Common Mistakes and Omissions in the Design of Pressurized Concrete Water Holding Structures: Case Study

Content of this article was driven by forensic investigation of a failed pressurized concrete water holding structure. Forensic analysis of that particular structure, review of the original design documents, and review of some comments made during the litigation revealed a very disturbing design tendency: many design professionals tend to oversimplify the design approach. As a result, tank owners receive a deficient design, a problem frequently litigated in the Courts. Omissions in the tank design are costly and frequently irreversible. The following discussion is written with the intention of helping design professionals, contractors, and tank owners to better understand the issues linked to design and construction of successful, watertight water holding structures.