Assessing the Effectiveness of Regional Storm Surge Reduction Strategies and Tank Level Structural Mitigation Measures for Aboveground Storage Tanks

Abstract

The effectiveness of regional storm surge reduction strategies and tank-level structural mitigation measures in reducing the failure probability of aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) were studied. Given past failures during flood and hurricane events, several studies have developed fragility models for ASTs. However, the suitability of these fragility models for different hurricane hazard scenarios is unknown. Furthermore, to combat climate change and sea level rise, several regional storm surge reduction strategies are being proposed. However, the effectiveness of these strategies in improving the safety of ASTs is also unknown. So, herein, a framework was proposed that facilitates assessing the suitability of fragility models and the quantification of AST failures and their consequences while propagating uncertainties using Monte Carlo simulations. The application of the proposed framework to Cameron, Louisiana, provided several key insights: (1) fragility models that do not model wave loads and dislocation failure are not suitable for the region; (2) a regional risk mitigation strategy was insufficient for lowering future spill volume, repair, and cleanup costs; and (3) considering bottom-plate failure of anchored tanks—a structural risk mitigation measure—would lead to a 47–72% reduction in the consequences of tank failure.