Design of chimney

The necessary diameter and height of a chimney are determined by gas flow and
draft. Neglecting seismic disturbances, the structural loads on a chimney are caused by
its own weight and by wind pressure. Dead weight of the chimney is treated as a single
vertical force acting through the mass center. Wind pressure is a concentrated horizontal
force acting through the centroid of the vertical projected area.
The following symbols will be used in the chimney analysis:
W = weight of chimney, kgf
PW = horizontal wind load, kgf
H = height of chimney, m
h = point of application of resultant of horizontal wind load above bas, m
r = inside radius of chimney, m
R = outside radius of chimney, m
z = factor such that W Z = PW h, z may be considered as the virtual
displacement of W due to wind action.
fC = compressive stress due to W, kgf/m2
fB = bending stress due to PW , kgf/m2
k = Kern radius, m
Experimental data show that wind pressure on a cylinder is approximately two-
thirds of that on a plane surface of the same projected area and shape. In the absence of
necessary design data, it is logical to consider that at 160 km/hr of wind speed, a 150
kgf/m2 of wind pressure is set upon on a flat plate of a shape similar to the projected area
of the chimney. When two-third rule is apllied, a design wind pressure of 100 kgf/m2 can
be obtained. The total wind load is therefore,
PW = 100 x 2R x H
For tapered chimney, with R1 radius at the base and R2 at the top of the chimney.
PW =100 H (R1 + R2)
The location of PW at the centroid distance h above the base may be found by
graphical or analytical methods. The product PW h, which is the moment of wind load, is
derived using h, the centroidal distance of a trapezoid, as a function of R 1, R2, and H.
100𝐻 2
PW h = (2𝑅1 + 𝑅2 )
3
 The resultant will produce a turning moment with respect to point O. The distance z must
be less than the value of R2 to established stability from overturning caused by the wind resultant
force PW. The maximum value of z can be determined from the relation as follows,
PW h = W z
Take note that from the figure above, the weight of the chimney W is to create a uniform
compression fC over the horizontal sectional area of the chimney, while PW creates a bending
action that results in variable compression + fB on the leeward side of the neutral axis and variable
tension – fB to the windward side.
Steel and reinforced concrete chimneys can have fB > fC that is, a net tension, but masonry
construction should not be considered to possess any tensile strength.
STEEL CHIMNEY
For short chimneys they are called stacks which are self-supporting. High steel chimneys
are built for small natural draft. They are braced with guy wires to support its stability. Large
diameter tall chimneys should be lined with appropriate materials such as metal sheet or bricks
to extend its life expectancy.
REINFORCED CONCRETE CHIMNEYS
This type of chimneys like the steel chimneys can withstand tension in the structural
column. It can be built with thinner walls and less taper than the masonry chimneys. The stress
analysis applied is similar to standard reinforced concrete construction. This is more costly to
construct than the masonry chimney.
MASONRY CHIMNEYS
Masonry chimney is constructed from common bricks. The compressive strength of
masonry is greatly influence by the mortar.
CRITERIA ON CHIMNEY DESIGNS
Design of chimneys are practically based on economy and stability. As a starting point, let
us consider the dead weight W produces a uniform compression over the horizontal area at the
bottom of the chimney. The magnitude is computed by the equation as,
𝑊
𝑓𝐶 = (+) positive sign indicates compression
𝜋(𝑅 2 −𝑟 2 )

If we assumed that the bottom of the chimney rigidly fixed at the bottom, then we can it as
a hollow cantilever beam. The wind load produces a compressive stress + fB on the leeward side
and tensile stress – fB on the windward side of the chimney. Applying the flexural stress formula,
the bending stress is given by,
𝑀𝑅
𝑓𝐵 = ± 𝐼
Where:
M = is the stressing moment = PW h
I = the moment of inertia of the stress annulus area at the circular bottom
𝜋
= (𝑅 4 − 𝑟 4 )
4
By combining the given relations,
𝑀𝑅 𝑃𝑤 ℎ 𝑅
𝑓𝐵 = ± =± 𝜋
𝐼 (𝑅 4 −𝑟 4 )
4

When wind blows, fC and fB act simultaneously causing subtractively upwardwind and
cumulatively downwind.
A situation that will cause masonry chimney to fail:

 Crushing on an overstressed leeward section, by tipping downwind or laterally due to gust

buffeting (sudden brief rush of wind), or by horizontal sliding but sliding most likely not to
happen.
 Uneven settlement of the foundation.
 Failure of protection against lightning strokes
 Weathering of joints due to age or poor mortar
 Due to weak in tension, possible horizontal crack to windward if the wind moment will
cause fB to exceed fC.

To provide solution the following recommendations should be considered:

 Provide sufficient sectional area to maintain total maximum leeward compression safely
within limits of masonry strength
 Spread it far enough from the center of the chimney that the horizontal section under load
is not decreased to the point of impairing lateral stability.
 Control the value of z so that –fB will exactly balance +fC. The value of z is influenced by
the kern radius k.

𝑅2+ 𝑟2
𝑘= 4𝑅

Therefore the total maximum stress will be,

𝑊 4 𝑊𝑧𝑅
𝑓 = 𝑓𝐶 ± 𝑓𝐵 = ±
𝜋(𝑅 2− 𝑟 ) 𝜋(𝑟 4 − 𝑟 4 )
2
 Simply,
𝑧
𝑓 = 𝑓𝐶 (1 ± 𝑘)

As a rule of design the maximum allowable value of z is k but the cost of

construction is not economical.

For economical consideration let y be the limiting value of z. According to Lange equation,

𝑅 𝑟
𝑦= (2 + )
4 𝑅

If z = y, then the maximum compressive stress is,

2 𝑓𝑐 𝑦
𝑓𝑧 𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑘

Lange gives the following equation for y > z > k:

𝑧 𝑧 𝑧−𝑘 2
𝑓𝑍 = 𝑓𝐶 [(1 + ) − (1 − ) ( ) ]
𝑘 𝑘 𝑦−𝑘

The factor of safety against tipping downwind, FSOV,

𝑊𝑅
𝐹𝑆𝑂𝑉 =
𝑃𝑊 ℎ
Since PW h = W z then,

𝑅
𝐹𝑆𝑂𝑉 = => 1.5
𝑧

Example problems.

1. Approximate the shape and weight of a radial brick chimney column that will be made
for a 36 m x 1,5 m chimney.

Assume the top thickness at 190 mm, r1 = 750 mm, and R1 =940 mm.
Solve,
𝐻 36
= 1.5 = 24 From Table 4-3 by Morse
𝑑2

Batter = 21.2 mm / m or 763 mm for the chimney.

R2 = 940 + 763 = 1703 mm = 1.7 mm

Bottom thickness = 36 x 9.25 = 336 mm use 32.2 mm (1 ½ brick).
r2 = 1.7-0.322 = 1.38 m

Table 4-3. Typical radial brick chimney proportions (for 160 km/hr wind velocity)

Top wall thickness, mm 180 to 230 depending on the dia.

Minimum wall
0.925bH
thicknessat base, mm
Batter, (R1 – R2) mm/m
H/d2 Batter
15 12
20 20
30 23

Volume of a frustum,
 𝜋ℎ 2
𝑉= (𝑅 + 𝑅 𝑟 + 𝑟 2 )
3

36 𝜋
outside conical volume of the chimney = (1.72 + 1.7 ∗ 0.94 + 0.942 ) = 202.5 𝑚3
3

36 𝜋
inside conical volume of the chimney = (1.382 + 1.38 ∗ 0.75 + 0.752 ) = 132.02 𝑚3
3

volume of masonry = 202.5 – 132.02 = 70.48 m3

weight of chimney = 70.48 m 3 x 1932 kgf/m3 (specific weight of brick of masonry)

= 136167.4 kgf

This chimney will checked for stability.

Determine the maximum value of z using the following relation,

100𝐻 2 100 𝑥 362

PW h = W z where: PW h = (2𝑅1 + 𝑅2 ) = (2 𝑥 0.94 + 1.7)
3 3

= 154656 kgf
If we consider that the chimney is lined with bricks for a length of 9 m of 100 mm brick lining with
a total weight of 12480 kgf. Then,
Total weight W = weight of the structural column + the brick lining
= 136167.4 + 12480 = 148647.4 kgf
Calculate z, k, and y,
𝑃 ℎ 154656
𝑧 = 𝑊𝑊 = 148647.4 = 1.04
𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙

𝑅22 +𝑟22 1.72 +1.382

𝑘= = = 0.705
4𝑅2 4 𝑥 1.7

𝑅2 𝑟2 1.7 1.38
𝑦= (2 + )= 𝑥 (2 + ) = 1.2
4 𝑅2 4 1.7

Dead load compression stress, fC,

𝑊𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 148647.4 𝑘𝑔𝑓

𝑓𝐶 = = = 48007.24
𝜋(𝑅22 − 𝑟22 ) 𝜋(1.72 − 1.382 ) 𝑚2
Maximum compression stress at z,

𝑧 𝑧 𝑧−𝑘 2
𝑓𝑍 = 𝑓𝐶 [(1 + ) − (1 − ) ( ) ]
𝑘 𝑘 𝑦−𝑘
 1.04 1.04 1.04 − 0.705 2 𝑘𝑔𝑓
𝑓𝑍 = 48007.24 [(1 + ) − (1 − )( ) ] = 129274.6 2
0.705 0.705 1.2 − 0.705 𝑚

Factor of safety,
𝑅2 1.7
𝐹𝑆𝑂𝑉 = = = 1.63 𝑠𝑙𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑙𝑦 𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛 1.5 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛, 𝑖𝑡𝑠 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑑𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑔𝑛
𝑧 1.04

FOUNDATIONS

It is that part of a structure which transmits loads to the supporting material. In the design
of a foundation it is essential that the settlement shall be reduced to a minimum and that
settlement shall be uniform at all points. The initial requirement is to provide a bearing area that
is large enough to reduce to a safe value of bearing pressure on the underlying material. In case
of soils having low bearing values, pile foundations can be used to reduce settlement. Next, the
foundation has to be designed so that the resultant of the vertical loads passes through the center
of gravity of the foundation.
Safe bearing power of soils

Tons/m2
Native rock 1950 up
Ashlar masonry 245-290
Best brick masonry 145-195
Clay, compact 50-78
Clay, soft 9.5-19.5
Gravel and sand 78-98
sand 19.5-58.5
Quick sand or loam sand 5-9.5
 After dividing the total spread into equal a’s per block, the depth b is found by the relation,
𝑎
𝑏=
48 𝑓
√
𝑝

Where:
P = compressive stress on the base of the block to which a and b
pertain, tons/m2
f = allowable stress, taken as 0.146 tons/m 2 for concrete.

Example.
Assuming that the wall from the figure above is 460 mm wide and carries 17858 kgf/m to
the foundation, the dimensions of a two-step footing are determined. Soil bearing is taken at 14.6
tons/m2. The wall reaction is 17.86 tons/m which would require width of the lower step of the
footing, neglecting the footing weight itself.
17.86 𝑡𝑜𝑛𝑠/𝑚
= 1.22 𝑚 𝑤𝑖𝑑𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑝
14.6 𝑡𝑜𝑛𝑠/𝑚2

However, this gives some indication of the footing size and we assume for a section of 0.75 m 2
area. At 2400 kgf/m3 (specific wt. of concrete) the weight of the footing per m is,
𝑘𝑔𝑓 𝑘𝑔𝑓 𝑡𝑜𝑛𝑠
Wfooting / m = 2400 𝑥 0.75 𝑚2 = 1800 = 1.8
𝑚3 𝑚 𝑚

Total reaction of the wall to the soil is = reaction of wall + reaction of footing
= 17.86 + 1.8 = 19.66 tons/m
Based from the assumed section of 0.75 m2 compute for the width of the foundation,
Width foundation = total reaction of the wall / soil bearing pressure
19.66 𝑡𝑜𝑛𝑠/𝑚
= = 1.34 𝑚
14.6 𝑡𝑜𝑛𝑠/𝑚2

𝑤𝑖𝑑𝑡ℎ 𝑓𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛−𝑤𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑐𝑘𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑐ℎ𝑖𝑚𝑛𝑒𝑦 1.34−0.46

Solve for the offsets, 𝑎= = = 0.22 𝑚
𝑓𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑠 4

Width of upper steps, 𝑤𝑢𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑟 = 0.46 + 0.22 𝑥 2 = 0.9 𝑚

Assuming that the weight of the upper step foundation is half of the weight of the lower foundation,
that is equal to half of 1.8 tons/m, then the pressure exerted by the upper step foundation
is,

17.86 + 0.6
𝑃1 = = 20.5 𝑡𝑜𝑛𝑠/𝑚2
0.9
Solving for the steps at the upper and lower foundations,

𝑎 0.22 𝑚
𝑏1 = = = 0.376 𝑚
48 𝑓𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑒
√ 48 𝑥 0.146 𝑡𝑜𝑛𝑠/𝑚2
𝑝1 √
20.5 𝑡𝑜𝑛𝑠/𝑚2

𝑎 0.22 𝑚
𝑏2 = = = 0.318 𝑚
48 𝑓𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑒
√ 48 𝑥 0.146 𝑡𝑜𝑛𝑠/𝑚2
𝑝2 √
14.6 𝑡𝑜𝑛𝑠/𝑚2

Check the assumption of 1.8 tons/m of foundation,

W = (width upper step x b1 + width lower step x b2) x specific wt of concrete
= (0.9 x 0.376 + 1.22 x 0.318) x 2.4 = 1.74 tons/m