Fluid–Soil–Structure Interactions in Semi-Buried Tanks: Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis of Seismic Behaviors

Abstract

Qualitative and quantitative assessments evaluate the structural vulnerability of liquid storage tanks. Liquid storage tanks are typically constructed and operated in areas with hard soils to minimize confining influences. However, many of these critical structures are in coastal areas with soft soils. The research conducted in this study entails the utilization of the finite element method accurately model the seismic behavior of a semi-buried concrete tank under various conditions, including changing water levels and soil properties. The study examines fluid–structure and soil–structure interactions through dynamic analyses of the rectangular semi-buried tank and comparing its different parameters. It also identifies sensitive areas where there is a probability of liquid leakage in storage tanks. The modeling is compared with the qualitative evaluation in the Japanese vibration capability diagnosis table. The results show that the tensile stress in the wall adjacent to the expansion joint is greater than the corresponding stress in the wall in all cases. In the dynamic analyses of the soil types, the pressure on the surface increases with increasing water height. A comparison of the quantitative and qualitative evaluation results shows the possible leakage of the tank in soft soil in the expansion joint.