Geotechnics and Infrastructure
Hydraulic Structures Design
For water tanks, pumping stations, culverts, stream rehabilitation and small irrigation structures, we carry out the hydrological, hydraulic and structural calculations in the same design.
Tanks, pumping stations, culverts and stream rehabilitation
We prepare the designs of water tanks, pumping stations, culverts, channel and stream rehabilitation and small irrigation structures. In these structures the hydraulic calculation and the structural calculation are tied together. The volume of a tank sets the wall height; the opening of a culvert and the height of fill above it set the slab thickness. So we do both calculations in the same design, each checking the other. We work for municipalities, water and sewerage authorities, irrigation unions, industrial facilities and the contractors who take on this work.
In Kocaeli the streams running down to the gulf are short and steep, and in heavy rain the flow rises quickly. That is why the flood risk is high in channels running through built-up areas and at culverts whose section has become too small. Water tanks and pumping stations are expected to keep working after an earthquake. In these structures we calculate the earthquake effects together with the mass of the water inside. Large dams are outside our scope. On some jobs, such as stream rehabilitation and floating structures on a lake, we also take on the construction under our construction and contracting service.
In an earthquake, the hydrodynamic pressure on the tank wall and the sloshing of the free surface affect the design of the wall and dome and the freeboard to be left between the water surface and the roof. In a pumping station, the pump selection, the volume of the wet well, water hammer in the delivery main and the dimensions of the structure all depend on one another; we settle this data with the mechanical designer at the start of the project. In a culvert or rehabilitation section, passing the flow is not enough. The stream carries bed load, and the channel needs access for machinery to get down and clean it.
Scope
Water tanks
Volume calculation, hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and crack width control for reinforced concrete and steel tanks. We draw the joint and waterstop details for watertightness separately.
Pumping stations
We design the wet well, structure and foundation of the pumping station on the same layout as the mechanical and electrical designs.
Culverts
For box and pipe culverts we choose the section for the design flow and design the inlet and outlet structures. The structural calculation is based on the fill and traffic load above.
Channel and stream rehabilitation
We set the rehabilitation section, longitudinal gradient, lining type and scour protection according to the flood flow. Where needed, we add flood protection walls to the design.
Small irrigation structures
Hydraulic and structural design for small regulators, intake, distribution and drop structures.
Hydrological and hydraulic calculations
We calculate the flood flow from catchment characteristics and rainfall data. We work out the water surface profile and check whether an energy dissipator is needed.
Applicable regulations and standards
In structural design we use TS 500 (the Turkish standard for the design of reinforced concrete structures) and the Turkish Building Earthquake Code (TBDY 2018). For liquid-retaining reinforced concrete structures we base crack width and watertightness on TS EN 1992-3, and for steel tanks on TS EN 1993-4-2. For hydraulic assumptions and details, the technical specifications of DSİ (State Hydraulic Works) or İller Bankası apply, depending on the authority that owns the job. For stream and flood work we prepare the documents required for DSİ's opinion.
How we work
Requirements and data
We find out the service area and the storage or conveyance need, and collect the site survey map, the geotechnical investigation and rainfall data.
Hydrological analysis
We draw the catchment boundaries, choose the design return period according to the authority's specifications and calculate the flood or operating flow.
Hydraulic design
The section, levels, volume and pump duty point are fixed at this step. We check the water surface profile and scour.
Structural design
We size the structural system for water pressure, earth pressure and earthquake effects, and draw the joint and waterstop details.
Coordination and approval
We clear clashes with the mechanical, electrical and geotechnical designs and make the revisions the authority asks for during approval.
Deliverables
- Hydrological and hydraulic calculation report
- Structural and reinforced concrete (or steel) calculation report
- Site plan, plan, section and elevation sheets
- Formwork, reinforcement, joint and waterproofing details
- Longitudinal profile and cross-section sheets for stream rehabilitation
- Quantity take-off and approximate cost schedules
Frequently asked questions
Should a water tank be reinforced concrete or steel?
Buried and semi-buried tanks are mostly reinforced concrete, while steel comes forward for above-ground tanks that have to be put up quickly. The final choice depends on the volume, the site conditions, the construction time and the maintenance expected; we compare the two options and report on them.
Is an ordinary reinforced concrete calculation enough for a liquid-retaining structure?
No. Besides strength, the crack width has to be limited, and the joint and waterstop details for watertightness have to be worked out separately.
Whose approval does a stream rehabilitation design need?
DSİ's. Work on stream beds requires the opinion and approval of DSİ, and the opinions of the municipality and other relevant bodies are also part of the process.
Do you prepare dam designs?
No. Our scope is limited to tanks, pumping stations, culverts, rehabilitation works and small irrigation structures.
Do you also design the transmission main the tank is connected to?
Yes. We prepare transmission and network lines under our infrastructure design service, within the same hydraulic layout as the tank.
Examples from practice
Our projects in this field
Request a quote for your project
Write to us with the type of building, its location and the documents you have. We will agree the scope and timeline with you and send a written quote.