Settlement analysis of an oil storage tank considering inclined subsoil layers

Resumo

Oil storage tanks are usually designed and built in coastal regions where the subsoil is characterized by
stratigraphic intercalations of fine sands, silts, soft clays and marine sediments. The loading applied by thank is
generally of small magnitude, but the occurrence of differential settlements, due to compression of the soil, may
seriously damage the main tank components, including pipes and connections for oil supply. The main objective
of this study is a numerical evaluation of a tank foundation with respect to slightly inclined subsoil layers,
comparing the results with measured data from field hydro tests. The consideration of slope variation in the subsoil
layers has a direct influence on the settlement, especially with respect to the clay layers. This study also highlights
the importance of several factors that affect the foundation behavior and may be helpful for engineers to make
appropriate decisions from a technical and economical point of views.