Seismic performance assessment of an existing anchored and a self-anchored liquid storage tank in high seismic regions

This study presents seismic performance of two existing at-grade industrial liquid-storage tanks located in the Eastern part of Marmara region, which is a high seismic region in Turkey. The first tank is self-anchored (unanchored) and has been in service for 44 years, while the other tank is mechanically anchored to a reinforced concrete foundation and has been in service for 50 years. Tanks seismic performance is evaluated using tank time-history earthquake analyses with recorded ground motions scaled for each tank site. The liquid content was included in the developed model using provisions of API 650. Tanks base uplift, sliding on the foundation, tank shell and bottom plate damage, and demand on tank anchorage were determined. The results shows that self-anchored tank has base plate uplift and sliding that are larger than the allowable limits while the mechanically anchored tank has acceptable seismic performance with potential seismic damage of tank anchorage system. The findings of this study contribute valuable insight into the seismic performance of existing liquid storage tanks in the region under new seismic regulations and increased seismic loads than those used for their design.