Membrane Slab

[jrfroe]

I'm designing the concrete foundation for a metal circular tank. What are the advantage and disadvantages of using a membrane slab as defined in ACI 350-Appendix G? Supposedly the design philosophy is that the slab is flexible enough to take any differential settlement while still remaining water-tight, but common sense seems to tell me that a super-thin slab would be more prone to leaking. Any input or insight would be appreciated.

 

[gwt1]

I am wrestling with this same issue, although I am putting a concrete tank on the foundation instead of steel. This adds the additional concern as to whether the membrane slab can handle the radial tension created by the tank. I will continue to reaserch this and let you know if I find anything.