructability: Steel provided faster and flexible construction options as compared to concrete
and saves significant on time.
Design: Straight forward design and implementation.

c) Concrete Water tanks

Economy: Excellent advantage with the use of admixtures can be easily used in marine
environments. All the raw materials can be stored with quite easiness as compared to other
options.
constructability: Even though the construction time increases drastically, the advantages of
concrete over FRP and steel are much higher in many ways in addition to the easily developing
an architecturally pleasing appearance.
Design: Straight forward design and implementation.

Keeping system requirements in mind, it was concluded to go ahead with concrete

elevated tanks. While finalizing concrete as the material of construction the only disadvantage
was speed of construction. The shape of the tank was to be selected in such a way that would
reduce the time of construction. The best option was to use a shaft that will allow the use of slip
form method, which considerably reduces the time duration and achieve faster completion. The
shaft was finalized and the elevated tank was left with an option of circular shape. The challenge
was having two compartments of 100cu.m at an elevation of 25 meters.
The compartments configuration were needed to be decided so that at any time during its
service period, the mass is equally distributed on both sides of centre of shaft to have economy in
design of foundation and shaft systems. To begin with, an option for having circumferential
compartment is explored. It is found that this option have some disadvantages in regard of
planning of outlet of the tank. Since outlet was required to be planned from within the shaft, which
is not possible with present arrangement. In addition, the compartment needed to be sized for
equal volume and hence the inside compartment required a larger diameter which would have
further increased the concrete quantity.
Second option explored was to go with two tier compartment one over the above. This
option requires staging of formwork for the upper tier tank, which would have been practically
time consuming process for construction sequence point of view. In addition, the access to the
bottom tier would have been difficult.
The third option was explored as to go with four compartments radially placed with
capacity of compartment 50cu.m each. The option was finalized and the process group was
requested to prepare piping schematic drawing such that the filling and empting of the diagonally

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 Swagat Mohapatra, N.V. Nagaraju and Jainish Kotadia

opposite tank takes places simultaneous to avoid any unbalanced mass of water at any instance
of time. All the three options have illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 1: Compartment Options for Elevated Water tank

2 FINITE ELEMENT MODELING

The elevated water tank consisted of a covered, conical shaped water storage tank with
four compartments. The elevated tank had been elevated to a height of EL. (+) 25m on a
cylindrical shaft of 3.5 m external diameter. A circular base raft at depth of 4m bel ow the finished
ground level was provided as the foundation of the tank. A schematic diagram showing the
various components of the tank have shown in Figure 2. As built photographs of the elevated
tank, during the construction phase and after construction are shown in Figure 3.

Figure 2: Elevated Water Tank (Schematic Diagram)

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 Swagat Mohapatra, N.V. Nagaraju and Jainish Kotadia

Figure 3: Actual Photographs of Elevated Water Tank

Due to the complexity in analysis due to irregular geometry of the elevated water tank, it was
modelled in SAP 2000 version 14, finite element analysis software by Computer & Structure Inc.,
USA. Stress behaviour at the Conical Wall-Compartment wall juncture and behaviour of the vertical
shaft was of prime interest in this exercise. The tank model primarily consisted of shell elements,
which were used in modelling of Walls, shaft, top roof slab and the foundation of the tank. An aspect
ratio of 1 ~ 1.5 was maintained for modelling of all the shell elements. Frame elements were used for
modelling of the ring beams that were provided along the periphery of roof slab-conical wall interface
and vertical shaft-conical wall interface. A cut-out was modelled at bottom elevation of the vertical
shaft to illustrate access door opening to study the stress behaviour of shaft wall at opening of
corners. A rendered view of the elevated water tank along with compartment walls and the vertical
shaft, modelled in SAP 2000, is shown in Figure 4.

2.1 Modelling using shell elements

All tank components of the tank, except the ring beams, were modelled as area sections that used
linear-homogenous shell elements having isotropic material property. The shell elements were
defined as 3- or 4-noded formulation that combines membrane and plate-bending behaviour. Aspect
ratio of all shell elements was restricted to 1 ~ 1.5. Out of the two thickness formulations available in
SAP 2000, the thick-plate formulation was used for all shell elements. Shell elements assigned as
thick-plate in SAP 2000 utilizes the Mindlin-Reissner formulation for including the effect of transverse
shear deformation. It is generally recommended1 to use thick-plate formulation unless the area
sections have large aspect-ratios and distorted meshes for unforeseen reasons.
Each shell element has a local coordinate system used to define the material properties,
surface loads and to obtain the output results. The Global and local axes of the shells were defined as
per the Polar Coordinate system, as shown in Figure 5.

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 Swagat Mohapatra, N.V. Nagaraju and Jainish Kotadia

Figure 4: SAP 2000 Model (Rendered View of Elevated Water Tank)

Figure 5: Polar Co-ordinate System for Elevated Water Tank in SAP 2000

2.2 Modelling using frame elements

Due to the circular geometry of the tank, water loads in the tank cause the conical walls to deform
outwards, causing large hoop tension. To limit the outward deflections of the conical walls and the
cylindrical shat due to the water load, ring beams were provided at the top and bottom of the conical
tank. The width of ring beams was kept same as the thickness of the tank walls, to have a plane view
of the surface finish from outside. Local axes orientation for framed elements was defined in-line with
the polar coordinate system. Figure 6 shows the top and bottom ring beams in extruded view along
with the orientation of frame element local axis.

Figure 6: Extruded Cut Section of Storage Compartment

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 Swagat Mohapatra, N.V. Nagaraju and Jainish Kotadia

2.3 Modelling support conditions at base raft

Base raft of the entire tank structure was modelled as area elements resting on soil. For analysis
purpose the base raft was assumed as a plate resting on elastic foundation. To model the area
elements resting on the elastic type of supports, spring constraints were assigned to the nodes of all
area elements of the base raft (Figure 7).

Figure 7: Soil Springs Assignment on Base Raft

The stiffness of soil, i.e. Modulus of sub grade reaction has been calculated using equation 9-9 of
Joseph E. Bowle’s2 (Foundation Analysis and Design, 4th Edition, McGraw-Hill):
ks = 40×SF ×qa (kN/m2)/m (Considering 25 mm settlement) (1)
Where,
qa = Allowable Safe Bearing Capacity = 264.87 kN/m2
SF = Factor of Safety = 2.5 (As per Geotechnical report)
ks = 26487 (kN/m2)/m (2)
The base raft had been sized such that the induced bearing pressure did not exceed the
permissible bearing pressure. As the ground water table was considered at the 2m below Finished
Ground Level, the base raft was checked for stability against uplift. . The RC design of base raft was
carried out by Limit State Design method as per IS: 456 – 20003 for moments and shear forces based
on the results obtained from SAP2000 analysis. The critical section for shear was considered at a
distance equal to effective depth from the face of the shaft.

3 LOAD APPLICATION
The Primary loads acting on the tank were identified and defined in SAP 2000 before
starting modelling activity. All loads were applied as per code IS: 875 4 specified by Bureau of
Indian Standards. Primary loads used for analysis of tank have been indicated in Table 1.
Analysis of the tank and the shaft for hydrodynamic loading was carried out separately as per ACI
350.3-06: Seismic Design of Liquid-Containing Concrete Structures 5. The effect of hydrodynamic
loading on tanks due seismic force is not presented in this paper.

Wind loads on the tank were applied as per IS: 875 (Part3)-1987 for a basic wind speed
of 50 m/s (as per terrain category). The structure has been designed for the 3 -second gust and
the dynamic wind load as mentioned in IS: 875 (Part 3). The terrain, size and structure factor
(K2), were obtained for both the wind load cases. Wind forces on the conical storage tank and the
25m high cylindrical shaft were calculated using the external pressure coefficients shown in Table
18 of the IS: 875 (Part 3), for corresponding height over diameter ratio and the periphery location
of the shell element. It was found that the pressure coefficients gave a more realistic design of
the shell elements under the wind loads and thus were used over the force coefficients defined
for circular cross-section structure, shown in Table 23 of IS: 875 (Part 3). Figure 8 shows the
typical wind load applied along the X-axis of the tank.

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 Swagat Mohapatra, N.V. Nagaraju and Jainish Kotadia

Figure 8: Wind Load Application Along the X-axis on the Tank

Sr. Load Load Description Condition

No. Symbol
1 D Dead loads: self weight of structure, staircase, RC slab, Normal
grating , chequered plate

2 Lr Live loads – Roof Normal

3 Ls Surcharge Load Normal
4 Po Pipe load – normal operating load Normal
5 WL(+X) Wind load along (+) X direction Environmental
6 WL(+Y) Wind load along (+) Y direction Environmental
9 Lh-1 Lateral hydrostatic pressure due to water in compartment 1 Normal
10 Lh-2 Lateral hydrostatic pressure due to water in compartment 2 Normal
11 Lh-3 Lateral hydrostatic pressure due to water in compartment 3 Normal
12 Lh-4 Lateral hydrostatic pressure due to water in compartment 4 Normal
Table 1: Primary Loads Used in Finite Element Analysis

3 LOAD APPLICATION
Subsequent to completion of load application and boundary conditions, analysis run was
taken for the given load conditions. Load combinations were prepared as per the simultaneous
occurrence of loads as per guideline provided in Indian standards. Results were observed in
terms of stress contours, deflections and behaviour of the entire structure as an entity. Use of
Finite Element software is an advantage as it gives an accurate behaviour of the structure under
the applied loading conditions. Figure 9 shows the extent of circumferential bending moment, i.e.
moment about local axis 2 of the shell element, in the conical wall of the ta nk under hydrostatic
loading for two diametrically compartments. The diagram shows the mid-span of conical tank wall
experiencing negative moment while positive moment is being induced at the compartment wall
locations.
Shear stress behaviour of the shaft wall around the door opening was studied in detail. As
seen in Figure 10 the shear stress was found to have increased ten folds at the corner of the opening.
Considering this increase in shear stress, additional reinforcements were provided around the
opening.
In addition to the above findings, stress concentration were observed through sudden change
in stress contours, changing from negative to positive at critical locations for the localized area.
Elements were designed to take care of the given stress concentration and transfer all given loads to

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 Swagat Mohapatra, N.V. Nagaraju and Jainish Kotadia

the respective supporting members. To achieve the same, either local concrete sections were
designed or an alternate arrangement, as mentioned in previous sections, was adopted (by providing
either ring beams, Figure 11, or hoop tension reinforcements) to transfer the given loads. Figure 12
and Figure 13 show the localized increment in stresses at the interface of Raft-shaft and at the top
slab – conical tank wall, respectively.

Figure 10: Stress Concentration around Corners of Opening in Central Shaft

Figure 11: Stress Concentration at Central Shaft-Conical Tank Wall Junction

Figure 12: Stress Concentration at Base Raft-Central Shaft Junction

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 Swagat Mohapatra, N.V. Nagaraju and Jainish Kotadia

Figure 13: Stress Distribution on Top Slab

Along with the stress distribution in various members, deflection profile was also observed for
the elevated water tank structure for different loading conditions. Figure 14 shows deflection profile of
the top slab considering self-weight and live load conditions. Effect of stiffness induced due to
provision of baffle walls was clearly visible through deflection contours.

Figure 14: Deflection Profile of Top Slab under given Loading Condition

An overall deflection of the tank using SAP 2000 was observed for all the loads, including
lateral loads due to wind and hydrodynamic load on tank walls. Figure 15, shows a typical deflected
view of the tank under effect of wind load. The gray wireframe shown is the non-deflected profile of
the entire structure.

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 Swagat Mohapatra, N.V. Nagaraju and Jainish Kotadia

Figure 15: Deflected Shape of the Tank under Effect of Wind Load

5 CONCLUSIONS
Use of Finite Element software in analysing and designing of complicated structures is
getting popular due to accurate representation of complex geometry, inclusion of dissimilar
material properties, easy representation of the total solution and Capturing of local effects. The
tank was modelled prudently using appropriate elements to simulate the actual behaviour of the
structure. Assessing the need of reinforcing structural elements, such as ring beams in shaft and
top slab, and additional reinforcements around openings, was done by identifying the critical
areas where stresses may built-up due to acute change in profile and geometry. A conical tank
with four compartments proved beneficiary from system point of view, as it sufficed the need for
potable and service water storage from a single source.

The concepts discussed in this paper are applicable to a wide range of problems other
than elevated water tanks. For example, using the concept of area elements for a water retaining
structure, irregular structures such as cascade aerator, clarifiers etc. can be analysed to enhance
Engineer’s understanding about the stress behaviour in the localized area and overall response
of the structure under given loading conditions

Analysis of output results of such uncommon structures is of prime importance. The

Engineer should take wise decision on analysis of complex structures by either opting for FEM
analysis by latest software packages or by going for conventional approach. Precise evaluation
shall be made by engineer for achieving economy either in terms of saving in engineering time or
by saving in quantity before finalizing design philosophy.

6 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors are grateful to L&T-Sargent & Lundy Limited, which gave us the opportunity
to work on such a unique problem and supporting us all though out the task. The authors also
thank Mr. Jignesh V. Chokshi for all his suggestions and inputs during the analysis and design
stage of the tank. The engineering and design staff at Civil, Structural & Architectural Department
of L&T-Sargent & Lundy Limited also receives our gratitude for their continual support.

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 Swagat Mohapatra, N.V. Nagaraju and Jainish Kotadia

7 RREFERENCES
[1] Basic Analysis Reference Manual, Oct. 2005, SAP2000®, Version 10.0., Computer and Structures
Inc.
[2] Joseph E. Bowles, Foundation Analysis and Design, 4th Edition, McGraw-Hill
[3] IS: 456-2000 – Code of practice for plain and reinforced concrete
[4] IS 875: (Part III) - 1987 – Code of practice for design loads (other than earthquake) for buildings
and structures
[5] ACI 350.3-06 - Seismic Design of Liquid-Containing Concrete Structures and Commentary
[6] IS: 3370 (Part 1 to 4) – Code of practice for concrete structures for the storage of liquids
[7] IS: 11682- 1985 – criteria for design of RCC staging for overhead tanks
[8] Krishna Raju, N, Advanced Reinforced Concrete Design, CBS Publishers & Distributors
[9] Priestley, M. J. N., Seismic Design of Storage Tanks, 1986, Vol. 19, No. 4, Bulletin of the New
Zealand National Society for Earthquake Engineering R.E. Roberson and R. Schwertassek,
Dynamics of multibody systems, Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Germany (1988).

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