VERIFICATION OF SEISMIC PERFORMANCE OF IN-GROUND LNG TANK USING 3D TANK-SOIL COUPLED NONLINEAR FEM ANALYSIS

Abstract

 The quasi-dynamic equivalent linear analysis method has been used in a current design of in-ground LNG tanks. The dynamic nonlinear analysis method is expected to contribute to more rational design.
 3D nonlinear seismic response analysis was conducted to verify the applicability of the analysis method to the tank-soil coupled system and to evaluate the seismic performance of in-ground LNG tanks under level 2 earthquakes. The recorded responses were simulated and the results from 3D dynamic analysis coincided with the observed records. It was confirmed that the existing in-ground LNG tank has sufficient safety against level 2 earthquakes and this means more rational design is applicable to the in-ground LNG tank.