Computer analysis of prestressed concrete cylindrical tanks

A computer method based on the classical shell and plate theories is presented for the elastic analysis of cylindrical water tanks subjected to axisymmetrical loading and post-tensioning loads. Spherical dome or circular plate roof, cylindrical container, top and bottom ring beams together with circular plate foundation are considered as possible components of a water tank in the flexibility formulation. Classical shell, plate, and ring beam theories are used to obtain flexibility coefficients. A computer program is developed based on this formulation and successfully used in the design of prestressed concrete water tanks with diameters of eighty-meter built in Saudi Arabia.