Relative vulnerability of pipes, tank shell, and shell-pipe connection in aboveground storage tanks during flood induced flotation and sliding

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

8-1-2025

Abstract

This study investigated the flood-induced vulnerabilities of aboveground storage tanks (ASTs), focusing on the relative likelihood of failure in their shells, pipes, and shell-pipe connections. There are limited studies that focus on the relative vulnerability of different AST components mentioned above and it is unknown which component is most likely to fail first during flood events. Design guidelines for ASTs lack provisions on the flood performance of pipes connected to tanks and their connection design. To address these issues, finite element modeling, using LS-Dyna software, was employed to analyze the performance of the abovementioned components under different flood scenarios, including flotation and sliding, both individually and simultaneously. The design guidelines were followed to model the ASTs and connections. A parametric study was conducted using four case study tanks to assess the impact of variables such as yield strength and angular displacement. The results indicated that pipes connected in a straight configuration were more prone to failure, particularly under sliding conditions, where rupture at the shell-pipe connection could lead to significant spillage. In contrast, configurations with bends demonstrated better resistance to rupture, thereby reducing the risk of hazardous substance release. The study also found that using pipes with a higher yield strength than the tank shell did not significantly alter failure patterns or stress distribution in tank components. In general, the finite element analysis results indicated that the pipes exhibited higher maximum stress values compared to the tank shell and connections across most of the pipe layouts, with the sliding case often presenting slightly lower pipe stresses compared to flotation. This suggested that the pipes were relatively more vulnerable to damage under these loading conditions, followed by the connections and then the tank shell, which tended to experience the least stress in most cases. This study has significant implications for the design and safety of ASTs, particularly in flood-prone areas, and offers a foundation for further research on mitigating flood-related risks in industrial settings.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Process Safety and Environmental Protection

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