A Probabilistic Approach for the Assessment of LOC Events in Steel Storage Tanks Under Seismic Loading

Author(s):  
Fabrizio Paolacci ◽  
Daniele Corritore ◽  
Antonio C. Caputo ◽  
Oreste S. Bursi ◽  
Bledar Kalemi

The damage states in a storage tank subjected to seismic loading can induce loss of containment (LOC) with possible consequences (fire, explosion, etc..) both for the surrounding units and people. This aspect is particularly crucial for the Quantitative Risk Analysis (QRA) of industrial plants subjected to earthquakes. Classical QRA methodologies are based on standard LOC conditions whose frequency of occurrence is mainly related to technological accident rather than natural events and are thus useless. Therefore, it is evident the necessity of establishing new procedures for the evaluation of the frequencies of occurrence of LOC events in storage tanks when subjected to an earthquake. Consequently, in this work a simple procedure founded on a probabilistic linear regression-based model is proposed, which uses simplified numerical models typically adopted for the seismic response of above ground storage tanks. Based on a set of predetermined LOC events (e.g. damage in the pipes, damage in the nozzles, etc..), whose probabilistic relationship with the local response (stress level, etc..) derives from experimental tests, the probabilistic relationship of selected response parameters with the seismic intensity measure (IM) is established. As result, for each LOC event, the cloud analysis method is used to derive the related fragility curve.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
George Karagiannakis

This paper deals with state of the art risk and resilience calculations for industrial plants. Resilience is a top priority issue on the agenda of societies due to climate change and the all-time demand for human life safety and financial robustness. Industrial plants are highly complex systems containing a considerable number of equipment such as steel storage tanks, pipe rack-piping systems, and other installations. Loss Of Containment (LOC) scenarios triggered by past earthquakes due to failure on critical components were followed by severe repercussions on the community, long recovery times and great economic losses. Hence, facility planners and emergency managers should be aware of possible seismic damages and should have already established recovery plans to maximize the resilience and minimize the losses. Seismic risk assessment is the first step of resilience calculations, as it establishes possible damage scenarios. In order to have an accurate risk analysis, the plant equipment vulnerability must be assessed; this is made feasible either from fragility databases in the literature that refer to customized equipment or through numerical calculations. Two different approaches to fragility assessment will be discussed in this paper: (i) code-based Fragility Curves (FCs); and (ii) fragility curves based on numerical models. A carbon black process plant is used as a case study in order to display the influence of various fragility curve realizations taking their effects on risk and resilience calculations into account. Additionally, a new way of representing the total resilience of industrial installations is proposed. More precisely, all possible scenarios will be endowed with their weighted recovery curves (according to their probability of occurrence) and summed together. The result is a concise graph that can help stakeholders to identify critical plant equipment and make decisions on seismic mitigation strategies for plant safety and efficiency. Finally, possible mitigation strategies, like structural health monitoring and metamaterial-based seismic shields are addressed, in order to show how future developments may enhance plant resilience. The work presented hereafter represents a highly condensed application of the research done during the XP-RESILIENCE project, while more detailed information is available on the project website https://r.unitn.it/en/dicam/xp-resilience.


Polymers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 137
Author(s):  
Artur Andrearczyk ◽  
Bartlomiej Konieczny ◽  
Jerzy Sokołowski

This paper describes a novel method for the experimental validation of numerically optimised turbomachinery components. In the field of additive manufacturing, numerical models still need to be improved, especially with the experimental data. The paper presents the operational characteristics of a compressor wheel, measured during experimental research. The validation process included conducting a computational flow analysis and experimental tests of two compressor wheels: The aluminium wheel and the 3D printed wheel (made of a polymer material). The chosen manufacturing technology and the results obtained made it possible to determine the speed range in which the operation of the tested machine is stable. In addition, dynamic destructive tests were performed on the polymer disc and their results were compared with the results of the strength analysis. The tests were carried out at high rotational speeds (up to 120,000 rpm). The results of the research described above have proven the utility of this technology in the research and development of high-speed turbomachines operating at speeds up to 90,000 rpm. The research results obtained show that the technology used is suitable for multi-variant optimization of the tested machine part. This work has also contributed to the further development of numerical models.


2013 ◽  
Vol 671-674 ◽  
pp. 1399-1402
Author(s):  
Ying Sun ◽  
Jian Gang Sun ◽  
Li Fu Cui

To study the impact of floating roof on seismic response of vertical storage tank structure system subjected to seismic excitation, select 150000m3 storage tanks as research object, and the finite element analysis model of storage tanks with and without floating roof were established respectively. The seismic response of these two types of structure in different site conditions and seismic intensity were calculated and the numerical solutions were compared. The results show that floating roof has little impact on base shear and base moment in different site conditions and seismic intensity. Floating roof can effectively reduce the sloshing wave height. The influence of floating roof on dynamic fluid pressure decreases with the increase of seismic intensity, which is less affected by ground conditions.


2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 477-508 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. F.R. SANTOS ◽  
R. C. S. S. ALVARENGA ◽  
J. C. L. RIBEIRO ◽  
L. O CASTRO ◽  
R. M. SILVA ◽  
...  

Abstract This work developed experimental tests and numerical models able to represent the mechanical behavior of prisms made of ordinary and high strength concrete blocks. Experimental tests of prisms were performed and a detailed micro-modeling strategy was adopted for numerical analysis. In this modeling technique, each material (block and mortar) was represented by its own mechanical properties. The validation of numerical models was based on experimental results. It was found that the obtained numerical values of compressive strength and modulus of elasticity differ by 5% from the experimentally observed values. Moreover, mechanisms responsible for the rupture of the prisms were evaluated and compared to the behaviors observed in the tests and those described in the literature. Through experimental results it is possible to conclude that the numerical models have been able to represent both the mechanical properties and the mechanisms responsible for failure.


2010 ◽  
Vol 136 ◽  
pp. 153-157
Author(s):  
Yu Hong Du ◽  
Xiu Ming Jiang ◽  
Xiu Ren Li

To solve the problem of detecting the permeability of the textile machinery, a dedicated test system has been developed based on the pressure difference measuring method. The established system has a number of advantages including simple, fast and accurate. The mathematical model of influencing factors for permeability is derived based on fluid theory, and the relationship of these parameters is achieved. Further investigations are directed towards the inherent characteristics of the control system. Based on the established model and measuring features, an information fusion based clustering control system is proposed to implement the measurement. Using this mechanical structure, a PID control system and a cluster control system have been developed. Simulation and experimental tests are carried out to examine the performance of the established system. It is noted that the clustering method has a high dynamic performance and control accuracy. This cluster fusion control method has been successfully utilized in powder metallurgy collar permeability testing.


Author(s):  
Giorgio Diana ◽  
Stoyan Stoyanoff ◽  
Andrew Allsop ◽  
Luca Amerio ◽  
Tommaso Argentini ◽  
...  

<p>This paper is part of a series of publications aimed at the divulgation of the results of the 3-step benchmark proposed by the IABSE Task Group 3.1 to define reference results for the validation of the software that simulate the aeroelastic stability and the response to the turbulent wind of super-long span bridges. Step 1 is a numerical comparison of different numerical models both a sectional model (Step 1.1) and a full bridge (Step 1.2) are studied. Step 2 will be the comparison of predicted results and experimental tests in wind tunnel. Step 3 will be a comparison against full scale measurements.</p><p>The results of Step 1.1 related to the response of a sectional model were presented to the last IABSE Symposium in Nantes 2018. In this paper, the results of Step 1.2 related to the response long-span full bridge are presented in this paper both in terms of aeroelastic stability and buffeting response, comparing the results coming from several TG members.</p>


2011 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 293-304 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena Nuta ◽  
Constantin Christopoulos ◽  
Jeffrey A. Packer

The seismic response of tubular steel wind turbine towers is of significant concern as they are increasingly being installed in seismic areas and design codes do not clearly address this aspect of design. The seismic hazard is hence assessed for the Canadian seismic environment using implicit finite element analysis and incremental dynamic analysis of a 1.65 MW wind turbine tower. Its behaviour under seismic excitation is evaluated, damage states are defined, and a framework is developed for determining the probability of damage of the tower at varying seismic hazard levels. Results of the implementation of this framework in two Canadian locations are presented herein, where the risk was found to be low for the seismic hazard level prescribed for buildings. However, the design of wind turbine towers is subject to change, and the design spectrum is highly uncertain. Thus, a methodology is outlined to thoroughly investigate the probability of reaching predetermined damage states under any seismic loading conditions for future considerations.


2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 585-596 ◽  
Author(s):  
Damian BEBEN ◽  
Adam STRYCZEK

The paper presents a numerical analysis of corrugated steel plate (CSP) bridge with reinforced concrete (RC) relieving slab under static loads. Calculations were made based on the finite element method using Abaqus software. Two computation models were used; in the first one, RC slab was used, and the other was without it. The effect of RC slab to deformations of CSP shell was determined. Comparing the computational results from two numerical models, it can be concluded that when the relieving slab is applied, substantial reductions in displacements, stresses, bending mo­ments and axial thrusts are achieved. Relative reductions of displacements were in the range of 53–66%, and stresses of 73–82%. Maximum displacements and bending moments were obtained at the shell crown, and maximum stresses and axial thrusts at the quarter points. The calculation results were also compared to the values from experimental tests. The course of computed displacements and stresses is similar to those obtained from experimental tests, although the absolute values were generally higher than the measured ones. Results of numerical analyses can be useful for bridge engineering, with particular regard to bridges and culverts made from corrugated steel plates for the range of necessity of using additional relieving elements.


2018 ◽  
Vol 47 (9) ◽  
pp. 1844-1863 ◽  
Author(s):  
Konstantinos Bakalis ◽  
Mohsen Kohrangi ◽  
Dimitrios Vamvatsikos

Author(s):  
Akihisa Sugiyama ◽  
Koji Setta ◽  
Yoji Kawamoto ◽  
Koji Hamada ◽  
Hideyuki Morita ◽  
...  

As for thin walled cylindrical liquid storage tanks in nuclear power plants, the current elastic design guideline against seismic loading might result in too conservative component design as compared with elasto-plastic design in general industries. Therefore, it is thought possible to make the design guideline more reasonable by taking dynamic response reduction into account. In this series of study, experiments using scaled models were carried out, and seismic behavior of thin walled cylindrical liquid storage tanks was simulated to investigate energy absorption capacity and seismic resistance of those tanks. In this 3rd report of series of studies, seismic behavior of tanks was simulated to estimate a dynamic response reduction factor. This factor is based on the energy absorption capacity of structures. Through experiments and numerical study, a response reduction factor to design thin walled cylindrical liquid storage tanks has been proposed.


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