Performance of Storage Tanks in Oil Facilities Damaged by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita

Abstract

This paper presents a qualitative description of structural damage in aboveground steel tanks in oil refineries and facilities, which were observed during reconnaissance missions to the states of Texas and Louisiana following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. Qualitative evidence of damage is shown using photographs taken during the reconnaissance mission in October/November 2005. Damage of tanks occurred due to wind pressures in facilities that were along the path of Hurricane Katrina (such as in Pt. Sulphur, La.) and Hurricane Rita. However, most of the damage and the most significant consequences occurred due to flooding during the days after the hurricane (such as in Chalmette, La.). Flood caused tanks to dislodge from their foundation and move away from their original location. Damage due to hurricane Rita occurred almost exclusively due to direct wind action with damage in the form of localized buckling of the shell or damage to the insulation cladding. Differences between the two events were related to the different wind speed, which was higher in Hurricane Katrina, and due to flooding of oil facilities, which only occurred in areas affected by Katrina. Research needs are identified based on the failure modes observed.