An Approximate Analysis of Foundation Stresses in Horizontal Pressure Vessels

Abstract

Saddle supports of horizontally mounted pressure vessels, when subject to seismic and mechanical loads, interact with the foundation in a highly non-linear manner. The maximum foundation concrete pressure, and hold-down bolt stresses are important design considerations which often govern the vessel support geometry. A method is given herein to determine the foundation stresses due to arbitrary imposed loadings. The solution procedure lends itself easily to automated computation—a highly desirable feature—since most nuclear equipment has to be analyzed for a large number of loading conditions.