As 3735 2001 Concrete Structures Retaining Liquids MK1

AS 3735-2001 Concrete structures retaining liquids
Ishea A Bedding
11 Jan 2005
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AS 3735
Australian Standard™
Concrete structures for retaining liquids

AS 3735—2001
This Australian Standard was prepared by Committee CE-022, Concrete Structures
for Retaining Liquids. It was approved on behalf of the Council of Standards
Australia on 17 November 2000 and published on 13 March 2001.
The following interests are represented on Committee CE-022:

Australian Pre-mixed Concrete Association
Institution of Engineers Australia
University of Queensland
Water Services Association of Australia
Additional interests participating in the preparation of this Standard:
Association of Consulting Engineers Australia
Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Australian Post Tensioning Association
Australian Water and Wastewater Association
Brisbane City Council

Department of Public Works and Services N.S.W.
Melbourne Water
National Precast Concrete Association Australia
NSW Department of Land and Water Conservation
Swimming Pool and Spa Association of N.S.W.
Sydney Water Corporation
University of New South Wales
Water Corporation Western Australia
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This Standard was issued in draft form for comment as DR 99305.

AS 3735—2001
Australian Standard™

Originated as AS 3735—1991.
Second edition 2001.
COPYRIGHT
© Standards Australia International
All rights are reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any
means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, without the written permission of the
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Published by Standards Australia International Ltd
GPO Box 5420, Sydney, NSW 2001, Australia
ISBN 0 7337 3714 5
AS 3735—2001 2
PREFACE
This Standard was prepared by the Standards Australia Committee CE-022, Concrete
Structures for Retaining Liquids, to supersede AS 3735—1991.
The objective of this standard is to provide designers of reinforced concrete structures used
for retaining liquids at ambient temperatures with specifications for design and installation.
For structures that specifically relate to concrete structures used for retaining liquids at
ambient temperature, this Standard supplements and takes precedence over the requirements
of AS 3600, Concrete structures.
Statements expressed in mandatory terms in notes to tables are deemed to be requirements
of this Standard.
This draft Standard has been prepared from the previous edition of AS 3735—1991. The
Standard is limited to concrete with a concrete stress limited in the range of 20 MPa to
50 MPa at 28 days.
A Commentary, published as Supplement No. 1 to AS 3735, provides background
information and explanation on the application of this Standard.

3 AS 3735—2001
CONTENTS
Page
SECTION 1 SCOPE AND GENERAL

1.1 SCOPE AND APPLICATION .....................................................................................4
1.2 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS ...................................................................................5
1.3 DEFINITIONS.............................................................................................................5
1.4 NOTATION .................................................................................................................5
1.5 USE OF ALTERNATIVE MATERIALS OR METHODS...........................................6
1.6 DRAWINGS AND SPECIFICATIONS .......................................................................7
SECTION 2 LOADS AND LOAD COMBINATIONS

2.1 GENERAL ...................................................................................................................8
2.2 LOADS AND OTHER ACTIONS ...............................................................................8
2.3 STABILITY DESIGN................................................................................................ 10
2.4 LOAD COMBINATIONS FOR SERVICEABILITY ................................................ 10
SECTION 3 DESIGN FOR SERVICEABILITY AND STRENGTH

3.1 GENERAL ................................................................................................................. 11
3.2 REINFORCED CONCRETE ..................................................................................... 11
3.3 PRESTRESSED CONCRETE.................................................................................... 13
SECTION 4 DESIGN FOR DURABILITY

4.1 GENERAL ................................................................................................................. 15
4.2 EXPOSURE CLASSIFICATION............................................................................... 15
4.3 REQUIREMENTS FOR CONCRETE ....................................................................... 16
4.4 REQUIREMENTS FOR COVER TO REINFORCEMENT
(BARS AND TENDONS) .......................................................................................... 16
4.5 DURABILITY OF METAL FIXTURES IN CONTACT WITH CONCRETE........... 18
4.6 DURABILITY OF WATERSTOPS, SEALANTS AND OTHER
ASSOCIATED ITEMS .............................................................................................. 18
SECTION 5 MATERIAL AND CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS

5.1 GENERAL ................................................................................................................. 19
5.2 CONCRETE............................................................................................................... 19
5.3 REINFORCEMENT................................................................................................... 19
SECTION 6 JOINTS, WATERSTOPS, JOINT FILLERS, AND SEALANTS

6.1 JOINTS ...................................................................................................................... 20
6.2 WATERSTOPS.......................................................................................................... 21
6.3 JOINT FILLERS ........................................................................................................ 21
6.4 SEALANTS ............................................................................................................... 21
6.5 CONTAMINATION OF WATER ............................................................................. 21
SECTION 7 TESTING
7.1 GENERAL ................................................................................................................. 22
7.2 TESTING FOR LIQUID-TIGHTNESS...................................................................... 22
7.3 TESTING OF LIQUID-RETAINING STRUCTURES............................................... 22
7.4 TESTING OF ROOFS ............................................................................................... 22
AS 3735—2001 4
STANDARDS AUSTRALIA
Australian Standard
S E CT I ON 1 S COP E AND G E N ERAL
1.1 SCOPE AND APPLICATION

1.1.1 Scope
This Standard specifies requirements for concrete structures and members that include
reinforcing steel or tendons, or both, used for retaining liquids at ambient temperature.
The Standard supplements and takes precedence over the requirements of AS 3600.
The principles of concrete design and construction embodied in this Standard apply to
structures and members made of concrete—

(a) with a characteristic compressive strength at 28 days (f c) in the range of 20 MPa to
50 MPa; and
(b) of saturated, surface-dry density in the range of 1800 kg/m3 to 2800 kg/m3.
The Standard does not apply to the design of—
(i) dams;
(ii) aqueducts, hydraulic tunnels or similar structures;
(iii) small septic tanks (see AS 1546.1);
(iv) portable precast concrete water tanks of less than 25 000 L capacity;
(v) fibre-impregnated concrete that does not comply with the design requirements and
procedures of AS 3600; or
(vi) precast concrete pipes (pressure and non-pressure) (see AS 4058).
1.1.2 Application
This Standard applies to concrete structures for the storage of liquids where the exposure
conditions for concrete are within the specified limits. Such structures include those
retaining water or sewage, public swimming pools, and swimming pools the area or overall
length of which are greater than that specified in AS 2783. However, where applicable, the
specifications of the relevant authority shall be used.
NOTE: It is intended that the design of a structure or member to which this Standard applies, be
carried out by, or under the supervision of, an engineer as defined in Clause 1.6.2.
© Standards Australia www.standards.com.au

5 AS 3735—2001
1.2 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS

The following documents are referred to in this Standard:
AS
1012 Methods of testing concrete
1012.13 Part 13: Determination of drying shrinkage of concrete for samples prepared
in the field or in the laboratory
1170 Minimum design loads on structures
1170.1 Part 1: Dead and live loads and load combinations
1170.2 Part 2: Wind loads
1170.4 Part 4: Earthquake loads
1379 Specification and supply of concrete
3582 Supplementary cementitious materials for use with portland (and blended)
cement
3582.1 Part 1: Fly-ash
3582.2 Part 2: Slag—Ground granulated iron blast-furnace
3582.3 Part 3: Silica fume
AS/NZS
1546 On-site domestic waste water treatment units

1546.1 Part 1: Septic tanks
2783 Use of reinforced concrete for small swimming pools
2841 Galvanized steel wire strand
3600 Concrete structures
3610 Formwork for concrete
3735 Concrete structures for retaining liquids—Commentary
4058 Precast concrete pipes (pressure and non-pressure)
4680 Hot-dipped galvanised (zinc) coatings on fabricated ferrous articles
HB
79 Alkali Aggregate reaction—Guidelines on minimising the damage to concrete
structures in Australia
NZS
3106 Code of practice for concrete structures for the storage of liquids
ASTM
A 775M Specification for epoxy-coated reinforcing steel bars
1.3 DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of this Standard, the definitions given in AS 3600 apply.
1.4 NOTATION
Unless a contrary intention appears the following applies:
(a) The symbols used in this Standard shall have the meanings ascribed to them below,
with respect to the structure, or member, or condition to which a clause is applied.
(b) Where non-dimensional ratios are involved, both the numerator and denominator are
expressed in identical units.
(c) The dimensional units for length, force and stress in all expressions or equations are
to be taken as millimetres (mm), Newtons (N) and megapascals (MPa) respectively.
www.standards.com.au © Standards Australia

AS 3735—2001 6
Quantity Definition
symbol
Ac, eff = effective concrete area (see Figure 3.1)
As = the cross-sectional area of reinforcement
a 1, a 2 = a distance (see Figure 3.1)
D = the overall depth of a cross-section in the plane of bending
db = the nominal diameter of a bar, wire, or tendon
Fep = the earth pressure load
Feq = the earthquake action calculated in accordance with Appendix A of
AS 3600
Flp = the liquid pressure load
Fsh = the loads, or their related moments and forces, resulting from shrinkage
Fsw = the loads, or their related moments and forces, resulting from swelling
fcp = the compressive strength of concrete at transfer
fs = the tensile stress in non-tensioned reinforcing steel
fso = the nominal limiting tensile stress in reinforcing steel

fsy = the yield strength of the reinforcing steel
f c = the characteristic compressive cylinder strength of concrete at 28 days
f s max. = the effective limiting tensile stress in reinforcing steel
fct.3 = the direct tensile strength of the concrete at 3 days
G = the dead load
P = the force in the tendons; or
= the maximum force in the anchorage
p = a reinforcement ratio
Q = the live load (including impact, if any)
T = temperature; or
= the load due to temperature variation
W = the wind load calculated, in accordance with AS 1170.2, from a wind
velocity with the appropriate return period
Y 1, Y 2, Y 3 = exposure coefficients
s = increase in tendon stress once decompression occurs in a partially
prestressed member
sh = a shrinkage strain
sw = a swelling strain
1.5 USE OF ALTERNATIVE MATERIALS OR METHODS

1.5.1 General
Provided that the requirements of AS 3600 are met, this Standard shall not be interpreted so
as to prevent the use of materials or methods of design or construction not specifically
referred to herein.

7 AS 3735—2001
1.5.2 Existing structures

Where the strength or serviceability of an existing structure is to be evaluated, the
principles of this Standard and AS 3600 may be applied.
1.5.3 Ferrocement
1.5.3.1 General
Ferrocement shall be thin-walled, reinforced cement mortar construction in which the
reinforcement comprises closely spaced layers of straight wire mesh from 1 mm to 6 mm
diameter and in which the cement mortar is pneumatically placed or plastered in layers.
NOTE: Other arrangements of ferrocement are not covered by this Standard.
1.5.3.2 Material
The material requirements for ferrocement shall be as specified in NZS 3106.
1.6 DRAWINGS AND SPECIFICATIONS

1.6.1 Design data
The following design data shall be shown in the drawings:
(a) Reference number and date of issue of applicable design Standards.

(b) Live loads used in design.
(c) Exposure classification for durability.
(d) Fire resistance level, if applicable.
(e) Class and, where appropriate, grade designation of concrete.
(f) Grade and type of reinforcement and tendons.
1.6.2 Design details
The drawings or specification for concrete members and structures should include, as
appropriate, the following:
(a) The shape and size of each member.
(b) The finish and method of control for unformed surfaces.
(c) Class of formwork for the surface finish specified in accordance with AS 3610.
(d) The size, quantity and location of all reinforcement, tendons and structural fixings
and the minimum cover to each.
(e) The requirements for concrete (see Clause 4.3).
(f) The curing procedure and duration.
(g) The force required in each tendon, the maximum jacking force to be applied and the
order in which tendons are to be stressed.
(h) The location and details of planned construction or movement joints, connections and
splices, and the method to be used for their protection.
(i) The minimum period of time before stripping of forms and removal of shores.
(j) Any constraint on construction assumed in the design.
(k) Any special protective coatings.
(l) Other design requirements.

AS 3735—2001 8
S E CT I ON 2 LOADS AND L O AD
COMBI N AT I ONS
2.1 GENERAL
The design of structures and members for stability, strength and serviceability shall take
account of the load and load combinations for strength in accordance with AS 3600 and of
the action effects directly arising from the loads and other actions included in this Section.
2.2 LOADS AND OTHER ACTIONS

2.2.1 Temperature
The walls and roofs of tanks shall be designed for the action effect arising from differential
temperature gradients through the member.
For tanks containing liquids at ambient temperature and subject to direct solar radiation, the
design temperature gradients considered shall include the following cases:
(a) For roofs—

(i) a ±20 C variation from the mean temperature; and
(ii) the temperature criteria given in Table 2.1.
(b) For walls—
(i) when the tank is filled with liquid, by a +30, 20 C variation; and
(ii) when the tank is empty, by a +20, 12 C variation;
from the internal wall temperature as shown in Figure 2.1.
NOTE: Temperature effects for liquids at other than ambient temperatures are not specified in
this Standard.
FIGURE 2.1 TEMPERATURE DISTRIBUTIONS IN TANK WALLS

9 AS 3735—2001
TABLE 2.1
ROOF—TEMPERATURE CRITERIA
Linear temperature gradient, degrees

Region
Celsius per 100 mm of roof thickness
Snow (outside colder than inside) 10

Other (outside hotter than inside) 5
2.2.2 Moisture variation

In the absence of a rational analysis of moisture variation, appropriate to the expected
construction/loading history for the structure, the minimum effects due to moisture
variation, either shrinkage or swelling, for both roofs and walls, shall be determined for the
strains as given in Table 2.2.
TABLE 2.2
MOISTURE VARIATION—SHRINKAGE AND SWELLING STRAINS
Mean shrinkage and swelling strain (creep adjusted) 10–6

Wall thickness
Shrinkage ( sh ) Swelling ( sw )
mm
Precast Cast in situ Precast Cast in situ
100 70 120 300 250

150 50 85 205 170
200 45 70 160 135
250 35 60 135 110
2.2.3 Earthquake
Loads due to earthquakes shall be determined in accordance with AS 1170.4.
NOTE: NZS 3106 includes details for analysis of loads due to earthquakes.
2.2.4 Other actions
Any action that may significantly affect the stability, strength and serviceability of
structures and members, including but not limited to the following, shall be taken into
account:
(a) Backfill.
(b) Fatigue.
(c) Progressive failure.
(d) Ground movements.
(e) Construction loads.
(f) Liquid load.
(g) Wind.

AS 3735—2001 10
2.3 STABILITY DESIGN

In addition to the mass of the empty structure, the design resistance against uplift may take
account of—
(a) anchoring systems;
(b) drainage systems;
(c) pressure relief valves; or
(d) any combination of Items (a), (b) and (c).
The minimum safety factor against uplift shall be determined in accordance with
AS 1170.1. The designer shall assess the effectiveness of the devices in Items (a) to (d).
2.4 LOAD COMBINATIONS FOR SERVICEABILITY

The design load for serviceability design shall be the appropriate combinations of factored
loads for long-term effects, Group A, and short-term effects, Group B, given below:
(a) Long-term effects (Group A):
(i) Roof— G + P + Fsh

(ii) Wall—
(A) Tank full: G + Flp + Fep + P + 0.5 Fsw
(B) Tank empty: G + Fep + P + (Fsh or 0.5 Fsw)
(b) Short-term effects (Group B):
(i) Roof—
(A) G+Q+P+T
(B) 0.8G + W + P
(C) G + P + T + (0.7Fsh or 0.7Fsw)
(D) 0.8G + 0.8Feq
(ii) Wall—
(A) Tank full: G + Flp + Fep + P + 0.8Feq + 0.5Fsw
(B) Tank full: G + Flp + Fep + P + 0.7 Fsw + T
(C) Tank empty: G + Fep + P + T + (0.7 Fsh or 0.35 Fsw)
In Items (a) and (b) above, the dead load (G) shall be taken as the mass of structural
members plus superimposed dead loads.
If a worse effect is obtained by the omission of one or more of the transient loads in
Item (a) or Item (b) above then such effect shall be taken into account.

11 AS 3735—2001
S E CT I ON 3 DES I GN FOR S E RVI CE ABI LIT Y

AND S T R E NGT H
3.1 GENERAL
Although design for serviceability will generally dominate, design for strength shall be
considered to ensure that the load capacity and slenderness ratios for members of the
structure are within acceptable limits.
3.2 REINFORCED CONCRETE

3.2.1 General
The reinforcement ratio shall be calculated using the following equation:
p As / Ac,eff . . .3.2.1
NOTE: a 2 = 0.5D but not greater than 250 mm, except for the surface of a slab that is in contact with the
ground then not greater than 100 mm
FIGURE 3.1 EFFECTIVE CONCRETE AREA
3.2.2 Minimum reinforcement ratio

A minimum reinforcement ratio shall be provided to limit cracking. This quantity is
dependent on the degree of restraint afforded, as follows:
(a) Unrestrained concrete The minimum reinforcement ratio for unrestrained concrete
shall be determined from the following equation:
f ct.3
p min. . . . 3.2.2
f sy
where
pmin. = the minimum reinforcement ratio
fct.3 = the principal tensile strength of concrete at three days
fsy = the yield strength of the reinforcement

AS 3735—2001 12
(b) Restrained concrete The minimum reinforcement ratio for fully restrained concrete
shall be as defined in Table 3.1.
Values given in Table 3.1 may be reduced in proportion to the degree of restraint. The
values may be reduced by 25% if—
(i) movement joints are provided at maximum 15 m spacing; or
(ii) partial movement joints are provided at maximum 7.5 m spacing.
TABLE 3.1
DEFORMED BARS—PERCENTAGE FOR FULLY
RESTRAINED CONCRETE
db , mm 8-12 16 20 24 28 32
pmin. % 0.48 0.64 0.80 0.96 1.12 1.28
3.2.3 Limiting steel stresses for serviceability

The extent of cracking should be controlled by limiting the tensile stresses in the
reinforcing steel, under the most severe combination of service loads. The value of such
stress shall be calculated from the following equation:
f s max. Y1 Y2 Y3 f so . . . 3.2.3
The values of fso, Y 1 Y 2and Y 3 are as given in Tables 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 and 3.5.
When welded wire fabric is used, welded intersections shall not be further apart than
200 mm.
For members less than 225 mm thick, the face remote from the liquid shall be considered as
though it was in contact with the liquid
TABLE 3.2
NOMINAL LIMITING STRESSES IN
STEEL REINFORCEMENT
db , mm 8-12 16 20 24 28-32
f so , MPa 150 140 130 120 110
TABLE 3.3
COEFFICIENT FOR BAR TYPE Y1
Type of reinforcement
Exposure coefficient Deformed bar and
Plain bar
welded wire fabric
Y1 0.85 1.00

13 AS 3735—2001
TABLE 3.4
LOAD COMBINATION COEFFICIENT, Y2
Load combination Y2
Long term effects (Group A) 1.0

Short term effects (Group B) 1.25
TABLE 3.5
COEFFICIENT FOR STRESS STATE AND TYPE OF EXPOSURE Y3
Type of exposure
Predominant stress
Exposure coefficient Continuously Intermittent wetting
state
submerged and drying
Tension 1.00
Y3 1.00
Flexure 1.25
3.2.4. Limiting concrete thickness

In the hoop direction of a circular tank, the concrete is assumed to be fully cracked and the
reinforcement is designed to take the full hoop force with no contribution from the concrete
so that the concrete thickness is limited by the requirements for the placement of
reinforcement and concrete. Where other forces are involved, the concrete thickness is
limited by the moment and shear capacity of the section.
3.3 PRESTRESSED CONCRETE

3.3.1 General
All prestressing tendons shall be bonded.
3.3.2 Analysis
In addition to the requirements of Section 2, the analysis shall take account of the full
effects of prestressing including secondary effects and time-dependent creep effects.
Analysis shall be carried out for the following load conditions and combinations:
(a) Conditions at any stage of prestress.
(b) Group A load combination that comprises predominantly long-term loads.
(c) Group B load combination that includes the short-term transient loads.
3.3.3 Limiting concrete stresses for serviceability
Except as permitted by Clause 3.3.5, stresses shall be calculated on the basis of uncracked
sections, and shall remain within the limits specified in Table 3.6.
3.3.4 Non-tensioned reinforcement
Non-tensioned reinforcement shall be provided in prestressed elements in—
(a) end anchorage zones; and
(b) between end anchorages, where prestress is calculated to be inadequate to sustain
applied forces.

AS 3735—2001 14
TABLE 3.6
LIMITING STRESSES IN PRESTRESSED CONCRETE
Load combination, MPa

Type of stress Group A Group B
Transfer
(long-term loads) (short-term loads)
(a) Maximum compression 0.50f cp 0.40f c 0.55f c
(b) Minimum compression at tendon — 0.70 0

location (Note 1)
(c) Minimum compression at — 0.70 0
construction joints (Note 2)
(d) Maximum extreme fibre tension in
monolithic concrete—
(i) at water-retaining face 0.70 0.5 f c
0.17 f cp
(ii) at non-water-retaining face 0.25 f c 0.5 f c

0.17 f cp
(Note 3)
(e) Maximum principal tension resulting 0.30 f c 0.5 f c

0.17 f cp
from shear
NOTES:
1 Where earthquake forces have been considered, a maximum tension of 0.5 f c is permissible.
2 Cracking is permitted in joints under Group B combinations when non-tensioned reinforcement is
provided to carry the entire tension force across the joint. The force shall be calculated on the basis of an
uncracked section and reinforcement stresses shall comply with the limits specified in Clause 3.2.3.
3 For members less than 225 mm thick, the face remote from the liquid shall be considered as though it was
in contact with the liquid.
3.3.5 Partial prestressing

A partially prestressed design approach, permitting cracking of concrete, may be used
provided the tensile stress in the non-tensioned reinforcement (fs), and the increase in
tendon stress once decompression occurs ( s), taking full account of shrinkage and creep
effects, satisfy the following requirements:
(a) fs f s max.; and
(b) s 100 MPa, for group A load combinations; or
s 125 MPa, for group B load combinations.

15 AS 3735—2001
S E CT I ON 4 DES I GN FOR DUR ABI LI T Y
4.1 GENERAL
Durability shall be allowed for in design by determining the exposure classification
specified in Clause 4.2 and, for that exposure classification, complying with the appropriate
requirements for the following:
(a) Concrete, in accordance with Clause 4.3.
(b) Cover, in accordance with Clause 4.4.
The exposure classification shall take into account suitable means of isolating the concrete
from the exposure environment.
4.2 EXPOSURE CLASSIFICATION

The exposure classification for the surface of a member shall be determined from Table 4.1
and from AS 3600 for the most severe environment or use to which the concrete will be
subjected to during its operational life.
TABLE 4.1
EXPOSURE CLASSIFICATIONS
Exposure classification
Characteristic of liquid in contact with Predominantly submerged Alternate wet and

Item
concrete surface dry (condensation
Generally Agitated or splashing or
quiescent flowing washing)
1 Freshwater: (Notes 1, 2, 3)
(a) I positive of pH >7.5 B1 B1 B1
(b) I negative & pH 6.5 to 7.5 B1 B2 B1
(c) I negative & pH 5.5 to 6.5 B2 C B2
2 Sewage and waste water: (Note 4)
(a) resh—low risk of H 2S corrosion B1 B1 B2
(b) tale—high risk of H 2 S corrosion (Note 8) B2 B2 D
(c) naerobic sludge B1 B1 B1
3 Sea water: (Notes 5, 6)
(a) eneral immersion and pH 7.5 B1(7) B2(7) C
(b) etaining or excluding situations or pH <7.5 C C C
4 Corrosive liquids, vapours or gases (Note 8)

Severity:
(a) Slight/mild B1 B2 B2
(b) Moderate (Note 9) B2 C C
(c) Severe/extreme (Note 9) D D D
5 Other liquids: (Note 10)
(a) Water containing chloride, sulfate, B1-D B1-D B1-D
magnesium or ammonium
(b) Wine, non-corrosive vegetable oils, B1-D B1-D B1-D
mineral oils and coal tar products
6 Ground water (inground) (Notes 10, 11) B1-D — —

AS 3735—2001 16
NOTES TO TABLE 4.1;

1 An approximate value of Langelier Saturation Index (LI) may be obtained from the equation:
L I = pH of water pH when in equilibrium with calcium carbonate
= pH 12.0 + log10[2.5 Ca 2 + (mg/L) total alkalinity (as CaCO 3 mg/L)].
(A negative value for L I means the water has a demand for CaCO 3 ).
2 For lower pH values see Item 4.
3 For water containing significant quantities of aggressive dissolved materials see Item 5(b).
4 Industrial sewage and waste water may contain aggressive chemicals. The designer shall refer
to other liquids as given in Table 4.1 (see also AS 3735 Supp1).
5 The use of galvanized or epoxy-coated reinforcement or a waterproofing agent should be
considered. Details are given in AS 3735 Supp1.
6 The use of sulfate-resisting cement is discouraged.
7 Only applicable for submergence greater than 1 m below low water ordinary spring tide.
8 Typical examples of severities are given in AS 3735 Supp1.
9 The use of calcareous aggregate should be considered. Details are specified in AS 3735
Supp1.
10 Guidance on the selection of an appropriate exposure classification from within the range
indicated is specified in AS 3735 Supp1.
11 For members in contact with extracted ground water see Item 1 or 5.
4.3 REQUIREMENTS FOR CONCRETE

The concrete shall comply with the following:
(a) A minimum f c as given in—
(i) Table 4.2 for concrete where standard formwork and compaction are used; or
(ii) Table 4.3 for concrete where rigid formwork and intense compaction are used
such as obtained with vibrating tables and form vibrators.
(b) An average compressive strength at the completion of curing of not less than 75% of
the specified f c.
(c) A cementitious material content of not less than 320 kg/m3.
(d) A drying shrinkage strain at 56 d not greater than 700 10 –6 determined in
accordance with AS 1012.13.
(e) A total reactive alkali content not greater than 3.0 kg Na 2O (equivalent) per cubic
metre, determined as outlined in HB 79.
(f) The water/cement ratio should not exceed 0.50 for B2, C and D or 0.55 for B1
exposure classifications.
NOTE: For thick members, the heat of hydration should be controlled to limit temperature
differentials during hydration.
4.4 REQUIREMENTS FOR COVER TO REINFORCEMENT (BARS AND TENDONS)

4.4.1 General
The cover for bars and tendons shall be the greatest of the values determined from
Clauses 4.4.2 to 4.4.4, as appropriate.

17 AS 3735—2001
4.4.2 Cover for concrete placement

For concrete placement—
(a) the cover and arrangement of the reinforcement shall be such that concrete can be
properly placed and compacted to comply with the material and construction
requirements specified in AS 3600; and
(b) the cover shall be not less than either 1.5 times the maximum nominal aggregate size,
or the nominal size of the bar or tendon to which the cover is measured.
4.4.3 Cover for corrosion protection
For corrosion protection, the cover shall be not less than the appropriate value given in
Tables 4.2 and 4.3 and Clause 4.4.5.
TABLE 4.2
REQUIRED COVER WHERE STANDARD FORMWORK AND
COMPACTION ARE USED
Required cover, mm
Exposure
Characteristic strength (f c), MPa*
classification
32 40 50
B1 45 40 40
B2 70 50 40
C N/A (Note 1) 75 55
D (Note 1) N/A (Note 1) 75 55
* See also Clause 4.4.4.

NOTES:
1 Concrete surface shall be isolated from the attacking environment.
2 Protective coatings (see Clause 5.3) do not permit a reduction in the cover
requirement.
TABLE 4.3
REQUIRED COVER WHERE RIGID FORMWORK AND
INTENSE COMPACTION ARE USED
Required cover, mm
Exposure
Characteristic strength (f c), MPa*
classification
32 40 50
B1 35 30 25
B2 55 40 30
C N/A (see Note) 60 45
D N/A (see Note) 60 45
* See also Clause 4.4.4.
NOTE: Concrete surface shall be isolated from the attacking
environment.

AS 3735—2001 18
4.4.4 Cover modifications for special circumstances

4.4.4.1 Cast against ground
Where concrete is cast on or against ground and compacted in accordance with the material
and construction requirements specified in AS 3600, the cover to a surface in contact with
the ground shall be as given in Table 4.2 but increased by—
(a) 10 mm if the concrete surface is protected by a damp-proof membrane; or
(b) 20 mm otherwise.
4.4.4.2 Chemical or mechanical surface treatment
The clear concrete cover shall be increased by the depth that will be degraded by the
chemical or mechanical surface treatment. This shall include any layer where chemical
treatment increases the chemical content above that specified in AS 3600. Chemical
treatment shall not be permitted if the chemicals remaining in the additional cover could
permeate into or attack the member.
4.4.4.3 Formed upper surfaces
The clear concrete cover to upper surfaces (e.g. sloping surfaces) that are formed by using
impermeable shutters shall be increased by 10 mm, unless special precautions are taken.
4.4.4.4 Embedded items in cover zone
No items, including tie wire, that could be corroded by the environment to which the
concrete will be subjected shall be embedded in the cover zone. Non-corrodible items such
as conduits or reinforcement chairs may be embedded in the cover zone provided—
(a) the cover required for concrete placement is maintained or exceeded;
(b) an allowance is made for any reduction in strength; and
(c) no path is created that will enable the surrounding environment to permeate through
the cover zone.
4.4.4.5 Allowance for abrasion
The cover shall be increased by the amount of any anticipated abrasion. This may be limited
by making provision to repair the abrasion. This additional cover shall not be considered to
contribute to the strength of the member.
Concrete in contact with liquid flowing at velocities greater than 4 m/s shall be protected
from abrasion.
4.5 DURABILITY OF METAL FIXTURES IN CONTACT WITH CONCRETE

Metallic items that protrude from the concrete shall be designed so that galvanic corrosion
between the buried and exposed portions will not occur. Aluminium shall be isolated from
any wet concrete by a moisture-proof coating, lining or gasket.
4.6 DURABILITY OF WATERSTOPS, SEALANTS AND OTHER ASSOCIATED

ITEMS
Waterstops, sealant and other associated items shall be designed in accordance with
Section 6.

19 AS 3735—2001
S E CT I ON 5 MAT E RI AL AND C ONS TRUC TIO N

RE QUIR E ME NT S
5.1 GENERAL
The material and construction requirements of AS 3600 shall apply.
5.2 CONCRETE
5.2.1 General
Concrete shall comply with the requirements of AS 1379 and Clause 4.3.
5.2.2 Curing
Concrete members shall be initially cured continuously for at least 7 days under ambient
conditions or cured by accelerated methods so that the average compressive strength at the
completion of curing is not less than 75% of the specified f c.
Correct curing is vital to providing concrete of the required durability. The method of
curing shall ensure that the surface layer of all concrete surfaces remain moist at all times
during the curing period.
5.2.3 Pneumatically applied concrete
For pneumatically applied concrete, the designer should agree on full specification
requirements with the contractor for materials, mix proportions, mixing, placing, equipment
and curing before commencement of works.
5.3 REINFORCEMENT
5.3.1 Protective coating
5.3.1.1 General
Protective coatings shall not permit reduction of the required cover specified in Clause 4.4.
NOTES:
1 The reinforcing tie wire or any corrodible item shall not transgress the concrete cover space
(see Clause 4.4.5.4).
2 Stainless steel reinforcement may be used.
5.3.1.2 Galvanized
Reinforcement may be hot-dip galvanized as specified in AS 2841, where applicable, or
AS 4680 to a minimum coating thickness of 42 m.
5.3.1.3 Epoxy coated
Reinforcement may be epoxy powder coated with the coating bonded by an electrostatic
fusion process. It is essential that the coating process is undertaken in factory conditions
and be as specified in ASTM A 775M.
5.3.2 Tendons
Unbonded tendons shall not be allowed except in special post-tensioned systems where the
tendons are protected by a non-corrodible duct packed with insoluble, non-corrosive grease.

AS 3735—2001 20
S E CT I ON 6 JOI NTS, WATE RS TOP S , JOI NT

FI L LER S , AND S E AL ANT S
6.1 JOINTS
6.1.1 Purpose
Joints shall be provided where necessary—
(a) to break the structure in sections convenient for economical construction;
(b) to control possible cracking resulting from excessive stresses and strains; and
(c) to comply with design assumptions.
Joints shall facilitate displacement or rotation, or both, without affecting the structural
integrity or liquid-tightness of the structure.
6.1.2 Non-movement
Construction joints, including a joint between precast segments, are located in a part of a
structure for convenience of construction and made so that the load-carrying capacity and
serviceability of the structure will be unimpaired by the inclusion of the joints. Critical
locations may require the placing of a waterstop across the joint.
6.1.3 Movement
6.1.3.1 General
Movement joints may require the installation of a waterstop, joint filler and sealant.
6.1.3.2 Isolation
Isolation joints shall completely separate two mating concrete faces sufficiently to allow
complete freedom of relative movement.
6.1.3.3 Expansion
Expansion joints are similar to isolation joints. They shall allow expansion towards and
contraction from the plane of the joint but prevent movement in other directions.
6.1.3.4 Full contraction
Full contraction joints are similar to expansion joints without compressible joint filler. They
shall allow shrinkage away from the plane of the joint.
6.1.3.5 Partial contraction
Partial contraction joints are similar to full contraction joints except that a proportion of the
main reinforcement is carried through the joint.
6.1.3.6 Hinged
Hinged joints shall allow some rotation between two sections while resisting both thrust and
shear forces.
6.1.3.7 Sliding
Sliding joints shall allow a relative movement with a minimal restraint in the plane of the
joint.

21 AS 3735—2001
6.2 WATERSTOPS
Waterstops are preformed strips that are wholly or partially embedded in the concrete
during construction. They are located across joints in the structure to provide a permanent
liquid-tight seal during the whole range of joint movements.
6.3 JOINT FILLERS

Joint fillers shall provide a compressible zone within a joint to allow minimum resistance to
expansion or articulation of the structure on either side of the joint.
6.4 SEALANTS
Sealants shall be made of impermeable ductile materials and shall provide a liquid-tight
seal by adhesion to the concrete throughout the range of joint movements.
6.5 CONTAMINATION OF WATER

Waterstops, joint fillers and sealants shall not contaminate potable water.

AS 3735—2001 22
S E CT I ON 7 TE ST IN G
7.1 GENERAL
Inspection and testing for safety, serviceability and durability shall be carried out on
completion of construction.
NOTE: Inspections should be carried out at regular intervals (maximum 5 years) during the
service life of the structure.
7.2 TESTING FOR LIQUID-TIGHTNESS

At an appropriate time after completion of construction, the structure or section thereof as
considered necessary shall be tested for liquid-tightness in accordance with Clauses 7.3 and
7.4.
7.3 TESTING OF LIQUID-RETAINING STRUCTURES

For a test of liquid retention, a structure shall be cleaned and initially filled with the
specified liquid (usually water) at a uniform rate generally not greater than 2 m in 24 h.
Structures shall not be backfilled unless specified.
When first filled, the liquid level shall be maintained by the addition of further liquid for a
stabilizing period of 7 days while absorption and autogenic healing takes place. After the
stabilizing period, the level of the liquid surface shall be recorded at 24 h intervals, for a
test period of 7 days. During this 7-day test period, the total permissible drop in level, after
allowing for evaporation and rainfall (if the test is made for an uncovered structure) shall
not exceed 1/500th of the average water depth of the full tank or 10 mm, whichever is less.
Notwithstanding the satisfactory completion of the test, any evidence of seepage of the
liquid to the outside faces of the liquid-retaining walls or intensified underdrain flow shall
be assessed against the requirements of the specification. Any necessary remedial treatment
of the concrete to the cracks or joints shall, where practicable, be carried out from the liquid
face. When a remedial lining is applied to inhibit leakage at a crack it shall have adequate
flexibility and have no reaction with the stored liquid. (See Clause 6.5.)
Where the structure fails to satisfy the 7-day test then, after completion of the remedial
work, it shall be refilled and a further 7-day test undertaken in accordance with this Clause.
7.4 TESTING OF ROOFS

Where applicable, the roofs of liquid-retaining structures shall be watertight and shall,
where practicable, be tested on completion by flooding the roof with water to a minimum
depth of 25 mm for a period of 24 h or longer if so specified. Where it is not possible, to
contain 25 mm depth of water, because of roof falls or otherwise, a hose or sprinkler system
shall provide a sheet flow of water over the entire area of the roof for a period of not less
than 6 hours. In either case, the roof shall be considered satisfactory if no leaks or damp
patches show on the soffit. Where the structure fails to satisfy either of these tests, then
after the completion of the remedial work it shall be retested in accordance with this
Clause. The roof covering, if any, should be completed as soon as possible after satisfactory
testing.

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Standards Australia is recognized as Australia’s peak national standards body.
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and other relevant sectors. The requirements or recommendations contained in published Standards are
a consensus of the views of representative interests and also take account of comments received from
other sources. They reflect the latest scientific and industry experience. Australian Standards are kept
under continuous review after publication and are updated regularly to take account of changing
technology.
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formulation of international Standards and that the latest international experience is incorporated in
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ISBN 0 7337 3714 5 Printed in Australia

As 3735 2001 Concrete Structures Retaining Liquids MK1

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AS 3735-2001 Concrete structures retaining liquids

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Concrete structures for retaining liquids

The following interests are represented on Committee CE-022:

Brisbane City Council

Keeping Standards up-to-date

This Standard was issued in draft form for comment as DR 99305.

Concrete structures for retaining liquids

information and explanation on the application of this Standard.

SECTION 1 SCOPE AND GENERAL

SECTION 2 LOADS AND LOAD COMBINATIONS

SECTION 3 DESIGN FOR SERVICEABILITY AND STRENGTH

SECTION 4 DESIGN FOR DURABILITY

SECTION 5 MATERIAL AND CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS

SECTION 6 JOINTS, WATERSTOPS, JOINT FILLERS, AND SEALANTS

S E CT I ON 1 S COP E AND G E N ERAL

1.1 SCOPE AND APPLICATION

structures and members made of concrete—

© Standards Australia www.standards.com.au

1.2 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS

1546 On-site domestic waste water treatment units

www.standards.com.au © Standards Australia

fso = the nominal limiting tensile stress in reinforcing steel

1.5 USE OF ALTERNATIVE MATERIALS OR METHODS

© Standards Australia www.standards.com.au

1.5.2 Existing structures

1.6 DRAWINGS AND SPECIFICATIONS

(a) Reference number and date of issue of applicable design Standards.

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2.2 LOADS AND OTHER ACTIONS

(a) For roofs—

FIGURE 2.1 TEMPERATURE DISTRIBUTIONS IN TANK WALLS

© Standards Australia www.standards.com.au

Linear temperature gradient, degrees

Snow (outside colder than inside) 10

2.2.2 Moisture variation

MOISTURE VARIATION—SHRINKAGE AND SWELLING STRAINS

Mean shrinkage and swelling strain (creep adjusted) 10–6

100 70 120 300 250

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2.3 STABILITY DESIGN

2.4 LOAD COMBINATIONS FOR SERVICEABILITY

(i) Roof— G + P + Fsh

© Standards Australia www.standards.com.au

S E CT I ON 3 DES I GN FOR S E RVI CE ABI LIT Y

3.2 REINFORCED CONCRETE

FIGURE 3.1 EFFECTIVE CONCRETE AREA

3.2.2 Minimum reinforcement ratio

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3.2.3 Limiting steel stresses for serviceability

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Long term effects (Group A) 1.0

3.2.4. Limiting concrete thickness

3.3 PRESTRESSED CONCRETE

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Load combination, MPa

(a) Maximum compression 0.50f cp 0.40f c 0.55f c

(b) Minimum compression at tendon — 0.70 0

(ii) at non-water-retaining face 0.25 f c 0.5 f c

(e) Maximum principal tension resulting 0.30 f c 0.5 f c

3.3.5 Partial prestressing

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S E CT I ON 4 DES I GN FOR DUR ABI LI T Y

4.2 EXPOSURE CLASSIFICATION