Assessment of the dynamic structural behaviour of storage steel tanks

The main objective of this research work is to propose a design analysis methodology for the structural analysis of storage tanks, focusing on the integrity of this structure in the presence of damages and their wind-induced buckling resistance considering the dynamic behaviour of non-deterministic wind loads. For that, a case study of a real tank containing deformations is conducted. These deformations are properly mapped using 3D laser scanning inspection technique, whose results are used to calibrate finite element models with point cloud processing methodology and model calibration. Several analyses using the finite element method are then performed, considering geometric and material nonlinearities, with the aim of studying the static and dynamic buckling phenomenon of tanks and verifying the differences between static and dynamic wind loads. The non-deterministic dynamic wind loads are generated using the Spectral Representation Method (SRM) and the results are assessed and discussed. Additionally, a discussion is held regarding the update of safety factors due to the latest revision of structural verification codes. Among various conclusions, the analyses have indicated that the safety factors adopted in the new revisions may not suggest the occurrence of buckling, whereas the analysis for the dynamic effects of non-deterministic wind loads points to the possibility of buckling taking place. •An analysis methodology was proposed to assess the dynamic structural behaviour of storage steel tanks.•Imperfections used for nonlinear buckling analyses were precisely determined based on experimental tests.•The non-deterministic dynamic structural response of a storage steel tank was assessed.•The integrity of a real storage tank was assessed considering the presence of damages.•The wind-induced buckling resistance of the storage tank was determined and investigated.