attachment of external structures
attachment of external structures
(OP)
I am working on a project where a significant amount of seperate structural steel (independantly supported) catwalks/beams and cantilevered - has been "hard" attached to several new tanks on this project( I have never seen this done). I cannot find reference to whether this is allowed or not per API 650. Thoughts?





RE: attachment of external structures
If the tanks settle at different speeds/ angles, it will load the steel (and the tanks) in unanticipated ways.
If one tank blows up or ruptures, it could damage the adjacent tank through the steel.
RE: attachment of external structures
To continue the thought further - if the tank bulges due to "pruduct fill", this puts additional stresses on the points of contact on the steel which I believe will/may cause tank shell failure at said point (1/4" wall thickness).
RE: attachment of external structures
Steve Braune
Tank Industry Consultants
www.tankindustry.com
RE: attachment of external structures
"A tank runway that extends from one part of a tank to any part of an adjacent tank, to the ground, or to another structure shall be supported so that free relative movement of the structures joined by the runway is permitted. This may be accomplished by firm attachment of the runway to one tank and the use of a slip joint at the point of contact between the runway and the other tank. (This method permits either tank to settle or be disrupted by an explosion without the other tank being endangered."