Dynamic buckling of cylindrical storage tanks during earthquake excitations

Abstract

The behavior of storage tanks' analysis in seismic areas is of major importance because of the strategic nature of these works. The steel cylindrical tanks are the most susceptible to damage due to dynamic buckling during earthquakes. In this study, three criteria are used to estimate the critical peak ground acceleration caused the tank instability. The liquid inside the tank was modeled using specific Ansys's finite elements and fluid-structure interaction. The calculation includes modal and time history analysis, including material and geometric non-linearity. The result values are compared with standard code previsions as well as the results of previous numerical research, and show the need to improve code provisions.