basic seismic design on any given tank
basic seismic design on any given tank
(OP)
I am investigating using used aboveground storage tanks for biofuel. The catch is that the building department requires horizontal force calculations on any aboveground fuel tanks installed (we are in california, seismic zone 3). Manufacturers will typically provide seismic calcs for holddown brackets with new tank purchase. However, manufacturer info is usually hard to come by in teh used tank market. I was wondering if theres anywhere I could get someone to do the calculations for me. I have a background in civil engineering, and understand the concepts and can provide the required dimensions, thicknesses and other details on it to aid in calculations. I dont however have the background in seismic design or a wet stamp. Anybody out there that can help or offer some advice?





RE: basic seismic design on any given tank
RE: basic seismic design on any given tank
RE: basic seismic design on any given tank
This contains a resonably section on seismic design but to be honest would be somewhat lacking in terms of California's performance based seismic design. You may need to consider the effects of vertical earthquakes etc.
First of all you must establish which code has jurisdiation; the starting point would be finding out which codes the original tanks were designed to.
Then you need to establish the current design code, carry out a gap analysis and presumably carry out an inspection etc to re-certify the same.
There are a number of outfits in the US that can assist in this exercise.
What sort of size are we talking about?
RE: basic seismic design on any given tank
RE: basic seismic design on any given tank
Would have to see plans or sketches of the tank geometry to design proper holdowns and foundation. Would be concerned about stress concentrations on any thin-walled areas of vessel. There should be some parts that are designed to accept the lateral and vertical connections.