STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF THE SINGLE AND GROUP FUEL TANKS UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF SEISMIC LOADS IN BASRA GOVERNORATE

Abstract

In this paper, the finite element ANSYS software was used to study the seismic behavior of cylindrical fuel storage tanks in west of Basra governorate. Single and group tanks are analyzed under free vibration (empty and full tanks) and under the El-Centro earthquake component for an impulsive case and full tank with fuel. The interaction between tanks wall and internal fuel was considered. The study includes Hoop forces, bending moment, shear force, horizontal displacement and hydrodynamic pressure. Also, the reflection point for bending moment and shear force for tank wall is estimated.

This study shows that the response of a single tank is larger than group tanks, and the hoop force decreases about (10-17) %, while the pressure and displacement decrease about (5-10) %, and the shear force and bending moment are decreased about (37-42) %. The increase in tank diameter leads to increase the response of tank. The Time has come to the understanding that the fixed support of tank is more stable than hinge support.