On the behaviour of open-topped oil storage tanks in high winds. part II. structural aspects

Evidence is presented and arguments advanced to support the proposition that vibration induced by turbulence in the air stream plays a significant role in initiating the collapse of open-topped oil storage tanks in high winds. On this basis a new criterion is suggested for calculating the size of the circumferential strengthening members of tanks (wind girders). It is pointed out that a new criterion for calculating the wind speed at which tanks fail can only be couched in probabilistic terms and while it is not yet possible to derive such a criterion, the necessary steps and research to do so are discussed. Some interesting results on flow-induced vibrations in circular cylindrical structures are derived and discussed in the light of other relevant research to gain a clearer understanding of such phenomena.