Experimental Investigation of Tsunami Loads on a Group of Cylindrical Oil Storage Tanks

Abstract

For establishing reasonable tsunami-resistant design and reinforcement methods for cylindrical oil storage tanks at oil storage bases in coastal areas, it is necessary to investigate the tsunami-induced loads and damage modes of these tanks. However, there are few studies conducted on these subjects. Even for isolated tanks, only a few studies have been conducted. Therefore, it is important to properly evaluate the tsunami forces acting on isolated and grouped tanks using hydraulic experiments. First, a series of hydraulic experiments with scale models were conducted on isolated and grouped tanks. Next, the characteristics of the tsunami forces acting on the isolated and grouped tanks were investigated based on the experimental results. Finally, the tsunami resistant performance of the tanks is discussed based on the predicted damage modes. The results indicated that overturning and/or sliding of tanks would occur, even when the tanks are full of oil, depending on the arrangement of tanks.