Experimental validation of an energy-dissipating anchoring system for continuously-supported storage tanks

Abstract

This paper presents a novel energy dissipation device called NWS-TADAS and its experimental validation. The device was inspired by the flexural failure of the top plate of anchor bolt chairs in wine storage tanks observed after the 2015 Mw 8.3 Illapel, Chile Earthquake. The device is proposed to replace traditional anchors in continuously-supported storage tanks. This device provides advantages compared to other steel dampers in terms of constructability and force-deformation relationship. TADAS and similar steel energy-dissipation devices have a relatively high constructive difficulty derived from their welding process. The proposed device has no welds on the dissipation plate, hence its nomenclature (Non-Welded Symmetrical TADAS). In addition, design deformations are not chosen consistently with the total failure energy for the expected number of cycles during its lifetime, resulting in non-optimal devices (underutilized). Full-scale specimens were manufactured in AISI-304 stainless steel and ASTM-A36 steel and tested under two types of displacement protocols. Both materials were chosen because they are the most used for tanks in the food industry and industrial storage. The results showed that A36 carbon steel presented a smaller hardening. In all cases, the plastic deformations on the surface of the dampers were not uniform as expected in triangle-shape devices, being concentrated at the center and close to the embedment zone and causing a premature fatigue failure. The dissipated energy for consecutive cycles was stable, and using additional stacked dampers in the system had no significant effects on the hysteretic behavior. The system showed no rate dependence. The dampers presented almost identical force-deformation relationships for two consecutive earthquakes; the dissipated energy was less than 20% of their total capacity. The latter result validates their capacity to withstand several earthquakes without being replaced, further concluding that the NWS-TADAS is a viable alternative to be implemented as an anchoring system on storage tanks and other types of structures. Finally, it is concluded that performing testing protocols defined with a statistical approach may be more meaningful for dampers subject to earthquake demands.