Structural Analysis Report: Pedestal and
Concrete Footing for Chiller Yard Water
Pipes (Revised)
Date: 6/28/2025 Author: Manus AI
1. Introduction
This revised report presents a comprehensive structural analysis of a concrete
pedestal and footing designed to support chiller yard water pipes. The analysis is
performed in accordance with the American Concrete Institute (ACI) 318 code. The
primary objective is to assess the safety and adequacy of the proposed design under
the specified loading conditions, including verification of provided reactions and
recommendations for design modifications where necessary. This revision
incorporates updated parameters for the pipe arm length and pedestal height as per
user's latest input.
2. Design Parameters and Assumptions
2.1. Geometric Parameters
Based on the provided design drawings and user's updated input, the following
geometric parameters were used:
RC Pedestal: 400mm x 400mm in plan, 200mm height (from top of footing)
RC Footing (Original Design): 750mm x 750mm in plan, 400mm thick
Blinding Concrete: 50mm thick
Arm Length for Pipe Support: 0.5m (causing overturning moment)
Spacing between Footings: Not exceeding 2m
2.2. Material Properties
The following material properties are assumed for the analysis:
Concrete Compressive Strength (f'c): 25 MPa (approximately 3625 psi)
Steel Yield Strength (fy): 420 MPa (approximately 60 ksi)
Concrete Density: 24 KN/m³ (for normal weight concrete)
2.3. Load Calculations and Factoring
The user provided details for recalculating the loads based on the pipe and water
weights. The following service loads were determined:
Empty Pipe Weight: 70 kg/linear meter (for each pipe)
Pipe Diameter: 10 inches (for each of two pipes)
Support Spacing: 2 meters
Calculation of Water Weight: - Pipe Diameter = 10 inches = 10 * 0.0254 m = 0.254 m -
Pipe Radius = 0.254 m / 2 = 0.127 m - Area of one pipe = π * (0.127 m)² = 0.05067 m² -
Volume of water per linear meter per pipe = 0.05067 m³ - Weight of water per linear
meter per pipe = 0.05067 m³ * 1000 kg/m³ = 50.67 kg/linear meter
Total Weight per Linear Meter (two pipes): - Total Empty Pipe Weight = 2 pipes * 70
kg/linear meter = 140 kg/linear meter - Total Water Weight = 2 pipes * 50.67 kg/linear
meter = 101.34 kg/linear meter - Total Pipe + Water Weight = 140 kg/linear meter +
101.34 kg/linear meter = 241.34 kg/linear meter
Service Axial Load (Pu_service) per Footing: - This load is distributed over a 2m
span. - Pu_service = 241.34 kg/linear meter * 2 meters = 482.68 kg - Converting to KN:
Pu_service = 482.68 kg * 9.80665 N/kg / 1000 = 4.73 KN
Service Overturning Moment (Mu_service) per Footing: - The pipes are supported
on an arm with a length of 0.5m. - Mu_service = Pu_service * Arm Length = 4.73 KN *
0.5 m = 2.37 KN.m
Load Factors (ACI 318-19, Chapter 5): For conservative design, the service loads are
factored to obtain ultimate loads. Assuming these loads primarily represent dead
loads (permanent fixtures and contents):
Ultimate Axial Load (Pu): 1.4 * Pu_service = 1.4 * 4.73 KN = 6.62 KN
Ultimate Overturning Moment (Mu): 1.4 * Mu_service = 1.4 * 2.37 KN.m = 3.32
KN.m
2.4. Self-weight Calculation
The self-weight of the concrete elements contributes to the total axial load on the soil.
These are also factored as dead loads.
Pedestal Self-weight (with new height):
Volume = 0.4m * 0.4m * 0.2m = 0.032 m³
Weight = 0.032 m³ * 24 KN/m³ = 0.768 KN
Footing Self-weight (for original 0.75m x 0.75m footing):
Volume = 0.75m * 0.75m * 0.4m = 0.225 m³
Weight = 0.225 m³ * 24 KN/m³ = 5.4 KN
Blinding Concrete Self-weight:
Volume = 0.75m * 0.75m * 0.05m = 0.028125 m³
Weight = 0.028125 m³ * 24 KN/m³ = 0.675 KN
Total Self-weight (Original Design): 0.768 KN (pedestal) + 5.4 KN (footing) +
0.675 KN (blinding) = 6.843 KN
Factored Self-weight (Original Design): 1.2 * 6.843 KN = 8.2116 KN
3. Footing Design Analysis
3.1. Initial Overturning Check (Original Footing: 0.75m x 0.75m)
Initially, the analysis was performed with the user-provided approximate reactions.
Even after recalculating the loads based on the pipe and water weights and the new
arm length, the original footing size of 0.75m x 0.75m was found to be inadequate due
to overturning.
Total Ultimate Axial Load on soil (with original footing): 6.62 KN (from pipes) +
8.2116 KN (factored self-weight) = 14.8336 KN
Ultimate Overturning Moment (Mu): 3.32 KN.m
Footing Area (A): 0.75m * 0.75m = 0.5625 m²
Section Modulus (S): (0.75m * (0.75m)²) / 6 = 0.0703125 m³
Maximum Bearing Pressure (q_max): (14.8336 KN / 0.5625 m²) + (3.318 KN.m /
0.0703125 m³) = 73.56 KPa
Minimum Bearing Pressure (q_min): (14.8336 KN / 0.5625 m²) - (3.318 KN.m /
0.0703125 m³) = -20.82 KPa
Since q_min is negative, there is tension at one edge of the footing. In soil, tension is
not resisted, leading to a reduced effective area. The eccentricity (e) was calculated as:
Eccentricity (e): Mu / Pu_total = 3.318 KN.m / 14.8336 KN = 0.2237 m
Half Footing Dimension (L/2): 0.75m / 2 = 0.375m
As the eccentricity (0.2237 m) is greater than L/6 (0.75m/6 = 0.125m), the pressure
distribution is triangular. While not overturning completely (as e < L/2), there is uplift,
which is generally undesirable for footings. To ensure full contact and a safe design,
the footing size needs to be increased such that e <= L/6.
3.2. Revised Footing Dimensions to Prevent Uplift/Overturning
To ensure the entire footing is in compression (e <= L/6), the required footing
dimension (L) must be at least:
L ≥ 6 * e = 6 * 0.2237 m = 1.3422 m
Based on this, a revised footing size of 1.4m x 1.4m x 0.4m thick was adopted for
further analysis.
Recalculated Self-weight with New Footing Size (1.4m x 1.4m): - New Footing
Volume: 1.4m * 1.4m * 0.4m = 0.784 m³ - New Footing Self-weight: 0.784 m³ * 24
KN/m³ = 18.816 KN
Total Self-weight (with new footing): 0.768 KN (pedestal) + 18.816 KN (new
footing) + 0.675 KN (blinding) = 20.259 KN
Factored Self-weight (with new footing): 1.2 * 20.259 KN = 24.3108 KN
Total Ultimate Axial Load on soil (with new footing): 6.62 KN (from pipes) +
24.3108 KN (factored self-weight) = 30.9328 KN
3.3. Bearing Pressure Check (Revised Footing)
With the revised footing size of 1.4m x 1.4m:
New Footing Area (A): 1.4m * 1.4m = 1.96 m²
New Section Modulus (S): (1.4m * (1.4m)²) / 6 = 0.45733333 m³
New Eccentricity (e): Mu / Pu_total = 3.318 KN.m / 30.9328 KN = 0.10726 m
L/6 for new footing: 1.4m / 6 = 0.2333 m
Since e (0.10726 m) < L/6 (0.2333 m), the footing is now safe against uplift/overturning,
and the pressure distribution will be trapezoidal with full contact.
Maximum Bearing Pressure (q_max): (30.9328 KN / 1.96 m²) + (3.318 KN.m /
0.45733333 m³) = 23.04 KPa
Minimum Bearing Pressure (q_min): (30.9328 KN / 1.96 m²) - (3.318 KN.m /
0.45733333 m³) = 8.53 KPa
Assuming an allowable soil bearing capacity of 100 KPa (a typical value, but should be
confirmed by a geotechnical report), the calculated maximum bearing pressure of
23.04 KPa is well within the safe limits. Therefore, the revised footing is safe against
bearing failure.
3.4. One-Way Shear (Beam Shear) Check
Critical section for one-way shear: Located at a distance 'd' from the face of the
pedestal.
Effective depth of footing (d): Assuming 75mm concrete cover and 16mm main
reinforcement bars (T16), d = 400mm - 75mm - (16mm/2) = 317mm = 0.317m.
Length of cantilever for shear: (Footing length - Pedestal length) / 2 - d = (1.4m -
0.4m) / 2 - 0.317m = 0.183m
Ultimate Shear Force (Vu_one_way): Calculated based on the trapezoidal soil
pressure distribution over the cantilever length. Vu_one_way = 5.66 KN.
Concrete Shear Strength (phi*Vc): According to ACI 318-19, Vc = 0.17 * λ * √(f'c)
* bw * d. With λ = 1.0 (normal weight concrete), bw = 1.4m, d = 0.317m, and f'c =
25 MPa:
Vc = 0.17 * 1.0 * √(25) * 1400 mm * 317 mm = 377,210 N = 377.21 KN
Design shear strength (phi*Vc) = 0.75 * 377.21 KN = 282.92 KN
Check: Vu_one_way (5.66 KN) < phi*Vc (282.92 KN). The footing is safe against
one-way shear.
3.5. Two-Way Shear (Punching Shear) Check
Critical section for two-way shear: Located at a distance 'd/2' from the face of
the pedestal.
Side of critical section: Pedestal side + d = 0.4m + 0.317m = 0.717m
Perimeter of critical section (bo): 4 * (0.717m) = 2.868m
Ultimate Shear Force (Vu_two_way): Calculated as the total ultimate axial load
minus the upward soil pressure acting within the critical section. Vu_two_way =
22.82 KN.
Concrete Shear Strength (phi*Vc): According to ACI 318-19, Section 22.5.5.1, Vc
is the smallest of three values:
(a) Vc = 0.17 * λ * √(f'c) * bo * d = 0.17 * 1.0 * √(25) * 2868 mm * 317 mm =
770,000 N = 770.00 KN
(b) Vc = 0.083 * λ * √(f'c) * (1 + 2/β) * bo * d. For a square column, β = 1. Vc = 0.083
* 1.0 * √(25) * (1 + 2/1) * 2868 mm * 317 mm = 1,140,000 N = 1140.00 KN
(c) Vc = 0.083 * λ * √(f'c) * (αs * d / bo + 2) * bo * d. For interior columns, αs = 40.
Vc = 0.083 * 1.0 * √(25) * (40 * 317 mm / 2868 mm + 2) * 2868 mm * 317 mm =
772,780 N = 772.78 KN
The smallest Vc = 770.00 KN.
Design shear strength (phi*Vc) = 0.75 * 770.00 KN = 577.50 KN.
Check: Vu_two_way (22.82 KN) < phi*Vc (577.50 KN). The footing is safe against
two-way shear.
3.6. Bending Moment and Reinforcement Check
Critical section for bending: At the face of the pedestal.
Length of cantilever for bending: (Footing length - Pedestal length) / 2 = (1.4m -
0.4m) / 2 = 0.5m
Ultimate Bending Moment (Mu_footing): Calculated based on the trapezoidal
soil pressure distribution over the cantilever length. Mu_footing = 3.73 KN.m.
Required Reinforcement Area (As_req):
Using f'c = 25 MPa, fy = 420 MPa, b = 1.4m, d = 0.317m, and phi = 0.9 for bending.
Mn = Mu_footing / phi = 3.73 KN.m / 0.9 = 4.144 KN.m
Rn = Mn / (b * d²) = (4.144 * 10⁶ N.mm) / (1400 mm * (317 mm)²) = 0.0295 MPa
ρ = (0.85 * f'c / fy) * (1 - √(1 - (2 * Rn) / (0.85 * f'c))) = 0.00072
As_req = ρ * b * d = 0.00072 * 1400 mm * 317 mm = 318 mm²
Minimum Reinforcement Area (As_min): According to ACI 318-19 Table 7.6.1.1,
As_min = 0.0018 * b * h = 0.0018 * 1400 mm * 400 mm = 1008 mm².
Original Provided Reinforcement (from drawing): T12@200c/c
Area of T12 bar = 113 mm²
Number of bars = 1400 mm / 200 mm = 7 bars.
As_provided = 7 bars * 113 mm²/bar = 791 mm²
Comparison: As_req (318 mm²) < As_min (1008 mm²). Therefore, As_min
governs. The original As_provided (791 mm²) is less than As_min (1008 mm²),
indicating the original reinforcement is insufficient.
Recommended Reinforcement: To satisfy As_min, we need at least 1008 mm².
Let's consider T16 bars.
Number of T16 bars needed = 1008 mm² / 201 mm²/bar = 5.01 bars (use 6 bars for
practical placement)
As_provided (T16@200c/c) = 7 bars * 201 mm²/bar = 1407 mm² (This is more than
6 bars, so it's sufficient)
Final Check: As_provided (1407 mm²) > As_min (1008 mm²) and As_provided
(1407 mm²) > As_req (318 mm²). This reinforcement is adequate.
Conclusion for Footing Design:
The original footing size of 0.75m x 0.75m is inadequate and will experience uplift
under the given loads. A revised footing size of 1.4m x 1.4m x 0.4m thick is required.
With this revised size, and by using T16@200c/c reinforcement in both directions,
the footing design is safe against uplift, bearing failure, one-way shear, two-way shear,
and bending moment, as per ACI 318 code.
4. Pedestal Design Analysis
4.1. Pedestal Dimensions and Reinforcement
Pedestal Dimensions: 400mm x 400mm
Pedestal Height: 200mm
Longitudinal Reinforcement (from drawing): 8 - T12 vertical bars (As_provided
= 8 * 113 mm² = 904 mm²)
Tie Reinforcement (from drawing): T10@150c/c
4.2. Axial Capacity Check
Gross area of concrete (Ag): 400mm * 400mm = 160,000 mm²
Area of steel (As): 904 mm²
Area of concrete (Ac): Ag - As = 160,000 - 904 = 159,096 mm²
Nominal axial compressive strength (Pn) (ACI 318-19, Section 22.4.2.1): Pn =
0.85 * f'c * Ac + fy * As Pn = 0.85 * 25 MPa * 159,096 mm² + 420 MPa * 904 mm² Pn =
3,379,940 N + 379,680 N = 3,759,620 N = 3759.62 KN
Design axial strength (phi*Pn) (ACI 318-19 Table 21.2.1, phi = 0.65 for tied
columns): phi*Pn = 0.65 * 3759.62 KN = 2443.75 KN
Check: Ultimate Axial Load (Pu) = 6.62 KN < phi*Pn (2443.75 KN). The pedestal is
significantly safe in axial compression.
4.3. Bending Capacity Check
Effective depth (d): Assuming concrete cover of 40mm and half of T12 bar
diameter (6mm), d = 400mm - 40mm - 6mm = 354mm.
Area of steel for bending (As): Assuming 4 bars contribute to bending in one
direction (As = 4 * 113 mm² = 452 mm²).
Depth of equivalent rectangular stress block (a): a = (As * fy) / (0.85 * f'c * b) =
(452 mm² * 420 MPa) / (0.85 * 25 MPa * 400 mm) = 22.3 mm
Nominal moment capacity (Mn): Mn = As * fy * (d - a/2) = 452 mm² * 420 MPa *
(354 mm - 22.3 mm / 2) = 65,049,000 N.mm = 65.05 KN.m
Design moment capacity (phi*Mn) (ACI 318-19 Table 21.2.1, phi = 0.9 for
flexure): phi*Mn = 0.9 * 65.05 KN.m = 58.545 KN.m
Check: Ultimate Overturning Moment (Mu) = 3.32 KN.m < phi*Mn (58.545 KN.m).
The pedestal is safe in bending.
4.4. Longitudinal Reinforcement Ratio Check
Minimum longitudinal reinforcement ratio (ρ_min): 0.01 (ACI 318-19 Section
10.6.1.1)
Provided longitudinal reinforcement ratio (ρ_prov): As_provided / Ag = 904
mm² / 160,000 mm² = 0.00565
Comparison: ρ_prov (0.00565) < ρ_min (0.01). The provided longitudinal
reinforcement (8-T12) is insufficient as per ACI 318 minimum requirements for
columns.
Required As_min: 0.01 * Ag = 0.01 * 160,000 mm² = 1600 mm²
Recommended Longitudinal Reinforcement: To meet the minimum
requirement, the longitudinal reinforcement should be increased. For example,
using T16 bars:
Number of T16 bars needed = 1600 mm² / 201 mm²/bar = 7.96 bars. Therefore, 8-
T16 bars would provide 8 * 201 = 1608 mm², which satisfies the minimum
requirement.
4.5. Tie Reinforcement Check
Provided Ties: T10@150c/c
Tie Diameter Requirement (ACI 318-19 Section 25.7.2.2): For longitudinal bars
up to T36, T10 ties are acceptable. Since we are recommending T16 longitudinal
bars, T10 ties are appropriate.
Tie Spacing Requirement (ACI 318-19 Section 25.7.2.1): The spacing of ties
should not exceed the least of:
(a) 16 * longitudinal bar diameter = 16 * 16 mm = 256 mm (for T16 longitudinal
bars)
(b) 48 * tie bar diameter = 48 * 10 mm = 480 mm
(c) Least dimension of column = 400 mm
The least of these values is 256 mm.
Check: Provided tie spacing (150 mm) < 256 mm. The tie spacing is adequate.
Conclusion for Pedestal Design:
The pedestal is safe against axial compression and bending with the current loads.
However, the provided longitudinal reinforcement (8-T12) is less than the minimum
required by ACI 318. It should be increased to at least 8-T16 bars to comply with code
requirements. The tie reinforcement (T10@150c/c) is adequate.
5. Summary of Findings and Recommendations
5.1. Summary of Findings
1. Load Verification: The loads were re-calculated based on detailed pipe and
water weights, and the updated arm length (0.5m), resulting in an ultimate axial
load of 6.62 KN and an ultimate overturning moment of 3.32 KN.m.
2. Footing Uplift/Overturning: The original footing size of 0.75m x 0.75m was
found to be critically unsafe against uplift/overturning due to excessive
eccentricity of the applied loads.
3. Revised Footing Size: A larger footing size of 1.4m x 1.4m x 0.4m thick is
required to ensure stability and to maintain bearing pressures within acceptable
limits.
4. Footing Shear and Bending: With the revised footing size, the footing is safe
against one-way shear, two-way shear (punching), and bending moments.
5. Footing Reinforcement: The original T12@200c/c reinforcement in the footing is
insufficient to meet the minimum reinforcement requirements for bending.
T16@200c/c is required.
6. Pedestal Axial and Bending Capacity: The pedestal (400mm x 400mm) with the
new height of 200mm has sufficient capacity to resist the applied axial load and
bending moment.
7. Pedestal Longitudinal Reinforcement: The provided 8-T12 longitudinal bars in
the pedestal are below the minimum reinforcement ratio required by ACI 318 for
columns. An upgrade to 8-T16 bars is necessary.
8. Pedestal Tie Reinforcement: The T10@150c/c ties are adequate for the
pedestal.
5.2. Recommendations
Based on the structural analysis, the following recommendations are made for the
design of the pedestal and concrete footing:
1. Increase Footing Dimensions: The concrete footing must be increased from
0.75m x 0.75m to 1.4m x 1.4m in plan, maintaining a thickness of 0.4m.
2. Upgrade Footing Reinforcement: The main reinforcement in the footing should
be changed from T12@200c/c to T16@200c/c in both directions.
3. Upgrade Pedestal Longitudinal Reinforcement: The longitudinal
reinforcement in the pedestal should be increased from 8-T12 bars to at least 8-
T16 bars.
4. Geotechnical Investigation: It is highly recommended to obtain a geotechnical
report for the site to confirm the allowable soil bearing capacity and other soil
properties. The current analysis assumed a typical allowable bearing capacity of
100 KPa.
5. Review of Load Assumptions: While the loads were recalculated based on the
provided pipe and water data, a thorough review of all potential loads (e.g., wind,
seismic, thermal expansion, maintenance loads) and their combinations should
be performed by a qualified engineer to ensure all design conditions are covered.
6. Conclusion
The initial design of the pedestal and concrete footing, as depicted in the provided
drawing, is not safe under the specified loading conditions, primarily due to the risk of
uplift/overturning of the footing and insufficient minimum reinforcement in both the
footing and the pedestal. Significant modifications to the footing dimensions and
reinforcement in both the footing and pedestal are necessary to comply with ACI 318
code requirements and ensure structural integrity. The revised design, incorporating a
larger footing and increased reinforcement, is found to be safe based on the detailed
analysis presented in this report.
7. References
[1] American Concrete Institute. (2019). Building Code Requirements for Structural
Concrete (ACI 318-19) and Commentary (ACI 318R-19). Farmington Hills, MI.
