LNG Storage Tank Foundation Design 4

[OAP]

Hi Folks,
I got to do the preliminary for the LNG Storage Tank Foundation which tank has ID=76m, OD=80m, Height = 39m & volume of 150,000 cu.m. The tank weight is 65,000 ton & Hydrotest weight is 80,000 ton. I'm not sure for the design such huge foundation like this,Has anybody had the experience for design the foundation for LNG storage tank? Please recommend me some idea.
Thanks
OAP

 

[jdonville]

OAP,

Do you have a geotech report?

Do you have access to a more experienced structural engineer?

If the answer to eith of these questions is 'yes', then use them! The geotech should recommend a foundation type. The senior structural should provide guidance to you to carry out your design.

Based on what I've seen in the literature for circular storage tanks (which isn't much, although I'm sure there's more out there), you may want to look at a ring foundation to support the tank walls and a (rigid) mat to support the contents. depending on the foundation conditions, you may be looking at going with deep foundations to underpin the mat and ring, especially if you will have differential settlement issues.

Good Luck!

BTW, you probably would have had better luck getting a response if you had posted in one of the geotechnical (Foundation Engineering) or structural forums (Structural Engineering Other Topics).

Jeff


Jeffrey T. Donville, PE
TTL Associates, Inc.

http://www.ttlassoc.com

 

[mfrad]

This requires a firm extremely familiar with cryogenic materials since LNG is -270 deg F and with concrete shell analysis. LNG structures have very great thermal movement resulting in wall cracking due to base restraint. The concrete walls would freeze without liners. Concrete tank walls are supported on high capacity balsa blocks for isolation and movement. There are many other aspects to safety that are required in such a major design. Failure of such a tank would cause fatalities. Contact a firm like PRELOAD in New York.

 

[franzh]

Sorry for coming in late, but you should also consult ASME and the NFPA 57, the US code for LNG Tank use and fabrication. That pretty well sets the standard for the installation of LNG tanks. NFPA 57 is limited to 265 m3, ASME is the engineering body who designs the tanks.
Dont overlook ISO either.

Franz

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