n total number of the layers.

However, when the bedrock surface level is close to the tank bottom level, UH may
be determined by equation (3.20)

2 πz
(3.20) UH = SV K HB TS cos( )
π 2
2H
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Commentary:

1. Under-ground seismic intensity

Under-ground seismic intensity may be calculated as a linear function of the depth using the
seismic intensities at the ground and the bedrock surfaces provided the surface layers around the
tank are nearly uniform. The term “bedrock” here is defined as 25 or more A-value for clay, 50 or
more A-value for sand, or 300m/sec. or more shear wave velocity .

2. Under-ground soil displacement

Because under-ground tanks are bound by the surrounding soil, the seismic response is influenced
more by the deformation of the soil than that of their structural characteristics. Therefore,
regarding the soil deformation as forced displacement, as well as inertia force of the structure, is
consistent with actual condition.

The recommendation published in 1990 adopted a sine curve distribution for under-ground soil
displacement, where a dynamic shear deformation equation for homogeneous one-layer soil was
used with a sine curve assumption for shear wave form in the soil. Later FEM simulations
confirmed that assumed sine curve distribution gives a smaller relative displacement (deformation)
than the FEM results to tanks in deep bedrock cases, because a relatively soft soil rigidity gives
larger relative displacement in the surface region. Accordingly, it is recommended that linear
distribution of soil displacement for deep bedrock cases and sine curve distribution for shallow
bedrock cases are used in the seismic design for under-ground tanks.

Appendix B examines the seismic design of Under-ground storage tanks and gives the basis for
deep bedrock cases, whereas the basis for shallow bedrock cases is given in the following
paragraphs.

Although soil displacements during earthquakes are very complicated with the actual conditions
depending on the propagating earthquake, for design purposes it is assumed that all movements
are in shear wave. Sine wave motion and cosine ( πz / 2 H ) distribution in depth are assumed as
in Figure 3.6.3.
ground surface
thickness, H, of the
surface stratum

bedrock
Figure 3.6.3 Under-ground soil displacement

Chapter3 21