LNG Tank in Świnoujście: Nonlinear Analysis of the Tank Dome Elements Behaviour

Bartosz Sobczyk

doi:10.2478/pomr-2020-0074

Abstract

Abstract In this paper, the dome of a tank in the Świnoujście LNG terminal is analysed. Some of the rafter ribs at the connection with hangers were not mounted during construction of the tank dome. Therefore, it has become necessary to estimate its response, which has been done with the aid of some computational models of the dome, that have been created in the finite element method environment. Different local models are studied, aiming to recreate possible outermost conditions of the tank dome response, i.e. with or without composite action between steel and concrete parts of the tank dome. Static calculations with material and geometric nonlinearities are carried out on the computational models, enabling the creation of a load capacity envelope of the rafter with or without ribs. The obtained results are then used to decide if repair works need to be done and whether the missing ribs should be welded.

Highlights

AND RESEARCH BACKGROUNDThe rules and principles of structural mechanics and dynamics govern the behaviour of all structures, regardless of their location and function
The lightweight aluminium roof; the tank dome cannot be sucked inside the structure, and additional loads resulting from these effects are not considered
The analysis begins from the moment when the steel grillage is subjected to the most unfavourable combination of internal forces, according to the ultimate limit state (ULS) envelopes presented in the detailed design [16]

Summary

Introduction

AND RESEARCH BACKGROUNDThe rules and principles of structural mechanics and dynamics govern the behaviour of all structures, regardless of their location and function. Offshore floating and fixed structures, ships, harbours, docks and their equipment are often treated as constructions made of beams, plates, shells, solids, etc. Such structures and equipment are subjected to loading conditions, that need to be determined carefully, depending on the function of the structure and the environment in which it operates. Recent studies reveal that structural analyses of maritime or offshore constructions are still desirable and of interest to researchers and engineers. Selected examples of such studies, that show current trends in this field and deal with the aforesaid issues, are briefly discussed. Structures that enable effective operation and exploitation of docks, shipyards and terminals, such as retaining walls, bridges and tanks, have been analysed in the field of their response predicted by means of the finite element method (FEM) or methods resulting from sensor measurements [11,12,13,14]

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Conclusion