Structural Appraisal of Two Steel Tanks Filled at Low Liquid Level

摘要

The object of this paper is to evaluate the structural adequacy of twoexisting large diameter steel tanks filled at low liquid levels by application ofcurrent design specifications. Emphasis is given on buckling of the circumferentialshell and phenomena related to overall stability. Calculations according tothe American standard API 650, which provides analytical expressions for determiningoverturning and sliding resistance as well as a design procedure forstiffening the shell against wind action, are presented. Simulation of the tanksvia the finite element method, for obtaining the necessary shell stresses, wasperformed as required by the European standard EN1993-1-6. Based on the results,overall stability was checked and shell buckling was evaluated accordingto the “stress design” concept described in the aforementioned code. Differencesin the results between the two standards are discussed and commentsregarding their safety are made.