ACI 350.3/350.3R seismic design standard for liquid-containing concrete structures

ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.
3R-1
STANDARD
1
2
3 SEISMIC DESIGN OF LIQUID-CONTAINING
4 CONCRETE STRUCTURES (ACI 350.3-XX) AND
5 COMMENTARY (ACI 350.3R-XX)
6
7 AN ACI STANDARD
8
9 REPORTED BY ACI COMMITTEE 350
10 Environmental Engineering Concrete Structures
11
12
13 Satish K. Sachdev John Baker
14 Chair Secretary
15
16 Nicholas A. Legatos* Andrew R. Minogue*
17 Subcommittee Chair Subcommittee Secretary
18
19 James P. Archibald A. Ray Frankson Dov Kaminetsky David M. Rogowsky
20 Jon B. Ardahl Anand B. Gogate M. Reza Kianoush* Satish K. Sachdev
21 Walter N. Bennett Charles S. Hanskat David G. Kittridge William C.Schnobrich*
22 Steven R. Close William J. Hendrickson Larry G. Mrazek* Lawrence M. Tabat*
23 Ashok K. Dhingra* Jerry A. Holland Jerry Parnes Sudhakar P. Verma
24 Anthony L. Felder William J. Irwin Andrew R. Philip Roger H. Wood
25
26
27
28 Voting Subcommittee Members
29
30 Osama Abdel-Aal Carl A. Gentry* Jack Moll William C. Sherman*
31 Patrick J. Creegan Clifford Gordon‡ Carl H. Moon Bill J. Socha
32 David A. Crocker Paul Hedli Javeed A. Munshi* Lauren A. Sustic
33 AC
Ernst T. Cvikl Keith W. Jacobson Terry Patzias Lawrence J. Valentine
34 I
Robert E. Doyle Dennis C. Kohl Rolf P. Pawski* Miroslav Vejvoda
35 Co
Clifford T. Early Ramon E. Lucero* Narayan M. Prachand Paul Zoltanetzky
36 mm Bryant Mather‡ Risto Protic*
37 itte John F. Seidensticker
38 e
39 350
40
41
42
43
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-2
STANDARD
1
2
3
4 Environmental Engineering Concrete Structures
5
Satish K. Sachdev John Baker
Chairman Secretary
Nicholas A. Legatos* Andrew R. Minogue*

Subcommittee Chairman Subcommittee Secretary
James P. Archibald A. Ray Frankson Dov Kaminetsky David M. Rogowsky

Jon B. Ardahl Anand B. Gogate M. Reza Kianoush* Satish K. Sachdev
Walter N. Bennett Charles S. Hanskat David G. Kittridge William C.Schnobrich*
Steven R. Close William J. Hendrickson Larry G. Mrazek* Lawrence M. Tabat*
Ashok K. Dhingra Jerry A. Holland Jerry Parnes Sudhakar P. Verma
Anthony L. Felder William J. Irwin Andrew R. Philip Roger H. Wood
Voting Subcommittee Members
Osama Abdel-Aal Carl A. Gentry* Jack Moll William C. Sherman*

Patrick J. Creegan Clifford Gordon‡ Carl H. Moon Bill J. Socha
David A. Crocker Paul Hedli Javeed A. Munshi* Lauren A. Sustic
Ernst T. Cvikl Keith W. Jacobson Terry Patzias Lawrence J. Valentine
Robert E. Doyle Dennis C. Kohl Rolf P. Pawski* Miroslav Vejvoda
Clifford T. Early Ramon E. Lucero* Narayan M. Prachand Paul Zoltanetzky
Bryant Mather‡ Risto Protic*
John F. Seidensticker
6
7 * Members of ACI 350 Seismic Design Subcommittee (ACI 350-F) who prepared this report.
8 ‡ Deceased
9
10
11 This standard practice prescribes procedures for the seismic analysis and design of liquid-
12 containing concrete structures. These procedures address the loading side of seismic design
13 and are intended to complement ACI 350-XX/ACI 350R-XX, Section 1.1.8 and Chapter 21.
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-3
STANDARD
1
2 Keywords: Circular tanks; concrete tanks; convective component; environmental concrete
3 structures; earthquake resistance; impulsive component; liquid-containing structures; rectangular
4 tanks; seismic resistance; sloshing; storage tanks.
6 INTRODUCTION
7 The following outline highlights the development of this standard and its evolution to the present
8 format:
9 • From the time it embarked on the task of developing an ACI 318-dependent code, Committee
10 350 decided to expand on and supplement Chapter 21, “Special Provisions for Seismic
11 Design,” to provide a set of thorough and comprehensive procedures for the seismic analysis
12 and design of all types of liquid-containing environmental concrete structures. The
13 committee’s decision was influenced by the recognition that liquid-containing structures are
14 unique structures whose seismic design is not adequately covered by the leading national
15 codes and standards. A seismic design subcommittee was appointed with the charge to
16 implement the committee’s decision.
17 • The seismic subcommittee’s work was guided by two main objectives: (1) To produce a self-
18 contained set of procedures that would enable a practicing engineer to perform a full seismic
19 analysis and design of a liquid-containing structure. This meant that these procedures should
20 cover both aspects of seismic design: the “loading side” (namely the determination of the
21 seismic loads based on the seismic zone of the site, the specified effective ground
22 acceleration, mapped maximum considered earthquake spectral response accelerations at
23 short periods (Ss) and 1-sec (S1) obtained from the Seismic Ground Motion maps, Fig. 22-1
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-4
STANDARD
1 through 22-14 of ASCE 7-05, Section 22, and the geometry of the structure),; and the
2 “resistance side” (the detailed design of the structure in accordance with the provisions of the
3 code, so as to safely resist those loads safely). (2) To establish the scope of the new
4 procedures consistent with the overall scope of ACI 350. This required the inclusion of all
5 types of tanks – rectangular, as well as circular; and reinforced concrete, as well as
6 prestressed.
7 (While there are currently at least two national standards that provide detailed procedures
8 for the seismic analysis and design of liquid-containing structures [References 18 and 19],
9 these are limited to circular, prestressed concrete tanks only).
10 As the loading side of seismic design is outside the scope of Chapter 21 ACI 318, it was
11 decided to maintain this practice in ACI 350 as well. Accordingly, the basic scope, format, and
12 mandatory language of Chapter 21 of ACI 318 were retained with only enough revisions to adapt
13 the chapter to environmental engineering structures. Provisions similar to Section 1.1.8 of ACI
14 318 are included in ACI 350. This approach offers at least two advantages:
15 (1) It allows ACI 350 to maintain ACI 318’s practice of limiting its seismic design provisions to
16 the resistance side only; and
17 (2) It makes it easier to update these seismic provisions so as to keep up with the frequent
18 changes and improvements in the field of seismic hazard analysis and evaluation.
19 The seismic force levels and R-factors included in this standard provide results at strength
20 levels, such as are included for seismic design in the 2003 International Building Code (IBC), in
21 particular the applicable connection provisions of 2003 IBC, as referenced in SEI/ASCE 7-02.
22 When comparing these provisions with other documents defining seismic forces at allowable
23 stress levels (for example, the 1994 Uniform Building Code (UBC) or ACI 350.3-01), the
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-5
STANDARD
1 seismic forces in this standard should be reduced by the applicable factors to derive comparable
2 forces at allowable stress levels.
3 The user should note the following general design methods used in this standard, which
4 represent some of the key differences relative to traditional methodologies, such as Reference 4:
5 (1) Instead of assuming a rigid tank directly accelerated by for which the acceleration is equal to
6 the ground acceleration at all locations, this standard assumes amplification of response due to
7 natural frequency of the tank;
8 (2) This standard includes the response modification factor;
9 (3) Rather than combining impulsive and convective modes by algebraic sum, this standard
10 combines these modes by the square-root-sum-of-the-squares;
11 (4) This standard includes the effects of vertical acceleration; and
12 (5) This standard includes an effective mass coefficient, applicable to the mass of the walls.
13
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-6
STANDARD
1 CONTENTS
2
3 CHAPTER 1 - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
4 1.1 - Scope
5 1.2 - Notation
6
7 CHAPTER 2 - TYPES OF LIQUID-CONTAINING STRUCTURES
8 2.1 - Ground-supported structures
9 2.2 - Pedestal-mounted structures
10
11 CHAPTER 3 - GENERAL CRITERIA FOR ANALYSIS AND DESIGN
12 3.1 - Dynamic characteristics
13 3.2 - Design loads
14 3.3 - Design requirements
15
16 CHAPTER 4 - EARTHQUAKE DESIGN LOADS
17 4.1 - Earthquake pressures above base
18 4.2 - Application of site-specific response spectra
19
20 CHAPTER 5 - EARTHQUAKE LOAD DISTRIBUTION
21 5.1- General
22 5.2- Shear transfer
23 5.3- Dynamic force distribution above base
24
25 CHAPTER 6 –STRESSES
26 6.1- Rectangular tanks
27 6.2- Circular tanks
28
29 CHAPTER 7 –FREEBOARD
30 7.1 - Wave oscillation
31
32 CHAPTER 8 -EARTHQUAKE-INDUCED EARTH PRESSURES
33 8.1 - General
34 8.2 - Limitations
35 8.3 – Alternative methods
36
37 CHAPTER 9 - DYNAMIC MODEL
38 9.1 - General
39 9.2 - Rectangular tanks (Type 1)
40 9.3 - Circular tanks (Type 2)
41 9.4 - Seismic response coefficients, Ci, Cc, and Ct
42 9.5 - Site-specific seismic response coefficients Ci, Cc, and Ct.
43 9.6 - Effective mass coefficient, ε
44 9.7 - Pedestal-mounted tanks
45
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-7
STANDARD
1 CHAPTER 10 – COMMENTARY REFERENCES
2
3 APPENDIX A - DESIGN METHOD
4 A.1 - General outline of design method
5
6 APPENDIX B – ALTERNATIVE METHOD OF ANALYSIS BASED ON 1997 UBC
7 B.1 - Introduction
8 B.2 – Notation
9 B.3 – Loading side, general methodology
10 B.4 – Site-specific spectra (Section 1631.2(2))
11 B.5 – Resistance side
12 B.6 – Freeboard
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-8
STANDARD
2 1.1--Scope
3 This standard describes procedures for the design of liquid-containing concrete structures
4 subjected to seismic loads. These procedures shall be used in accordance with Chapter 21 of ACI
5 350-XX.
7 1.2--Notation
8 As = cross-sectional area of base cable, strand, or conventional reinforcement, in.2 (mm2)
9 b = ratio of vertical to horizontal design acceleration
10 B = inside dimension (length or width) of a rectangular tank, perpendicular to the
11 direction of the earthquake force, ground motion being investigated, ft (m)
12 Cc, Ci,
13 and Ct = period-dependent seismic response coefficients defined in 9.4 and 9.5
14 Cl, Cw = coefficients for determining the fundamental frequency of the tank-liquid system (see
15 Eq. (9-24) and Fig. 9.3.4 (b))
16 Cs = period-dependent seismic coefficient
17 d, dmax = freeboard (sloshing height) measured from the liquid surface at rest, ft (m)
18 D = inside diameter of circular tank, ft (m)
19 EBP = excluding base pressure (datum line just above the base of the tank wall)
20 Ec = modulus of elasticity of concrete, lb/in.2 (MPa)
21 Es = modulus of elasticity of cable, wire, strand, or conventional reinforcement, lb/in.2
22 (MPa)
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-9
STANDARD
1 Fa = acceleration-based short-period site coefficient (at 0.3 0.2 s period) from Table 9.7
2 (a) ASCE 7-05, Table 11.4-1
3 Fv = acceleration-based long-period site coefficient (at 1.0 s period) from Table 9.7(b)
4 ASCE 7-05, Table 11.4-2
5 Gp = shear modulus of elastomeric bearing pad, lb/in.2 (MPa)
6 g = acceleration due to gravity (32.17 ft/s2 [9.807 m/s2])
7 hc(EBP), = height above the base of the wall to the center of gravity of the convective lateral force,
8 for the case excluding base pressure (EBP), ft (m)
´
9 hc(IBP) = height above the base of the wall to the center of gravity of the convective lateral force,
10 for the case including base pressure (IBP), ft (m)
11 hi(EBP), = height above the base of the wall to the center of gravity of the impulsive lateral force,
12 for the case excluding base pressure (EBP), ft (m)
´
13 hi (IBP) = height above the base of the wall to the center of gravity of the impulsive lateral force,
14 for the case excluding base pressure (IBP), ft (m)
15 hr = height from the base of the wall to the center of gravity of the tank roof, ft (m)
16 hw = height from the base of the wall to the center of gravity of the tank shell, ft (m)
17 H = thickness of soil layer from ground surface, ft (m)
18 HL = design depth of stored liquid, ft (m)
19 Hw = wall height (inside dimension), ft (m)
20 I = importance factor, from Table 4.2.2 (a)
21 IBP = including base pressure (datum line at the base of the tank including the effects of the
22 tank bottom and supporting structure)

ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-10
STANDARD
1 k = flexural stiffness of a unit width of a rectilinear tank wall, lb/ft2 (kPa)
2 ka = spring constant of the tank wall support system, lb/ft2 (kPa)
3 Ka = active coefficient of lateral earth pressure
4 Ko = coefficient of lateral earth pressure at rest
5 L = inside length dimension of a rectangular tank, parallel to the direction of the earthquake
6 force ground motion being investigated, ft (m)
7 Lc = effective length of base cable or strand taken as the sleeve length plus 35 times the
8 strand diameter, in. (mm)
9 Lp = length of individual elastomeric bearing pads, in. (mm)
10 m = total mass per unit width of a rectangular wall = mi+mw , lb-s2/ft24 (kN-s2/m24)
11 mi = impulsive mass of contained liquid per unit width of a rectangular tank wall,
12 lb-s2/ft24 (kN-s2/m24)
13 mw = mass per unit width of a rectangular tank wall, lb-s2/ft24 (kN-s2/m24)
14 Mb = bending moment on the entire tank cross section just above the base of the tank wall,
15 ft-lb (N-m)
16 Mc = bending moment of the entire tank cross section just above the base of the tank wall
17 (EBP), due to the convective force, Pc
18 M’c = overturning moment at the base of the tank, including the tank bottom and supporting
19 structure (IBP), due to the convective force, Pc
20 Mi = bending moment of the entire tank cross section just above the base of the tank wall
21 (EBP), due to the impulsive force, Pi
22 M’i = overturning moment at the base of the tank, including the tank bottom and supporting
23 structure (IBP), due to the impulsive force, Pi

ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-11
STANDARD
1 Mo = overturning moment at the base of the tank including the tank bottom and supporting
2 structure, ft-lb (kN-m)
3 Mr = bending moment of the entire tank cross section just above the base of the tank wall
4 (EBP), due to the roof inertia force, Pr
5 Mw = bending moment of the entire tank cross section just above ths base of the tank wall
6 (EBP), due to the wall inertia force, Pw
7 N = average field standard penetration resistance, for the top 100 ft (30 m), blows per foot
8 (per 0.30 m)
9 Ncy = in circular tanks, hoop force at liquid level y, due to the convective component of the
10 accelerating liquid, lb per foot of wall height (kN/m)
11 Nhy = in circular tanks, hydrodynamic hoop force at liquid level y, due to the effect of vertical
12 acceleration, lb per foot of wall height (kN/m)
13 Niy = in circular tanks, hoop force at liquid level y, due to the impulsive component of the
14 accelerating liquid, lb per foot of wall height (kN/m)
15 Ny = in circular tanks, total effective hoop force at liquid level y, lb per foot of wall height
16 (kN/m)
17 Nwy = in circular tanks, hoop force at liquid level y, due to the inertia force of the accelerating
18 wall mass, lb per foot of wall height (kN/m)
19 pvy = unit equivalent hydrodynamic pressure due to the effect of vertical acceleration, at
20 liquid level y, above the base of the tank (pvy = üv×qhy), lb/ft2 (kPa)
21 Pc = total lateral convective force associated with Wc, lb (kN)
22 Pcy = lateral convective force due to Wc, per unit height of the tank wall, occurring at liquid
23 level y, lb per ft. of wall height (kN/m)

ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-12
STANDARD
1 Peg = lateral force on the buried portion of a tank wall due to the dynamic earth and
2 groundwater pressures, lb (kN)
3 Ph = total hydrostatic force occurring on length B of a rectangular tank or diameter D of a
4 circular tank, lb (kN)
5 Phy = lateral hydrostatic force per unit height of the tank wall, occurring at liquid level y, lb
6 per ft. of wall height (kN/m)
7 Pi = total lateral impulsive force associated with Wi, lb (kN)
8 PI = plasticity index
9 Piy = lateral impulsive force due to Wi, per unit height of the tank wall, occurring at liquid
10 level y, lb per foot of wall height (kN/m)
11 Pr = lateral inertia force of the accelerating roof, Wr, lb (kN)
12 Pw = lateral inertia force of the accelerating wall, Ww, lb (kN)
13 P′w = in a rectangular tank, lateral inertia force of one accelerating wall (W′w), perpendicular
14 to the direction of the earthquake force, lb (kN)
15 Pwy = lateral inertia force due to Ww, per unit height of the tank wall, occurring at level y
16 above the tank base, lb per foot of wall height (kN/m)
17 Py = combined horizontal force (due to the impulsive and convective components of the
18 accelerating liquid, the wall’s inertia, and the hydrodynamic pressure due to the vertical
19 acceleration) at a height y above the tank base, lb per foot of wall height (kN/m)
20 qhy = unit hydrostatic pressure at liquid level y above the tank base (qhy = γL [HL – y]), lb/ft2
21 (kPa)
22 r = inside radius of circular tank, ft (m)

ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-13
STANDARD
1 R = response modification factor, a numerical coefficient representing the combined effect
2 of the structure’s ductility, energy-dissipating capacity, and structural redundancy (Rc
3 for the convective component of the accelerating liquid; Ri for the impulsive
4 component) from Table 4.2.2 (b)
5 s = seconds
6 su = average undrained soil shear strength, in top 100 ft, lb/ft2 (kPa)
7 S1 = mapped maximum considered earthquake 5% damped spectral response acceleration,
8 parameter 5 % damped, at a period of 1 s, expressed as a fraction of the acceleration
9 due to gravity, g, from Fig. 9.4.1. ASCE 7-05, Fig. 22-1 through 22-14.
10 SaM = maximum considered earthquake spectral response acceleration, 5 % damped, at period
11 Ti or Tv, taken from a site-specific acceleration response spectrum
12 Sc = center-to-center spacing between individual base cable loops, in. (mm)
13 ScM = maximum considered earthquake spectral response acceleration, 0.5 % damped, at
14 period Tc, taken from a site-specific acceleration response spectrum
15 SD1 = design spectral response acceleration, 5 % damped, at a period of 1 s, as defined in
16 9.4.1, expressed as a fraction of the acceleration due to gravity, g
17
18 SDS = design spectral response acceleration, 5 % damped, at short periods, as defined in 9.4.1,
19 expressed as a fraction of the acceleration due to gravity, g
20 Sp = center-to-center spacing of elastomeric bearing pads, in. (mm)
21 Ss = mapped maximum considered earthquake 5% damped spectral response acceleration
22 parameter, 5 % damped, at short periods, expressed as a fraction of the acceleration due
23 to gravity, g, from Fig. 9.4.1 ASCE 7-05, Fig. 22-1 through 22-14.
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-14
STANDARD
1 tp = thickness of elastomeric bearing pads, in. (mm)
2 tw = average wall thickness, in. (mm)
3 T = natural period of vibration, s
4 Tc = natural period of the first (convective) mode of sloshing, s
5 Ti = fundamental period of oscillation of the tank (plus the impulsive component of the
6 contents), s
7 TS = SD1/SDS
8 Tv = natural period of vibration of vertical liquid motion, s
9 üv = effective spectral acceleration from an inelastic vertical response spectrum as defined
10 by Eq. (4-15) that is derived by scaling from an elastic horizontal response spectrum,
11 expressed as a fraction of the acceleration due to gravity, g
12 vs = average shear soil wave velocity, in top 100 ft, ft/s (m/s)
13 V = total horizontal base shear, lb (kN)
14 w = moisture content, %
15 wp = width of elastomeric bearing pad, in. (mm)
16 Wc = equivalent mass weight of the convective component of the stored liquid, lb (kN)
17 We = effective dynamic mass weight of the tank structure (walls and roof) [We =
18 (εWw+Wr)], lb (kN)
19 Wi = equivalent mass weight of the impulsive component of the stored liquid, lb (kN)
20 WL = total equivalent mass weight of the stored liquid, lb (kN)
21 Wr = equivalent mass weight of the tank roof, plus superimposed load, plus applicable
22 portion of snow load considered as dead load, lb (kN)
23 Ww = equivalent mass weight of the tank wall (shell), lb (kN)

ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-15
STANDARD
1 W’w = in a rectangular tank, the equivalent mass weight of one wall perpendicular to the
2 direction of the earthquake force, lb (kN)
3 y = liquid level at which the wall is being investigated (measured from tank base), ft (m)
4 α = angle of base cable or strand with horizontal, degree
5 β = percent of critical damping
6 γC = specific weight density of concrete, (150 lb/ft3 [23.56 kN/m3]) for standard-weight
7 concrete)
8 γL = specific weight density of contained liquid, lb/ft3 (kN/m3)
9 γw = specific weight density of water, 62.43 lb/ft3 ( 9.807 kN/m3)
10 ε = effective mass coefficient (ratio of equivalent dynamic mass of the tank shell to its
11 actual total mass), Eq. (9-34) and (9-35)
12 θ = polar coordinate angle, degree
13 λ = coefficient as defined in 9.2.4 and 9.3.4
14 ρc = mass density of concrete (4.66 lb-s2/ft4 [2.40 kN-s2/m4]) for standard-weight concrete)
15 ρL = mass density of the contained liquid
16 (ρL = γL/g), lb-s2/ ft4 (kN-s2/m4)
17 ρw = mass density of water (1.94 lb-s2/ft4 [1.0 kN-s2/m4])
18 σy = membrane (hoop) stress in wall of circular tank at liquid level y, lb/in.2 (MPa)
19 ωc = circular frequency of oscillation of the first (convective) mode of sloshing, rad/s
20 ωi = circular frequency of the impulsive mode of vibration, rad/s
21
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-16
STANDARD
3 2.1--Ground-supported structures
4 Structures in this category include rectangular and circular liquid-containing concrete structures,
5 on-grade and below grade.
7 2.1.1 - Ground-supported liquid-containing structures are classified according to this section on
8 the basis of the following characteristics:
9 • General configuration (rectangular or circular);
10 • Wall base joint type (fixed, hinged, or flexible base); and
11 • Method of construction (reinforced or prestressed concrete).
12 Type 1 . Rectangular tanks

13 Type 1.1 Fixed base
14 Type 1.2 Hinged base
15
16 Type 2. Circular tanks
17 Type 2.1 Fixed base
18 2.1(1) Reinforced concrete
19 2.1(2) Prestressed concrete
20 Type 2.2 Hinged base
21 2.2(1) Reinforced concrete
22 2.2(2) Prestressed concrete
23 Type 2.3 Flexible base (prestressed only)
24 2.3(1) Anchored
25 2.3(2) Unanchored, contained
26 2.3(3) Unanchored, uncontained.
27
28 2.2 - Pedestal-mounted structures
29 Structures in this category include liquid-containing structures mounted on cantilever-type
30 pedestals.
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-17
STANDARD
1 CHAPTER 3 - GENERAL CRITERIA FOR ANALYSIS AND DESIGN
3 3.1--Dynamic characteristics
4 The dynamic characteristics of liquid-containing structures shall be derived in accordance with
5 either Chapter 9 or a more rigorous dynamic analysis that accounts for the interaction between
6 the structure and the contained liquid.
8 3.2--Design loads
9 The loads generated by the design earthquake shall be computed in accordance with Chapter 4.
10
11 3.3--Design requirements
12 3.3.1 - The walls, floors, and roof of liquid-containing structures shall be designed to withstand
13 the effects of both the design horizontal acceleration and the design vertical acceleration
14 combined with the effects of the applicable design static loads.
15
16 3.3.2 - With regards to the horizontal acceleration, the design shall take into account the effects
17 of the transfer of the total base shear between the wall and the footing and between the wall and
18 the roof, and the dynamic pressure acting on the wall above the base.
19
20 3.3.3 - Effects of maximum horizontal and vertical acceleration shall be combined by the square-
21 root-sum-of-the-squares method.
22
23
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-18
STANDARD
1 CHAPTER 4 – EARTHQUAKE DESIGN LOADS
2 4.1-Earthquake pressures above base
3 The walls of liquid-containing structures shall be designed for the following dynamic forces in
4 addition to the static pressures in accordance with Section 5.3.1:
5 (a) Inertia forces Pw and Pr ;
6 (b) Hydrodynamic impulsive pressure Pi from the contained liquid;
7 (c) Hydrodynamic convective pressure Pc from the contained liquid;
8 (d) Dynamic earth pressure from saturated and unsaturated soils against the buried portion of the
9 wall; and
10 (e) The effects of vertical acceleration.
11
12 4.1.1 - Dynamic lateral forces
13 The dynamic lateral forces above the base shall be determined as follows:
εW
14 Pw = Ci I × w (4-1)
R
i
ε Ww '
'
15 Pw = C i I × (4-1a)
Ri
W
r
16 P =C I × (4-2)
r i R
i
W
i
17 P =C I × (4-3)
i i R
i
W
c
18 P =C I× (4-4)
c c R
c
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-19
STANDARD
1 where:
2 Ci and Cc are the seismic response coefficients determined in accordance with Sections
3 9.4 and 9.5,
4 I is the importance factor defined in Table 4.2.21.1 (a),
5 Ww, and Wr, are the masses weights of the cylindrical tank wall (shell) and tank roof
6 respectively; and W’w is the mass weight of one wall in a rectangular tank, perpendicular to the
7 direction of the earthquake force,
8 ε is a factor defined in Section 1.2 and determined in accordance with Section 9.6,
9 Wi and Wc are the impulsive and convective components of the stored liquid,
10 respectively, as defined in Section 1.2, and determined in accordance with Sections 9.2.1 and
11 9.3.1; and
12 Ri and Rc are the response modification factors defined in Section 1.2 and determined in
13 accordance with Table 4.2.21.1 (b).
14
15 Where applicable, the lateral forces due to the dynamic earth and groundwater pressures against
16 the buried portion of the walls shall be computed in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 8.
17
18 4.1.2 - Total base shear, general equation
19 The base shear due to seismic forces applied at the bottom of the tank wall shall be determined
20 by the following equation:
21 V= (Pi + Pw + Pr )2 + Pc2 + peg

2 (4-5)
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-20
STANDARD
1 Where applicable, the lateral forces due to the dynamic earth and groundwater pressures against
2 the buried portion of the walls shall be included in the determination of the total base shear, V.
4 4.1.3 - Moments at base, general equation
5 The moments due to seismic forces at the base of the tank shall be determined by Eq. (4-10) and
6 (4-13).
8 Bending moment on the entire tank cross section just above the base of the tank wall (EBP):
9 M = P ×h (4-6)
w w w
10 M = P ×h (4-7)
r r r
11 M = P ×h (4-8)
i i i
12 M = P ×h (4-9)
c c c
13 M =
b
(M i +Mw +M r )2 +Mc2 (4-10)
14
15 Overturning moment at the base of the tank, including the tank bottom and supporting structure
16 (IBP):
17 M' = P ×h' (4-11)

i i i
18 M' = P ×h' (4-12)

c c c
19 M =
o
(M' + M + M
i w r
)
2
+ M '2
c
(4-13)
20
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-21
STANDARD
1 Where applicable, the effect of the dynamic earth and groundwater pressures against the buried
2 portion of the walls shall be included in the determination of the moments at the base of the tank.
4 4.1.4 - Vertical acceleration
6 4.1.4.1 - The tank shall be designed for the effects of vertical acceleration. In the absence of a
7 site-specific response spectrum, the ratio b of the vertical to horizontal acceleration shall not be
8 less than 2/3.
10 4.1.4.2 - The hydrostatic load qhy from the tank contents, at level y above the base, shall be
11 multiplied by the spectral acceleration üv to account for the effect of the vertical acceleration.
12 The resulting hydrodynamic pressure pvy shall be computed as follows:
13
14
15 p =u × q (4-14)
vy v hy
16
17 where
18
b
19 u = C I ≥ 0.2 S (4-15)
v t R DS
i
20
21 where Ct is the seismic response coefficient determined in accordance with Sections 9.4 and 9.5.
22
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-22
STANDARD
1 4.2--Application of site-specific response spectra
2 4.2.1 - Site-specific elastic response spectra shall be constructed for ground motions having a
3 maximum 2% probability of exceedance in 50 yr and 5% damping (damping ratio = 5) for the
4 impulsive component; and 0.5% damping (damping ratio = 0.5) for the convective component.
5 4.2.1 – General
6 Where site-specific procedures are used, the maximum considered earthquake spectral response
7 acceleration shall be taken as the lesser of the probabilistic maximum earthquake spectral
8 response acceleration as defined in Section 4.2.2 and the deterministic maximum spectral
9 response acceleration as defined in Section 4.2.3.
10
11 4.2.2 - Where site-specific elastic response spectra are used, coefficients Ci and Ct shall be
12 determined from spectral acceleration SaM, and coefficient Cc shall be determined from spectral
13 acceleration ScM, in accordance with 9.5. The computed forces shall not be less than 80% those
14 obtained by using Eq. (4-1), (4-2), (4-3), (4-4), and (4-14)
15 4.2.2 – Probabilistic maximum considered earthquake
16 The probabilistic maximum considered earthquake spectral response acceleration shall be taken
17 as the spectral response acceleration represented by a 5-percent damped accedleration response
18 spectrum having a 2-percent probability of exceedance in a 50-year period.
19
20 4.2.3 – Deterministic maximum considered earthquake
21 The deterministic maximum considered earthquake spectral response acceleration at each period
22 shall be taken as 150 percent of the largest median 5-percent damped spectral response acceleration
23 computed at that period for characteristic earthquakes on all known active faults within the region.
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-23
STANDARD
1 The deterministic value of the spectral response acceleration shall not be taken lower than 0.6Fv/T
2 except that the lower limit of the spectral response acceleration shall not exceed 1.5Fa. The site
3 coefficients Fa and Fv shall be obtained from ASCE 7-05, Tables 11.4-1 and 11.4-2 respectively.
5 4.2.4 The maximum considered earthquake spectral response accelerations SaM and ScM shall be
6 determined in accordance with Section 9.5 using the site-specific acceleration response spectrum as
7 defined in Section 4.2.1.
9 TABLE 4.2.2 4.1.1 (a) – IMPORTANCE FACTOR, I
10 TANK USE FACTOR I

11 III Tanks containing hazardous materials * 1.5
12 Tanks that are intended to remain usable for
13 II emergency purposes after an earthquake, or 1.25
14 tanks that are part of lifeline systems.
15 I Tanks not listed in Categories II or III. 1.0
16 * In some cases, for tanks containing hazardous materials, engineering
17 judgment may require a factor I > 1.5.
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-24
STANDARD
1
2 TABLE 4.2.2 4.1.1 (b) – RESPONSE MODIFICATION FACTOR, R
3 Ri
4 TYPE OF STRUCTURE ON OR ABOVE Rc
BURIED*
5 GRADE
6 (a) Anchored, flexible-base tanks 3.25† 3.25† 1.0
7 (b) Fixed or hinged-base tanks 2.0 3.0 1.0
8 (c) Unanchored, contained, or uncontained
1.5 2.0 1.0
9 tanks‡
10 (d) Pedestal-mounted tanks 2.0 ---- 1.0
11 * Buried tank is defined as a tank whose maximum water surface at rest is at or below
12 ground level. For partially buried tanks, the RI value may be linearly interpolated between
13 that shown for tanks on grade, and for buried tanks
14 † Ri = 3.25 is the maximum Ri value permitted to be used for any liquid-containing
15 concrete structure.
16 ‡ Unanchored, uncontained tanks shall not be built in regions of SS = 0.75 or higher
locations where SDS ≥ 0.75.
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-25
STANDARD
3 5.1--General
4 In the absence of a more rigorous analysis that takes into account the complex vertical and
5 horizontal variations in hydrodynamic pressures, liquid-containing structures shall be designed
6 for the following dynamic shear and pressure distributions in addition to the static load
7 distributions:
9 5.2--Shear transfer
10
11 5.2.1- Rectangular tanks
12 The wall-to-floor, wall-to-wall, and wall-to-roof joints of rectangular tanks shall be designed for
13 the earthquake shear forces on the basis of the following shear-transfer mechanism:
14
15 Walls perpendicular to the direction of the earthquake force shall be analyzed as slabs subjected
16 to the horizontal pressures computed in Section 5.3. The shears along the bottom and side joints
17 and the top joint in case of a roof-covered tank shall correspond to the slab reactions.
18
19 Walls parallel to the direction of the earthquake force shall be analyzed as shear walls subjected
20 to the in-plane forces computed in Section 5.3.
21
22 5.2.2 - Circular tanks
23 The wall-to-footing and wall-to-roof joints shall be designed for the earthquake shear forces.
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-26
STANDARD
1
2 5.3--Dynamic force distribution above base
4 5.3.1 - Rectangular tanks
5 Walls perpendicular to the earthquake force and in the leading half of the tank shall be loaded
6 perpendicular to their plane (dimension B) by the wall’s own inertia force P’w, one-half the
7 impulsive force, Pi, and one-half the convective force, Pc .
9 Walls perpendicular to the earthquake force and in the trailing half of the tank shall be loaded
10 perpendicular to their plane (dimension B) by the wall’s own inertia force P’w, one-half the
11 impulsive force, Pi, one-half the convective force, Pc, and the dynamic earth and groundwater
12 pressure against the buried portion of the wall.
13
14 Walls parallel to the direction of the earthquake force shall be loaded in their plane (dimension
15 L) by the wall’s own in-plane inertia force P’w, and the in-plane forces corresponding to the edge
16 reactions from the abutting wall(s).
17
18 Superimposed on these lateral unbalanced forces shall be the lateral hydrodynamic force resulting
19 from the hydrodynamic pressure due to the effect of vertical acceleration, pvy, acting on each wall.
20
21 5.3.2 - Combining dynamic forces for rectangular tanks
22
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-27
STANDARD
1 The hydrodynamic force at any given height y from the base shall be determined by the following
2 equation:
2 2
4 P = ⎛⎜ P +P ⎞⎟ +P 2 + ⎛⎜ p ×B ⎞⎟ (5-1)
y ⎝ iy wy ⎠ cy ⎝ vy ⎠
6 Where applicable, the effect of the dynamic earth and groundwater pressures against the buried
7 portions of the walls shall be included.
10 The cylindrical walls of circular tanks shall be loaded by the wall’s own inertia force distributed
11 uniformly around the entire circumference; one-half the impulsive force, Pi applied
12 symmetrically about θ = 0 and acting outward on one half of the wall, and one-half Pi
13 symmetrically about θ = π and acting inward on the opposite half of the wall; one-half the
14 convective force, Pc, acting on one-half of the wall symmetrically about θ = 0 and one-half Pc
15 symmetrically about θ = π and acting inward on the opposite half of the wall; and the dynamic
16 earth and groundwater pressure against the trailing half of the buried portion of the wall.
17
18 Superimposed on these lateral unbalanced forces shall be the axisymmetric lateral hydrodynamic
19 force resulting from the hydrodynamic pressure, pvy, acting on the tank wall.
20
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-28
STANDARD
1 CHAPTER 6 – STRESSES
3 6.1- Rectangular tanks
4 The vertical and horizontal bending stresses and shear stresses in the wall and at the wall base
5 due to lateral earthquake forces shall be computed on the basis of slab action (Sections 5.2 and
6 5.3) using an acceptable pressure distribution consistent with the provisions of Section 5.3.1.
8 6.2- Circular tanks
9 The vertical bending stresses and shear stresses in the wall and at the wall base due to lateral
10 earthquake forces shall be computed on the basis of shell action using an acceptable pressure
11 distribution.
12
13 Hydrodynamic membrane (hoop) forces in the cylindrical wall corresponding to any liquid level,
14 y, above the tank base shall be determined by the following equation:
15
2
16 N =
⎛⎜ N +N
⎞⎟ +N
2 +N 2 (6-1)
y ⎝ iy wy ⎠ cy hy
17
18 and hoop stress
Ny
19 σ = (6-2)
y 12 t w
20
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-29
STANDARD
N
y
1 [σ = in the SI system]
y t
w
3 where tw = wall thickness at the level being investigated (liquid level y).
4
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-30
STANDARD
1 CHAPTER 7 – FREEBOARD
3 7.1 - Wave oscillation
4 Provisions shall be made to accommodate the maximum wave oscillation, dmax, generated by
5 earthquake acceleration.
7 The maximum vertical displacement, dmax, to be accommodated shall be calculated from the
8 following expressions:
9 (a) Rectangular tanks:
L
10 d max = Cc I (7-1)
2
11 (b) Circular tanks:
D
12 d max = Cc I (7-2)
2
13 where Cc is the seismic response coefficient as computed in Section 9.4.
14
15
16
17
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-31
STANDARD
1 CHAPTER 8 - EARTHQUAKE-INDUCED EARTH PRESSURES
3 8.1-- General
4 Dynamic earth pressures shall be taken into account when computing the base shear of a partially or
5 fully buried liquid-containing structure and when designing the walls.
7 In computing these pressures, recognition shall be made of the existence, or lack thereof, of The
8 effects of groundwater table, if present, shall be included in the calculation of these pressures.
10 Ko, the coefficient of lateral earth pressure at rest, shall be used in estimating the earth pressures,
11 unless it is demonstrated by calculation that the structure deflects sufficiently to lower the
12 coefficient to some value between Ko and Ka, the active coefficient of lateral earth pressure.
13
14 In a pseudostatic analysis the resultant of the seismic component of the earth pressure shall be
15 assumed to act at a point 0.6 of the earth height above the base, and when part or all of the structure
16 is below the water table, the resultant of the incremental increase in water pressure shall be assumed
17 to act at a point 1/3 of the water depth above the base.
18
19 8.2--Limitations
20 In a buried tank, the dynamic backfill forces shall not be relied upon to reduce the dynamic effects
21 of the stored liquid or vice versa.
22
23 8.3--Alternative methods
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-32
STANDARD
1 The provisions of this chapter shall be permitted to be superseded by recommendations of the
2 project geotechnical engineer that are approved by the building official having jurisdiction.
3
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-33
STANDARD
3 9.1--General
4 The dynamic characteristics of ground-supported liquid-containing structures subjected to
5 earthquake acceleration shall be computed in accordance with Sections 9.2, 9.3 and 9.5.
7 The dynamic characteristics of pedestal-mounted liquid containing structures shall be computed
8 in accordance with Section 9.67.
10 9.2--Rectangular tanks (Type 1)
11
12 9.2.1-Equivalent masses weights of accelerating liquid (Fig. 9.2.1)
13
⎡ ⎛ L ⎞⎤
tanh ⎢0.866⎜ ⎟⎥
⎜H ⎟⎥
14
W
i = ⎣⎢ ⎝ L ⎠⎦
(9-1)
W ⎛ L ⎞
0.866 ⎜ ⎟
L
⎜H ⎟
⎝ L⎠
15
W
c = 0.264 ⎛ L ⎞ ⎡ ⎛ H L ⎞⎤
⎜ ⎟ ⎢3.16 ⎜ ⎟
16
W ⎜ H ⎟tanh ⎜ L ⎟⎥ (9-2)
L ⎝ L⎠ ⎢⎣ ⎝ ⎠⎥⎦
17
18
19
20
21
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-34
STANDARD
1 9.2.2 - Height to centers of gravity EBP (Fig. 9.2.2)
L
3 For tanks with < 1.333
HL
hi ⎛ L ⎞
4 = 0.5 − 0.09375 ⎜ ⎟ (9-3)
HL ⎜H ⎟
⎝ L ⎠
L
6 For tanks with ≥ 1.333
HL
hi
7 = 0.375 (9-4)
HL
9 For all tanks,
⎡ ⎛ H ⎞⎤
cosh ⎢3.16 ⎜ L ⎟⎥ −1
h ⎢ ⎜ L ⎟⎥
c =1 − ⎣ ⎝ ⎠⎦
10 (9-5)
H ⎛H ⎞ ⎡ ⎛H ⎞⎤
L
3.16 ⎜ L ⎟ sinh ⎢3.16 ⎜ L ⎟⎥
⎜ L ⎟ ⎢⎣ ⎜ L ⎟⎥
⎝ ⎠ ⎝ ⎠⎦
11
12
13 9.2.3 -Heights to center of gravity IBP (Fig. 9.2.3)
L
HL
h'i
15 = 0.45 (9-6)
HL
L
HL
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-35
STANDARD
⎛ L ⎞
0.866 ⎜ ⎟
h
' ⎜H ⎟
1 i = ⎝ L⎠ -
1
(9-7)
HL ⎡ ⎛ L ⎞⎤ 8
2 tanh ⎢0.866 ⎜ ⎟⎥
⎢⎣ ⎜H ⎟⎥
⎝ L ⎠⎦
3 For all tanks,
⎡ ⎛ H ⎞⎤
cosh ⎢3.16 ⎜ L ⎟⎥ - 2.01
h' ⎢ ⎜ L ⎟⎥
c =1- ⎣ ⎝ ⎠⎦
4 (9-8)
H ⎛H ⎞ ⎡ ⎛ H ⎞⎤
3.16 ⎜ L ⎟ sinh ⎢3.16 ⎜ L ⎟⎥
L
⎜ L ⎟ ⎢⎣ ⎜ L ⎟⎥
⎝ ⎠ ⎝ ⎠⎦
6 9.2.4 - Dynamic properties
8 The structural stiffness, k, shall be computed on the basis of correct boundary conditions.
k
10 ωi = (9-9)
m
11
12 m = mw + mi (9-10)
13
2π m
14 Ti = = 2π (9-11)
ωi k
15
λ
16 ωc = (9-12)
L
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-36
STANDARD
1 where
⎡ ⎛HL ⎞⎤
2 λ = 3.16 gtanh ⎢3.16 ⎜ ⎟⎥ (9-13)
⎢⎣ ⎜ L ⎟⎥
⎝ ⎠⎦
2π ⎛ 2π ⎞
3 T = = ⎜ ⎟ L (9-14)
c ω
c ⎝ λ ⎠
⎛ 2π ⎞
4 [ ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ from Fig. 9.2.4]
⎝ λ ⎠
6 9.3--Circular tanks (Type 2)
8 9.3.1 -Equivalent masses weights of accelerating liquid (Fig. 9.3.1)
⎡ ⎛ D ⎞⎤
tanh ⎢0.866⎜ ⎟⎥
⎜H ⎟
10
W
i = ⎣⎢ ⎝ L ⎠⎦⎥ (9-15)
W ⎛ D ⎞
L 0.866 ⎜ ⎟
⎜H ⎟
⎝ L⎠
11
W ⎛ ⎞ ⎡ ⎛ H ⎞⎤
c = 0.230 ⎜ D ⎟ tanh 3.68 ⎜ L ⎟
12 ⎜H ⎟ ⎢ ⎜ D ⎟⎥ (9-16)
W ⎢⎣
L ⎝ L⎠ ⎝ ⎠⎥⎦
13
14
15 9.3.2 - Heights to centers of gravity (EBP (Fig. 9.3.2)
D
HL
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-37
STANDARD
h ⎛ D ⎞
1 i
= 0.5 − 0.09375 ⎜ ⎟ (9-17)
H ⎜H ⎟
L ⎝ L⎠
D
HL
h
4 i = 0.375 (9-18)
H
L
⎡ ⎛ HL ⎞⎤
cosh ⎢3.68 ⎜ ⎟
⎜ D ⎟⎥ − 1
h
c ⎢⎣ ⎝ ⎠⎥⎦
6 =1 − (9-19)
H ⎛H ⎞ ⎡ ⎛ H ⎞⎤
3.68 ⎜ L ⎟ sinh ⎢3.68 ⎜ L ⎟⎥
L
⎜ D ⎟ ⎜ D ⎟
⎝ ⎠ ⎢⎣ ⎝ ⎠⎥⎦
9 9.3.3 - Heights to center of gravity (IBP (Fig. 9.3.3)
D
HL
h'i
11 = 0.45 (9-20)
HL
D
HL
⎛ D ⎞
0.866 ⎜ ⎟
h
' ⎜H ⎟
13 i
=
⎝ L⎠
-
1
(9-21)
HL ⎡ ⎛ D ⎞⎤ 8
2 tanh ⎢0.866 ⎜ ⎟
⎜ H ⎟⎥
⎣⎢ ⎝ L ⎠⎦⎥
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-38
STANDARD
⎡ ⎛H ⎞⎤
cosh ⎢3.68 ⎜ L ⎟⎥
' ⎜ D ⎟ - 2.01
h
c ⎢⎣ ⎝ ⎠⎥⎦
1 =1 - (9-22)
HL ⎛H ⎞ ⎡ ⎛ H ⎞⎤
3.68 ⎜ L ⎟ sinh ⎢3.68 ⎜ L ⎟ ⎥
⎜ D ⎟ ⎜ D ⎟
⎝ ⎠ ⎢⎣ ⎝ ⎠⎥⎦
3 9.3.4 - Dynamic properties
4 Ti:
5 For tank Types 2.1 and 2.2:
12 E
7 ω =C × c (9-23)
i l H ρ
L c
3
1 10 E
9 [ ωi =C × c in the SI system]
l H ρ
L c
10
t
11 C = C × 10 w (9-24)
l w 12 r
12 [Cw from Fig. 9.3.4 (a)]
t
13 [ Cl =C × w in the SI system]
w 10 r
14
2π
15 T = (9-25)
i ω
i
16
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-39
STANDARD
1 For tank Type 2.3:
8π (W + W + W )
2 T = w r i (9-26)
i gDk
a
3 but shall not exceed 1.25 s
⎡⎛ 2 ⎞ ⎛ ⎞⎤
⎢ ⎜ As E s cos α ⎟ ⎜ 2G pw p Lp ⎟⎥
5 k = 144 ⎜ ⎟+⎜ ⎟⎥ (9-27)
a ⎢
⎢⎣⎜⎝
L S ⎟ ⎜ t pSp ⎟⎥
c c ⎠ ⎝ ⎠⎦
⎡⎛ 2 ⎞ ⎛ 2G w L ⎞⎤
3 ⎢⎜ As E s cos α ⎟ ⎜ p p p ⎟⎥
k = 10 ⎟+⎜
a ⎢⎜ ⎟⎥
⎡⎛ A E cos 2 α ⎞ ⎛ 2G p w p L p ⎞⎤ ⎢⎣⎜⎝
L S ⎟ ⎜ t pSp ⎟⎥
7 [ k a = 10 3 ⎢⎜⎜ s s ⎟+⎜ ⎟⎥ [ c c ⎠ ⎝ ⎠⎦ in the SI
⎢⎣⎝ Lc Sc ⎟ ⎜ t S ⎟⎥
⎠ ⎝ p p ⎠⎦
8 system]
10 Tc:
λ
ω =
λ c
11 ωc = D (9-28)
D
12 where
⎡ ⎛H ⎞⎤
λ = 3.68 g tanh ⎢3.68 ⎜⎜ L ⎟
⎡ ⎛H ⎞⎤ D ⎟⎥
13 λ = 3.68 g tanh ⎢3.68 ⎜ L ⎟⎥ ⎣ ⎝ ⎠⎦ (9-29)
⎜ D ⎟
⎣⎢ ⎝ ⎠⎦⎥
14
2π ⎛ 2π ⎞
T = =⎜ ⎟ D
c ω
2π ⎛ 2π ⎞ ⎝ λ ⎠
15 Tc = =⎜ ⎟ D c (9-30)
ωc ⎝ λ ⎠
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-40
STANDARD
⎛ 2π ⎞
⎜ ⎟
⎛ 2π ⎞
1 [ ⎜ ⎟ ⎝ λ ⎠ from Fig. 9.3.4 (b)]
⎝ λ ⎠
3 Tv:
4 For circular tanks:
γ DH 2
Tv = 2π L L
γ L DH L2 24 g t E
5 Tv = 2π w c (9-31)
24gt W E c
γ DH 2
L L
2 T = 2π
γ L DH L v 2gt E
6 [ Tv = 2π w c in SI system]
2gtW E c
8 9.4-- Seismic response coefficients CI Ci, CcCc, and Ct Ct
9
10 9.4.1 - Ci shall be determined as follows:
11 For TI ≤ TS Ci = SDS (9-32)
S D1
12 For TI > TS Ci = ≤ S DS (9-33)
Ti
13 where:
S D1
14 TS = (9-34)
S DS
15
16 SDS SDS = the design spectral response acceleration at short periods
2
17 S DS = S S Fa (9-35)
3
18 SD1 = the design spectral response acceleration at 1 s period

ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-41
STANDARD
2
1 S D1 = S Fv (9-36)
3 1
2 SS and S1 are the Mapped Spectral Response Accelerations at short periods (Ss) and 1-sec (S1)
3 respectively, and shall be obtained from the Fig. 9.4.1 maps Seismic Ground Motion maps 22-1
4 through 22-14 of ASCE 7-05, Section 22; and Fa and Fv are the Site Coefficients and shall be
5 obtained from Tables 9(a) and 9(b), 11.4-1 and 11.4-2, respectively, of ASCE 7-05, in
6 conjunction with Table 20.3-1, “Site Classification” of ASCE 7-05/.
9 NOTE: THE STATE-BY-STATE SEISMIC MAPS

10 HAVE ALREADY BEEN PREPARED
11 BY USGS ON BEHALF OF ACI 350
12 AND WILL BE INCORPORATED INTO
13 THE FINAL DRAFT OF THIS DOCUMENT
14
15 Fig. 9.4.1 - Seismic zone map of the United States (Reference 3)
16
17
18 9.4.2 - Cc shall be determined as follows:
19 For Tc ≤ 1.6/Ts s
1.5 S
20 Cc = D1 ≤ 1.5 S (9-37)
T DS
c
21 For Tc > 1.6/Ts s
⎛ 0.4S ⎞
⎜ DS ⎟ = 2.4 S DS
22 Cc = 6 ⎜ ⎟ (9-38)
⎜ T2 ⎟ T
2
⎝ c ⎠ c
23
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-42
STANDARD
1 9.4.3 – Ct shall be determined as follows:
2 For circular tanks
3 For Tv ≤ TS
4 Ct = SDS (9-39)
5 For Tv > TS
S D1
6 Ct = (9-40)
Tv
7 For rectangular tanks, Ct = 0.4SDS.
9 9.5--Site-specific seismic response coefficients Ci, Cc, and Ct
10 When site-specific procedures are used, the maximum considered earthquake ground motion
11 shall be taken as that motion represented by a 5% damped acceleration response spectrum having
12 a 2 percent probability of being exceeded in a 50 year period. Tthe maximum considered
13 earthquake spectral response accelerations SaM and ScM shall be obtained from the site-specific
14 acceleration spectrum as follows:
15 SaM shall be the spectral response acceleration corresponding to Ti or Tv, from a
16 horizontal response spectrum at 5 percent damping, except that when a 5-percent damped,
17 site-specific vertical response spectrum is available, SaM shall be the spectral acceleration
18 from that spectrum corresponding to Tv when used to determine Ct.
19 ScM shall be taken as 150 percent of the spectral response acceleration
20 corresponding to Tc, from a horizontal response spectrum at 0.5 percent damping, except
21 that when a 0.5-percent damped, site-specific horizontal response spectrum is available,

ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-43
STANDARD
1 ScM shall be equal to the spectral response acceleration from that spectrum corresponding
2 to period Tc.
3 The seismic response coefficients, CI Ci, Cc, and Ct shall be determined from equations (9-41),
4 (9-42), and (9-43) respectively.
6 For all periods, TI Ti
2
7 Ci = S (9-41)
3 aM
8 For all periods, Tc
2
9 C = S (9-42)
c 3 cM
10 For all periods, Tv
2
11 C = S (9-43)
t 3 aM
12 When a 5% damped, site-specific vertical response spectrum is available, coefficient Ct shall be
13 the spectral acceleration corresponding to Tv.
14 The values of Ci, Cc, and Ct used for design shall not be less than 80 percent of the corresponding
15 values as determined in accordance with Section 9.4.
16 9.6 - Effective mass coefficient, ε
17
18 9.6.1 - Rectangular tanks
⎡ 2 ⎤
⎢ ⎛ L ⎞ ⎛ L ⎞ ⎥
19 ε = 0.0151 ⎜ ⎟ − 0.1908 ⎜ ⎟ + 1.021 ≤ 1.0 (9-44)
⎢ ⎜H ⎟ ⎜H ⎟ ⎥
⎝ L ⎠ ⎝ L⎠
⎣⎢ ⎦⎥
20
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-44
STANDARD
⎡ 2 ⎤
⎢ ⎛ D ⎞ ⎛ D ⎞
2 ε = 0.0151 ⎜ ⎟ − 0.1908 ⎜ ⎟ + 1.021 ⎥ ≤ 1.0 (9-45)
⎢ ⎜H ⎟ ⎜H ⎟ ⎥
⎝ L ⎠ ⎝ L ⎠
⎣⎢ ⎦⎥
4 9.7--Pedestal-mounted tanks
5 The equivalent massesweights, Wi and Wc, and heights to the centers of gravity hi, hc, h'i, and h'c of
6 a mounted tank, shall be computed using the corresponding Eq. (9 -.2) and (9 -.3) for rectangular
7 and circular tanks, respectively.
9 The dynamic properties, including periods of vibration and lateral coefficients, shall be permitted to
10 be determined on the basis of generally acceptable methods of dynamic analysis.
11
12 TABLE 9.7 (a) – VALUES OF SITE COEFFICIENT Fa AS A FUNCTION OF SITE

13 CLASS AND MAPPED SPECTRAL RESPONSE ACCELERATION AT SHORT
14 PERIODS (Ss)*†
15 SITE MAPPED SPECTRAL RESPONSE ACCELERATION AT
16 CLAS SHORT PERIODS
17 S SS ≤ 0.25 SS = 0.50 SS = 0.75 SS = 1.00 SS ≥ 1.25
18 A 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8
19 B 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
20 C 1.2 1.2 1.1 1.0 1.0
21 D 1.6 1.4 1.2 1.1 1.0
22 E 2.5 1.7 1.2 0.9 ‡
23 F ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡
24 * SS values obtained from the maps in Fig. 9.4.1
25 † Use straight line interpolation for intermediate values of SS.
26 ‡ For these sites, site-specific geotechnical investigation and dynamic site
27 response analyses shall be performed.
28
29
30
31
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-45
STANDARD
1
2 TABLE 9.7 (b) – VALUES OF SITE COEFFICIENT FV AS A FUNCTION OF SITE
3 CLASS AND MAPPED SPECTRAL RESPONSE ACCELERATION AT 1 SECOND
4 PERIOD (S1)*†
5 MAPPED SPECTRAL RESPONSE ACCELERATION AT
SITE
6 1 SECOND PERIOD
CLASS
7 S1 ≤ 0.1 S1 = 0.2 S1 = 0.3 S1 = 0.4 S1 ≥ 0.5
8 A 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8
9 B 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
10 C 1.7 1.6 1.5 1.4 1.3
11 D 2.4 2.0 1.8 1.6 1.5
12 E 3.5 3.2 2.8 2.4 ‡
13 F ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡
14 * S1 values obtained from the maps in Fig. 9.4.1
15 † Use straight line interpolation for intermediate values of S1.
16 ‡ For these sites, site-specific geotechnical investigation and dynamic site
17 response analyses shall be performed.
18
19
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-46
STANDARD
1 TABLE 9.7 (c) – SITE CLASS DEFINITIONS(3)
2 AVERAGE PROPERTIES IN TOP 100 FT (30 m)
3 SOIL
4 SOIL SOIL SHEAR UNDRAINED
SITE STANDARD
5 PROFILE WAVE SHEAR
CLASS PENETRATION
6 NAME VELOCITY, vS, STRENGTH su
RESISTANCE, N
7 ft/s (m/s) psf (kPa)
8
9 A Hard rock vs > 5000 (1500) not applicable not applicable
10 2500 < vs ≤ 5000
B Rock not applicable not applicable
11 (760 < vs ≤ 1500)
12 Very dense
13 1200 < vs ≤ 2500
C soil N >50 su > 2000 (96)
14 (365 < vs ≤ 760)
and soft rock
15 Stiff soil 600 ≤ vs ≤ 1200 1000 ≤ su ≤ 2000
16 D 15 ≤ N ≤ 50
profile (180 ≤ vs ≤ 365) [48 ≤ su ≤ 96]
17 Soft soil
18 E vs < 600 (180) N < 15 su < 1,000 (48)
Profile
19
Any profile with more than 10 ft (3 m) of soil having the
20
following characteristics:
21
E -plasticity index PI > 20,
22
-moisture content w ≥ 40%, and
23
-undrained shear strength su < 500 lb/ft2 (24 kPa)
24
Any profile containing soils having one or more of the
25
following characteristics:
26
1.Soils vulnerable to potential failure or collapse under
27
seismic loading such as liquefiable soils, quick and highly
28
sensitive clays, collapsible weakly cemented soils.
29 F
2.Peats and/or highly organic clays [H > 10 ft (3 m) of peat
30
and/or highly organic clay, where H = thickness of soil]
31
3.Very high plasticity clays [H > 25 ft (7.5 m) with Plasticity
32
Index PI > 75]
33
4.Very thick soft/medium stiff clays [H > 120 ft (37 m)]
34
35 a. Where a site profile contains distinctly different soil layers, the effective design
properties shall be permitted to be determined in accordance with Reference 3.
36
37
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-47
STANDARD
IMPULSIVE & CONVECTIVE MASS FACTORS vs. L/HL RATIO

1.00
0.90
0.80
0.70
Wi/WL & Wc/WL
0.60 Wi/WL
Wc/WL
0.50
0.40
0.30
0.20
0.10
0.00
0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 7.5 8.0
L/HL RATIO
1
Wi Wc L
2 Fig. 9.2.1 - Factors and vs. ratio for rectangular tanks.
WL WL HL
⎡ ⎛ L ⎞⎤
tanh ⎢0.866 ⎜ ⎟⎥
⎢⎣ ⎜H ⎟⎥
W
i = ⎝ L ⎠⎦
4 (9-1)
W ⎛ L ⎞
0.866 ⎜ ⎟
L
⎜H ⎟
⎝ L⎠
W
c = 0.264 ⎛ L ⎞ ⎡ ⎛ H L ⎞⎤
⎜ ⎟ ⎢3.16 ⎜ ⎟
5
W ⎜ H ⎟tanh ⎜ L ⎟⎥ (9-2)
L ⎝ L⎠ ⎣⎢ ⎝ ⎠⎦⎥
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-48
STANDARD
IMPULSIVE & CONVECTIVE HEIGHT FACTORS vs. L/HL RATIO
0.90
0.80
0.70
hi/HL & hc/HL
hi/HL
hc/HL
0.60
0.50
0.40
0.30
0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 7.5 8.0
L/HL RATIO
1
hi h L
2 Fig. 9.2.2 - Factors and c vs. ratio for rectangular tanks (EBP).
HL HL HL
hi
3 :
HL
L h ⎛ ⎞
4 For tanks with < 1.333 i = 0.5 − 0.09375 ⎜ L ⎟ (9-3)
HL H ⎜H ⎟
L ⎝ L⎠
L hi
5 For tanks with ≥ 1.333 = 0.375 (9-4)
HL HL
hc
6 :
HL
⎡ ⎛ H ⎞⎤
cosh ⎢3.16 ⎜ L ⎟⎥ − 1
⎜ L ⎟
hc ⎢⎣ ⎝ ⎠⎥⎦
7 for all tanks: =1− (9-5)
H ⎛H ⎞ ⎡ ⎛ H ⎞⎤
L 3.16 ⎜ L ⎟ × sinh ⎢3.16 ⎜ L ⎟⎥
⎜ L ⎟ ⎜ L ⎟
⎝ ⎠ ⎣⎢ ⎝ ⎠⎦⎥
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-49
STANDARD
IMPULSIVE & CONVECTIVE HEIGHT FACTORS vs. L/HL RATIO
8.00
7.00
6.00
hi'/HL & hc'/HL (IBP)
5.00
4.00
3.00
2.00 hi'/HL
hc'/HL
1.00
0.00
0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 7.5 8.0
L/HL RATIO
1
h' hc' L
2 Fig. 9.2.3 - Factors i and vs. ratio for rectangular tanks (IBP)
H HL HL
L
h'
3 i :
H
L
L h'
4 For tanks with < 0.75 i = 0.45 (9-6)
H H
L L
⎛ L ⎞
0.866 ⎜ ⎟
h ' ⎜ H ⎟
5 For tanks with
L
≥ 0.75 i = ⎝ L⎠ −
1
(9-7)
H H ⎡ ⎛ L ⎞⎤ 8
2 × tanh ⎢0.866 ⎜ ⎟⎥
L L
⎢ ⎜H ⎟⎥
⎣ ⎝ L ⎠⎦
h'
6 c :
H
L
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-50
STANDARD
⎡ ⎛ H ⎞⎤
cosh ⎢3.16 ⎜ L ⎟⎥ − 2.01
h' ⎢ ⎜ L ⎟⎥
c =1− ⎣ ⎝ ⎠⎦
1 for all tanks (9-8)
H ⎛H ⎞ ⎡ ⎛H ⎞⎤
L 3.16 ⎜ L ⎟sinh ⎢3.16 ⎜ L ⎟⎥
⎜ L ⎟ ⎢⎣ ⎜ L ⎟⎥
⎝ ⎠ ⎝ ⎠⎦
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-51
STANDARD
FACTOR (2π/λ)
1.10
1.00
0.90
FACTOR (2π/λ)
0.80
0.70
0.60
0.50
0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 7.5 8.0
L/HL RATIO
1
2π
2 Fig. 9.2.4 - Factor for rectangular tanks
λ
λ
3 ω = (9-12)
c L
⎛⎛ ⎞ H ⎞
4 λ = 3.16gtanh⎜ 3.16 ⎜ L ⎟ ⎟ (9-13)
⎜ ⎜ L ⎟⎟
⎝ ⎝ ⎠⎠
2π ⎛ 2π ⎞
5 T = =⎜ ⎟ L (9-14)
c ωc ⎝ λ ⎠
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-52
STANDARD
IMPULSIVE & CONVECTIVE MASS FACTORS vs. D/HL RATIO
1.00
0.90
0.80
0.70
Wi/WL & Wc/WL
0.60
Wi/WL
0.50
Wc/WL
0.40
0.30
0.20
0.10
0.00
0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 7.5 8.0
D/HL RATIO
1
Wi Wc D
2 Fig. 9.3.1 - Factors and vs. ratio for circular tanks
WL WL HL
D
tanh[0.866 ( )]
Wi HL
4 = (9-15)
WL D
0.866 ( )
HL
Wc D H
5 = 0.230 ( )tanh[3.68( L )] (9-16)
WL HL D
6
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-53
STANDARD
IMPULSIVE & CONVECTIVE HEIGHT FACTORS vs. D/HL RATIO

0.90
0.80
hi/HL & hc/HL (EBP)
0.70
hi/HL
hc/HL
0.60
0.50
0.40
0.30
0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 7.5
D/HL RATIO
1
hi h D
2 Fig. 9..3.2 - Factors and c vs. ratio for circular tanks (EBP)
HL HL HL
hi
3 :
HL
D h ⎛ ⎞
4 For tanks with < 1.333 i = 0.5 − 0.09375 ⎜ D ⎟ (9-17)
HL H ⎜H ⎟
L ⎝ L⎠
D hi
5 For tanks with ≥ 1.333 = 0.375 (9-18)
HL HL
hc
6 :
HL
⎡ ⎛ H ⎞⎤
cosh ⎢3.68⎜ L ⎟⎥ − 1
⎜ D ⎟
hc ⎢
⎣ ⎝ ⎠⎦⎥
7 for all tanks =1− (9-19)
HL ⎛H ⎞ ⎡ ⎛H ⎞⎤
3.68⎜ L ⎟sinh ⎢3.68 ⎜ L ⎟⎥
⎜ D ⎟ ⎜ D ⎟
⎝ ⎠ ⎣⎢ ⎝ ⎠⎦⎥
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-54
STANDARD
1
IMPULSIVE & CONVECTIVE HEIGHT FACTORS vs. D/HL RATIO
6.00
5.00
hi'/HL & hc'/HL (IBP)
4.00
hi'/HL
3.00
hc'/HL
2.00
1.00
0.00
0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 7.5 8.0
D/HL RATIO
2
h' h' D
3 Fig 9.3.3 - Factors i and c vs. ratio for circular tanks (IBP)
H H H
L L L
h'
4 i :
H
L
'
D hi
5 For tanks with < 0.75 = 0.45 (9-20)
HL HL
⎛ D ⎞
0.866 ⎜ ⎟
' ⎜H ⎟
6 For tanks with
D
≥ 0.75
hi
=
⎝ L⎠ −
1
(9-21)
HL HL ⎡ ⎛ D ⎞⎤ 8
2tanh ⎢0.866 ⎜ ⎟⎥
⎢⎣ ⎜H ⎟⎥
⎝ L ⎠⎦
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-55
STANDARD
h'c
1 HL :
⎡ ⎛H ⎞⎤
cosh ⎢3.68 ⎜ L ⎟⎥ − 2.01
' ⎜ D ⎟
2 for all tanks
hc
=1−
⎣⎢ ⎝ ⎠⎦⎥
(9-22)
HL ⎛H ⎞ ⎡ ⎛H ⎞⎤
3.68 ⎜ L ⎟⎟sinh ⎢3.68 ⎜⎜ L ⎟⎟⎥
⎜ D
⎝ ⎠ ⎢⎣ ⎝ D ⎠⎥⎦
3
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-56
STANDARD
1
COEFFICIENT Cw
0.180
0.170
0.160
COEFFICIENT Cw
0.150
0.140
0.130
0.120
0.110
0.100
0.67 1.50 2.50 3.50 4.50 5.50 6.50 7.50 8.50 9.50
D/HL RATIO
2
3 Fig. 9.3.4 (b a) - Coefficient Cw for circular tanks
D
5 For > 0.667
HL
2 3 4 5
⎛H ⎞ ⎛H ⎞ ⎛H ⎞ ⎛H ⎞ ⎛ HL ⎞
6 Cw =9.375 × 10 − 2 +0.2039 ⎜⎜ L ⎟⎟−0.1034 ⎜⎜ L ⎟⎟ − 0.1253 ⎜⎜ L ⎟⎟ +0.1267 ⎜⎜ L ⎟⎟ − 3.186 × 10 − 2 ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟
⎝ D ⎠ ⎝ D ⎠ ⎝ D ⎠ ⎝ D ⎠ ⎝ D ⎠
7
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-57
STANDARD
FACTOR (2π/λ)
0.90
0.85
0.80
FACTOR (2π/λ )
0.75
0.70
0.65
0.60
0.55
0.50
0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 7.5 8.0
D/HL RATIO
1
2π
2 Fig. 9.3.4 (a b) - Factor for circular tanks
λ
λ
4 ω = (9-28)
c D
⎛ ⎛H ⎞⎞
5 λ = 3.68gtanh⎜ 3.68 ⎜ L ⎟⎟ (9-29)
⎜ ⎜ D ⎟⎟
⎝ ⎝ ⎠⎠
2π ⎛ 2π ⎞
6 Tc = =⎜ ⎟ D (9-30)
ωc ⎝ λ ⎠
7
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-58
STANDARD
COEFFICIENT Cw
0.180
0.170
0.160
COEFFICIENT Cw
0.150
0.140
0.130
0.120
0.110
0.100
0.67 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00 3.50 4.00 4.50 5.00 5.50 6.00 6.50 7.00 7.50 8.00 8.50 9.00 9.50 10.0
D/HL RATIO
1
2 Fig. 9.3.4 (b) - Coefficient Cw for circular tanks
D
4 For > 0.667
HL
2 3 4 5
⎛H ⎞ ⎛H ⎞ ⎛H ⎞ ⎛H ⎞ ⎛ HL ⎞
5 Cw =9.375 × 10 − 2 +0.2039 ⎜⎜ L ⎟⎟−0.1034 ⎜⎜ L ⎟⎟ − 0.1253 ⎜⎜ L ⎟⎟ +0.1267 ⎜⎜ L ⎟⎟ − 3.186 × 10 − 2 ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟
⎝ D ⎠ ⎝ D ⎠ ⎝ D ⎠ ⎝ D ⎠ ⎝ D ⎠
6
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-59
COMMENTARY
1
4 R1.1 - Scope
5 This standard is a companion standard to Chapter 21 of the American Concrete Institute, “Code
6 Requirements for Environmental Engineering Concrete Structures (ACI 350-XX) and
7 Commentary (ACI 350R-XX).” (1)
9 This standard provides directions to the designer of liquid-containing concrete structures for
10 computing seismic forces that are to be applied to the particular structure. The designer should
11 also consider the effects of seismic forces on components outside the scope of this standard, such
12 as piping, equipment (for example, clarifier mechanisms) and connecting walkways where
13 vertical or horizontal movements between adjoining structures or surrounding backfill could
14 adversely influence the ability of the structure to function properly.(2) Moreover, seismic forces
15 applied at the interface of piping or walkways with the structure may also introduce appreciable
16 flexural or shear stresses at these connections.
17
18 R1.2 - Notation
19 [Commentary on Cs]
20 For Cs, see Reference 3, Section 1617.4
21
22 [Commentary on EBP]
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-60
COMMENTARY
1 EBP refers to the hydrodynamic design in which it is necessary to compute the overturning of the
2 wall with respect to the tank floor, excluding base pressure (that is, excluding the pressure on the
3 floor itself). EBP hydrodynamic design is used to determine the need for hold-downs in nonfixed
4 base tanks. EBP is also used in determining the design pressure acting on walls. (For explanation,
5 see Reference 4.)
7 h = as defined in Section R9.2.4, ft (m)
9 [Commentary on IBP]
10 IBP refers to the hydrodynamic design in which it is necessary to investigate the overturning of the
11 entire structure with respect to the foundation. IBP hydrodynamic design is used to determine the
12 design pressure acting on the tank floor and the underlying foundation. This pressure is transferred
13 directly either to the subgrade or to other supporting structural elements. IBP accounts for moment
14 effects due to dynamic fluid pressures on the bottom of the tank by increasing the effective vertical
15 moment arm to the applied lateral forces. (For explanation, see Reference 4.)
16
17 [Commentary on N]
18 Guidelines for classifying the site on the basis of average field penetration resistance, N, may be
19 found in Reference 3, Sec. 1615.1.5, or Reference 5, Sec. 4.1.2.1.
20
21 pcy = unit lateral dynamic convective pressure distributed horizontally at liquid level y, lb/ft2
22 (kPa)
23
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-61
COMMENTARY
1 piy = unit lateral dynamic impulsive pressure distributed horizontally at liquid level y, lb/ft2
2 (kPa)
3 pwy = unit lateral inertia force due to wall dead weight, distributed horizontally at liquid level
4 y, lb/ft2 (kPa)
6 [Commentary on Ph]
7 For a schematic representation of Ph see Fig R5.3.1
9 q, qmax = unit shear force in circular tanks, lb/ft
10
11 Q = total membrane (tangential) shear force at the base of a circular tank, lb (kN)
12
13 Qhy = in circular tanks, hydrostatic hoop force at liquid level y (Qhy = qhy × R), lb per foot of
14 wall height (kN/m)
15
16 [Commentary on su]
17 Guidelines for classifying the site on the basis of average undrained shear strength, su, may be
19
20 S0 = effective peak ground acceleration (at T = 0), related to the maximum considered
21 earthquake; expressed as a fraction of the acceleration due to gravity, g, from a site-
22 specific spectrum. (S0 is equivalent to a PGA having a 2% probability of exceedance

ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-62
COMMENTARY
1 in 50 years, as given in the U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) database at website
2 (http://eqhazmaps.usgs.gov).
4 Sa = generalized design spectral response acceleration corresponding to a given natural
5 period, T, expressed as a fraction of the acceleration due to gravity, g
7 SD = spectral displacement, ft (m)
9 [Commentary on Ts]
Cv Cv
10 In Appendix B, Ts = = 0.40
2.5 C a Ca
11 where Ca and Cv are defined in Appendix B
12
13 [Commentary on vs]
14 Guidelines for classifying the site on the basis of average shear soil wave velocity, vs, may be
16
17 [Commentary on Wc, We, etc.]
18 “Equivalent mass,” “W” (as in Wc, We, etc.) = mass × acceleration due to gravity, g, lb.
19 In the SI system, “equivalent mass,” “W” = [mass (kg) × 9.80665 m/s2]/1000 = kN
20
21 η c, η i = coefficients as defined in Section R4.2
22
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-63
COMMENTARY
1 [Commentary on θ]
2 For θ see Fig. R5.2.1 and R5.2.2

ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-64
COMMENTARY
3 R2.1 – Ground-supported structures
4 For basic configurations of ground-supported liquid-containing structures, see Fig. R2.1
6 R2.1.1 – The classifications of Section 2.1.1 are based on the wall-to-footing connection details
7 as illustrated in Fig. R2.1.1.
9 With any one of the tank types covered under this report the floor may be a membrane-type slab,
10 a raft foundation, or a structural slab supported on piles.
11
12 The tank roof may be a free-span dome or column-supported flat slab; or the tank may be open-
13 topped.
14
15
16
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-65
COMMENTARY
HW
H
L
SECTION
L
1-ft wide strip

B
PLAN
RECTANGULAR TANK
PLAN
CIRCULAR TANK
1
3 Fig. R2.1 - Typical tank configurations (adapted from Reference 6)
5
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-66
COMMENTARY
1
Closure
Hold downs
Tank wall (Typ) strip Dowels if required
Floor (Typ)
Grout
FIXED HINGED or PINNED

TYPE 1.1 or 2.1 TYPE 1.2 or 2.2
NONFLEXIBLE BASE CONNECTIONS
Seismic cables
or anchors (Typ)
Flexible contain-
ment pads
Flexible base pad
(Typ)
ANCHORED UNANCHORED
FLEXIBLE BASE FLEXIBLE BASE FLEXIBLE BASE
TYPE 2.3(1) TYPE 2.3(2) TYPE 2.3(3)
FLEXIBLE BASE CONNECTIONS

2
3 Fig. R2.1.1 - Types of ground-supported liquid containing structures classified on the basis
4 of their wall-to-footing connection details (base waterstops not shown)
5
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-67
COMMENTARY
1 CHAPTER 3 – GENERAL CRITERIA FOR ANALYSIS AND DESIGN
2
3 R3.1 – Dynamic characteristics
4 For an outline of the general steps involved in the interaction between the structure and the
5 contained liquid, see Appendix A
6
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-68
COMMENTARY
1 CHAPTER 4 – EARTHQUAKE DESIGN LOADS
3 R4.1 - Earthquake pressures above base
4 The general equation for the total base shear normally encountered in the earthquake-design
5 sections of governing building codes V = CsW is modified in Eq. (4-1) through (4-4) by
6 replacing the term W with the four effective massesweights: the effective mass weight of the
7 tank wall, εWw, and roof, Wr; the impulsive component of the liquid mass weight Wi and the
8 convective component Wc,; and the term Cs with Ci, Cc, or Cv as appropriate.
10 Because the impulsive and convective components are not in phase with each other, normal
11 accepted practice is to combine them using the square-root sum-of-the-squares method (Eq. (4-
12 5)). (References 14, 16, and18).
13
14 A more detailed discussion of the impulsive and convective components, Wi and Wc, is contained
15 in Section R9.1
16
17 The imposed ground motion is represented by an elastic response spectrum that is either derived
18 from an actual earthquake record for the site, or is constructed by analogy to sites with known
19 soil and seismic characteristics. The profile of the response spectrum is defined by Sa, which is a
20 function of the period of vibration and the mapped accelerations SS and S1 as described in
21 Section R9.4.
22
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COMMENTARY
1 Factor I provides a means for the engineer to increase the factor of safety for the categories of
2 structures described in Table 4.2.2 4.1.1 (a). Engineering judgment may require a factor I greater
3 than tabulated in Table 4.2.2 4.1.1 (a) where it is necessary to further reduce further the potential
4 level of damage or account for the possibility of an earthquake greater than the design
5 earthquake.
7 The response modification factors Rc and Ri reduce the elastic response spectrum to account for
8 the structure’s ductility, energy-dissipating properties, and redundancy (Reference 1, Section
9 R21.2.1).
10
11 Explanations of the impulsive and convective pressures, Pi and Pc, are contained in Section R9.1
12 and Reference 4.
13
14 R4.1.1 – A model representation of Wi and Wc is shown in Fig. R9.1.
15
16 Energy Method: An energy method of dynamic analysis may be used instead of the base-shear
17 approach of Section 4.1 for sizing earthquake cables and base pad for flexible base joints.
18 (7), (8), (9), (10), (11), (12)
19
20 R4.1.4 – Vertical acceleration
21 The effective fluid pressure will be increased or decreased due to the effects of vertical
22 acceleration. Similar changes in effective weight of the concrete structure may also be considered.
23
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COMMENTARY
1 Reference 3, Section. 1617.1.1 and Reference 5, Sec. 5.2.7 use a factor of 0.2SDS to account for the
2 effects of vertical ground acceleration in the definition of seismic effects.
4 R4.2 - Application of site-specific response spectra
5 R4.2.1 - General
6 R4.2.1 – In locations with Ss ≥ 1.5 or S1 ≥ 0.60, and sites with weak soil conditions, site-specific
7 response spectra are normally used.
9 R4.2.2 – Probabilistic minimum considered earthquake
10 R4.2.2 – SaM is the spectral acceleration in g’s, corresponding to the natural period of horizontal
11 motion, Ti, or vertical motion, Tv, of the tank and the impulsive component of the stored liquid;
12 and is obtained from a site-specific response spectrum at 5 % of critical damping. For the
13 maximum limits on SaM see Reference 3.
14 For probabilistic ground motions, a 2-percent probability of exceedance in a 50-year period is
15 equivalent to a recurrence interval of approximately 2,500 years.
16
17 When the available site-specific response spectrum is for a damping ratio β other than 5% of
18 critical, the period-dependent spectral acceleration SaM given by such site-specific spectrum
19 should be modified by the factor ηi to account for the influence of damping on the spectral
20 amplification as follows (Reference 13):
21
22 For 0 s <(Ti or Tv) < Ts
2.706
23 ηi =
4.38 −1.04lnβ
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-71
COMMENTARY
1
2 For Ts < (Ti or Tv) < 4.0 s
2.302
3 η =
i 3.38 −0.67lnβ
5 For β = 5% ηi = 1.0
7 ScM is the spectral acceleration in g’s corresponding to the period, Tc, of the first (convective)
8 mode of sloshing, and obtained from a site-specific response spectrum at 0.5% of critical
9 damping.
10
11 When the available site-specific response spectrum is for a damping ratio β other than 0.5% of
12 critical, the period-dependent spectral acceleration ScM given by that spectrum should may be
13 modified by the ratio ηc to account for the influence of damping on the spectral amplification as
14 follows:
3.043
15 η =
c 2.73 −0.45lnβ
16 For β = 0.5 percent ηc = 1.0
17
18 For site-specific response spectra drawn on a tripartite logarithmic plot, the design spectral
19 acceleration ScM can also be derived by using the relationship
2
S D ⎛ 2π ⎞ 1.226 S D
20 S cM = η c ⎜ ⎟ = ηc
g ⎜⎝ Tc ⎟⎠ Tc
2
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-72
COMMENTARY
1 where SD is the spectral displacement corresponding to Tc obtained directly from the site-specific
2 spectrum in the range Tc > 1.6/Ts .
4 The use of a site-specific response spectrum represents one specific case of an “accepted
5 alternate method of analysis” permitted in Chapter 21, Section 21.2.1.6, of ACI 350-XX.
6 Therefore, the 80% lower limit imposed in 4.2.2 should be considered the same as the limit
7 imposed in Section 21.2.1.6(a) of ACI 350-XX.
9 R4.2.3 – Deterministic maximum considered earthquake
10 R4.2.3 For deterministic ground motions, the magnitude of a characteristic earthquake on a given
11 fault should be the best estimate of the maximum magnitude capable for that fault and should not
12 be lesss than the largest magnitude that has occurred historically on the fault.
13
15
16 R5.2 - Shear transfer (Reference 14)
17 The horizontal earthquake force V generates shear forces between the wall and footing and the
18 wall and roof.
19
20 R5.2.1 – Rectangular tanks
21 Typically, the distribution of forces and wall reactions in rectangular tank walls will be similar to
22 that shown in Fig. R5.2.1.
23
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COMMENTARY
1 R5.2.2 -Circular tanks
2 In fixed- and hinged-base circular tanks (Types 2.1 and 2.2), the earthquake base shear is
3 transmitted partially by membrane (tangential) shear and the rest by radial shear that causes
4 vertical bending. For a tank with a height-to-diameter ratio of 1:4 (D/HL = 4.0), approximately
5 20% of the earthquake shear force is transmitted by the radial base reaction to vertical bending.
6 The remaining 80% is transmitted by tangential shear transfer Q. To transmit this tangential
7 shear, Q, a distributed shear force, q, is required at the wall/footing interface, where
Q
8 q= sinθ
πr
9 The distribution is illustrated in Fig. R5.2.2.
10
11 The maximum tangential shear occurs at a point on the tank wall oriented 90 degrees to the
12 design earthquake direction being evaluated and is given by:
13
Q 0.8V
14 q = =
max πr πr
15 The radial shear is created by the flexural response of the wall near the base, and is therefore
16 proportional to the hydrodynamic forces shown in Fig. R5.2.1. The radial shear attains its
17 maximum value at points on the tank wall oriented zero and 180 degrees to the ground motion
18 and should be determined using cylindrical shell theory and the tank dimensions. The design of
19 the wall-footing interface should take the radial shear into account.
20
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COMMENTARY
1 In general, the wall-footing interface should have reinforcement designed to transmit these
2 shears through the joint. Alternatively, the wall may be located in a preformed slot in the ring
3 beam footing.
5 In anchored, flexible-base, circular tanks (Type 2.3(1)) it is assumed that the entire base shear is
6 transmitted by membrane (tangential) shear with only insignificant vertical bending.
7 Q = 1.0V
Q V
8 q = =
max π r π r
9 In tank Types 2.3(2) and 2.3(3) it is assumed that the base shear is transmitted by friction only.
10 If friction between the wall base and the footing, or between the wall base and the bearing pads,
11 is insufficient to resist the earthquake shear, some form of mechanical restraint such as dowels,
12 galvanized steel cables, or preformed slots may be required.
13
14 Failure to provide a means for shear transfer around the circumference may result in sliding of
15 the wall.
16
17 When using preformed slots, vertical bending moments induced in the wall by shear should be
18 considered.
19
20 The roof-to-wall joint is subject to earthquake shear from the horizontal acceleration of the roof.
21 Where dowels are provided to transfer this shear, the distribution will be the same as shown in
22 Fig. R5.2.2 with maximum shear given by:

ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-75
COMMENTARY
0.8P
1 q = r
max πr
2 where Pr is the force from the horizontal acceleration of the roof.
4 For tanks with roof overhangs, the concrete lip can be designed to withstand the earthquake
5 force. Because the roof is free to slide on top of the wall, the shear transfer will take place over
6 that portion of the circumference where the lip overhang comes into contact with the wall.
7 Typically, the distribution of forces and wall reactions in circular tanks will be similar to that
8 shown in Fig. R5.2.1 but reacting on only half of the circumference. The maximum reaction
9 force will be given by:
2.0P
10 q = r
max πr
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COMMENTARY
1/2 Impulsive force

1/2 Impulsive force
plus 1/2 Convective
plus 1/2 Convective
r
Direction of
ground motion
Trailing half Leading half
CIRCULAR TANK
Direction of
ground motion
B
Trailing half Leading half
RECTANGULAR TANK
1
2 Fig. R5.2.1 - Hydrodynamic pressure distribution in tank walls (adapted from References 4 and
3 14).
Distribution of
base shear
r
Direction of
ground motion Unit shear, q
5
6
7 Fig. R5.2.2 - Membrane shear transfer at the base of circular tanks (adapted from Reference 14).
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-77
COMMENTARY
1
2 R5.3-Dynamic force distribution above base
4 R5.3.1 - Rectangular tanks
5 The vertical distribution, per foot of wall height, of the dynamic forces acting perpendicular to
6 the plane of the wall may be assumed as shown below (adapted from Reference 14, Section
7 2.2.9.5), and Fig. R5.3.1 (a b).
Pc/2
P'w
HL Pcy P iy HW
hc Pi /2 Pwy
hi y hw
Convective Impulsive Wall

Inertia
= Exact distribution
8 = Linear approximation
9 P
wy i
(
= C I R × ε γ Bt
i c w
) [( )] / 12
10 [P
wy
=
⎛C I
⎜ i
⎝
⎞
i⎠
[(
R ⎟ × ε γ Bt
c w
)] in SI]
P ⎡ ⎛ ⎞⎤
i ⎢4H − 6h − 6H −12h
⎢ L i L
(
i
) ⎜⎜ Hy
⎟⎥
⎟
⎝ L ⎠⎥⎦
2
11 Piy =
⎣
H L2
⎡ ⎞⎤
P
c ⎢4H − 6h − 6H −12h
⎢ L c L c
( ) ⎛⎜⎜ Hy
⎟⎥
⎟
⎝ L ⎠⎥⎦
2
12 Pcy =
⎣
H L2
13 Figure R5.3.1(b a) – Vertical force distribution – rectangular tanks

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COMMENTARY
1
2 The horizontal distribution of the dynamic pressures across the wall width B, is:
P P
wy cy
3 p = p =
wy B cy B
P
iy
4 p = p = u q
iy B vy v hy
6 The dynamic force on the leading half of the tank will be additive to the hydrostatic force on the
7 wall, and the dynamic force on the trailing half of the tank will reduce the effects of the
8 hydrodynamic force on the wall.
10
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COMMENTARY
UNIT "SLICE" B
OF WALL HEIGHT
(TYP) unit q
hy unit p
wy
Phy Hw Pwy
HL
y y
UNIT q AT HEIGHT y: = (H -y) (R5.3.1) P = RESULTANT FORCE AT HEIGHT y (R5.3.1)

hy L L wy
Pwy
P = RESULTANT FORCE AT HEIGHT y: = B*q hy UNIT p = (R5.3.1)
hy wy B
1 TLF P'w FROM Eq. (4-1a)
TOTAL LATERAL FORCE (TLF), P = 2 LH2L * B
h
HYDROSTATIC PRESSURES, q hy WALL INERTIA UNIT FORCE, p wy
unit p unit p
iy cy
Piy Pcy
y y
P = RESULTANT FORCE AT HEIGHT y (R5.3.1) P = RESULTANT FORCE AT HEIGHT y

iy cy
Piy Pcy
UNIT p = (R5.3.1) UNIT p = (R5.3.1)
iy B cy B
TLF P i FROM Eq. (4-3) TLF P c FROM Eq. (4-4)
IMPULSIVE PRESSURES, p CONVECTIVE PRESSURES, p

iy cy
1
2
3 Fig. R5.3.1(a b) - Distribution of hydrostatic and hydrodynamic pressures and inertia forces
4 on the wall of a rectangular liquid-containing structure
5 (adapted from Reference 15)
6 (For circular tanks, the vertical distribution of the impulsive and convective forces is identical to
7 that shown above for rectangular tanks, while the horizontal distribution varies along the tank
8 circumference as shown in Fig. R.5.2.1)

ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-80
COMMENTARY
1 R5.3.3 - Circular tanks
2 The vertical distribution, per foot of wall height, of the dynamic forces acting on one half of the
3 wall may be assumed as shown below and in Fig. R5.2.1.

ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-81
COMMENTARY
Pc /2
Pw/2
HL Pcy Piy Hw
hc Pi /2 Pwy
hw
hi y
Convective Impulsive Wall

Inertia
= Exact distribution
1 = Linear approximation
P
w
2 P = (for constant-thickness wall. For tapered wall, modify accordingly)
wy 2H
w
P ⎡ ⎛ ⎞⎤
2 ⎢ L i L
(
i ⎢4H − 6h − 6H − 12h ⎜ y ⎟ ⎥
i ⎜ H ⎟⎥
)
⎣ ⎝ L ⎠⎦
3 Piy =
2
HL
Pc ⎡ ⎛ y ⎞⎤
2 ⎢ L c L
(
⎢4H − 6h − 6H − 12h ⎜ ⎟⎥
c ⎜ H ⎟⎥
)
⎣ ⎝ L ⎠⎦
4 Pcy =
2
HL
5 Figure R5.53.3 – Vertical force distribution – circular tanks
6
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-82
COMMENTARY
1 The horizontal distribution of the dynamic pressure across the tank diameter D, may be assumed
2 as follows:
P 16P
wy cy
3 p = p = × cosθ
wy πR cy 9ππ
2P
iy
4 p = cosθ p = u q
iy πR vy v hy
6
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-83
COMMENTARY
1 CHAPTER 6 – STRESSES
3 R6 - General
5 In calculating the vertical bending moments in the walls of rectangular and circular tanks, the
6 boundary conditions at the wall-to-base and wall-to-roof joints should be properly accounted for.
7 Typical earthquake force distributions in walls of rectangular and circular tanks are presented in
8 R5.3.1 and R5.3.3 respectively.
10 R6.2 - Circular tanks
11 For free-base circular tanks (Type 2.3) the terms in Eq. (6-1) are defined as follows:
2Piy
12 N iy = p iy × r = for (at θ =0 )
π
16Pcy
13 N cy = p cy × r = for ( at θ = 0 )
9π
Pwy
14 N wy = pwy × r =
π
15 N hy = uv × Q hy
16 where:
17 Q hy = q hy × r
18 For fixed- or hinged-base circular tanks (Types 2.1 and 2.2) the terms in Eq. (6-1) should be
19 modified to account for the effects of base restraint. Similarly, the terms in Eq. (6-1) should be
20 modified to account for the restraint of rigid wall-to-roof joints.

ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-84
COMMENTARY
1 CHAPTER 7 - FREEBOARD
3 R7.1 - Wave oscillation
4 The horizontal earthquake acceleration causes the contained fluid to slosh with vertical
5 displacement of the fluid surface. The maximum vertical displacement, dmax, may be calculated
6 from the following expressions:
7 (a) dmax = (L/2) (Cc I) rectangular
8 (b) dmax = (D/2) (Cc I) circular
9 where Cc is the seismic response coefficient as computed in 9.4.
10
11 The amount of freeboard required for in design to accommodate this sloshing will vary. Where
12 overtopping is tolerable no freeboard provision is necessary. Where loss of liquid should be
13 prevented (for example, tanks for the storage of toxic liquids), or where overtopping may result
14 in scouring of the foundation materials or cause damage to pipes, roof, or both, then one or more
15 of the following measures should be undertaken:
16 • Provide a freeboard allowance;
17 • Design the roof structure to resist the resulting uplift pressures; and
18 • Provide an overflow spillway.
19
20 Where site-specific response spectra are used, the maximum vertical displacement, dmax, may be
21 calculated from the following expressions:
22
23 (a) Rectangular tanks:
24
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-85
COMMENTARY
2
(0.667 S )⎛ 2π ⎞
⎛L⎞ ⎛L⎞ D ⎜ ⎟
1 d = ⎜ ⎟(C I)=
max ⎝ 2 ⎠ c
⎜ ⎟I ×η
c ⎜T ⎟
⎝2 ⎠ g
⎝ c ⎠
2
3
4 (b) Circular tanks:
5
2
(0.667 S )⎛ 2π ⎞
⎛D ⎞ ⎛D ⎞ D ⎜ ⎟
6 d = ⎜ ⎟(C I)= ⎜ ⎟I ×η
max ⎝2 ⎠ c ⎝2 ⎠ c g ⎜T ⎟
⎝ c ⎠
7
8
9 where Cc is as defined in Section 9.5; and ScM (as in the equation for Cc), ηc, and SD are as
10 defined in Section R4.2.2.
11
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COMMENTARY
1 CHAPTER 8 – EARTHQUAKE-INDUCED EARTH PRESSURES
2
3 R8.1 - General
4 R8.1 – The lateral forces due to the dynamic earth and groundwater pressures are combined
5 algebraically with the impulsive forces on the tank as in Eq. (4-5).
6
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COMMENTARY
2 R9.1 - General
3 The following commentary is adapted from Reference 4:
5 The design procedures described in Chapter 4 recognize that the seismic analysis of liquid-
6 containing structures subjected to a horizontal acceleration should include the inertia forces
7 generated by the acceleration of the structure itself, and the hydrodynamic forces generated by
8 the horizontal acceleration of the contained liquid.
10 According to Housner (Reference 4), the pressures associated with these forces “can be separated
11 into impulsive and convective parts. The impulsive pressures are not impulses in the usual sense
12 but are associated with inertia forces produced by accelerations of the walls of the container and
13 are directly proportional to these accelerations. The convective pressures are those produced by
14 the oscillations of the fluid and are therefore the consequences of the impulsive pressures.”
15
16 Figure R9.1 shows an equivalent dynamic model for calculating the resultant seismic forces
17 acting on a ground-based fluid container with rigid walls. This model has been accepted by the
18 profession for the past 30 years since the early 1960s. In this model, Wi represents the resultant
19 effect of the impulsive seismic pressures on the tank walls. Wc represents the resultant of the
20 sloshing (convective) fluid pressures.
21
22
23
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COMMENTARY
1 In the model, Wi is rigidly fastened to the tank walls at a height hi above the tank bottom, that
2 corresponds to the location of the resultant impulsive force Pi. Wi moves with the tank walls as
3 they respond to the ground shaking (the fluid is assumed to be incompressible and the fluid
4 displacements small). The impulsive pressures are generated by the seismic accelerations of the
5 tank walls so that the force, Pi is evenly divided into a pressure force on the wall accelerating
6 into the fluid, and a suction force on the wall accelerating away from the fluid. During an
7 earthquake, the force Pi changes direction several times per second, corresponding to the change
8 in direction of the base acceleration; the overturning moment generated by Pi is thus frequently
9 ineffective in tending to overturn the tank.
10
11 Wc is the equivalent mass weight of the oscillating fluid that produces the convective pressures
12 on the tank walls with resultant force Pc, which acts at a height of hc above the tank bottom. In
13 the model, Wc is fastened to the tank walls by springs that produce a period of vibration
14 corresponding to the period of fluid sloshing. The sloshing pressures on the tank walls result
15 from the fluid motion associated with the wave oscillation. The period of oscillation of the
16 sloshing depends upon the ratio of fluid depth to tank diameter and is usually several seconds.
17 The overturning moment exerted by Pc (Fig. R9.1) acts for a sufficient time to tend to uplift the
18 tank wall if there is insufficient restraining weight. The forces Pi and Pc act independently and
19 simultaneously on the tank. The force Pi (and its associated pressures) primarily act to stress the
20 tank wall, whereas Pc acts primarily to uplift the tank wall. The vertical vibrations of the ground
21 are also transmitted to the fluid thus producing pressures that act on the tank walls. They act to
22 increase or decrease the hoop stresses.
23
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COMMENTARY
1 The pressures and forces on a cylindrical tank are similar to but not the same as those acting on a
2 rectangular tank.
4 The rapid fluctuations of the force Pi mean that the bending moments and stresses in the wall of
5 a rectangular tank also vary rapidly (the effect is not like a constant force acting on the wall).
6 The duration of the fluctuations is 10 s to 15 s for earthquakes of magnitude 6.5 to 7.5.
8 The force Pc fluctuates sinusoidally with a period of vibration that depends on the dimensions of
9 the tank and can be several seconds or longer. The duration of sloshing can be 20 to 40 s for
10 earthquakes of magnitude 6.5 to 7.5. Note that the damping of the sloshing water is small,
11 approximately 0.5 to 1% of critical damping. The sloshing increases and decreases the fluid
12 pressure on the wall. Normally, this is smaller than the impulsive effect, but if there is not
13 enough dead load, the tank will tend to uplift.
14
15 R9.2 – Rectangular tanks (Type 1)
16 All equations in Section 9.2, except Eq. (9-9), (9-10), (9-11), were originally developed by
17 Housner (Reference 4) and subsequently used by other authors (References 7, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18,
18 19, and 22).
19 Eq. (9-9), (9-10), and (9-11) were adapted from Reference 14.
20
21 R9.2.4 - Dynamic properties
22 The following equations are provided as examples for the special case of a wall of uniform
23 thickness,. (Note that mass is equal to weight divided by the acceleration due to gravity).
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-90
COMMENTARY
⎛t ⎞
1 mw = H w ⎜ w ⎟ ρ c
⎝ 12 ⎠
⎛t ⎞
2 [ mw = H w ⎜⎜ w ⎟⎟ ρc in the SI system]
⎝10 3 ⎠
⎛W ⎞⎛L ⎞
3 mi = ⎜ i ⎟⎜ ⎟H ρ
⎜W ⎟ ⎝2 ⎠ L L
⎝ L ⎠
(h
w
m
w
+h m )
=
( )
i i
4 h
m
w
+m
i
5 where hw = 0.5Hw and hi is obtained from Eq. (9-3) and (9-4), and Fig. 9.2.2.
7 For walls of nonuniform thickness, special analysis is required to determine mw, mi, and h.
9 For fixed-base, free-top cantilever walls, such as in open-top tanks, flexural stiffness for a unit
10 width of wall may be approximated using the following equation:
3
E ⎛t ⎞
11 k = c ⎜ w ⎟
48 ⎝ h ⎠
3
E c ⎛tw ⎞
12 [k = ⎜ ⎟ in the SI system]
4 ×10 6 ⎝ h ⎠
13 Flexural stiffness formulas may be developed for other wall support conditions. Such spring
14 constants will generally fall within the low period range (less than about 0.3 s) for tanks of
15 normal proportions.
16
17 As an alternative to computing the natural period of vibration, particularly for end conditions
18 other than cantilever, it is reasonable to assume the wall rigid. In such case, Eq. (9-32) may be
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-91
COMMENTARY
1 conservatively used to calculate the impulsive forces regardless of the actual boundary
2 conditions of the structure or structural components being analyzed.
4 R9.3 – Circular tanks (Type 2)
5 All equations in Section 9.3, except Eq. (9-23) through (9-28), were originally developed by
6 Housner (Reference 4) and subsequently used by other authors (References 7, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18,
7 19, and 22.
9 Eq. (9-23) through (9-28) were adapted from Reference 14.
10
11 R9.3.4 - Dynamic properties
12 Eq. (9-23) and (9-24) are adapted from References 16 and 17.
13
14 Eq. (9-26) and (9-27), are adapted from References 18 and 19.
15
16 Eq. (9-13), (9-14), (9-29), and (9-30) are adapted from Reference 4.
17
18 R9.4 – Seismic response coefficients Ci, Cc, and Ct.
19 Designations Ci, Cc, and Ct define the profile of the design response spectrum at periods Ti, Tc,
20 and Tv respectively. A plot of the seismic response coefficient Ci is shown in the design
21 response spectrum below, which is adapted from Reference 3.
22
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COMMENTARY
Sa
SPECTRAL RESPONSE ACCEL., Ci = Sa
S
DS
Ci = Sa = SD1 /T i < = SDS
T
Ts 1.0s
1 PERIOD T
2 Figure R9.4.1 - Design Response Spectrum
4 R9.4.1 -The Mapped Spectral Response Accelerations, Ss and S1 can also be obtained from the
5 seismic maps contained in References 3, 5, 20, and 21, which provide these parameters on a
6 county-by-county basis. Alternatively, these parameters can also be obtained for a specific zip
7 code or latitude and longitude for any location can also be obtained from the latest database of
8 the United States Geological Survey (USGS), at its website http://eqhazmaps.usgs.gov., using the
9 specific zip code or latitude and longitude that identify the location.
10
11 In regions other than those shown in the Fig. 9.4.1 maps or the maps in References 3, 5, 20, or
12 21, SS and S1 may be replaced by the maximum considered earthquake spectral response
13 accelerations from 5% damped response spectra representing earthquakes with a 2 % probability
14 of exceedance in a 50 yr period, equivalent to a recurrence interval of approximately 2,500 yr.
15
16 Guidelines for classifying a site in Tables 9.7 (a) and 9.7 (b) on the basis of average field
17 penetration resistance, N, average undrained shear strength, su, and average shear soil wave
18 velocity, vs, may be found in Reference 3, Section 1615.1.5 or Reference 5, Section 4.1.2.1
19
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-93
COMMENTARY
1 R9.4.2 – Factor 1.5 represents the approximate ratio of the spectral amplifications based on 0.5%
2 damping to those based on 5% damping. 0.4SDS in Eq. (9-38) is an approximation of the
3 effective peak ground acceleration, S0 (at T =0) reduced by a factor of 2/3.
5 R9.4.3 - The period of vibration of vertical liquid motion, Tv, for a circular tank (upright
6 cylinder) is derived from the axisymmetric pulsating (“breathing”) of the cylindrical wall due to
7 the hydrodynamic pressures resulting from the vertical, piston-like “pounding” of the stored
8 liquid by the vertically accelerating ground.
10 This mode of vibration is relevant only to circular tanks and does not apply to rectangular tanks.
11 While the derivation of Tv for circular tanks has been the subject of several technical papers, the
12 committee is not aware of any work devoted to the derivation of this parameter for rectangular
13 tanks. Therefore, for rectangular tanks, Ct is taken independent of the period of vibration.
14
15 R9.5 – Site-specific seismic response coefficients Ci, Cc, and Ct
16 A 2 % probability of exceedance in a 50 yr period is equivalent to a recurrence interval of
17 approximately 2,500 years.
18
19 For damping ratios other than 5 % of critical, see R4.2
20
21 If the site-specific response spectrum does not extend into, or is not well defined in the Tc range,
22 coefficient Cc may be calculated using the equation

ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-94
COMMENTARY
2
S0 4S
1 Cc = 6 3 = 0
2 T 2
T c
c
2 where S0 is the effective site-specific peak ground acceleration (at T = 0) expressed as a fraction
3 of the acceleration due to gravity, g.
5 The use of site-specific response spectra represents one specific case of an “accepted alternateive
6 method of analysis” permitted in Section 21.2.1.7 of ACI 350-XX. Therefore, the 80 percent
7 lower limit imposed in 9.5 should be considered the same as the limit imposed in Section
8 21.2.1.7 of ACI 350-XX.
10 R9.6 – Effective mass coefficient, ε
11 The coefficient ε represents the ratio of the equivalent (or generalized) dynamic mass of the tank
12 shell to its actual total mass. Equations (9-44) and (9-45) are adapted from Reference 16.
13
14 For additional information related to the effective mass coefficient ε, consult Reference 17.
15
16 R9.7 - Pedestal-mounted tanks
17 References 4, 22, and 23 provide additional guidelines on the dynamic analysis of pedestal-
18 mounted tanks.
19
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-95
COMMENTARY
Undisturbed Oscillating
Water Surface Water Surface
d max
Wc
WL
HL
Wi hc
hi
D
or L
(a) Fluid Motion in Tank (b) Dynamic Model
0.5Pc 0.5Pc
Pc
0.5Pi Pi 0.5Pi hc
hi
Pi + Pc
M + M = P h + Pc hc
i c i i
(c) Dynamic Equilibrium of Horizontal Forces

1
2 Fig. R9.1 - Dynamic model of liquid-containing tank rigidly supported on the ground
3 (adapted from References 4 and 6)

ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-96
COMMENTARY
1 CHAPTER 10 - COMMENTARY REFERENCES
2 1. ACI Committee 350, 2001, “Code Requirements for Environmental Engineering
3 Concrete Structures (ACI 350-01) and Commentary (350R-01),” American Concrete
4 Institute, Farmington Hills, Mich.
5 2. 1981, “Earthquake Design Criteria for Water Supply & Wastewater Systems,” National
6 Science Foundation Report NSF/CE52-81079, Sept.
7 3. International Building Code, 2003 Edition, International Code Council, 2003
8 4. Housner, G.W., 1963, “Dynamic Pressure on Fluid Containers,” Technical Information
9 (TID) Document 7024, Chapter 6, and Appendix F, U.S. Atomic Energy Commission.
10 5. 2000, “NEHRP Recommended Provisions for Seismic Regulations for New Buildings
11 and Other Structures”, Part 1:Provisions (FEMA 368) and Part 2:Commentary (FEMA
12 369), Building Seismic Safety Council, Washington, D.C.
13 6. American Society of Civil Engineering, 1984, “Fluid/Structure Interaction During
14 Seismic Excitation,” a Report by the Committee on Seismic Analysis.
15 7. Housner, G. W., 1956, “Limit Design of Structures to Resist Earthquakes,” Proceedings,
16 World Conference on Earthquake Engineering, University of California, Berkley, pp.5-1
17 to 5-13.
18 8. John A. Blume & Associates, 1958, “Report of Testing Program on Earthquake Cable
19 Detail for the Preload Company,” Inc., Jl.
20 9. Medearis, K., and Young, D. H., 1964, “Energy Absorption of Structures Under Cyclic
21 Loading,” ASCE Journal of the Structural Division, V. 90, ST1, Feb., pp.61-89.
22 10. Uang, C. M., and Bertero, V. V. 1988, “Use of Energy as a Design Criterion in
23 Earthquake-Resistant Design,” EERC Report No. UCB/EERC-88, Nov.

ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-97
COMMENTARY
1 11. Bertero, V. V., 1995, “Energy Based Design Approach”, SEAOC, Performance Based
2 Seismic Engineering of Buildings, Apr., pp. D-1 to D-12
3 12. Scarlat, A. S., 1997, “Design of Soft Stories - A Simplified Energy Approach”,
4 Earthquake Spectra, V. 13, No. 2, pp. 305-315, May.
5 13. Newmark, N. M., and Hall, W. J., 1982, “Earthquake Spectra and Design,” Earthquake
6 Engineering Research Institute Monograph.
7 14. New Zealand Standard, 1986, “Code of Practice for Concrete Structures for the Storage
8 of Liquids,” NZS 3106.
9 15. Haroun, M. A., 1984, “Stress Analysis of Rectangular Walls Under Seismically Induced
10 Hydrodynamic Loads,” Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America, V. 74, No. 3,
11 pp. 1031-1041, Jun.
12 16. American Society of Civil Engineers, 1981, “Guidelines for the Seismic Design of Oil
13 and Gas Pipeline Systems,” prepared by the Committee on Gas and Liquid Fuel Lifelines
14 of the Technical Council on Lifeline Earthquake Engineering, Section 7.
15 17. Veletsos, S. A., and Shivakumar, P., 1997, “Dynamic Response of Tanks Containing
16 Liquids or Solids”, Computer Analysis and Design of Earthquake Resistant Structures,
17 Computational Mechanics Publications, Earthquake Engineering Series, V. 3, D. E.
18 Beskos and S. A. Anagnostopoulos, ed.
19 18. 1995, AWWA Standard for Wire- and Strand-Wound, Circular, Prestressed Concrete
20 Water Tanks, ANSI/AWWA D110-95.
21 19. 1995, AWWA Standard for Circular Prestressed Concrete Water Tanks With
22 Circumferential Tendons, ANSI/AWWA D115-95.

ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-98
COMMENTARY
1 20. 1997, “NEHRP Recommended Provisions for Seismic Regulations for New Buildings
2 and Other Structures”, Part 1:Provisions (FEMA 302) and Part 2:Commentary (FEMA
3 303), Building Seismic Safety Council, Washington, D.C.
4 21. “Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures”, ASCE 7-98 05, American
5 Society of Civil Engineers, Reston, VA.
6 22. Haroun, M. A., and Ellaithy, H. M., 1985, “Seismically Induced Fluid Forces on Elevated
7 Tanks”, Journal of Technical Topics in Civil Engineering, ASCE, V. III, No. 1, pp. 1-15,
8 Dec.
9 23. ACI Committee 371, 2001, “Guide For the Analysis, Design, and Construction of
10 Concrete-Pedestal Water Towers” (ACI 371R-98), American Concrete Institute,
11 Farmington Hills, Mich.
12 24. Uniform Building Code, V. 2, 1997 Edition, International Conference of Building
13 Officials, Whittier, CA, 1997.

ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-99
COMMENTARY
1 APPENDIX A - DESIGN METHOD
3 A.1-General outline of design method
4 In the absence of a more rigorous method of analysis, the general procedures outlined below may
5 be used to apply the provisions of Chapters 1 through 9.
7 Dynamic lateral forces
8 1. Calculate the mass weight of the tank shell (wall), Ww, and roof, Wr. Also, compute
9 coefficient ε and effective mass weight, We = ε Ww + Wr.
10
11 2. Calculate the effective mass weight of the impulsive component of the stored liquid, Wi, and
12 the convective component, Wc, using Fig. 9.2.1 for rectangular tanks or Fig. 9.3.1 for
13 circular.
14
15 3. Calculate the combined natural frequency of vibration, ωi, of the containment structure and
16 the impulsive component of the stored liquid (Eq. (9-9) for rectangular tanks or Eq. (9-23)
17 for circular tank types 2.1 and 2.2). The impulsive mode will generally fall into the rigid
18 range of the response spectra (that is, the constant spectral acceleration region of the design
19 response spectrum in Fig. R9.4.1) for common sizes of concrete tanks. Thus, if the
20 maximum value of Ci is used (SDS), calculation of the natural frequency and natural period is
21 not required.
22
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-100
COMMENTARY
1 4. Calculate the frequency of the vibration ωc, of the convective component of the stored liquid
2 (Eq. (9-12) for rectangular tanks or Eq. (9-28) for circular).
4 5. Using the frequency values determined in Steps 3 and 4, calculate the corresponding natural
5 periods of vibration, Ti and Tc. (Eq. (9-11) and (9-14) for rectangular tanks, or Eq. (9-25),
6 (9-26) and (9-30) for circular tanks).
8 6. Select an importance factor I from Table 4.2.2 4.1.1 (a).
10 7. From the applicable seismic hazard ground motion maps of ASCE 7-05, Section 22, Fig.
11 9.4.1, obtain the mapped maximum considered earthquake spectral response accelerations at
12 short periods and at one second (SS and S1 respectively).
13 [NOTE: Alternatively, SS and S1 can be obtained from the seismic maps of References 3,
14 5, and 20; or from the database of the United States Geological Survey (USGS), at its website
15 http://eqhazmaps.usgs.gov].
16 After selecting the site class classification from ASCE 7-05, Table 9.7 (c) 20.3-1, obtain
17 coefficients Fa and Fv using ASCE 7-05, Tables 9.7 (a) and 9.7 (b) 11.4-1 and 11.4-2, and
18 calculate SDS and SD1 using Eq. (9-35) and (9-36).
19
20 8. Based on the periods determined in Step 5 and the values derived in Step 7, calculate the
21 corresponding seismic response coefficients Ci and Cc (Eq. (9-32), (9-33), (9-37), and (9-
22 38)).
23
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-101
COMMENTARY
1 NOTE:
2 Where a site-specific response spectrum is constructed in accordance with 4.2.1, coefficients
3 Ci and Cc are determined in accordance with Sections 9.5 and R9.5.
5 9. Select the factor R specified for the class of structure being investigated (Table 4.2.2 4.1.1
6 (b)).
8 10. Compute the dynamic lateral forces (Eq. (4-1) to (4-4)), and total base shear, V (Eq. (4-5)).
10 Pressure distribution
11 11. Compute the vertical distribution of the impulsive and convective force components in
12 accordance with Chapter 5.
13
14 Overturning moments
15 12. Calculate the heights hw, hr, hi, and hc (EBP), and hi' and hc' (IBP), to the center of gravity of
16 the tank wall, roof, impulsive component, and convective component respectively (Fig. 9.2.2,
17 9.2.3, 9.3.2, and 9.3.3, or Sections 9.2 and 9.3).
18
19 13. Calculate the bending and overturning moments (Eq. (4-10) and (4-13)).
20
21 Vertical acceleration
22 14. For circular tanks, Ccalculate the natural period of vibration of vertical liquid motion, Tv,
23 (Eq. (9-31)).
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-102
COMMENTARY
1
2 15. Calculate the vertical amplification factor, Ct (Section 9.4.3), as a function of Tv.
4 16. Calculate the hydrodynamic pressure pvy using Eq.’s (4-14) and (4-15).
6 Stresses
8 17. In rectangular tanks, calculate the stresses in the wall due to the impulsive and convective
9 pressures, depending on the structural system considered (Section 6.1), and the stresses
10 associated with the increase in effective fluid density due to the vertical acceleration.
11
12 18. In circular tanks, calculate the hoop stresses due to the impulsive and convective pressures,
13 and due to the vertical acceleration (Section 6.2).
14
15 19. Calculate the overall bending stresses due to the overturning moments (from Step 13).
16 Downward pressures on the neoprene bearing pads of free base circular tanks caused by
17 overturning moments should be considered. If uplift develops on the heel side, then anchor
18 cables must be provided.
19
20
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-103
COMMENTARY
1 APPENDIX B – ALTERNATIVE METHOD OF ANALYSIS BASED ON 1997 UBC 1997
2 B.1 – Introduction
4 B1.1 – Scope
5 The purpose of this Appendix is to permit the user to adapt the provisions of ACI 350.3 to the
6 seismic provisions of the 1997 edition of the Uniform Building Code (UBC) (Reference 24).
7 The differences between the 1997 UBC and the 2003 IBC seismic provisions as used in this
8 Standard are primarily due to differences in the definition of design ground motions and the
9 construction of the corresponding design response spectra as explained below.
10 NOTE: All section, table, figure and equation references are to 1997 UBC except as otherwise
11 indicated.
12
13 B1.2 – Design ground motions
14 This appendix presents an outline of the methodology to be followed when computing the
15 loading side of seismic analysis in accordance with 1997 UBC (Reference 24). In this case, the
16 design ground motions are those with a 10 % probability of exceedance in 50 years.
17
18 B.2 – Notation (Not included in Section 1.2 of this standard)
19 Ca = seismic coefficient, as set forth in Table 16-Q
20 Cv = seismic coefficient, as set forth in Table 16-R
21 DL = dead load
22 E = earthquake load as defined in Section 1630.1
23 LL = live load
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-104
COMMENTARY
1 SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF, = soil profile types as set forth in Table 16-J.
2 Na = near-source factor used in the determination of Cv in Seismic Zone 4 related to the
3 proximity of the structure to known faults with magnitudes and slip rates as set forth in Tables
4 16-S and 16-U.
5 Nv = near-source factor used in the determination of Cv in Seismic Zone 4 related to the
6 proximity of the structure to known faults with magnitudes and slip rates as set forth in Tables
7 16-T and 16-U.
8 Ts = 0.40Cv/Ca
9 Z = seismic zone factors as given in Table 16-I
10
11 B.3 – Loading side, general methodology
12 NOTE: All section, table, figure and equation references are to 1997 UBC except as otherwise
13 indicated.
14 1. Select the Seismic Zone (1 through 4) where the site is located, using the seismic zone map,
15 Fig. 16-2.
16
17 2. Using the Seismic Zone determined in Step 1, find the Zone Factor Z from Table 16-I
18
19 3. Consulting paragraph 1636.2 and Table 16-J, select the soil profile type designation SA
20 through SF that best represents the soil at the site.
21
22 4. Using the Zone Factor Z and the soil profile designation from Steps 2 and 3, find the seismic
23 coefficient Ca from Table 16-Q and Seismic Coefficient Cv from Table 16-R.
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-105
COMMENTARY
1
2 5. If the structure is in seismic zone 4, select a Seismic Source Type A, B, or C from Table 16-U,
3 and near-source factors Na and Nv from Tables 16-S and 16-T, respectively.
Cv C
5 6. Compute Ts = = 0.40 v
2.5 C a Ca
7 7. Using the values of Ca, Cv, and Ts, construct a design response spectrum as in Fig. 16-3 and
8 below:
C C
v
2.5 Ca
T
C
T = v
s 2.5 C
a
Ca
T
T
9 s
10 Fig. B.1 – Modified UBC-1997 Design Response Spectrum
11
12 8. Seismic response coefficients Ci, and Cc:
13
14 8.1 Ci (impulsive component): Compute period of vibration Ti in accordance with Eq. (9-11) of
15 this Standard for rectangular tanks, and Eq (9-25) or (9-26) for circular.
16 NOTE 1: Section 1634.1.4 specifies the method for determining the fundamental period
17 by referencing 1630.2.2. Ffor liquid-retaining structures, however, the methods in
18 Chapter 9 of this standard should be used.

ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-106
COMMENTARY
1
2 Compute seismic response coefficient Ci corresponding to Ti, using the above design response
3 spectrum as follows:
4 NOTE 2: Section 1629.8, “Selection of Lateral-force Procedures,” allows three
5 options for computing lateral forces, depending on the type of structure being
6 investigated: simplified static, static, or dynamic. For liquid-containing structures, this
7 standard uses the static procedures in accordance with 1629.8.3, modified as indicated
8 in this standard.
10 (a) For all seismic zones:
11 For Ti ≤ Ts
12 Ci = 2.5Ca (B-1)
13
14 For Ti > Ts
C
v
15 C
i
= (B-2)
T
i
16 (b) In addition, for Seismic Zone 4:
17 Ci ≥ 1.6ZNv (B-3)
18
19 8.2 Cc (convective component): Compute period of vibration Tc using Eq. (9-14) of this
20 standard for rectangular tanks and (9-30) for circular tanks.
21 For Tc ≤ 1.6/Ts s
C
22 Cc = 6 a (B-4)
2
Tc
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-107
COMMENTARY
1 For Tc > 1.6/Ts s
1.5 Cv
2 Cc = ≤ 3.75C (B-5)
Tc a
3 9. Base shears, V:
4 Compute Ww, Wr, and WL.
5 Compute Wi and Wc using the equations in Sections 9.2 and 9.3 of this Standard.
6 Select coefficient Ri and Rc from Table 4.2.2 (b) of this standard.
7 Select an importance factor, I, from Table 4(a) of this standard.
8 Compute the component parts of the total lateral force, Pw, Pr, Pi, and Pc in accordance with
9 Section 4.1.1 of this standard as follows:
10
Ci I
12 Pw = ε Ww (B-6)
Ri
Ci I
13 Pr = W (B-7)
Ri r
Ci I
14 Pi = W (B-8)
Ri i
15 Pc =
Cc I W (B-9)
Rc c
16 Equations (B-8) and (B-9) take the following form depending on the period Ti and Tc:
17 For Ti ≤ Ts
18 Pi =
2.5 C a I W [1997 UBC Eq. (30-5)]
Ri i
19 For Ti > Ts
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-108
COMMENTARY
Pi Cv I W 0.56 C a I Wi
R i Ti i
1 = ≥ [1997 UBC Eq. (30-4) and (34-2)]
2 For Tc > 1.6/Ts s,
6 Ca I W 1.5(2.5 C a )I
Pc Wc
R c Tc2 c
3 = ≤ (B-10)
Rc
4 For Tc ≤ 1.6/Ts s,
5 Pc = 1.5 Cv I Wc (B-11)
R c Tc
6
7 (b) In addition, for seismic zone 4,
8 Pi ≥
1.6 Z Nv I W [1997 UBC Eq. (34-3)]
Ri i
10 10. Total base shear, V:
11 The total base shear due to Pw, Pr, Pi, and Pc may be computed by combining these lateral loads
12 using the square root of the sum of the squares method as in Section 4.1.2 of this standard.
2 2
13 V = (Pw + Pr + Pi ) + Pc
14
15 11. Vertical load distribution:
16 The vertical distribution of the lateral seismic forces may be assumed as shown in Section 5 of
17 this standard.
18
19 12. Vertical component of ground motion:

ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-109
COMMENTARY
1 Compute the natural period of vibration of the vertical liquid motion, Tv, in accordance with
2 Section 9.3.4 of this standard.
4 Compute seismic response coefficient Ct as follows:
6 For circular tanks:
7 For Tv ≤ Ts
8 Ct = Ca (B-12)
9 For Tv > Ts
Cv
10 Ct = (B-13)
Tv
11 For rectangular tanks, for all periods, Tv:
12 Ct = Ca (B-14)
13
14 (b) In addition, for seismic zone 4,
15 For rectangular and circular tanks:
16 Ct ≥ 1.6ZNv (B-15)
17 Compute the spectral acceleration, üv as follows:
18 uv = Ct I b (B-16)
Ri
19 13. Overturning moments:
20 Compute overturning moments for the lateral loads described above using the procedures of
21 Section 4.1.3 of this standard. Combine the computed moments using the square root of the sum
22 of the squares method as in the same section.

ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-110
COMMENTARY
1
2 B.4 - Site-specific spectra –(Section 1631.2 (2))
3 When a site-specific design response spectrum is available, the coefficients Ci and Ct, are
4 replaced by the actual spectral values corresponding to Ti and Tv respectively from the 5%-
5 damped site-specific spectrum, and Cc is replaced by the actual spectral value corresponding to
6 Tc from the 0.5% damped site-specific spectrum.
8 If the site-specific response spectrum does not extend into, or is not well defined in the Tc range,
9 coefficient Cc may be calculated using Eq. (B-4), with Cv representing the effective site-specific
10 peak ground acceleration expressed as a fraction of the acceleration due to gravity, g.
11
12 B.5 – Resistance side
13 1. The resistance side of the seismic design, including load combinations and strength reduction
14 factors, may be computed in accordance with the applicable provisions of 1997 UBC or ACI
15 350-XX/350R-XX, Chapter 9.
16
17 2. Where the approved standard defines acceptance criteria in terms of allowable stresses (as
18 opposed to strengths), the design seismic forces obtained from this appendix shall be reduced by
19 a factor of 1.4 for use with allowable stresses, and allowable stress increases used in the
20 approved standard are permitted. When such a standard is used, the following load combinations
21 are permitted to be used for design instead of the SEI/ASCE 7 Load Factor Combinations
22 (Reference 21).
23 DL + LL + E/1.4
ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.3R-111
COMMENTARY
1
2 B.6 – Freeboard
⎛ L or D ⎞
3 d max = C I ⎜ ⎟ (B-17)
c ⎝ 2 ⎠

ACI 350.3/350.3R seismic design standard for liquid-containing concrete structures

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ACI 350.3/350.3R seismic design standard for liquid-containing concrete structures

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ACI 350.3/350.3R - XX 350.3/350.

Nicholas A. Legatos* Andrew R. Minogue*

James P. Archibald A. Ray Frankson Dov Kaminetsky David M. Rogowsky

Voting Subcommittee Members

Osama Abdel-Aal Carl A. Gentry* Jack Moll William C. Sherman*

2 Keywords: Circular tanks; concrete tanks; convective component; environmental concrete

3 structures; earthquake resistance; impulsive component; liquid-containing structures; rectangular

4 tanks; seismic resistance; sloshing; storage tanks.

12 and design of all types of liquid-containing environmental concrete structures. The

16 implement the committee’s decision.

22 acceleration, mapped maximum considered earthquake spectral response accelerations at

5 types of tanks – rectangular, as well as circular; and reinforced concrete, as well as

9 these are limited to circular, prestressed concrete tanks only).

16 the resistance side only; and

2 forces at allowable stress levels.

7 natural frequency of the tank;

8 (2) This standard includes the response modification factor;

10 combines these modes by the square-root-sum-of-the-squares;

11 (4) This standard includes the effects of vertical acceleration; and

8 As = cross-sectional area of base cable, strand, or conventional reinforcement, in.2 (mm2)

9 b = ratio of vertical to horizontal design acceleration

10 B = inside dimension (length or width) of a rectangular tank, perpendicular to the

11 direction of the earthquake force, ground motion being investigated, ft (m)

13 and Ct = period-dependent seismic response coefficients defined in 9.4 and 9.5

15 Eq. (9-24) and Fig. 9.3.4 (b))

16 Cs = period-dependent seismic coefficient

18 D = inside diameter of circular tank, ft (m)

20 Ec = modulus of elasticity of concrete, lb/in.2 (MPa)

21 Es = modulus of elasticity of cable, wire, strand, or conventional reinforcement, lb/in.2

2 (a) ASCE 7-05, Table 11.4-1

4 ASCE 7-05, Table 11.4-2

5 Gp = shear modulus of elastomeric bearing pad, lb/in.2 (MPa)

6 g = acceleration due to gravity (32.17 ft/s2 [9.807 m/s2])

8 for the case excluding base pressure (EBP), ft (m)

10 for the case including base pressure (IBP), ft (m)

12 for the case excluding base pressure (EBP), ft (m)

14 for the case excluding base pressure (IBP), ft (m)

17 H = thickness of soil layer from ground surface, ft (m)

18 HL = design depth of stored liquid, ft (m)

19 Hw = wall height (inside dimension), ft (m)

20 I = importance factor, from Table 4.2.2 (a)

22 tank bottom and supporting structure)

2 ka = spring constant of the tank wall support system, lb/ft2 (kPa)

3 Ka = active coefficient of lateral earth pressure

4 Ko = coefficient of lateral earth pressure at rest

6 force ground motion being investigated, ft (m)

8 strand diameter, in. (mm)

9 Lp = length of individual elastomeric bearing pads, in. (mm)

13 mw = mass per unit width of a rectangular tank wall, lb-s2/ft24 (kN-s2/m24)

17 (EBP), due to the convective force, Pc

19 structure (IBP), due to the convective force, Pc

21 (EBP), due to the impulsive force, Pi

23 structure (IBP), due to the impulsive force, Pi

2 structure, ft-lb (kN-m)

4 (EBP), due to the roof inertia force, Pr

6 (EBP), due to the wall inertia force, Pw

10 accelerating liquid, lb per foot of wall height (kN/m)

12 acceleration, lb per foot of wall height (kN/m)

14 accelerating liquid, lb per foot of wall height (kN/m)

18 wall mass, lb per foot of wall height (kN/m)

21 Pc = total lateral convective force associated with Wc, lb (kN)

23 level y, lb per ft. of wall height (kN/m)

2 groundwater pressures, lb (kN)