On-Demand Course

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This is an ASCE Micro Learning Seminar consisting of short modules and videos for ease in consuming and learning.

INSTRUCTOR: Dave K. Adams, P.E., S.E., M.ASCE

Course Length: 5 hours

Purpose and Background

Chapter 15 of ASCE 7-10 contains miscellaneous provisions for calculating seismic forces to be applied to a variety of tanks and vessels. A number of agencies also publish design standards for tanks of different materials and configurations, many of which are at some variance with the latest edition of ASCE 7. Additionally, the wind load provisions for tanks can be different among these many standards depending on material and governing load combinations. Through the presentation commentary and worked-out numerical examples, this course intends to guide the participant through design principles outlined in various tank design standards using ASCE 7-10 as the source document for defining loads for analysis.

Learning Outcomes and Benefits

Vertical Flat-Bottom Tanks Storing Liquids

  • Discover necessary seismic equations from Chapter 15
  • Determine tank wall stresses due to fluid and lateral forces

Elevated Vessels Storing Solids

  • Understand how the properties of bulk solids affect vessel performance
  • Calculate silo leg anchorage to concrete

Horizontal Saddle-Supported Vessels Storing Liquids

  • Consider simplified methods to account for sloshing effects
  • Review shell combined longitudinal stress due to weight and seismic load

Tanks or Vessels Supported on Structural Towers

  • Determine appropriate wind and seismic forces for the vessel and the tower
  • Understand code requirements for building-type structures supporting a tank

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

Students' achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed via a short post-assessment (true-false, multiple choice and fill in the blank questions).

Target Audience

  • Structural Engineers
  • Tank Manufacturers/Fabricators
  • Industrial Facility Managers
  • Public code-enforcement agencies

Course Outline

Vertical Flat-Bottom Tanks Storing Liquids

  • Determining wind and seismic forces
  • Consideration of wall stresses and materials
  • Anchorage of tank wall to concrete

Elevated Vessels Storing Solids

  • Properties of bulk solids and determining relevant load combinations
  • Determining wind and seismic forces
  • Design process and considerations for roofs, cylindrical shells, and hoppers
  • Design process and considerations for support legs and bracing
  • Anchorage of support legs to concrete

Horizontal Saddle-Supported Vessels Storing Liquids

  • Determining wind and seismic forces
  • Anchorage of vessel to saddle supports
  • Design and anchorage of saddle support to concrete foundation

Tanks or Vessels Supported on Structural Towers

  • Load combinations and wind forces
  • Seismic forces
  • Natural frequency and structural period
  • Structural requirements for different building systems

How to Earn your PDHs and Receive Your Certificate of Completion

To receive your certificate of completion, you will need to complete a short on-line post-test and receive a passing score of 70% or higher within 1 year of purchasing the course.