The Design of Liquid-Retaining Structures: a Review of Various National Recommendations

The design of liquid-retaining structures in the UK has been governed by a series of Codes of Practice dating back to 1938. Outside the UK, practice varies. In the USA, Australia, and Hungary, there are specific Codes, whereas in some other countries there are documents which provide a design method, but which do not have the status of a Code of Practice. Now that the design of normal concrete structures is enshrined in Eurocode 2, and an additional section is being written to encompass containment structures, it seems appropriate to examine the variations in practice for the design of these somewhat specialised structures. This technical note is put forward in order that comparisons may be made, and in due course, a consensus for a Eurocode may be reached more easily.

R.D. Anchor