Generalized SDOF system for dynamic analysis of concrete rectangular liquid storage tanks: effect of tank parameters on response

Abstract

This paper presents the results of parametric studies on the seismic response of concrete rectangular liquid storage tanks using the generalized single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) system. The effects of height of liquid and width of tank on the dynamic response of liquid storage tanks are investigated. The liquid level varies from the empty condition to a full tank. Also, instead of the commonly used ratio of width of tank to liquid height, Lx/HL, the ratio of width of tank to full height of the tank wall, Lx/Hw, is used as a characteristic parameter of tanks to study the effect of tank size on the dynamic response. The trends of added mass of liquid, effective height, and natural frequencies for different sizes of tanks are established. The values of the added mass of liquid due to impulsive hydrodynamic pressure and the effective height in the relationship with the ratios Lx/Hw and HL/Hw are determined and can be used in the seismic design of liquid storage tanks. Since the natural frequencies of liquid-containing structures are within a band of frequencies between that of a full tank and that of an empty tank, the recommended frequency to be used in the design of the tank wall is the frequency that causes the maximum dynamic response .