vertical tank foundation

[Lemmond]

I am trying to help a friend by designing a foundation for a 12,000 gallon vertical water tank. The tank is approx. 10' dia. and sets on four legs. I have been looking at a 12' x 12' x 6" reinforced slab with 12" or 18" of reinforced concrete below the four legs. I have also looked at short columns and some other things. I am not experienced with foundations, but I want to help. I don't really know what direction I should take with this problem. If I knew which direction to go, I am confident that I can calculate the design.

Any ideas will be apprecitated.

 

[Busman]

You might try posting in the "Foundation Engineering" Forum if you haven't already. It might yield more responses.

I imagine they will ask you for more info, such as soil information (boring logs) for bearing and other soil parameters. You will also need to consider the effects of horizontal loading, sliding and overturning due to wind or seismic loads. If you are not very experienced in this type of thing, you will probably need some one-on-one PE assistance with someone familier with foundations of this type.