Pseudodynamic test for evaluation of seismic performance of base-isolated liquid storage tanks

Abstract

A pseudodynamic test method for the evaluation of the seismic performance of base-isolated liquid storage tanks is introduced. The liquid storage tank is modelled as a simple discrete system and a mixed integration method is adopted in the pseudodynamic testing algorithm. Major interest is placed on the development of the pseudodynamic test method incorporating a substructuring technique to simulate the hydrodynamic behaviour which could not be accounted for in a quasistatic manner. Two types of liquid storage tanks were tested to predict the seismic loads exerted by the liquid on the tank wall in terms of hydrodynamic forces and the effect of base isolation systems. The pseudodynamic test method proposed in this paper can be applied to the seismic response prediction of base-isolated liquid storage tanks using quasistatic testing facilities.