Design Methods of Elevated Water Tank

Abstract

Abstract: Elevated water tanks are employed in water distribution facilities in order to provide storage and necessary pressure in water network systems. They consist of huge water mass at the top of a slender staging, which is most critical and strategic structures; damage of these structures during earthquakes may endanger drinking water supply, failure in preventing large fires and may cause substantial economic loss. Their safety and functionality are critical concern during strong earthquakes as they contribute for essential requirement of drinking water. Hence, these structures should not collapse under any circumstances, even after an earthquake. Due to the lack of knowledge of design of the water tanks, there are several incidences where water tanks have severely cracked, damaged and collapsed. So, there is need to focus on safety of lifeline structure with respect to alternate design methodology (viz., working stress method, limit state method). This research activity is preliminary focused on understanding the design methodology adopted in design of elevated water tanks envisaged in IS 3370. The utmost requirement in design of water tanks is crack free structure to eliminate any leakage and possibility of corrosion. Generally, limit state method is widely used in comparison with working stress method. Even the latest version of IS 3370 is inclusive with limit state method which was earlier not there. There are several advantages of using limit state method over working stress method in terms of strength and serviceability