IS 3370:2009 Part 4 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for concrete structures for storage of liquids - design tables. This part of IS 3370 provides comprehensive design tables containing coefficients for calculating bending moments, shear forces, and hoop tensions in the walls of cylindrical and rectangular liquid storage structures. It accounts for various boundary conditions such as fixed, hinged, or free edges under triangular hydrostatic pressure.
Contains design tables and curves to aid in the design of concrete structures for liquid storage.
Quick Reference — IS 3370 Part 4:2009 Design Tables
Coefficient tables for moments, shears and ring tensions in cylindrical and rectangular liquid-retaining structures. Use with Parts 1–3 for stress checks.
| Reference | Value | Clause |
|---|
| Application | Design tables / coefficients for moments, shears and ring tensions | Cl. 1 / Foreword |
| Cylindrical tanks — hinged/free base | Coefficients tabulated for H²/Dt ratios | Annex A (Tables) |
| Cylindrical tanks — fixed base | Coefficients tabulated similarly | Annex A (Tables) |
| H²/Dt — common range | 0.4 – 16 (Tables provided) | Annex A |
| Rectangular tanks — coefficients | For ratio L/B and B/H per panel boundary conditions | Annex B |
| Triangular load — wall fixed at base, free at top | Coefficients for hoop/vertical moments | Annex B |
| Uniform load — wall fixed at base, hinged at top | Coefficients tabulated | Annex B |
| Ring tension — coefficient symbol | T = coefficient × γ·H·D/2 | Annex A (notation) |
| Vertical bending moment — coefficient | Mv = coefficient × γ·H³ (cylindrical) | Annex A (notation) |
| Plate-bending — Poisson's ratio assumed | 0.20 (concrete) | Annex A (Note) & Annex B (Note) |
| Bottom slab on ground — uplift case | Treat as plate on elastic foundation; tables in Annex C | Annex C |
| Roof slab — flat dome assumptions | Coefficients per ratio rise/span | Annex D |
| Continuity at base — partial fixity factor | Designer judgment / soil-structure interaction | Cl. 5 |
| Design temperature gradient — guidance | 10 – 25 °C through wall (typical) | |
| Safety factors — applied via Part 1/2 stresses | Tables give moments only; combine with Part 1/2 | Cl. 1 |
⚠ Annex tables are largely numerical — clause hierarchy minimal. Many designers also reference PCA Tables; ensure traceability to IS 3370-4 in submissions.
Overview
- Status
- Current
- Usage level
- Specialized
- Domain
- Structural Engineering — Structural Design and Loading
- Type
- Code of Practice
Also on InfraLens for IS 3370
Practical Notes
! Carefully verify the boundary condition (fixed vs. hinged base) before selecting the appropriate table.
! Coefficients are given for specific dimensional ratios; linear interpolation is typically required for intermediate values.
! Ensure appropriate sign conventions are followed for moments (positive vs. negative) to correctly place tension reinforcement on the liquid face or outer face.
Frequently referenced clauses
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International Equivalents
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International Comparison — Coming Soon
We're adding equivalent international standards for this code.
Key Values3
Quick Reference Values
Density of water (w) standard design assumption10 kN/m3
Max table aspect ratio (L/B or c/b) for rectangular tanks3.0
Max shape factor (H^2/Dt) for cylindrical tank tables16.0
Key Formulas
M = Coefficient * w * a^3 — Bending moment in rectangular tank walls
T = Coefficient * w * H * R — Hoop tension in cylindrical tank walls
V = Coefficient * w * H^2 — Shear force at the base of cylindrical tanks
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Bending Moments in Rectangular Tank Walls (Hinged Base)
Table 2 - Bending Moments in Rectangular Tank Walls (Fixed Base)
Table 9 - Hoop Tension in Cylindrical Tank Walls (Fixed Base)
Table 13 - Bending Moments in Cylindrical Tank Walls (Fixed Base)
Table 17 - Shear Force at Base of Cylindrical Tanks
Key Clauses
Section 2 - Rectangular Tanks
Section 3 - Cylindrical Tanks
Frequently Asked Questions3
What load distribution is used in the tables?+
The tables assume a triangular load distribution representing hydrostatic pressure, which is zero at the top and maximum (wH) at the base.
How is hoop tension calculated using this code?+
Using the formula T = Coefficient × w × H × R, where coefficients are taken from the respective tables based on the H²/Dt ratio.
Do the tables account for roof loading?+
No, the tables primarily deal with hydrostatic loading on the tank walls. Roof slabs must be designed separately as per IS 456.
QA/QC Inspection Templates
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QA/QC templates coming soon for this code.