Prestressed LNG Storage Tanks in Japan

Natural gas now accounts for about 10% of the total energy consumption in Japan, and its use continues to increase, both for domestic heating and for electric power plants. This growth has created the need for new LNG (liquified natural gas) storage tanks. In densely populated Japan, gas storage capacity often has to be maximized on sites with severely limited space, while high levels of safety and reliability must also be maintained. Inevitably, some LNG terminal sites are close to residential areas; likewise, some sites have been regarded as too small for the installation of conventional LNG storage facilities. To meet these challenges, prestressed concrete outer tank systems and in-pit systems have been developed in Japan in recent years. This paper presents the main characteristics of these storage systems, along with a brief discussion of relevant earthquake-resistant design considerations.