Enhancement of the structural behavior of elevated water tanks using X-plate dampers

Abstract

This study aims at utilizing of X-plate dampers to effectively address vibrations and minimize the possible structural harm to water tank facilities, and also at utilizing a finite element methodology to simulate and analyze the structural reactions. A non-linear time history analysis is employed to assess the effectiveness of X-plate dampers when subjected to different blast-induced ground motions. The efficiency of dampers was evaluated by conducting a comparative analysis of liquid storage structures with and without dampers using 50 m3 and 1500 m3 tanks in empty and full conditions. X – plate dampers are installed in a variety of bracing schemes, such as diagonal, X, V, Inverted V, and K bracing subjected to underground blast loads to improve the resilience of the selected elevated water tanks. The results showed the X-bracing pattern is the most effective configuration for X-plate dampers in mitigating blast loads in a 50 m3 elevated tank without water, resulting in a reduction of displacement, shear force, and bending moment by 43%, 15%, and 22%, in case of elevated tank with water reduced by 39% 25% and 33% respectively. In 1500 m3 elevated tank without water, the K-bracing is determined to be the most effective type of bracing, reducing the displacement, shear force, and bending moment by 50%, 70%, and 70%, in case of elevated tank with water reduced by 53%, 52%, and 54% respectively. The current study makes a significant contribution to the field of structural engineering by providing useful insights into raised water tank construction.