Earthquake-induced hydrodynamic forces on reservoir roofs

Abstract

The present paper describes the hydrodynamic loads on the roof of a water-filled reservoir or storage tank due to earthquake-induced sloshing. Initially, the paper summarizes available solutions for the water surface elevation in a rectangular reservoir subjected to harmonic and earthquake base motions, and as well an available formulation for the force on the roof of a rectangular reservoir. With this background, a new formulation for the force on the roof is developed, and selected results based on this are presented. A recommended design procedure is thereby proposed, and an example application is provided. The potential extension of the proposed formulation to other reservoir configurations is discussed. Although a validation of the proposed formulation based on laboratory test results is needed, it is suggested that in the interim the proposed formulation is adopted for design.