While im only a structural engineering student, the value that T-bone gave of 30,000# is way more structure you will need. For 800 gallons of storage a round container that had a radius of 3.25' and a hieght of 3.25' would almost exactly hold that much water. The water would weigh as said before 6,600 pounds. If we assume the tank with a roof could be built for about 500#, and assume a snow load of 50psf (pounds per square feet) (over estimated for most of the nation), when I apply the first three equations in the load factored resistance design method, I get a weight of 12100# that the structure would need to support. Because I am calcuating for the weight at the top of the platform, weight of the frame is negelceted. Also if this tower is under 10', with a round tank, and open frame, wind load is most likely insignificate as compared to the water load, even less so than if it shelterd by trees or buildings. If you were to have an open tank, and design so it would hold exactly 800 gallons, snow and rain load could also be negelcted (it would already be counted for in the weight of the water. Then you would only have a wieght of 11,300 pounds on the platform to deal with. Another option would be to buy a poly stock tank from Tractor supply (just the example i found) that holds 625 gals (8' diameter x 2' high). With the same assumptions as before (500# for tank an roof), the platform would only have to hold 10000# with a roof or 9000# without one. I dont have a design manual for wood, so I cannot preform any analysis on how big the column (posts) and cross bracing would have to be. If you are unsure of how big to build it, it is advised that you see a local civil engineering firm that has a LICENCSED structural engineer on hand. Not only would they be able to tell you the size of posts, but also the size of the foundation for your area. It may cost a bit, but 6,600# coming crashing to the ground might spoil someones day.
|