A solution, based on Ritz energy method, is presented for the uplifting analysis of a uniformly loaded semi-infinite beam supported on a rigid foundation. Motivated by a need to understand the effects of earthquake-induced base uplifting in unanchored liquid-storage tanks, the solution accounts for the nonlinearities associated with large displacements and material yielding in the base plate, and considers the constraining action of the tank wall. The results are in close agreement with those from the “exact” analysis.

Issue Section:
Research Papers
Topics:
Storage, Earthquakes
1.
Auli, W., Fischer, F. D., and Rammerstorfer, F. G., 1985, “Uplifting of Earthquake-Loaded Liquid-Filled Tanks,” Proceedings, Pressure Vessels and Piping Conference, New Orleans, LA, Vol. 98-7, pp. 71–85.
2.
Cambra, F. J., 1982, “Earthquake Response Considerations of Broad Liquid Storage Tanks,” Rep. EERC 82-25, Earthquake Engineering Research Center, University of California, Berkeley, CA.
3.
“Fortran Subroutines for Mathematical Application,” 1987, Problem-Solving Software Systems, IMSL, Houston, TX.
4.
Haroun, M. A., Badawi, H. S., and Nanda, C. B., 1987, “Nonlinear Uplift Analysis of Crescent-Shaped Plate,” Proceedings, Pressure Vessels and Piping Conference, San Diego, CA, pp. 317–324.
5.
Leon
G. S.
, and
Kausel
E. A. M.
,
1986
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Seismi Analysis of Fluid Storage Tanks
,”
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1
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1
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18
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6.
Malhotra
P. K.
, and
Veletsos
A. S.
,
1994
a, “
Beam Model for Base-Uplifting Analysis of Cylindrical Tanks
,”
Journal of Structural Engineering, ASCE
, Vol.
120
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12
), pp.
3471
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3488
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7.
Malhotra
P. K.
, and
Veletsos
A. S.
,
1994
b, “
Uplifting Analysis of Base Plates in Cylindrical Tanks
,”
Journal of Structural Engineering, ASCE
, Vol.
120
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12
), pp.
3489
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3505
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8.
Wozniak, R. S., and Mitchell, W. W., 1978, “Basis of Seismic Design Provisions for Welded Steel Oil Storage Tanks,” Session on Advances in Storage Tank Design, American Petroleum Institute (API), Washington, DC.
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