Onshore LNG Storage

Non-linear analysis of concrete outer tank structures

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) has become an increasingly important element for energy sup-
plies and LNG terminals are planned and built to enable the import and export of LNG from
producers to consumers. The stability and tightness of the concrete outer tank has to be
guaranteed by an appropriate design also under cryogenic conditions. The industry relies to
DNV perfome a nonlinear finite element analyses to assess the structural integrity of the
concrete outer tank

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) has
become an increasingly important
element for energy supplies and LNG
terminals are planned and built to
enable the import and export of LNG
from producers to consumers. There
are concerns from the communities
near LNG terminals about the safety
and security of onshore LNG storage
tanks under different loads. The
stability and tightness of the concrete
outer tank has to be guaranteed by an
appropriate design also under
cryogenic conditions. The relevant
codes provide a lot of formal
regulations, but give no precise
indications for analytical procedures
and criteria which have to be applied
in the design.
Non-linear analysis
To assess the structural integrity and
liquid tightness of the concrete outer
tank, DNV can performe nonlinear
finite element (FE) analyses. The
analyses are based on a hypothetical
situation whereby the Thermal Corner
Protection (TCP) system fails in case
of leakage from the inner tank
resulting in direct contact of LNG to
the concrete outer tank.

Det Norske Veritas AS

Onshore LNG Storage
Non-linear analysis of concrete outer tank structures

The Non-Linear Analysis is based on the following

activities
• Review documentation – Analysis model is based on
available design documentation and as-built records
obtained from DLNG.
• Generate model – The analysis model includes a 3D
wedge model of the concrete base, the concrete outer wall
and concrete roof per as-built documentation.
• Set material properties – The nonlinear material
properties are based on as-built documentation and
supplemented where necessary to support the advanced
nonlinear analysis.
• Apply loads – The dead weight of concrete/
reinforcement, pre-stressing loads, internal pressures are
applied in addition to various spill scenarios including
hydrostatic pressures from the LNG product and
temperature loads.

Det Norske Veritas AS

E-mail: jeovan.freitas@dnv.com
Web: http://www.dnv.com
For further information please contact your local or main DNV office.