Appropriateness of Checklist Based on Structural Analysis in Seismic Safety Design of SMC Fire Extinguisher Tank

Abstract

Recently, in seismic design analysis, some non-structural elements have been defined and analyzed as rigid bodies, which makes it difficult to ensure the safety of non-structural elements against earthquakes. In the recently revised “Seismic Design Standards for Fire-Fighting Facilities,” the seismic design of fire-fighting facilities for seismic load and structural safety prioritizes the seismic design of each connection. In particular, in a tank vibrating due to an earthquake, pressure from fluid flow is exerted on the tank wall due to the interaction between the liquid and structure; in fact, this pressure may increase the stress of the tank and cause structural damage. In addition, the frequency of the water tank and connecting pipe is different, which may alter each other’s wavelength. The water tank is crucial for supplying water, which acts as a fire-extinguishing agent, to the fire-extinguishing facility. In terms of earthquake damage to the water tank, the risk increases when water cannot be supplied during a fire due to damage to the continuous section of the tank wall and damage to the pipe connector connected to the tank. In this study, criteria for review items are presented such that the “Structural Safety Checklist for Seismic Design of Water Tanks” can be reviewed and compared by item in a structural review of the water tank during seismic design. Structural calculation via numerical calculation cannot adequately account for the structure of the water tank. Therefore, calculations for the structure are verified, a quantitative design that addresses the limitations of numerical calculation is considered, and a three-dimensional design that includes the relative displacement of connections is established. Structural safety is confirmed by examining the structural members and connections through modeling and structural analysis simulation.