Structural Analysis and Design of a Circular Tank Reinforced with Basalt FRP Rebars

Loayza P.G.R.S.; Avellaneda J.C.P.; Gutierrez P.B.Q.; Fernandez A.N.A. · Civil Engineering and Architecture (2026) · DOI: 10.13189/cea.2026.141301

Resumen

Reinforced concrete structures for liquid storage play an essential role in resource distribution and must maintain their functionality even after seismic events. However, conventional steel used as reinforcement has limitations related to corrosion, reduced service life, and the significant environmental impact of its production. In this context, Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRPs), particularly basalt rebars (BFRP), are presented as a viable alternative because of their high tensile strength, immunity to corrosion, and low density, although their lower elastic modulus can affect their service capacity performance. This investigation is devoted to the structural analysis and design of a 2000 m³circular tank located in Lima, Peru. The dimensions of this tank are 20 m in diameter and 6 m in liquid height, and it consists of a bottom slab, cylindrical walls, spherical dome, and ring beam. The execution of the structural analysis was carried out according to E.030 and ACI 350.3 standards. The design of the reinforcement with BFRP, in comparison with the conventional steel, was carried out following ACI 440.1R and E.060 regulations, respectively. The results show that BFRP offers highly competitive performance. For instance, in flexure, the dome exhibited an 18.01% reduction in its capacity, while the cylindrical walls and the bottom slab showed increases of 27.77% and 76.67%, respectively, in their capacity, although they required smaller spacings than those required for steel with the aim to limit crack widths. In tension, BFRP outperformed steel in the spherical dome and ring beam with increases of 116.39% and 16.91%, respectively, and reached a competitive performance in the cylindrical walls with 94.67%, even using smaller diameters. In shear, reductions of 74.84% in the ring beam, 8.23% in the cylindrical walls, and 9.85% in the bottom slab were observed, except for the dome, where an increase of 14.75% was obtained. Altogether, the findings confirm that the BFRP constitutes a viable alternative to steel, although it requires a more rigorous design in terms of the shear stresses. Nonetheless, the implications of using this material include reduced deformation and greater cracking compared to conventional steel.

Instituciones: Universidad Continental