The International Journal Of Science & Technoledge

(ISSN 2321 919X)

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THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF

SCIENCE & TECHNOLEDGE
Optimization of Water Tank
Veeresh Varur
PG.Scholar, Department of Civil Engineering, S.D.M.CET, Dharwad, India
Dr. S. B. Vankudre
Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, S.D.M.CET, Dharwad, India
Prabhavati P.
PG.Scholar, Department of Civil Engineering, S.D.M.CET, Dharwad, India
Abstract:
In general there are three kinds of water tanks-tanks resting on ground Underground tanks and elevated tanks. Here we are
studying only the tanks resting on ground like clear water reservoirs, settling tanks, aeration tanks etc. are supported on
ground directly. In the design and are compared considering the total cost of the tank. These water tanks are subjected to the
different capacity and dimensions. As an objective function with the properties of tank that are tank capacity, width &length
etc.
The paper gives idea for safe design with minimum cost of the tank and give the designer the relationship curve between
design variable thus design of tank can be more economical, reliable and simple. The paper helps in understanding the
design philosophy for the safe and economical design of water tank. The wall of tanks subjected to pressure and the base is
subjected to weight of Water. In below paper, reinforced concert resting on ground monolithic with the base are design and
their results are made optimum
Keywords: Optimization of Steel, Economic design, Water Tank
1. Introduction
Since time it has been seen that man tries to find easiest at the same time most effective method to solve the problem. So we
structural engineers also not different in this idea of doing things, we want to design the structural systems to satisfy safety,
functional and aesthetic requirement in the most effective manner. A structural engineer has to go through repetitive calculations
and it is very tedious task. A little change in the Requirement or design parameter which may also be due to actual site conditions.
Necessitates the repetition of the complete analysis and design procedure and that of drafting. They are designed as crack free
structures to eliminate any leakage A crack width of 0.1mm has been accepted as permissible value in liquid retaining structures.
While designing liquid retaining structures recommendation of Code of Practice for the storage of Liquids- IS3370 (Part I to IV)
should be considered reinforcement is recommended as:
For thickness 100 mm = 0.3 %
For thickness 450 mm = 0.2%
For thickness between 100 mm to 450 mm = varies linearly from 0.3% to 0.2%
It is also desirable that longer side should not be greater than twice the smaller side drafting is the most important activity in the
design process because it convey the structural engineers idea to construction engineer who actually executes the work in the site,
or in the other word its a language with which the people at site are communicated with, to carry out the work.
Liquid retaining structure is a general term applied to underground thanks on the ground level over head tanks, reservoir and even
dams. They are used to store water, liquid petroleum and chemical etc. A liquid containing structure can have a circular shape of
rectangular shape; it can be built below or above the ground level. A reinforced concrete tank is very useful structure which is
meant for the storage of water which is very common and also for swimming, sedimentation and for such similar purpose. Large
capacity tanks will be built on the ground level and a tank is supported on the base slab.

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The International Journal Of Science & Technoledge

(ISSN 2321 919X)

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Figure 1: Rectangular water tank

2. Water Tank in General
The water tank is used to store water to tide over the daily requirements. Water tanks can be of different capacity depending upon
the requirement. Water tanks can be of different capacity depending upon the requirement of consumption. There different type of
water tank depending upon the shape, position with respect to ground level etc. In general water tanks can be tanks, resting on
ground, elevated tanks, and underground tanks. From the shape point of view water tank may be of several types

Circular tanks

Circular tanks with conical bottoms

Rectangular tanks
2.1. Circular tanks
Circular tanks are usually good for very larger storage capacities the side walls are designed for circumferential hoop tension and
bending moment, since the walls are fixed to the floor slab at the junction. The co-efficient recommended in IS 3370 part 4 is used
to determine the design forces. The bottom slab is usually flat because its quite economical.
2.2. Conical or funnel shaped tank
This tank is best in architectural feature and aesthetic this tank has another important advantage that its suitable for high staging
the tanks hallow shaft can be easily built. It can be economical and rapidly constructed using slip form processing of casting.
They can also be built using pre-cast concrete elements.
2.3. Rectangular tanks
The walls of Rectangular tank are subjected to bending moments both in horizontal as well in vertical direction. The analysis of
moment in the wall is difficult since water pressure results in a triangular load on them. The magnitude of the moment will depend
upon the several factors such as length, breadth and height of tank, and conditions of the support of the wall at the top and bottom
edge. If the length of the wall is more in compression to its height the moment will be mainly in vertical direction i.e. the panel
will bend as a cantilever. If, however, height is larger in comparison to length, the moments will be in horizontal direction, and the
panel will bend as a thin slab supported on the edges. For intermediate condition bending will take place both in horizontal as well
as in vertical direction. In addition to the moments, the walls are also subjected to direct pull exerted by water pressure on some
portion of side walls. The wall of the tank will thus be subjected to both bending moment as well as direct tension.
The aim of the work can be started as follows: the analysis of water tank is carried out considering the side wall as simply
supported slabs and optimum design values is introduced by means of N Pandian method.
2.4. Methodology
The mathematical formulas are taken from the N Pandian method, considering the wall as slab. The quantity of steel is
reduced, the constant values for the formulas are taken from N Pandian principle and the minimum solutions are
obtained.
Computer program implementation is done using MATLAB software, for the theoretical design formulation presented
above. The general program is written in order to solve the n number of numerical problems.
Mathematical formulas of optimization based on design; example of optimum value along with normal design values are
incorporated
3. Design Principle of Rectangular Water Tank
3.1. Problem
A rectangular water tank with open top is required to store 24000liters of water. The dimension of tank may be taken as 4m x 3m
x 2m. The tank walls rest on the base slab. Design the side walls and base slab of tank using M-20 concrete and fe415 grade steel.

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The International Journal Of Science & Technoledge

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3.2. Design of 4m long wall

Figure 2: side wall of tank

Static and dynamic pressure distributions for rectangular tank wall are shown in Figure 2 the water pressure is taken as uniformly
distributed load
L = 4m
Depth of slab
d = span/26
d = 153.84mm
Assume Effective depth (d) = 204 mm
Overall depth of the slab D = 240 mm
Clear cover = 20 mm
Effective span = lef= 4.17 m
Assuming Bar diameter (main steel ) d = 16 mm
Assuming dia of bar for distribution steel = 10mm
Load calculation: Dead load = DL = 0.2425 = 6 kN/m
Water pressure = WP = 9.81x2x1.5 =29.43 kN.m
Total load = w = 35.43 kN/m
Factored load (Wu) = W1.5 = 35.43 1.5 = 53.145 kN/m
Ulimate moment and shear force

Mu(-ve)=1.5(wl2/10)

Mu(-ve)=1.5(35.43 (4.17)2/10)

Mu(-ve)= 93.75 kN-m

Mu(+ve)=1.5(wl2/12)

Mu(+ve)=1.5(35.43 (4.17)2/12)

Mu(+ve)= 77.01 kN-m

Vu=1.5x0.6(w)L

Vu=1.5x0.6(35.43)4.17

Vu= 132.93 kN
Check for depth for negative moment

dreq = (Mu X 106/(0.138 X fck X b))1/2

dreq = (93.75 X 106/(0.138 X 20 X 1000))1/2

dreq = 184.30 mm < dpro=204 mm

Hence section is under reinforced

Main reinforcement for negative moment
Ast req = 0.5 X fck / fy X (1 - (1 ( 4.6 X Mu X 106)/(fck X bd2))(1/2)) X bd
Ast req = 0.5 X 20 / 415 X (1 - (1 ( 4.6 X 93.75 X 106)/(20 X 103X1602))(1/2)) X 1000X160
Ast req = 1547.3 mm2
Using 16 mm spacing is
Spacing, S = ( X d2 /4 )/ Ast.
S = ( X 162 /4 )/ 1749.46
S = 130 mm c/c
Hence provide 16mm diameter bars (main steel) @ spacing of 130 mm c/c
... Area provided Astprov. = ( b X X d2 /4)/ S
Astprov. = (1000 X X 162 /4)/ 130
Astprov. = 1546.83 mm2
No. of bars = 2/0.13 = 16 no.

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The International Journal Of Science & Technoledge

(ISSN 2321 919X)

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Check for depth for positive moment

dreq = (Mu X 106/(0.138 X fck X b))1/2

dreq = (77.01 X 106/(0.138 X 20 X 1000))1/2

dreq = 167.03 mm < dpro=204 mm

Hence section is under reinforced

Main reinforcement for positive moment
Ast req = 0.5 X fck / fy X (1 - (1 ( 4.6 X Mu X 106)/(fck X bd2))(1/2)) X bd
Ast req = 0.5 X 20 / 415 X (1 - (1 ( 4.6 X 77.01 X 106)/(20 X 103X1602))(1/2)) X
1000X160
Ast req = 1391.63 mm2
Using 16 mm spacing is
Spacing, S = ( X d2 /4 )/ Ast.
S = ( X 162 /4 )/ 1391.63
S = 130 mm c/c
Hence provide 16mm diameter bars (main steel) @ spacing of 150 mm c/c
... Area provided Astprov. = ( b X X d2 /4)/ S
Astprov. = (1000 X X 162 /4)/ 150
Astprov. = 1340.41 mm2
Distribution steel
Area of distribution steel =0 .3 % of Gross Area of slab
Area of distribution steel = 720 mm2
No. of bars = 4/0.1 = 40 no.
Deign of 3m wall
L = 3m
Depth of slab
d = span/26
d = 115.38mm
Assume Effective depth (d) = 160 mm
Overall depth of the slab D = 200 mm
Clear cover = 20 mm
Effective span lef = 3.17 m
Assuming Bar diameter (main steel) d = 16 mm
Assuming dia of bar for distribution steel = 10mm
Load calculation: Dead load = DL = 0.225 = 5 kN/m
Water pressure = WP = 9.81x2x2 =39.24 kN.m
W = 44.24 kN/m
Factored load (Wu) = W1.5 = 44.241.5 = 66.36 kN/m
Ultimate moment and shear force

Mu (-ve)=1.5(wl2/10)

Mu (-ve)=1.5(44.24 (3.17)2/10)

Mu (-ve)= 66.26 kN-m

Mu(+ve)=1.5(wl2/12)

Mu(-ve)=1.5(44.24(3.17)2/12)

Mu(+ve)= 55.22 kN-m

Vu=1.5x0.6(w)L

Vu=1.5x0.6(44.24)3.17

Vu= 125.82 kN
Check for depth for negative moment

dreq = (Mu X 106/(0.138 X fck X b))1/2

dreq = (66.26 X 106/(0.138 X 20 X 1000))1/2

dreq = 154 mm < dpro=160 mm

Hence section is under reinforced

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The International Journal Of Science & Technoledge

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Main reinforcement for negative moment

Ast req = 0.5 X fck / fy X (1 - (1 (4.6 X Mu X 106)/(fck X bd2))(1/2)) X bd
Ast req = 0.5 X 20 / 415 X (1 - (1 (4.6 X 66.26 X 106)/(20 X 103X1602))(1/2)) X
1000X160
Ast req = 1402.89 mm2
Using 16 mm spacing is
Spacing, S = ( X d2 /4 )/ Ast.
S = ( X 162 /4 )/ 1402.89
S = 140 mm c/c
Hence provide 16mm diameter bars (main steel) @ spacing of 140 mm c/c
... Area provided Astprov. = ( b X X d2 /4)/ S
Astprov. = (1000 X X 162 /4)/ 140
Astprov. = 1436.36 mm2
No. of bars = 2/0.14 = 15 no.
Check for depth for positive moment

dreq = (Mu X 106/(0.138 X fck X b))1/2

dreq = (55.22 X 106/(0.138 X 20 X 1000))1/2

dreq = 150.65 mm < dpro=190 mm

Hence section is under reinforced

Main reinforcement for positive moment
Ast req = 0.5 X fck / fy X (1 - (1 ( 4.6 X Mu X 106)/(fck X bd2))(1/2)) X bd
Ast req = 0.5 X 20 / 415 X (1 - (1 ( 4.6 X 55.22 X 106)/(20 X 103X1602))(1/2)) X
1000X160
Ast req = 1306.11 mm2
Using 16 mm spacing is
Spacing, S = ( X d2 /4 )/ Ast.
S = ( X 162 /4 )/ 1642.19
S = 160 mm c/c
Hence provide 16mm diameter bars (main steel) @ spacing of 140 mm c/c
... Area provided Astprov. = (b X X d2 /4)/ S
Astprov. = (1000 X X 162 /4)/ 140
Astprov. = 1256.63 mm2
Distribution steel
Area of distribution steel =0 .3 % of Gross Area of slab
Area of distribution steel = 600 mm2
No. of bars = 3/0.13 = 23 no.
Deign of base slab

L = 4m
Effective length = 4+(0.25x2) = 4.5m
Depth of slab
d = span/26
d = 153.84mm
Assume Effective depth (d) = 195 mm
Overall depth of the slab D = 230 mm
Clear cover = 20 mm
Assuming Bar diameter (main steel) d = 16 mm
Assuming dia of bar for distribution steel = 10mm

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The International Journal Of Science & Technoledge

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Load calculation:Long Wall load = (40.24x2x25)2 = 96 kN

Short wall load = (3x2x0.24x25)2 = 72 kN/
Water load = 4x3x2x10 =240kN kN
Base slab = 4.5x3.5x0.23x25 = 90.56 kN
P = 498.56 kN
Pressure = P/ A
Where A = 4.5x3.5
= 498.56 / 4.5x3.5
= 31.65 kN/m2
S B C = 180kN/m2
Calculating bending moment
BM = 62.45 kN m
Mu = 1.5 x 62.45
= 93.67 kN.m
Check for depth

dreq = (Mu X 106/(0.138 X fck X b))1/2

dreq = (93.67 X 106/(0.138 X 20 X 1000))1/2

dreq = 184 mm < dpro=195 mm

Hence section is under reinforced

Main reinforcement for negative moment
Ast req= 0.5 X fck / fy X (1 - (1 ( 4.6 X Mu X 106)/(fck X bd 2))(1/2)) X bd
Ast req = 0.5 X 20 / 415 X (1 - (1 ( 4.6 X 93.67 X 106)/(20 X 103X11952))(1/2)) X
1000X195
Ast req = 1598.92 mm2
Using 16 mm spacing is
Spacing, S = ( X d2 /4 )/ Ast.
S = ( X 162 /4 )/ 1598.92
S = 125 mm c/c
Hence provide 16mm diameter bars (main steel) @ spacing of 125 mm c/c
... Area provided Astprov = ( 1000 X X d2 /4)/ S
Astprov. = (1000 X X 162 /4)/ 125
Astprov = 1608.49 mm2
No. of bars = 4/0.125 = 32 no.
Distribution steel
Area of distribution steel =0 .12 % of Gross Area of slab
Area of distribution steel = 585 mm2
No. of bars = 2/0.15 = 14 no.
4. Optimization Methods
Optimization is the selection of a best element (with regard to some criteria) from some set of available alternatives. In the
simplest case, an optimization problem consists of maximizing or minimizing a real function by systematically choosing input
values from within an allowed set and computing the value of the function. The generalization of optimization theory and
techniques to other formulations comprises a large area of applied mathematics. The existence of optimization methods can be
traced to the days of Newton, Lagrange, and Cauchy. The development of differential calculus methods for optimization was
possible because of the contributions of Newton and Leibnitz in calculus. The foundation of calculus of variations, which deals
with the minimization of functions, was laid by Bernoulli, Euler, Lagrange, and Weistrass. The method of optimization for
constrained problems, which involve the addition of unknown multipliers, became known by the name of its inventor, Lagrange.
Cauchy made the first application of the steepest descent method to solve unconstrained optimization problems. By the middle of
the twentieth century, the high-speed digital computers made implementation of the complex optimization procedures possible
and stimulated further research on newer methods. Further, Spectacular advances followed producing a massive literature on
optimization techniques. This advancement also resulted in the emergence of several well defined new areas in optimization
theory. The necessity to optimize more than one objective or goal while satisfying the physical limitations led to the development
of multi-objective programming methods. Simulated annealing, genetic algorithms, and neural network methods represent a new
class of mathematical programming techniques that have come into prominence during the last decade. Simulated annealing is
analogous to the physical process of annealing of metals and glass. The genetic algorithms are search techniques based on the
mechanics of natural selection and natural genetics. Neural network methods are based on solving the problem using the
computing power of a network of interconnected neuron processors. In general, optimization is desired to achieve the best
solution among all the available solutions taking into account all the necessary aspects of a system or a problem in hand.

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The International Journal Of Science & Technoledge

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As the construction materials are getting extinct day by day it is important for the structural engineers to concentrate on optimum
designing of the structures. With a special reference to structural problem it is always one of the minimizing or maximizing a
certain specific characteristic of structural system like cost, weight, performance capability of the system depends on the problem.
This to be achieved without sacrificing any of the functional requirements like stresses deformation and load capabilities. Thus,
the optimization procedure must only be used to those problems where there is a definite need of achieving a quality product or
competitive product.
4.1. N Pandian Method
This optimization method is applicable for slab optimization it is the direct method to minimize the steel volume of concrete and
weight of structure. Pandian N gives the values for the optimum design of retaining structure under static loading ( gravity loads )
Flow Chart

Stipulation for N pandian method

Capacity of water tank : 24000 liters
Simply supported = 0.125 factor of safety = 1
Cantilever = 0.5
Continuous = 0.1
For M20 concrete and Fe415 HYSD bars
A = 0.769
B = 99.69
C = 2973.25
A = 30.876
B = -59.77
C = 45.67
STEP 1:
a1 = A Wu F2 -[8]
b1 = - ( B + 31.25 l F )F-[8]
c1 = C F2-[8]
STEP 2:
(l/d)*= - b1 ( SQRT(b12-4a1c1)/(2a1))-[8]
STEP 3:
(l/d)* = AxPt2 + BPt + C-[8]

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Optimum solution for the example solved in chapter-3 for long wall short wall and base slab
Long wall
a1 = -5.22
b1 = -151.78
c1 = 5024.79
(l/d)* = 117.51
Pt* = 0.76%
Short wall
a1 = -6.71
b1 = -146.26
c1 = 5024.97
(l/d)* = 116.77
Pt* = 0.77%
Base slab
a1 = -4.21
b1 = -151.61
c1 = 5024.79
(l/d)* = 112.65
Pt* = 0.72%
N Pandian gives the simple method for the optimization of slab optimum design of retaining structure under static
4.2. C. N Pandian Method
This optimization method is applicable only for slab optimization it is the direct method to minimize the total cost
Optimization of one way slab design
Simply supported = 0.125 factor of safety = 1
Cantilever = 0.5
Continuous = 0.1
For M20 concrete and Fe415 HYSD bars
A = 0.769
B = 99.69
C = 2973.25
A = 30.876
B = -59.77
C = 45.67
STEP 1:
a1 = A Wu F2
b1 = - ( B + 31.25 l F )F
c1 = C F2
STEP 2:
(l/d)* = - b1 ((SQRT(b12 - 4 a1 c1)/ (2a1))
STEP 3:
(l/d)* = AxPt2 + BPt + C
Optimum solution for the example solved for long wall short wall and base slab
Long wall
a1 = -50.8
b1 = -162.07
c1 = 5024.79
(l/d)* = 112.65
Pt = 0.72%
Short wall
a1 = -7.52
b1 = -146.34
c1 = 5024.79
(l/d)* = 118.72
Pt = 0.78%
Base slab
a1 = -4.21
b1 = -151.61
c1 = 5024.79
(l/d)* = 112.65
Pt = 0.72%

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5. Steps for the program

The computer program for the project is done using MATLAB version 9.0. The program is written for the normal design and later
to optimize the area of steel the optimization method using N Pandian function is called in mat lab to minimize the values.
User defined material data like span, load and grade of concrete and steel are to be given as input
The affective depth is calculated and the clear cover and the thickness of the bar is added to effective depth
Effective span is calculated by adding the effective depth to the span
Load calculations (g) has to b given as input total weight w and wu are calculated
Maximum bending moment and shear force has to be calculated
Check for depth is done using dmin formula if dpro is greater than dmin the depth provided is safe else change the depth
With the maximum bending moment the area of steel is to b calculated
Consider rectangular water tank
fck = 20 N/mm2
fy = 415 N/mm2
Clear span = 4m
Loads = 25.495 kN/m (triangular load)
The theoretical values of steel obtained for the water tank have been presented in chapter-3, the computer programming based on
N pandian of optimization method has been put forward in chapter-5. The number of examples are worked out with the
generalized program. Table 6.1. The results obtained for 24000 liter capacity water tank solved in chapter-3
Material
AST in
mm2
Steel in kg
Volume of
concrete in m3

Normal
design
10480

Optimum
design
9620

Minimum
values
5970

684

621

342

8.44

Table: The results obtained for the example of 240000 liter capacity water tank solved

Figure 3: Quantity of steel for tank capacity 24000 liters before and after optimization

Figure 4: Volume of concrete for tank capacity 24000 liters before and after optimization
In this problem the results are discussed based on the normal design and optimum design of the above tables it shows that the area
of steel obtained for optimum design is less than the normal design, the optimization method is applied only for main
reinforcement the distribution bars should be provided as per specification. It should be noted that for very large capacity of water
tank this optimization technique dose not holds good due to large water pressure.
6. Conclusion
The following conclusion may be made from the recent study:
It has been observed that the area of steel which we get from optimum design is less than the normal design.
It has been concluded that the optimization is done for all the parameters considered

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It has been concluded that the results obtained from the optimization method by N Pndian method is capable of obtaining
the optimum solution. The present study deals with the minimizing of the area of steel
It is believed that the present results of optimization values are optimized

7. References
1. N. Krishnaraju. Advanced Reinforced concrete Design, CBS publisher and distributors, New Delhi.
2. S. Ramamrutham R Narayan. Design of Reinforced concrete structure,Dhanpat Rai publishing company New Delhi.
3. IS: 3370 1965 Code of practice for concrete structure for storage of liquids parts 1, part 2, part 4, BIS. New Delhi.
4. IS: 456 2000 Code of practice for plain and Reinforced Concrete, BIS New Delhi.
5. R. Ghaemmaghami and M. R. Kianoush (2010)(1) In this study of Effect of Wall Flexibility on Dynamic Response of
Concrete Rectangular Liquid Storage Tanks under Horizontal and Vertical Ground Motions.
6. T. G. Lepelletier1 and F. Raichlen (1988)(2) In this study of NONLINEAR OSCILLATIONS IN RECTANGULAR
TANKS,
7. Samer A. B., & Salah A.,(2009), "Application of evolutionary global optimization techniques in the design of RC water
tanks".
8. Pandian N lower bound limit analysis of footing and slab on ground, Optimum design of retaining structure under static
and seismic loading
9. Prof.R.V.R.K.Prasad ,and Akshaya B.K., K.D.K.College of Enggineering "Effect of revision of IS 3370 on water storage
tank".
10. ElAnsary. A.M., et al.,(2010) Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of Western Ontario,
London, Ontario, Canada were carried out research on a "Genetic algorithm optimization technique"

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