Time-History Analysis of a Super-Large Storage Tank Under Seismic Excitation

In this paper, two finite element models are established for a super-large storage tank with or without a floating roof on the medium level. Time-history analysis with consideration of fluid-solid coupling for the deformation of tank wall and medium sloshing during or after an earthquake is performed with the emphasis on the effects of the floating roof. It is found that the upper part of tank is more sensitive to the earthquake action than the lower part. The wind girders and the reinforcing rings play a big role in limiting the radial deformation of the upper part of the tank wall. The floating roof has little effect on the tank wall deformation, but it is effective in suppressing the medium sloshing during the earthquake. After the earthquake, the radial deformation of the tank wall attenuates quickly, but the sloshing attenuation of the medium presents a slow progress and the floating roof inhibits the sloshing attenuation of the medium.