Civil Engineering/Slab Strength

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Expert: - 9/20/2006


Question
I have a oil tank which I would like to place on a slab of concrete.  The concrete is an average of 6" thick.  The tanks placement is more than 4'from the edge of the slab.  The oil tank sits on two saddles with a foot print of 2568 sq in and 476 in of perimeter.  The tank with all it's contents weighs 88640 lbs.  Should I be concerned with the concrete failing?

Answer
Hi Dale,

As a direct pressure on the concrete, it should be OK (you have not mentioned grade of concrete or rebar, though).

However, what is critical is what is below the 6" slab- if it is founded on weak soil or subgrade than you could have a problem with differential settlement or cracking within the slab. If it is on sound rock foundation, then no problem!

I hope that helps!

Kind`regards,

Arshad.

Civil Engineering

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Arshad Khan

Expertise

I can answer any questions to do with civil and structural engineering consultancy and construction industry in East Africa and the Middle East, and specifically with the analysis and design of reinforced concrete structures. My particular expertise is in the aseismic design and optimisation of tall buildings.

Experience

Employment history: 36 years in Construction and consultancy in the UK, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Eritrea, South Africa, Somalia, Zambia, Austria, Bahrain, Kuwait, Doha and the U.A.E.

Organizations
.Fellow of Institution of Structural Engineers (UK) .Fellow of Institution of Civil Engineers(UK) .Member of the Institution of Engineers, Kenya .Registered Engineer, ERB, Kenya .Member of the Architectural Association of Kenya (Engineers Chapter) .Chartered Engineer (UK)

Publications
•1984: International Conference on the Art and Practice of Structural Design, London •1994: 3rd Int. Kerensky Conference in Structural Engineering, Singapore •2008: International Conference on High-Rise Towers, Abu Dhabi

Education/Credentials
BSc, 1st Class Hons, in Building Engineering, University of Bath, UK MSc in Concrete Structures and Technology, University of London. Diploma of Imperial College, UK.

Awards and Honors
•Science Congress Special Award (for 2-seater Hovercraft - 1968) •Institution of Civil Engineers Award for outstanding performance at Bath University (1975) •Concrete Society Postgraduate study Bursary Award (1976) •Consular Representative for British High Commission, Nairobi. (1995 to 1998) •Examiner for Institution of Civil Engineers Professional Interviews, Nairobi. (1997 to 1998) •Branch Representative in Vienna for PI assessment for Inst. of Struct. Engrs. (1999 to date)

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