My points for sliding resistance of API 650 tanks are ;
- The subject clause is 5.11.4 Sliding Friction
Unless otherwise required, tanks that may be subject to sliding due to wind shall use a maximum allowable sliding
friction of 0.40 multiplied by the force against the tank bottom. And 0.4 is MAXIMUM.
- API 650 tanks has cone down or cone up bottom . The sliding resistance is totally different if the bottom has cone shape.
- E.7.6 Sliding Resistance
The transfer of the total lateral shear force between the tank and the subgrade shall be considered.
For self-anchored flat-bottom steel tanks, the overall horizontal seismic shear force shall be resisted by friction
between the tank bottom and the foundation or subgrade. Self-anchored storage tanks shall be proportioned such
that the calculated seismic base shear, V, does not exceed Vs:
The friction coefficient, μ, shall not exceed 0.4. Lower values of the friction coefficient should be used if the interface
of the bottom to supporting foundation does not justify the friction value above (e.g., leak detection membrane
beneath the bottom with a lower friction factor, smooth bottoms, etc.).
So, friction coefficient, μ, 0.4 should not be applicable for smooth bottoms, or single slope tanks.
- API 650 suggests compacted sand layer under the bottom . The angle of friction conservatively 30 dgr. and TAN 30= 0.577. The use of friction coefficient, μ = 0.4 is conservatively OK for tanks having bottom cone up, cone down tanks, having compacted sand layer.
My opinion..
Don't underestimate a nail. A nail saves a horseshoe, a horseshoe saves a horse, a horse saves a commander, a commander saves an army, an army saves a whole country.. GENGHIS KHAN