Parametric Study of Seismic Soil‐Tank Interaction. II: Vertical Excitation

Abstract

Analysis of the behavior of ground‐based tanks under vertical seismic excitations is quite relevant to their seismic‐resistant design as vertical acceleration is transmitted to a horizontal hydrodynamic loading on the tank wall. This effect results primarily in amplified hoop tensile stress and, coupled with the effect of horizontal excitations, may lead to inelastic buckling of the shell. However, to realistically consider the effect of vertical excitations in the design of tanks, one must consider the dynamic interaction of the tank and its content with foundation soil. A simplified analysis is used as the basis for a thorough parametric evaluation of the effects of numerous factors that influence the seismic response of an elastic tank supported on a rigid base (solid concrete slab) and subjected to a vertical excitation, taking into account shell‐liquid‐soil interaction. Results are presented in the form of design graphs that practicing engineers can use to estimate the seismic response of tanks under vertical excitations.