An Experimental Study of EFB Behavior of Large Model Tank

We recognized the importance of the seismic capability against earthquakes of the thermal power plant on the occurrence of the Hyogoken-Nanbu Earthquake in 1995. In this respect, seismic proving tests on the equipment of the thermal power plant had been planned and carried out. Vibration tests and FEM analysis were performed to demonstrate the seismic capability of the equipment. A liquefied natural gas (LNG) tank was selected as one of the subjects. One of the remarkable nonlinear phenomena of an actual large tank was Elephant Foot Bulge (EFB). To investigate the EFB behavior of the tank, vibration test of the large scale model tank and FEM analysis were conducted. Then we estimated EFB behavior of the tank.Copyright © 2002 by ASME