Aci-350.3-06.pdf

This document is an American Concrete Institute (ACI) standard titled:

The most critical concept introduced by ACI 350.3-06 is the breakdown of the liquid mass into two distinct components during a seismic event. The standard utilizes the mechanical analogy originally developed by Housner and refined over decades:

The use of ACI 350.3-06 provides several benefits, including: ACI-350.3-06.pdf

The seismic design philosophy outlined in ACI 350.3-06 is based on the following principles:

2. Key Concepts from ACI 350.3-06

• Impulsive component – moves with the tank wall.
• Convective component – sloshing mass near the liquid surface.
• Effective weights – ( W_i ) (impulsive) and ( W_c ) (convective) as fractions of total liquid weight.
• Heights – ( h_i ) and ( h_c ) to determine overturning moments.
• Periods – impulsive period ( T_i ) (short) and convective period ( T_c ) (long).
• Design spectrum – per ASCE/SEI 7 for the site.

Background

The ".3" identifier is crucial. It deals exclusively with earthquake loading. The "-06" suffix indicates the 2006 edition of the standard.

ACI 350.3-06 differs from standard building codes in its philosophy regarding load combinations. It utilizes strength design (Load and Resistance Factor Design, LRFD) but applies it through the lens of environmental durability. This document is an American Concrete Institute (ACI)

ACI 350.3-06, published by the American Concrete Institute, is the definitive code for the seismic design of liquid-containing concrete structures, focusing on structural integrity to prevent leaks during earthquakes. It provides engineering frameworks for calculating impulsive and convective (sloshing) hydrodynamic pressures on tank walls. The standard is available for purchase from the official ACI Store.