Nonlinear Behavior of Circular Concrete Storage Tanks: History Pushover and Dynamic Loadings by Providing an Innovative Technique to Reduce the Seismic Response of Semi-Buried Tanks

Abstract

This study has concentrated on the nonlinear behavior of semi-buried concrete cylindrical storage tanks not subjected to seismic loads such as earthquakes. The support conditions of the tank in this study were investigated in both flexible and rigid conditions. A comparison between the behavior of reinforced concrete and pre-stressed concrete of the tanks has been done for flexible support conditions. Finite Element Method (FE) has been used in order to determine the nonlinear response of cylindrical tanks under dynamic time history analysis and pushover. In addition, in this study a new approach has been provided for tanks with flexible support in order to reduce the seismic response of structures with the seismic rehabilitation method using a passive vibration control system of the viscous damper. it has been shown that using FVD the tank’s response subjected to the seismic loads is reduced. Another achievement of a passive vibration control system of the viscous damper (FVD) in concrete tanks, is the improvement of the system by reducing the cracking of concrete. It can be concluded that flexible-based tanks equipped with FVD can be used as an economical and practical system used in earthquake-prone areas.