r,·.

C \
:i:
II) .,_.: ·-..
II)
.
a
<
II)

"'"'~
"'C:
1:1
1:1 .)
0

~ !
'
00
C:
:l
II)

'<
"'
2. ·I
.,
s:
II)

z
0
'
0
ff)
. :~ >;·){ ':;
(')
0
-a0 :::~J~]:t
.
Ill
e
. ·'
.,,
0 -~;·
;:i . :-' ·
en
r-
r
0
C: J
..u>: 1
:!: . .. ' . •. . • .. , J

f.

<
m
en
en
m 0
r- :c
en )>
C: 1:J
,:, -I
m
-a :a
0
lJ I
-I I\)
CJ)
'f£U VESSEL SUPPORTS
12.2 SKIRT AND BASE-RING DESIGN 421

12.1 INTRODUCTION Figure 12.lc shows an alternative design where the legs are attached to lugs
that in turn are welded to the vessel. The bending stiffness of the shell and its
Process equipment is normally supported by one of the follo wing methods: ability to resist the moments adequately must be considered. The cross-bracing
of the legs may be needed to minimize lateral and torsional movements.
1. Skirts
Vessels supported by ring girders (Fig. 12.ld) are usually placed within a
2. Support legs structural frame. The ring girder has the advantage of supporting torsional and
3. Support lugs bending moments resulting from the transfer of loads from the vessel wall to
4. Ring girders the supports.
5. Saddles Horizontal vessels (Fig. 12.le) are normally supported by saddles. Stiffen-
ing rings may be required if the shell is too thin to transfer the loads to the
Most vertical vessels are supported by skins. as shown in Fig. 12. la. Skins saddles. The problem of thermal expansion must also be considered.
are economical because they generally transfer the loads from the vessel by
shear action. They also transfer the loads to the foundation through anchor
bolts and bearing plates. 12.2 SKIRT AND BASE-RING DESIGN
Leg-supported vessels are normally lightweight, and the legs provide easy
access to the bottom of the vessel. An economic design is shown in Fig. 12.lb , Design of the skirt involves first determining the dead weight W of the vessel
where the legs attach directly to the vessel and the loads are transferred by and bending moment M due to wind and earthquake forces (see Chapter 16).
shear action. The stress in the skirt is then determined from

-W Mc
a=--±- (12 .1)
A I

In most practical applications, the ratio R / t > 10. Hence, the area A and the
moment of inertia / are expressed as
rl D JI A= 2'TTRt
I= 7rR 3t

and the equation for the stress in a skirt becomes

(a) Sk1rt (b) Leg (c.) Lug -W M

a = - - ± - 2- (12.2)
2'TTRI 7rR t

where a = axial stress in skirt

W = weight of vessel
M = moment due to wind or earthquake forces
R = radius of skirt

CC_]) 1 = thickness of skirt

(d) Ring Girder

Figure 12.1
(e )
'
.o!=b

Sad dl es

Vessel supports.
-
I Because the compressive stress is larger than the tensile stress, it usually
controls the skirt design and is kept below the skirt's allowable axial compres-
sive stress as given by Eq. 8.15.
After the thickness t of the skirt is determined, the next step is designing
the anchor bolts. For a given number of bolts, N , the total bolt area can be
422 VESSEL SUPPORTS

Table 12.2 Bolt Dimensions a·nd Clearance Bolting Data

Table 12.1
Tirreads Nut Dimensions
Allowable
Bolt Tensile Across Across Bolt Radial Edge Wrench
Bolt No. of Root
Type Stress (ksi) Size Threads Area (in. ) Flats Corners Spacing Distance Distance Diameter
2

B R E a
A307 20
13 5
A325 44 1 7
0.969 1¼ 16 ii 1½
2 13 0.126 ii
A449 40" 15 3
1¾
5
11 0 .202 1,k l.175 1½ 16 4
A490 54 ii 13
3 1.383 1¾ 1½ 16 2-h
4 10 0.302 1¼ 15
7 1 ,lg 1.589 2-ra 1¼ 16 2¾
"For bolts equal to or smaller than I in. in ii 9 0.419
diameter. 1.796 2¼ 1¾ l -h 2¾
1 8 0.551 1¾
0.728 l .!1 2.002 2½ 1½ 1½ 2I
1½ 8 16
2.209 2 13 1¾ 1¼ 3¼
expressed as NA, where A is the area of one bolt. The moment of inertia of 1¼ 8 0.929 2 16
li 1¾ 3½
bolts a bout the vessel's neutral axis is / = NAR 2/ 2. Thus. Eq. 12.1 is 1¾ 8 1.155 2ft 2.416 3-k
2.622 3¼ 2 1½ 3¾
-W 2M 1½ 8 1.405 2¾
2.828 3½ 2½ 1¾ 4
P=--+- (12 .3) 1¾ 8 1.608 2-&
N - NR 3.035 3¾ 2¼ 1¾ 4¼
1¾ 8 1.980 2¾
2ll 3.242 4 2¾ ll 4½
where P = load/ bolt 1I 8 2.304 16
3.449 4¼ 2½ 2 4¾
W = weight of vessel 2 8 2.652 3½
3.423 3½ 3.862 4¾ 2¾ 2¼ 5¼
N = number of bolts 2¼ 8
2 8 4.292 3l 4.275 5¼ 3,k 2¾ sI
R = radius of bolt circle 2¾ . 6½
2 8 5 .259 4¼ 4.688 5¾ 3 ¾
M = bending moment 3¾ 2i 7
3 8 6.324 4¾ 5. 102 6¼
7.487 5 5.515 6¾ 3l 3 7½
The maximum load per bolt is based o n the allowab le stress and corre- 3 8
5.928 7½ 4½ 3¼ 8
sponding area given in Table 12.1. The allowable stress depends o n the type of 3 8 8.749 5¾
6.341 7} 4} 3½ 8½
bolt furnished. Table 12.2 shows various properties a nd required dimensions 3 8 10.108 5¾
6.755 8½ 4¾ 3¾ 9
for bolts with different diameters. 4 8 11.566 6½

Example 12.1. Determine the required skirt thic kness a nd the number of
bolts needed in a vessel with a n outside radius R = 1.0 ft. Let empty weight
W1 = 160 kips, weight of contents W2 = 1440 kips. wind-bending moment
M = 1500 ft -kips, and temperature = 300°F. Assume A307 bolts. a nd use
Figure 8.11 for the external-pressure -chart. . "'

Solution

Skirt design
E -r--i I.L.......~ . : R

t
Let t = 0.4375 in. From Eq. 12.2.
160 + 1440 1500 X 12
a=----------
21r(84 - 0 .375/2)(0.4375)
2
r. ( 83 .8 13 ) ( 0 .4375)
- 8.81 ksi
423
 12.2 SKIRT AND BASE-RING DESIGN 425
--·. -···"
From Eq. 8.15,

0.125 T
A=--
Rj t r
= 0 .00065
~
II
Hence, from Fig. 8.11 , B = 9400 psi (0.K.).
,. , I (> I
(> ' b
I

i r-1
0
Bolt design 'I I
: rlUtc
b -/\. I c,.
' I>

Let N = 12 bolts. From Eq. 12.3. fs

t C

160 2(1500)(12) (C)

Load/ bolt = - - + ----
12 12(84)
= 22.4 kips
tc
From Table 12.1,

22.4
area required =
20
= 1.12in . 2
From T able 12.2 use 1 ¾-in.-diameter bolts:

area= 1.155 in. 2 > 1.12 (O .K .)

d
Use 1-in. skirt with 12 1 } -in.-diameter bolts.
( b)

Having established the number and size of bolts. the next step is to calculate Figure 12.2
the interaction between the base plate, anchor bolts. and supporting structure.
If the supporting structure is a steel frame or foundation. then Eq. 12.3 is all 3. The allowable stress of steel, fs, is taken from Table 12.1.
that is needed for designing the anchor bolts. On the other hand. if the
4. Concrete on the compression side is assumed to have a width tc that is
foundation is deep and/or resting on a group of piles. it can be assumed that
the interaction between the bolts, base plate, and concrete is similar to that for the same as the width of the base plate.
a reinforced-concrete beam. Referring to Fig. 12.2. the following assumptions 5. The allowable compressive stress of concrete, fc, is taken from Table
are made: 12.3.
6. The ratio of the modulus of elasticity of steel to that of concrete is
1. The contribution of the bolts on the compression side is negligible. defined as n:
2. The bolts on the tension side are assumed to act as a continuous ring of Es
width t s calculated from the equation n= -
EC
fs/f.s fsf.c
As =---=--
ts = (12.4) f c/f.c fcf.s
1rd
426 VESSEL SUPPORTS 12.2 SKIRT AND BASE-RING DESIGN 427

Table 12.3 Properties of Concrete The distance between T and the neutral axis, denoted by / 2 , is
Allowable d [('TT/ 2 + y)sin2 y + l.5(sinycosy) + 0.5('TT/ 2 + y)]
Compressive Compressive Modulus 12 = - --------------- (12 .8)
Stress (psi) Stress (psi) of Elasticity (psi) n= · 2 ( 'TT /2 + y )sin y + cos y
/,.' I, = 0.451,' E, = 57,000lf: E,/E/
Similarly, the total force C of the compressive area of the concrete is given by
2500 1,125 2,850,000 11
3000 1,350 3,120,000 10 _ (d) 2[cosy + ysiny- ('TT/ 2)siny]
(12.9)
3500 1,575 3,370.000 9 C - (t c + nt,) - fc .
. 2 1-smy
4000 1,800 3.610.000 8

6
or
" E, = 30 X l0 psi.

C = (tc + nt,)( %)fcK2

In an elastic analysis, the strains in the concrete and steel at any location are
the same. Hence, Ee = E, and

l
The distance / 3 between C and the neutral axis is

!, d [ ( 'TT/2 - y )(sin2 y + ½) - l.5(sin y cosy)

n = fc or f, = nf, /3 = -
2 cos y - ( 'TT / 2 - y )sin y

Also, from Fig. 12.2c, using similar triangles. The relationship between external forces M and W and the internal forces T
and C are derived from Fig. 12.2c:
/, nj~
---=-
d - kd kd LMc = 0

or or
1 M - W(/ 1 + /3 ) - T(/ 2 + /3 ) = 0
(12.5)
k = 1 + J,!nfc and
M - W(/1 + /3)
From these six assumptions and Fig. 12.2. the following relationships are T=----- (12 .10)
obtained: 12 + l3

/1 . d/ 2 - kd Similarly.
-; = sm y = d/ l = l - 2k (12 .6)
LFu= 0
The total force T of the tensile area of the reinforcement can be determined by and
summing forces on the tensile side of the neutral axis. which gives.i C= T+ W ( 12.11)

2 The values o f y. / 1, / , / , K 1, and K 2 are given in Table 12.4 for various

2 3
T=ft (~){ . [(~ + y)siny + cosy]}
' ' 2 1 + S!Il y 2 values of k.

or Example 12.2. In Example 12.1, it was found that 12 1 ¾-in . A307 anchor
bolts were needed for a vessel with an outside radius R = 7 ft. W1 = 160 kips.
T=f,r,(i)x 1
(}2 .7) ,\1 = 1500 ft-kips. and a skirt thickness of 0.4375_ in. If /} = 3000 psi.
determine the actual stress in the concrete and bolts.
 q;i:u VESSEL SUPPORTS 12.2 SKIRT AND BASE-RING DESIGN 429

Table 12.4
k y 2/1 / d 2!~ / d 2/3/ d Ki K2

l I 0.01
0.02
78.52
73 .74
0.98
0.96
1.489
1.477
0.016
0.032
3.113
3.085
0.267
0.378
R::840"

0.03 70.05 0.94 1.465 0.048 3.059 0.463

\ I 0.04
0.05
0.06
66.93
64.16
61.64
57.14
0.92
0.90
0.88
0.84
1.452
1.439
1.426
1.400
0.064
O.ORO
0.096
0.128
3.033
3.008
2.983
2.935
0.535
0.599
0.657
1/4
318
1/4

0.08 0.760
0.10 53.13 0.80 1.373 0.160 2.887 0.852
0.15
0.20
44.43
36.87
0.70
0.60
1.304
1.233
0.239
0.31 8
2.772
2.661
1.049
1.218
I---- d :a 172.25" _,
0.25 30.00 0.50 1.161 0.397 2.551 1.370
0.30 23 .58 0.40 1.087 0.475 2.442 1.509
0.35 17.46 0.30 1.013 0.553 2.333 1.640 tc = 7.438" Figure 12.3
0.40 11 .54 0.20 0.93 8 0.631 2.224 1.765
0.45 5.74 0.10 0.862 0.709 2.113 1.884
0.50 0.00 0.00 0.785 0.785 2.000 2.000 From Table 12.3
0.55 - 5.74 -0.10 0.709 0. 862 1.884 2.113
0.60 -11.54 - 0.20 0.631 0.93 8 1.765 2.224
fc = 1350 psi
0.65 -17.46 -0.30 0.553 1.013 1.640 2.333 n = 10
0.70 -23 .58 -0.40 0.475 1.087 1.509 2.442
and Eq. 12.5 gives k = 0.41.
0.75 - 30.00 -0.50 0.397 1.161 1.370 2.551
-0.60 0.31 8 1.233
From Table 12.4 with k = 0.41,
0.80 -36.87 1.218 2.661
0.85 -44.43 - 0.70 0.23 9 1.304 1.049 2.772 211
- d = 0180
.
212
Solution. By referring to Fig. 12.3 and Table 12.2. for 1 ¾-in. bolts. the bolt - d = 0923
.
circle can be calculated as
2/3
d = 2(84 + 0.25 + 1.875) = 172 .25 in . - = 0.647
d
Also
K1 = 2.202
K 1 = 1.789
le= 2(0.25 + 1.875 + 1.375) + 0.4375 = 7.438 in .
The magnitude of T is obtained from Eq. 12.10 as
From Example 12.1,
1,500,000 X 12 - 160,000(0.180 + 0.647)(172 .25) / 2
22.4 T=
(0 .923 + 0 .647)(172.25) / 2
Is= -1.-- = 19 .39 ksi
15 5 = 48 ,840 lb
From Eq. 12.2 The value of Is is determined from Eq. 12.7 as
12(1.155) 48,840
{ =---
s 1r(l 72 .25) I, = (0.0256)(172.25 ;2)(2.202)
= 0 .0256 in . = 10,060 psi
430 VESSEL SUPPORTS 12.2 SKIRT AND BASE-RING DESIGN 431

From Eq. 12.11

C = 48,840 + 160.000
= 208,840 lb ~

Equation 12.9 gives

~_j_ - _J t
208.840
fc = [0.0256-+ (10)(7.438)](172 .25 / 2)(1.789)
= 18 psi
The calculated values of /,1 and l - result in a k-value of
fc

~ tc j ' Figure 12.4

l
k=--- and
l + 10.060/ (10)(18)
= 0.02 k = l
1 + 5420/ (10)(42) = 0.076
which is considerably lower than the assumed value of k = 0.41. Hence
another trial is needed with a k-value of 0.02. After recalculating values of T. which is approximately the same as the assumed value. Hence fs = 5420 psi
/,, C, and f e, a new value of k is obtained and compared with the assumed and f e = 42 psi is the answer.
one. If both values are approximately the same. the analysis is completed . If
they are not, a new analysis is performed. Thus. in this example after a few 12.2.1 Anchor-Chair Design
trials. for k = 0.075, the following values were obtained:
The base ring is designed both for the effect of the concrete-bearing load on
2/1 the side of the foundation under compression and for the bolt force on the
- = 0.85 other side of the foundation in tension. On the compressive side. the base ring
d
can be taken as a cantilever beam subjected to fe as shown in Fig. 12.4. The
2/, required thickness is obtained from
_- = 1.407
d
2/3
- = 0.120 a=-
6M
t2 or t= ~
d
= 2.947
K1 Substituting for M the value
K 2 = 0 .734
M = J,/2
15 X 10 5 X 12 - 16 X 10 4 (0 .85 ..!.. 0. 120)(1 72.25) / 2 2
T = - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- -
1 {1.407 + 0.120)(172 .25) / 2
the expression for t becomes
= 35.230

!, =
35.230
(0.0256)(172.25 / 2)(2.947)
r= v3/:'2 ( 12 .12)

= 5420 psi
where t = required base-ring thickness on the compressive side of the neu-
C = 195.230 tral axis
I,.= 42 psi f c = actual stress in concrete
~;,;: VESSEL SUPPORTS 12.2 SKIRT AND BASE-RING DESIGN 433

F
Q I PINNED

+ Dt! o 'w !F ~
z w
- 0::
0. lL

l
PARTI AL VIEW
Pl:NED.l
OF
BASERII\G (a) VERTICAL FORCES
(a ) ( b)

--t~tl,
F

~
/~~
/ / L._UNIT
DEFLECTION µ_.j
H = (FJ.!'!12!
(c) J.. h
3
Figure 12.5
(b) HORIZONTAL FORCES

l-1gure 12.6
I = cantilever length of base ring as defined in Fig. 12.4
a = allowable bending stress of base ring
effect, 1 the equation
On the tensile side, the thickness of the base ring is controlled by the amount
of bolt force and dimensions shown in Fig. 12.5. The exact analysis for 4M
detennining the maximum bending moment in the base ring is rather com-
Sy=7
plicated because of the nature of the boundary conditions and the hole.
However, an approximate solution can be obtained by assuming the ring to act can be solved for the required thickness
as a plate simply supported on three sides and free on the fourth side. Using
the yield-line theory,1 3.9lF
(= (12 .13)
Sy[2b/a + a/21- d(2/ a + 1/2/)]
external work = internal work
1 1
F(l) = 2MP(b - d ) - + MP(a - d)- where c = required base ring thickness on the tensile side of the neutral axis .
a/ 2 I F = bolt load
or SY = yield stress of base ring

F and a, b, d, and / are as defined in Fig. 12.5b.

M = ----------- The load in the shell is transferred to the anchor bolts through the gussets.
P 2[2b/ a + a/21- d(2 / a + 1/ 2/)]
An approximate free-body diagram of the forces is shown in Fig. 12.6. Vertical
Using a load factor of 1.7 and a factor of 1.15 to allow for the'yield-line corner forces are transferred as shown in Fig. 12.6a. The resulting unbalanced
. .,. vt:.::S~EL SUPPORTS 12.3 DESIGN OF SUPPORT LEGS 435

3" From Table 12.2, the net area of 1 ½-in. bolts is 1.405 in. 2. Thus
Jl4
force F in bolts = 17,500 X 1.405
e/-o"o.o = 24,600 lb
- -

SJ
'
From this table, the clearance for the· wrench diameter is 3.75 in. Allowing for
gusset fillet welds, the distance between gussets is as shown in Fig. 12.7b. From
Eq. 12.13,

., 7~ 3" _.J N , =
3 .91 X 24,600
~ I"'- (t.W~
t
BOLTS 36 ,000[(2 X 6)/ 5 + 5/ (2 X 3) - l.625[ f + 1/ (2 X 3)]]
9'-0"00
= 1.07 in .
(a)
The stress in the shell is obtained from Eq. 12.14 as
1· 2=3",1 1.5 X 24,600 X 6
a=
~I ~ I.~
0.75 2
rr X X 12

~L ~---
= 10,400 psi
This stress is combined with the axial stress, and the total must be less than

l b:6 " j
three times the allowable stress.

Figure 12.7 ( b)
12.3 DESIGN OF SUPPORT LEGS
bending moment in the gussets resulting from the vertical forces requires equal Support legs are designed to take into consideration axial loads. bending
and opposite horizontal forces as shown in Fig. 12.6b. These horizontal forces moments, and shear forces in the vessel. Referring to Fig. 12.8 we see that at
induce local stresses in the shell that are calculated from the equaton cross section A-A all forces are expressed in terms of M. V, and W. The axial
l.5Fb force W is carried uniformly by all columns. The bending moment .\1 is
a= (12.14) carried by the columns away from the neutral axis, and the shearing forces V
'Tl'l2h
the columns closest to the neutral axis, as shown in Fig. 12.8.
where a = allowable stress in shell Al in Fig. 12.8 is designed by using Eq. 12.3 given by
t = thickness of shell -W 2M
F = bolt load P=--+-
N - NR
Example 12.3. Design the base ring shown in Fig. 12.7a. The stress in the where P = load per column
bolts is 17,500 psi. height of gussets 12 in .. and concrete-bearing stress 100 psi. W = weight of vessel
The allowable stress for base ring is 20,000 psi. and the yield stress is 36.000
psi.
N= number of columns
R = radius of column circle
Solution. The required base-ring thickness due to the concrete-bearing stress . ~= moment due to wind or earthquake loads
I
is obtained from Eq. 12.12 as
( Column B /in Fig. 12.8 is designed to carry shear in accordance with the
3 X 100 X 62 1equauon
t=
20,000 \ / ~
= 0 .73 in . H=-
lt
 12.3 DESIGN OF SUPPORT LEGS 437
436 VESSEL SUPPORTS
1
.D=-10

/
~o
I \ A
!~ '-I ,/,¼,

tJ7
<, q,b
,,.. ~p A
w240J< I/
0

II, •
· -<(·Yl
_s._ V=50K -:- 'f2 ,b
, 1Tnl-

-~f•
Suno,v,4.A M ~2oc,a K-Fr.-

(b)
I 11111111 iw
f
(a.) \
~ z
~M rrr "v
\·J ,.,, r1"'
l(;i, 67.5°
~v
Figure 12.8

The shearing force Hat the top of column B causes bending moment in the 8 H
column if no cross-bracing is used. With cross-bracing the force H is resolved (c)
(d)
into axial forces as shown in Example 12.4.

Example 12.4. Determine the forces in columns A and B of the vessel shown ~1 .. :, ,,

in Fig. 12.9.

Solution. The axial force in columns A and B due to W is

W 240 = 30 kips (e)

F=N= 8 Figure 12.9

The axial force in column A due to M is ·

The shearing stresses transferred to column .A are zero. Those transferred to
column B are determined from
2M ·i
'!.
F=- c., ( ".:; - ·- ·
NR H= VQ ....--
. -. D ::>
0
,
2 X 2000 It
= 100 kips
8 X 5 The moment of inertia / of the whole cross section in Fig. 12.9c is given by
1rr 3t.
The magnitude Q of the cross-hatched area in this figure is given by
Thus

total axial load in column A = - 30 - 100 = -130 kips

Q = ( Jrrr) ( ¼r)
total axial load in column B = ~ = 2r 2 t j
f\O Y\WJ\ rr-o·:Y<..,, . .· · :")c;.
I..:.
.. ,>O Vt:.:S:SEL SUPPORTS 12.4 LUG-SU.PPORTED VESSELS 439

The force H is then given by . If the cross-bracing is eliminated in Example 12.4, the shear force tends to
I j cause a bending. moment in column B. Assuming the bottom end of the
v(i/7') V 2V columns pinned, the horizontal force causes a bending moment at the top of
H - ---,------,-- - - -
; <7Tr~¢r 7Trt - A )r the column of magnitude 12.5 x 20 ft = 250 k-ft. Thus, without a bracing
1 system, column B must be designed to withstand a compressive force of 30
2 X 50 {, 0 .2653 kips plus a bending moment of 250 k-ft rather than a compressive force of
H = ;?Jff6J)7 = - t - psi 99.61 kips with a bracing system.
',.. 1, ui°· J .;, ··?' Note that the absence of cross-bracing causes the tops of the columns to
The horizontal force in column B is sway laterally because of reduced rigidity. This can also cause excessive
vibration or deformation of the vessel.
27Tr)
H = (0.2653) ( N t
12.4 LUG-SUPPORTED VESSELS
= 12.50 kips -:, 5b~DD ·)('zj
The main design consideration regarding lug-supported vessels is the stress
This force H is normally resolved into two components as shown in Fig.
magnitude in the shell. Bijlaard's method is usually followed in such a design.~
12.9d. U is a radial force on the shell. and K is a horizontal force in the plane
It consists of determining the stress in the shell in the vicinity of a support lug
, of the cross-bracing, We h..~-
of height 2C2 and width 2C1, as shown in Fig. 12.10. The bending moment in
IJ -_'y ,,._. 'Z YI f). ScoSb n the shell due to support eccentricity is given by
U = Hcot a= 12.5 X 0.414 = 5.18 kips 1
fl ' N
H 12.5 M0 = Fe (12 .15)
X = --- = - - = 13.53 kips
sin a 0.924 -: :2· s; o · and the maximum stress in the shell is calculated from reference 2. Both
membrane and bending stresses are calculated. Details of the required calcula-
The force X introduces additional compressive force in column B as shown in tions are well established in reference 2. Further treatment of this topic is
Fig. 12.9e. The distance between columns is unnecessary in this book.
27Tr
I= - N = 3 .93 ft

The approximate height of the columns is 20 ft. Hence. the angle /3 is about
11 °, and the axial force F in column B is

X
F = - - = 69 .61 kips
tan /3

so that the force

X
Rm
--LT
E = - . - = 70 .91 kips
sm /3

and
,./;otal force in column A = -130 kips SiJ,l-1. (/l, "'· t
Il==::J ___ r C.
total force in column B = -30 - 69 .61 = -99.61 kips L!S l'b.?;,
"' total force in bracing= 70.91 kips\~1. \6'\ 'i-··':)) _,. Figure 12.1 O·
• - ·- - - - - - ·· · - . _ p ___ _ _ • • · - ~ ~ .
440 VESSEL SUPPORTS 12.5 RING GIRDERS 441

12.5 RING GIRDERS Table 12.5 Ring-Girders Coefficients

Ring girders (Fig. 12.ld), are common in elevated vessels supported by a Angle of
structural frame. An exact analysis of the stresses in a ring girder due to Maximum
various loading conditions is very complicated. For a uniform load. the Angle ToISion
stresses and forces can be determined easily with the following assumptions: Number Between from
of Supports Support
1. Supports are equally spaced. Supports (degrees) KJ K4 K5 K6 (degrees)
2. Vertical deflection at supports is zero. 2 180 -1.0000 1.5707 -0.5707 -3.307 X 10- 1 39.55
3. Slope of ring girder at supports is zero due to symmetry of loads and 3 120 -0.3954 1.0471 -0.2091 -8.278 X 10- 2 25.80
supports. 4 90 -0.2146 0.7853 -0.1107 -3.313 X 10- 2 19.21
4. Torsion force at supports is zero. This assumes twisting of the girder 5 72 -0.1351 0.6283 -0.0690 -1.654 X 10- 2 15.30
due to flexibility of shell. 6 60 -0.0931 0.5235 -0.0471 -9.471 X 10- 3 12.74
8 45 -0.0519 0.3926 -0.0262 -3.940 X 10- 3 9.53
Based on these assumptions, the moments, shears. and torsion at the supports 10 36 -0.0331 0.3141 -0.0166 -2.007 X 10- 3 7.62
and in between supports are given by 12 -1.154 10- 3
30 -0.0229 0.2617 -0.0115 X 6.34
M, = K 3 wr 2 Mm= K 5 wr 2 16 22.5 -0.0128 0.1963 -0.0065 -3 .722 X 10- 3 4.72
20 18 -0.0082 0.1570 -0.0042 -2.469 X 10- 4 3.79
V, = K 4 wr vm = 0 (12 .16)
Ts = 0 Tm= 0
supports are obtained from
where M,, V,, T, = support moment, shear, and torsion, respectively. Posi-
tive direction is shown in Fig. 12.11. Me= V,r sinO + M,cos O - wr 2 (1 - cos O)
Mm, Vm, Tm= midspan moment, shear. and torsion. respectively Vo= V, - wrO (12 .18)
K 3 -K 5 = constants obtained from Table 12.5 Te= V,r(l - cosO) + M,sinO - wr (0 - sinO)2

w = uniform load
r = radius where Me, Ve, Te= moment, shear, and torsion at any location
0 = angle defined in Fig. 12.11
The maximum torsional moment occurs at the angles shown in Table 12.5
and is given by In deriving Eqs. 12.16 it is assumed that the loads and the reactions act •
Tma:r. = K 6 wr 2
(12.17) through the neutral axis of the girder. In pressure vessels the loads are
transferred to the ring girder through the shell. If the ring girder is taken as a
The moment, shear, and torsion expressions for any given location between channel section as in Fig. 12.13a below, then the loads in the shell cause a
bending moment in the girder because they are not applied through the shear
(flexural) center. This moment, shown in Fig. 12.12a, has the magnitude

m = -we'
where e' is the shear center moment arm, which can be expressed as

b 2d 2 h
e'=--
4/x
Vs
The uniform bending moment m causes tension hoop stress above the
Figure 12.11 x-axis and compression hoop stress below the x-axis as shown in Fig. 12.12b.
442 VESSEL SUPPORTS 12.5 RING GIRDERS 443

-n--t
I II'
b i /,,~VM+h[~~f I H
:-=r--j
_fh

---i---------x
Shear~
I Center Iii Id

'_j_ IH_ yt(e+e')

-N d
IJ::s::s:s:q , - H

w
~th

I
r ·~
w
(a) N
(a)

(b)
(b) (c)
Figure 12.12
Figure 12.13
The moment and corresponding stress can be expressed as
At the supports, the reaction eccentricity tends to produce compressive forces
-wrb 2d 2h in the top flange and tensile forces in the bottom one as shown in Fig. 12.13a.
M = -mr =
4/x The top and bottom flanges can be assumed to transfer the loads as shown in
mry
(12 .19a) Fig. 12.13b. The forces are derived as
(J = a
or
I-'
M, =
Hr (
2
cos 8
sin( a/2) - ~) 0 < (J < -
2
wb 2d 2hry H cos 8
(J = (12 .19b) F;= - - - (12 .20)
41; 2 sin( a / 2)
where a = stress -H sinfJ
V,= - - - - -
b = width of flange 2 sin( a / 2)
d = distance between flanges At the supports. (J = 0 and
h = flange thickness
Ix = moment of inertia of girder M, = 2
Hr ( 1
sin( a/ 2) - ~)
r = radius of vessel H l
t = shell thickness
F=----
1 2 sin( a / 2)
w = uniform applied load V, = 0
444 VESSEL SUPPORTS 12.5 RING GIRDERS 445

and in between the supports, 0 = a./ 2 and Table 12.6

At Point of
M = Hr (cot~ - .:_)
I 2 2 a. At Support Maximum Torsion
H a. Eq. 12.16
F; = cot 0 k-in.
2 2 M,, Mm
v,, vm
- 82.65 k-in.
12.50 k 7.20 k
-H
Vi= - - T,, Tm 0 -6.27 k-in.
2 Eq. 12.19 ·
M . -60.05 k-in. - 60.05 k-in.
The positive directions of M1, F;, and Vi are shown in Fig. 12.13c.
Eq. 12.20°
MbI +19.35 k-in. - 38.45 k-in.
Example 12.5. The ring girder shown in Fig. 12.14 is supported at eight
F, 15.20 k 14.04 k
points. If W = 200 kips, find the forces in the ring at the supports and at the
Vi Ok -5.82 k
point of maximum torsional moment.
u Theseequations apply at points B and D; points A and C have
opposite signs.
11 h W e + e' 200 4 + 1.58 360
1" b=6 H = - - - = - - - - = 11.63· a = - = 45°.
t=z N d 8 12 ' 8
·1''
Solution
/ .,,-----.._\

-N
( w
\\_____/
= W
w=~t( • )(100)
1 200
.... from Tab! •
=
0.637 k-;n.
"
't,
h=1"
6" e 12.), with N = 8,
T-:::f11A K3 = -0.0519 K 4 = 0.3926
:·/UV~ C K 5 = -0.0262 K 6 = -3.940 X 10 - 3
O.D.= 100"ie=4"
5' 41 ..
I maximum torsion occurs at 9.53° from support.
£1
ca) I o=
X--J,f.--X

AQ y
I D
M 1 =82.65 K-in
~c M=60.05K-in .
B
I
Ix= b87.41n~

t e' = 1.58 in.

(b)
6.27 K-in

5.82 K

14.04 K
D 15.20 K 7,2K

B (c) Fo~•• at Supports Forces at point of Maximum

tar,ional moment
Figure 12.14 Figure 12.15
 12.6 SADDLE SUPPORTS 447
44 6 VESSEL SUPPORTS

L
H~ ~H

(a)
w -w
--
2
V=31Hw 5H - L+

2
llII,llll+tll
,s3Hwl!+--- Figure 12.17

horizontal force F acting as shown in Fig. 12.16b. It ~s interesting to note that

for hemispherical heads where H is equal to r, the bending moment at the

(b)
w
2
'
w
2

Ms
head-to-shell junction due to the force F and the vertical force V is zero. The
bending moment a t any point in the vessel is obtained from statics as shown in
Fig. 12.17b.
· · The section modulus of the shell between the saddles is I / c and is
expressed as 1rr 2t. At the saddles, the effective section modulus is reduced by
Fi g ure 12.16 the deforma tion of the shell, which renders the full cross section less effective.
Research has shown3 that the length of the· effective cross section of the shell is
equal to the arc length of the con.tact angle of the saddle plus one-sixth of the
unstiffened shell, as shown in Fig. 12.17. The section modulus of the arc length
The forces given by Eqs. 12.16. 12.19. and 12.20 a re determi ned in Table
tha t is in tension is expressed as
12.6 and illustrated in Fig. 12.15 at the supports and a t the poin t o f max imum
torsion.
2
Z =rt
· (sin ll) / ll - cos fl
2
[!::.+sin !::.cost::. - 2(sin !::. )/ll l (12 .21 )

12.6 SADDLE SUPPORTS

Thus the maxi mum longitudinal stress values can be expressed as
Horizontal vessels suppo rted by two saddles ( Fi g. 12. l e l ac t as simpl y sup-
ported bearris. For thin vessels with dished heads ( Fi g. 12. 16 a l the equivalent
be;.i m length is taken as L + 4H / 3 where L is the tangent-t o- tangen t length o f C 1Mm for midspan between suppons
the vessel a nd H is the d epth o f the head s. The \·en ica l load on each head is a1 = C2 M, fo r unstiffened shells at saddles (12. 22 )
give n by V = 2Hw/ 3 and is assumed to. act a t the center of gravity o f the {
C 1M , for stiffened shells at saddles
he;.id . The horizonta l pressure on the heads d ue to liqu id head s is res isted by a
448 VESSEL SUPPORTS 12.6 SADDLE SUPPORTS 449

where er 1 =
longitudinal bending stress in shell (ksi) The shearing stress in the saddle area is influenced by the deformation of
W= weight of vessel plus its contents (kips) the unstiffened shell above the saddle. Experimental research has shown that
L = length of vessel between tangent lines (in.) the shear near the saddle is distributed along an arc length of
r = radius of vessel (in.)
.0 /1 )
t = thickness of shell (in.)
1
I= 2r( 2 + 20
C1 = 1rr1t
as shown in Fig. 12.18. The shearing stress can then be calcu_lated as
1 [ (sin Li)/Li - cos Li ]
2 2
Cz = r t Li+ sin Li cos Li - 2(sin Li)/Li er, = C3V (12.24)
/3
L'l.=0+- where
6
The shear stress in the shell between the saddles is computed by assuming a Sine/>
sinusoidal distribution of the shear forces where the maximum value is at the for saddles away from heads
rt ( 7T - a + sin a cos a)
equator, given by
C3 = sin cj> 2 a - sin a cos a
{ for saddles near heads
V --:;;:;:;- ( 1r - a + sin a cos a )
a,= -sine/> (12.23)
7Trt
where r = radius of vessel
where c/> is measured as shown in Fig. 12.18. a= 0/2 + {J/20
c/> = angle as measured in Fig. 12.18
c/> 2 = angle that varies between 1r - a and 1r
a, = shear stress

Equation 12.24 is also used to check the stress in the head. In this case the
value of t in the expression for C3 is taken as the thickness of the head rather
than the shell.
The circumferential stress in the shell in the saddle area is calculated by
assuming the shell above the saddle to act as a fixed arch subjected to shearing
stress as illustrated in Fig. 12.19. Using the theory of indeterminate structures.
the moment at any point along the arch can be expressed as

Wr
M9 = - - [cos c/> { sin2/3 -
41rC4
i/3 sin 2/3 + ¼/3 2cos 2/3)

+cj>sin.p {½/3 2 + ¼sin2/3 - sin 2/3)

+ ¼/3 cos /3 (2/1 + sin 2/3)

-sin/3 (½/3 + ½sin2/3 + ¼f3cos2/3)]

Shear Distribution
At Saddle
- I -Shear Distribution
Away From Saddle
where

Figure 12.18 C4 = sin2/3 - ½/3 2 - ¼sin 2/3

450 VESSEL SUPPORTS NOMENCLATURE 451

!EK)

170

160
~
u, 1rr Ul 150
a,
a,
a,a, 140
1J

-...C 13:J

120

110

100
w 90
2 Figure 12.19
o 0.01 a.oz o.03 o.04 a.cs o.oo o.o7 o.oo o.09 0.1 0.2
C 5 and C6
The maximum value of M9 given by this equation occurs at </> = /3 . Hence Figure 12.20 C 5 and C 6 as functions of the saddle angle 8. (Ref. 4, p . 212.)
the maximum circumferential bending moment in the shell can be expressed
as 4
When the stress in the shell as calculated from Eq. (12.25) and (12. 26) is
w
M /3 = -rC (12 .25) excessive, stiffening rings are used at the vicinity of the saddles to carry the
2 5
bending moment.

where C5 is plotted in Fig. 12.20.

Experimental work has shown that the width of the shell that is effective in NOMENCLATURE
resisting the moment in Eq. 12.25 can be taken as four times the radius or
one-half the length of the shell, whichever is smaller.
It has also been shown 4· that Eq. 12.25 is valid when A / r is equal to or C = compressive fo rce on concrete foundation
greater than 1.0. For A / r values of 0.5 or less. it is suggested that the value of F = bolt load
C5 be reduced by a factor of four due to the stiffening effect of the head. For
in-between values of A / r, a reduction facto r f c = allowable compressive stress of concrete
/, = allowable tensile stress of steel bolts
¾~
A
RF = ( + 0.5) 0.5 < - < 1.0 k = constant given by Eq. 12.5
r
K 1• K 2 = constants given in Table 12.4
can be used.
The maximum circumferential force P at the horn of the saddle is de- K3 - K 6 = constants given in Table 12.5
termined from I= length

w /1 - /3 = lengths as specified by Fig. 12.2

p =
/3
-c
2 6
(12.26)
M = bending moment

A plot of the quantity C6 is shown in Fig. 12.20. M0 =; bending moment in a ring girder