Comparative Seismic Analysis of Cylindrical and Rectangular Oil Tanks: Effects of Wall Thickness Under Soil–structure–fluid Interaction
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Oil and liquid storage tanks represent essential components of industrial infrastructure, guaranteeing the secure containment of petroleum, chemical, and other hazardous liquids. Their seismic performance plays a crucial role in mitigating risks of leakage, structural collapse, and environmental contamination [1,2]. While most existing research has concentrated on cylindrical storage tanks—the predominant configuration in industry—rectangular tanks are also employed in specific applications, yet their seismic behavior remains insufficiently explored [5]. This study presents a comparative numerical analysis of the seismic response of cylindrical and rectangular oil tanks, incorporating full soil–structure–fluid interaction and accounting for the influence of wall thickness [5,7]. Three-dimensional finite element models are developed in ADINA using a coupled Lagrangian formulation for the fluid domain [6], and the 1999 Chi-Chi earthquake (Taiwan) is applied as ground motion input [10]. The analysis evaluates variations in tensile stresses, hydrodynamic pressures, and fluid velocity distributions across different wall thicknesses [8]. Results demonstrate the significant impact of tank geometry and wall stiffness on dynamic behavior and provide design recommendations for safer tank configurations in seismically active regions [5,7].
Language: English
Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4414992303