Concrete (Swimming Pool) Tanks: Outline

08/10/2012
Outline
Scope
Concrete (swimming pool) Tanks
Structural Design
Guidance on the design of

in-situ concrete water retaining structures
Eurocodes
ULS design
SPATA Training
SLS design
4 Oct 2012
Materials
Specification
Charles Goodchild
AOB
CEng., MCIOB, MIStructE

Principal Structural Engineer
The Concrete Centre
Scope
Outline
Scope
Concrete swimming pool tanks
Structural Design
These would normally be constructed from

shuttered in-situ reinforced concrete to BS 8007.
They can be formed with or without a screed /
render and normally have a ceramic tile finish.
Eurocodes
ULS design
Waterproofing additives can be used to reduce

the risk of leakage. The tank structure should be
thoroughly tested for water tightness, through a
full depth tank test before finishes are applied.
Any faults should be remedied after allowing the
pool tank to dry out thoroughly, and before tiling
or lining work is undertaken. Any repair is more
effective from the wet side.
SLS design
Materials
Specification
AOB
www.sportengland.org/facilities.../design _and.../idoc.ashx?...
Scope
Scope
www.londonswi mmi ngpools.com/por tfoli o.ht ml#id_228
http://davidhallamltd.co.uk/pools/c ommer cial-pools
www.por tr aitpools.com/wp-content/br ochur e/
SPATA Training 4 Oct 2012 - Eurocode 2 Part

3 Tanks
08/10/2012
Scope
www.sportengland.org/facilities.../design _and.../idoc.ashx?. ..
http://www.londonswi mmi ngpools.com/
Scope
Outline
Planning:
Design:
Location
Type
Shape
Dimensions
Diving? Sub Aqua?
Features
Roof structure
Hydraulic design criteria, AHU spec.,
Plant
ducts, pipes filters/pumps and water
treatment, plantroom, penetrations,
Services
lighting, moving floors
Changing facilities
Spectator facilities
Other amenities
Scope
Architect
Structural engineer,
M & E consultant
Interior designer
Swimming pool specialist
Structural Design
Eurocodes
ULS design
SLS design
Materials
Specification
AOB
Eurocodes
Eurocodes
Whats new in
water retaining structures)?
Withdrawal of BS 8110, BS 8007 etc
Eurocodes
New information:
CIRIA C660
Revision to BS 8102
Debate
S Alexander, TSE Dec 06

B Hughes, TSE Aug 08?
ICE project 0706 on reinforcement to control

cracking (report Feb 2010)
BS 8007

3 Tanks
08/10/2012
Eurocodes
Eurocodes
Eurocode 2: relationships
BS EN 1997
GEOTECHNICAL
DESIGN
BS 8500
Spe cifying
Concrete
NSCS
DMRB?
BS EN 206
Concrete
BS EN 13670
Execution of
Structures
BS EN 1992-3
BS EN 1990
BASIS OF STRUCTURAL
DESIGN
BS EN 1998
SEISMIC DESIGN
BS EN 1991
ACTIONS ON STRUCTURES
BS EN 10138
Prestressing
Steels
BS EN 1992
BS EN 10080
Reinforcing
Steels
DESIGN OF CONCRETE
STRUCTURES
Part 1-1: General Rules for

Structures
Part 1-2: Structural Fire Design
BS 4449
Reinforcing
Steels
NBS?
Rail?
CESWI?
BS EN 1994
Design of
Comp.
Struct.
BS EN 1992
Part 2:
Bridges
BS EN 1992
Part 3: Liquid
Ret.
Structures
Pic of eurocodes incl pt 3
13
BS EN 13369
Pre-cast
Concrete
Eurocodes
Eurocodes
BS EN 1992-3 (cont)
Typical water-retaining structure

Utility structures
- all about
minimising
material and
maintenance
cost
A degree of
leakage may be
acceptable discuss tightness
class with clients
crack width?
0.05 to 0.2mm or
0.3?
BS EN 1992-3 (cont)
Eurocodes
Eurocodes
Edge details

3 Tanks
08/10/2012
Eurocodes
Outline
Concrete pool construction

Structural
www.sportengland.org/facilities. ../design _and.../idoc.ashx?...
Option 1:
Monolithic design for whole of tank and pool surrounds when
constructed from in-situ water retaining concrete to BS 8007/ BS
EN 1992 Part 3 gives a highly stable structure
Scope
Structural Design
Option 2:
Gunite sprayed reinforced concrete
Reinforced concrete block work with waterproof renders /coatings
Eurocodes
ULS design
An Integral transfer channel is the most common option

Fixtures and fittings need to be integrated into the tank design
SLS design
Materials
Waterproofing Inherent within well constructed in-situ reinforced concrete pools

meeting BS 8007/ BS EN 1992 Part 3
Can be augmented by waterproof liner and/or render
Finishes
Specification
Option 1
Fully ceramic tiles on render backing is the preferred finish
AOB
Option 2
Specialist finish renders and paint finishes have been used where
long term durability is not so important
Structural design: loads cases
Structural design - ULS
Tank empty
Tank full
(Tank in ground)
(Tank in or above ground)
Actions for ULS

Soil loads
Ground water loads
Compaction loads
Water loads
Normal level
Accidental level
Analysis
Slab
Equilibrium
Flexure
Walls
Flexure
Slab
Flexure
Tension
Soil structure
interaction
Walls
Flexure
Tension
Shear
Actions for SLS

As above plus:
Early age thermal
Autogenous
Design for Ultimate Limit State

EQU Equilibrium Limit State
STR & GEO Structural and Geotechnical
Limit States
Partial factor for water actions:
gQ for silos and tanks BS EN 1991-4
Maximum design liquid level during
operations
gQ = 1.20
gF for Normal level ?
gF = 1.35?
As above plus:
Drying
Differential temperature
Structural design
As per normal elements
3D nature of design
Analysis
now often FEA
Was plate theory
(via grillage).
Manifested by graphs or
tables
Horizontal moments in a
8 x 6 x 4 m deep tank
Courtesy HAC

3 Tanks
08/10/2012
Water Retaining :
N-M where tension exists

Design for tension:
Not only tensile forces from restraint but also tension from loading
Axial tension due

to water pressure
on Wall B
Axial tension due to
water pressure on
Wall A
gFrwh
Plan Section at corner
Section/Elevation
Not forgetting tension in base slabs!!
Tanks in the ground:

BS EN 1997, Combination 1 and 2
Shear:
VRdc is affected by tension
Design for Ultimate Limit State

GEO in the ground
Combinations 1 and 2
gF for ground water

o Normal gF = 1.35
o Most unfavourable gF = 1.20
(BS EN 1997)
(NA to BS EN 1991-4)
Structural design below ground
Structural design - Example

Characteristic actions on basement wall and
adjacent slabs: LC1 water at ground level
For empty Tanks in the ground

see Concrete Basements
This guide covers the design and
construction of reinforced concrete
basements and is in accordance with
the Eurocodes.
The aim of the guide is to assist designers of
concrete basements of modest depth, i.e. not
exceeding 10 metres. It will also prove relevant
to designers of other underground structures. It
brings together in one publication the salient
features for the design and construction of such
water-resisting structures.
Combination 1
Combination 2

3 Tanks
The guide has been written for generalist

structural engineers who have a basic
understanding of soil mechanics.
08/10/2012
Structural design - SLS
Outline
Scope
Design for Serviceability Limit State
Structural Design
Eurocodes
Control of cracking
ULS design
SLS design
Materials
Specification
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Restraint factors
1. Test for restraint cracking

A section will crack if:
e r = Rax e free = K[([acT1 +e ca)] R1 + ([acT2 R2)] + e cd R3]
CIRIA C660 Cl 3.2
where
K
=
=
=
=
=
ac
T1
e ca
R 1,
R3
T2
R 2,
=
=
e cd
e ctu
Table 1 Values of restraint factor R for a particular pour

BS EN 1992-3 Annex L
configuration
> e ctu
allowance for creep

0.65 when R is calculated using CIRIA C660
1.0 when R is calculated using BS EN 1992-3
coefficient of thermal expansion (See CIRIA C660 for values). See Table A6 for typical values
difference between the peak temperature of concrete during hydr ation and ambient
temperature C (See CIRIA C660). Typical values are noted in Table A7
Autogenous shrinkage strain value for early age (3 days: see Table A9)
restraint factors. See Section A5.6
For edge restraint from Figure L1 of BS EN 1992-3 for short- and long-term therm al and longterm drying situations. For base-wall restraint they may be calculated in accordance with
CIRIA C660. Figure L1 may be used with CIRIA C660 methods providing an adjustment for
creep is made (See Figure A2 and note).
For end restraint, where the restraint is truly rigid 1.0 is most often used , for instance in infill
bays. This figure might be overly pessimistic for piled slabs.
long-term drop in temperature after concreting, C. T 2 depends on the ambient temperature
during concreting. The recommended values from CIRIA C660 for T 2 are 20C for concrete cast
in the summer and 10C for concrete cast in winter. These figures are based on HA BD
28/87[60] based on monthly air temperatures for exposed bridges. Basements are likely to
follow soil temperatures so T 2 = 12C may be considered appropriate at depth.
drying shrinkage strain, dependent on ambient RH, cement content and mem ber size (see BS
EN 1992-1-1 Exp. (3.9) or CIRIA C660 or Table A10). CIRIA C660 alludes to 45% RH for internal
conditions and 85% for external conditions.
tensile strain capacity may be obtained from Eurocode 2 or CIRIA C660 for both short term and
long term values
Pour configuration
Thin wall cast on to massive concrete base
0,6 to 0,8 at base

0,1 to 0,2 at top
usually 0.5
Massive pour cast onto
blinding
0,1 to 0,2
Massive pour cast onto existing concrete
creep
0,3 to 0,4 atofbase
0,1 to 0,2 atincluded
top
Suspended slabs
0,2 to 0,4
Infill bays, i.e. rigid restraint
0,8 to 1,0
Beware: effects

SLS Design vs time
2. Minimum reinforcement
Short term load strength
As,min = kc k Act (fct,eff /fyk)

where
=
=
A coefficient to account for stress distribution.

1.0 for pure tension.
When cracking first occurs the cause is usually early thermal effects and the whole section is likely
to be in tension.
=
=
A coefficient to account for self-equilibrating stresses

1.0 for thickness h < 300 mm and 0.65 for h > 800 mm (interpolation allowed for thicknesses
between 300 mm and 800 mm).
Act
area of concrete in the tension zone just prior to onset of cracking. Act is determined from section
properties but generally for basement slabs and walls is most often based on full thickness of the
section.
fct,eff
==
fctm
mean tensile strength when cracking may be first expected to occur:
for early thermal effects 3 days
for long-term effects, 28 days (which considered to be a reasonable approximation)

See Table A5 for typical values.
fyk
=
=
characteristic yield strength of the reinforcement.

500 MPa
Long term load strength
Stress due to
early thermal &
shrinkage &
seasonal
Stress due to early
thermal & drying
shrinkage
Stress due to early thermal

allowing for creep
BS EN 1992-1-1 Exp (7.1)
kc
[1]
CIRIA C660 Recent research[61] would suggest that a factor of 0.8 should be applied to fct,eff in the formula for crack
inducing strain due to end restraint. This factor accounts for long-term loading, in-situ strengths compared with laboratory
strengths and the fact that the concrete will crack at its weakest point. TR 59[62] concludes that the tensile strength of
concrete subjected to sustained tensile stress reduces with time to 6070% of its instantaneous value.
CS TR 67

3 Tanks
Provision of minimum reinforcement does not guarantee any

specific crack width. It is simply a necessary amount presumed by
models to control cracking; but not necessarily a sufficient amount
to limit actual crack widths.
08/10/2012
3. Crack widths and watertightness
3. Crack widths and watertightness

BS EN 1992-3 Cl 7.3
Tightness Classes
BS EN 1992-3 Cl 7.3
Tightness Classes - notes
Lined
pools?
Tiled
pools
(most?)
Above
ground?
Special?

4.2 e cr =(e cs - e cm )
4. Crack width calculations

Crack width, wk = sr,max ecr
BS EN 1992-1-1 Exp (7.8)
Consider a crack in a section:
where
4.1
Debonding length
sr,max = Maximum crack spacing = 3.4c + 0.425 (k1k2f /rp,eff)

where
c
k1
k2
f
rp,eff
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
nominal cover, cnom

0.8
(CIRIA C660 suggests 1.14)
1.0 for tension (e.g. from restraint)
0.5 for bending
(e 1 + e 2)/2e 1 for combinations of bending and tension
diameter of the bar in mm.
As/Ac,eff
Ac,eff for each face is based on {0.5h; 2.5(c + 0.5f); (h x)/3} where h
= thickness of section and x = depth to neutral axis.
S0
Plan (or section)
S0
s
Strain
Sr,max
ectu
e sm - e cm
cm
= 0
Strain in concrete
e cr = Crack-inducing strain
= Mean strain in steel mean strain in concrete, over the

debonding length either side of the crack
= (e cs - e cm ) . . . . . .
Strain in reinforcement
sm
wk = sr,max ecr = sr,max (e sm - e cm)
ecm ectu /2

e cr = Crack-inducing strain = . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Water Retaining : adding in tension
4.2a Early age crack-inducing strain

ecr = K[acT1 +eca] R1 0.5 e ctu
4.2b Long term crack-inducing strain
ecr = K[([ acT1 +eca )] R1 + ([ acT2 R2)] + ecd R3] 0.5 e ctu
4.2c End restraint crack-inducing strain
ecr = 0.5ae kckfct,eff [1 + (1/ae r)] /Es
Wall 6 m high.
Assumed H16 @ 100 bs
CIRIA C660 Cl 3.2
The total load transferred may

be obtained by integration as
CIRIA C660 Cl 3.2
T = 180 kN.
Total area of designed reinft
6 2010 x 2 = 24120 mm2
BS EN 1992-3 Exp (M.1)
Tension in pool wall
4.2d Flexural (and applied tension) crack-inducing strain

ecr = (esm ecm) = [ss kt (fct,eff /rp,eff) (1 + ae rp,eff] /Es
ecr 0.6 (ss )/Es

BS EN 1992-1-1 Exp (7.9)

3 Tanks
Pressure
Corresponding stress ss = 7.46 MPa

leading to a strain es = 37.3 10-6
This should be added to ecr
calculated previously to give the
modified crack width wk.
08/10/2012
Outline
Crack control without direct calculation
Scope
dont do it!
Deflection control
As normal design
Minimising the risk of cracking

Materials
use cement replacements, aggregates with low a c, avoid high

strength concretes
Construction construct at low temperatures, use GRP or steel formwork,

sequential pours
Detailing
use small bars at close centres, avoid movement joints,

prestress?
Selection of materials
Concrete:
Superstructure & Benign soils:
RC30/37? Cement IIB-V (CEM I + 21%-35% fly ash)
or IIIA (CEM I + 36% - 65% ggbs).
cf C35A?: requirements: C28/35 (equiv) -- WCR 0.55 CC 325 CEM I,, IIB-V,)
RC30/37: requirements : C30/37
S3 WCR 0.55 CC 300 CEM I, IIA, IIB-S, IIB-V, IIIA, IVB-V B)
Aggressive soils:
Advise producer of DC Class.
For DC-2: FND-2? (C25/30)?
More aggressive soils: Cement IIIB (CEM I + 66% 80% ggbs) or IIVB-V (CEM I + 36%-55% fly ash)
Structural Design
Eurocodes
ULS design
SLS design
Materials
Specification
AOB
Admixtures
Porosity may be important but its the cracks that matter
not (usually) concrete!
Concrete Society Working Group on Water Proofing
admixtures:
no conclusive evidence to support their use (- from a
material scientists point of view).
from data there is some evidence to suggest that they may
reduce drying shrinkage (less permeability)and therefore
reduce onset of cracking and reduce crack widths
Cost and risk:
Traditional: Engineering, workmanship, supervision issues, risk &

possible remedials and upheavals and contractual issues
vs
vs
Admixtures: warranties, supervision & possible remedials and upheavals ?
Whatever the tank should still be designed properly!
Water stops
Waterbar
Preformed strips rubber, PVC, black steel

Water-swellable water stops
Cementitious crystalline water stops
Miscellaneous post-construction techniques
(Re) injectable water bars
Rebate and sealant
Photo cr edits Water mans

3 Tanks
08/10/2012
Resin injection
Hydrophilics
Photo cr edit Max Fr ank
Photo cr edit Water mans
Proprietary cementitious multi-coat

renders, toppings and coatings
Proprietary cementitious multi-coat

renders, toppings and coatings
Specification
Outline
Scope
Structural Design
Eurocodes
ULS design
SLS design
Materials
Specification
AOB
Specification:
BS EN 13670
NSCS / NBS
Joints
Construction joints
Water stops
Miscellaneous
Kickers
Formwork ties
Membranes & coatings
Admixtures & additives
Service penetrations
Drainage
Inspection, remedials & maintenance

3 Tanks
08/10/2012
Specification
Materials
National
Structural
Concrete
Specification,
Inspections
NSCS
Waterstop
s
Ties
Specification
Additives
Kickers
Inspections
Ties
Contractors
choice of
materials
Joints
Guidance
Waterstops
Performance
Spec
Specification
Specification
Table 1: AREAS AND DIMENSIONS FOR DIFFERENT
TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION.
Testing:
Construction
Maximum
Area (m )
Maximum
Dimension (m )
No longer in BS EN 1992-3
Water resisting walls
25
Water resisting slabs
100
10
Slabs with major restraint at both ends
100
13
Suggest putting the testing to BS 8007 in project

specification
Slabs with major restraint at one end only
250
20
Slabs with little restraint in any direction
500
30
Walls
40
10
Unless otherwise agreed

and designed
NSCS Max pour sizes

3 Tanks
10
08/10/2012
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Scope
Structural Design
Eurocodes
ULS design
SLS design
Materials
Specification
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Restraint and loading
To determine whether a section cracks
Add e and Rax efree due to restraint and loading
To determine crack widths
Treat ecr due to restraint and loading separately
BS8007 vs EC2
No 0.7 bond factor in EC2
(however detailing rules . . . )
Rebar cover and exposure:
Pool water not severe . . . XC2?, XC3/4? . 35 mm?
Ground: determine Exposure class.
Nominal cover from EC2 & BS8500
SLS still dominates
Min area of steel > 0.35%
Avoid joints
%age of fly ash (35%) and ggbs (50%) no longer specifically
restricted
Testing: nowhere. Suggest put in specification
Different crack width formulae
AOB
Cracking vs time
4.5
4.0
STRENGTH or STRESS, MPa
Outline
Loading
3.5
3.0
Early
age
thermalCuring
2.5
ffctm
ctm
Restraint stage
2.0
actfctm
1.5
sct
1.0
0.5
fctm
0.0
0
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
TIME, days 0.8fctm
AOB
BS 8007
3.2.2 The reinforcement provided to control cracking
arising from direct tension in the immature
concrete may be regarded as forming the whole or
a part of the reinforcement required to to control
cracking arising from direct and flexural tension in
the mature concrete
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Restraint and loading : cracks dont usually coincide
Surface cracks caused by flexure
Through cracks
Through cracks
caused by loading
caused by restraint
Far side
Near side

3 Tanks
11
08/10/2012
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AOB
Possible revision to C660
2.
Minimum reinforcement
As,min = kc k Act (fct,eff /fyk)

where
Minimum reinforcement
As,min = k kc k Act (a ct fct,eff /fyk)
BS EN 1992-1-1 Exp (7.1)
kc
=
=

to be in tension.
=
=
Act
fct,eff
fyk
where
=
=

to be in tension.

=
=

section.
Act
section.
==
fctm

fct,eff
==
fctm

=
=

500 MPa
fyk
=
=

500 MPa
[1]
[1]
k = factor for stess relief, 0.8

a ct = factor for sustained loading, 0.75
Provision
of minimum reinforcement does not guarantee any
Provision of minimum reinforcement does not guarantee any

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Crack widths and watertightness recommendations for basements (TCC)

Construction
typea and water
table
Expected
performance of
structure
Crack width requirement
Tight
wk mm
-ness FlexRestraint
Class ural
/ axial
A (membrane)
Structure itself is not

considered watertight
Structure is almost
watertight
Design to Tightness class 0 of BS EN 1992-3. See

Table 9.2. Generally 0.3 mm for RC structure
Table 9.2. Generally 0.3 mm for flexural cracks
but 0.2 mm to 0.05 mm for cracks that pass
through the section
0.30
0.30b 0.05 to
0.20
Structure is almost
watertight

Table 9.2. Generally 0.3 mm for flexural cracks
but 0.2 mm for cracks that pass through the
section
1c
0.30 b 0.20
Structure is watertight
under normal

Table 9.2. Generally 0.3 mm for RC structures
0c
0.30
0.30
Structure itself is not

considered watertight

Table 9.2. Generally 0.3 mm for RC structure.
Design to Tightness Class 1 may be helpful for
construction type C
0.30
0.30e
(1)c
(0.3)
(0.05 to
0.20 or
0.20)
B high
permanently high
water table
B variable
fluctuating water
table
B lowd
water table
conditions. Some risk
permanently below under exceptio nal
conditions.
underside of slab
C (cavity)
Key
BS EN 1992-1-1 Exp (7.1)
kc
Crack widths and watertightness

BS EN 1992-3 Cl 7.3
wk,max wk,1
0.30e
(wrt
hd/h)
b Where the section is not fully cracked) the neutral axis depth at SLS should be at least xmin (where
xmin > max {50 mm or 0.2 section thickness}) and variations in strain should < than 150 106.
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Possible revisions to allowable crack widths wk1
NB Dwk = Dwk
= diurnal change in
crack width
= possible new
limits tied to
allowable time for
cracks to heal
under full head

3 Tanks
Concrete pool tanks (cont)

Pre-cast concrete panels and permanent shuttering ..Structural
movement joints should be avoided where possible. . . . . .If joints
are unavoidable, these must have an effective proprietary water
bar system suitable for their application. . . . .Pool surrounds
should be designed to the same standard as the pool tank.
Other concrete pool construction forms include sprayed concrete
(gunite) and concrete blockwork formwork filled with reinforced
concrete. These forms are primarily associated with private and
hotel pools, and . . . Expert independent advice should be sought
before considering these forms of pool construction.
The use of tanking membranes in the pool surrounds, as an
alternative to water retaining concrete should generally be
avoided. However if tanking is unavoidable great care must be
taken . . . . .
The risk of damage due to thermal shock when the pool is emptied
or filled with water and heated is a critical issue. This must be
taken into account. . . Max fill/empty rate 0.03m/hour
(0.75m/day) Max heating rate 0.25C/hour (6C/day)
Prefabricated sectional stainless steel tank structures . . Is. . an
emergent market. These are supported on a concrete slab . . . A
welded reinforced plastic liner may also be used for the walls
and/or floor of the tank.
12
08/10/2012
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Sustainability: environmental
Sustainability: social, economic

Materials should be selected with
regard to their environmental
sustainability, whilst also ensuring
durability and lifecycle qualities:
Recyclable content
BRE green guide rating
Environmental profile.
May be OK for concretes

on large projects but:
provenance, increased
cement content for
angular aggregate.
26% of all aggregate is
recycled.
All recycled concrete is
already being used.
Concrete Industry
Sustainable Construction
Strategy. See
sustainableconcrete.org
.uk
92% of concrete
surveyed is responsibly
sourced.
45% improvement in
energy consuptyion in
cement manufacture
since 1990
AOB
Robustness
Robust - minimal risk of damage from vandalism or pool hall activities.

Durable Stable construction
Workmanship is critical to waterproofing and long term life of the pool
Service life
Proven long service life. Examples c 100 years
Maintenance
Minimal long term maintenance of pool tank structure. Re-grouting of ceramic

tiles may be required c 20 year intervals. Life of finishes will depend upon
quality of materials, maintenance of pool water
quality, wave action and chemicals Utilized
Construction Long construction period for building the concrete shell

Wet trade of finishes require an extensive period for application and curing
Lack of a long term warranty. (Usually, the latent defects period will be 6/12
years and the patent defects period will be12 months)
Long overall construction program
Quality
control
Resolution of severe defects and leakage can be complex requiring potential

drainage of pool and resulting in extended closure
Dimensional control dependant on quality of workmanship on site
Costs
Tank construction: Normally used as benchmark

Other associated costs: Dependant on the under-croft and basements
plant room configurations and the contractors allowances for prelims.
Outline
Masonry design has changed too!

. . . . . BS EN 1996
Scope
Structural Design
Eurocodes
ULS design
SLS design
Materials
Specification
AOB
www.londonswi mmi ngpools.com/swimming_pool_constr uction. html
To
The Editor of Concrete.
4 Meadows Business Park,
Blackwater, Camberley,
GU17 9AB
5th September 2012
Concrete (swimming pool)

Tanks
Guidance on the design of
in-situ concrete water retaining structures
Dear Sir,
Waterproof concrete
I note the recent space given to waterproof concrete. To suggest (Success with waterproof concrete,
Concrete, Aug 2012) that it can satisfy Types A, B and C construction is clearly fatuous. Type A relies on
a barrier or membranes and while admittedly a better outer wall will reduce water ingress, Type C
relies on the cavity. It is Type B, structurally integral protection, where the potential benefits lie.
The publicity is all very well but we engineers realise that besides joints, it is the cracks that cause leakage
and concern in Type B structures - not the concrete between. CIRIA C660 and the Eurocodes give us
sound principles on which to base our assessment of the likelihood of cracking. Assuming cracks occur,
these documents may be used to give the appropriate amounts of reinforcement required to restrict
crack widths so that in time water ingress stops. Cracking and crack-width calculations are based on
fundamental properties of concrete (e.g. ac , T1, e ca, e cd, e ctu). Unfortunately the effects that
waterproofing admixtures have on these properties is largely unknown despite the best efforts of a
recent Concrete Society Working Party to find out. So where these products are used, structural
designers often ignore effects or are reliant on warranties for the design.
Good workmanship is key and proponents efforts in this regard are to be applauded - as are the usual
warranties to seal any cracks that occur. However, the cost to our clients, the disruption caused by
making good, the lack of appropriate design information and the relinquishing of responsibility should
cause specifiers and designers some thought.
Yours sincerely
Charles Goodchild
Principal Structural Engineer
The Concrete Centre
T 01276 606829 M 07870 179755 E cgoodchild@concretecentre.com
S 01276 606800 F 01276 606701 W www.concretecentre.com
4 M eadows Business Park, Blackwater, Camberley, GU17 9AB
The Concrete Centre is part of the Mineral Products Association, the trade association for the aggregates,

3 Tanks
13
08/10/2012
Revision to C660
Revision to C660
Crack widths and watertightness

e cr = Crack-inducing strain = . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BS EN 1992-3 Cl 7.3
9.7.2 Early age crack-inducing strain
CIRIA C660 Cl 3.2
e cr = K[a cT1 +e ca] R1 0.5 e ctu
CIRIA C660 Cl 3.2
9.7.3 Long term crack-inducing strain
e cr = K[([a cT1 +e ca)] R1 + ([a cT2 R2)] + e cd R3] 0.5 e ctu

9.7.4 End restraint crack-inducing strain
BS EN 1992-3 Exp (M.1)
e cr = 0.5a e kckfct,eff [1 + (1/a e r)] /Es

9.7.5 Flexural (and applied tension) crack-inducing strain
e cr = (e sm e cm) = [s s kt (fct,eff /rp,eff) (1 + a e rp,eff] /Es

e cr 0.6 (s s)/Es
BS EN 1992-1-1 Exp (7.9)
Basement (Tank) slab options

(300 mm thick)
250 mm wall options
NBG
Excluding
effects of
tension
Excluding effects of
tension
End restraint rules

3 Tanks
Edge restraint rules
14

Concrete (Swimming Pool) Tanks: Outline

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Concrete (Swimming Pool) Tanks: Outline

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08/10/2012

Concrete (swimming pool) Tanks

Guidance on the design of

CEng., MCIOB, MIStructE

Concrete swimming pool tanks

These would normally be constructed from

Waterproofing additives can be used to reduce

www.londonswi mmi ngpools.com/por tfoli o.ht ml#id_228

http://davidhallamltd.co.uk/pools/c ommer cial-pools

www.por tr aitpools.com/wp-content/br ochur e/

SPATA Training 4 Oct 2012 - Eurocode 2 Part

www.londonswi mmi ngpools.com/por tfoli o.ht ml#id_37

http://www.londonswi mmi ngpools.com/

S Alexander, TSE Dec 06

ICE project 0706 on reinforcement to control

SPATA Training 4 Oct 2012 - Eurocode 2 Part

Part 1-1: General Rules for

Pic of eurocodes incl pt 3

Typical water-retaining structure

www.londonswi mmi ngpools.com/por tfoli o.ht ml#id_38

SPATA Training 4 Oct 2012 - Eurocode 2 Part

Concrete pool construction

www.sportengland.org/facilities. ../design _and.../idoc.ashx?...

An Integral transfer channel is the most common option

Waterproofing Inherent within well constructed in-situ reinforced concrete pools

Structural design: loads cases

Structural design - ULS

(Tank in or above ground)

Actions for ULS

Actions for SLS

Design for Ultimate Limit State

Structural design - ULS

Structural design - ULS

now often FEA

Was plate theory

SPATA Training 4 Oct 2012 - Eurocode 2 Part

Structural design - ULS

Axial tension due

Plan Section at corner

Not forgetting tension in base slabs!!

Structural design - ULS

Structural design - ULS

Tanks in the ground:

Design for Ultimate Limit State

gF for ground water

Structural design below ground

Structural design - Example

For empty Tanks in the ground

SPATA Training 4 Oct 2012 - Eurocode 2 Part

The guide has been written for generalist

Structural design - SLS

Design for Serviceability Limit State

Structural design - SLS

Structural design - SLS

1. Test for restraint cracking

e r = Rax e free = K[([acT1 +e ca)] R1 + ([acT2 R2)] + e cd R3]

CIRIA C660 Cl 3.2

Table 1 Values of restraint factor R for a particular pour

allowance for creep

Thin wall cast on to massive concrete base

0,6 to 0,8 at base

Massive pour cast onto existing concrete

Infill bays, i.e. rigid restraint