BAR SIZE LIMITATION FOR WATER RETAINING STRUCTURE

[Tstruct]

I have heard that minimum #4 bar size must be used for water retaining structures. I searched in ACI 350 but didn't find any such clause. Can somebody please provide reference to any such clause if exists in ACI 350 or any other ACI code. For a small water tank retaining wall I am designing, #3 bar at 6" spacing is adequate. But there is debate for the bar size. Thanks, please comment.

 

[MacGruber22]

ACI 350-06 7.12.2.2 requires #4 minimum bar size for shrinkage and temp reinforcement. That is pretty much everything IMO - main bars may not be controlled by temp and shrinkage but they are acting to resist it. Chapter 19 on shells and plate members requires #4 for everything (19.2.7). ACI 350 crack control provisions (as well as other codes) encourage use of smaller bar diameters with tighter spacings, as I am sure you know. What are you using for durability factor? The durability factor does take a hit when your working stresses are closer to strength design stresses in severe conditions (i.e. minimum load factor), so you may want to have some fat in there anyways...I would.






-Mac