CHAPTER

DESIGN OF SUPPORTS

FOR VERTICAL VESSELS

V ertical vessels are normally supported by means of a

suitable structure resting on a reinforced-concrete founda-
head, flush with the shell, or to the outside of the shell. If
the skirt is welded flush with the shell, the weight of .the
vessel in the absence of wind and seismic loads places the
weld in compression. On the other hand, if the skirt is
tion. This support structure between the vessel and the
foundation may consist of a cylindrical steel shell termed a welded to the outside of the vessel, the weld joint-is in shear;
"skirt." An alternate design may involve the use of lugs thereiore this method is not so satisfactory, but it is an easy
or brackets attached to the vessel and resting on columns or method of erection and is often used for small vessels.
beams. These more common designs for supporting vertical There will be no stress from internal or external pressure
vessels will be described. for the skirt, unlike for the shell of the vessel, but the stresses
from dead weight and from ,-_the Plc wind or seismic bending
10.1 SKIRT SUPPORTS FOR VERTICAL VESSELS moments will be a maximum. The same procedure may be
used for~designing the skirt as for designing the shell, which
10.1 Skirt Thickness. Tall vertical vessels are usually
supported by skirts. Because cylindrical shells have all the was described in Chapter 9. Note: Subscript b refers to
metal area located at the maximum distance (for a given the base of the skirt.
diameter) from the neutral axis, the section modulus, Z, is 15.89deffii 2
maximum, and the induced stress minimum for the metal Wind-load stress = Itob (9.20)
db2t
involved. Thus the cylindrical skirt is an economical
design for a support for a tall vertical vessel. The skirt is Mu.
usually welded directly to the vessel.. Because the skirt is (9.17)
Irro2.1
not required to withstand the pressure in the vessel, the
selection of material is not limited to the steels permitted by 8CWH
(9.75)
Seismic-load stress = Li =
the pressure-vessel codes, and structural steels with cor- "irr 2i
responding allowable stresses may be used with some
economy. The steels used in the design of flat-bottomed W
Dead-weight stress = fdb (9.6)
cylindrical storage tanks (see Chapter 3) are suitable for the at
pr
skirts of vertical vessels. For structural loads a factor of
safety of 3 based on the ultimate tensile strength is usually Max permissible compressive stress = fcallow.
used, whereas a factor of safety of 4 is used with pressure 1.5 X 106 /
v tyt, < 4 y.p. (9.84)
vessels. Thus the allowable stress in the skirt is usually r
331 % higher than that in the shell of a pressure vessel
when the steels in each case have the same ultimate tensile Max tensile stress = f tmax = (fWb Or Lb) fdb (9.78)
strength. (9.80)
The skirt may be welded directly to the bottom dished Max compressive stress = fcmax = (fwb or fsb)
183
184 Design of Supports for Vertical Vessels
and
E, = f
es
Substituting gives:
nfc fs
E, • E,

But because of the bond, es =

is induced = nfc induced (10.2)

Table 10.1 gives the value of n as a function of the com-

(b)
Fig. 10.1. Sketch of loading of anchor bolts.
After the skirt and bearing plate have been designed, the
skirt design should be checked for the reaction of the bolting
chairs or ring. (See section 10.1g.)
10.1b Skirt-bearing-plate and Anchor-bolt Design.
The bottom of the skirt of the vessel must be securely
anchored to the concrete foundation by -Means of anchor
bolts embedded in the concrete to prevent overturning from
the bending moments induced by wind or seismic loads.
The concrete foundation is poured with adequate rein-
forcing steel to carry tensile loads (143, 154, 155). The
anchor bolts may be formed from steel rounds threaded at
one end and usually with a curved or hooked end embedded
in the concrete. The bolting material should be clean and
free of oil so that the cement in the concrete will bond to the
embedded surface of the steel.
When either a compressive or tensile load is applied to the
anchor bolts, the load is transferred from the steel through
the bond to the concrete. Surface irregularities, bends, and
hooks aid in transferring loads from steel to concrete. As
the steel and concrete are bonded, the resulting strain is the
same for both the steel and concrete at the bond. The
modulus of 'elasticity of steel, Es, is about 30 X 106 psi
while that of concrete, Es, varies from about 2 X 106 to
4 X 106 psi depending upon the mix employed. The ratio
of these moduli is:
Ec
n= (10.1)
E Compressive
rewriting gives:
. Ecn = Ec
But
Ec —
ec
pressive strength of the concrete, which in turn is a function
of the mix used for the concrete.
The bending moment and weight of the vertical vessel
result in a loading condition on the concrete foundation
somewhat similar to that in a reinforced-concrete beam.
Figure 10.1 is a sketch representing the loading condition of
the anchor bolts in the concrete foundation.
Figure 10.1, detail a is a sketch showing the bearing plate
at the base of a skirt for a vertical vessel. In the calcula-
tions it is assumed that the bolt circle is in the center of the
bearing plate. Sometimes the bolt circle is made larger
than the mean diameter of the bearing plate but should be
taken equal to it for simplicity of calculation since the error
is small and is on the safe side. The wind load and the
dead-weight load of the vessel result in a tensile load on the
upwind anchor bolts and a compressive load on the down-
-Wind anchor bolts. If L is the compressive stress in the
concrete, the induced compressive stress in the steel bolts
in the concrete is given by Eq. 10.2. Thus nf, is the induced
compressive stress in the steel bolts on the downwind side,
and fs is the maximum tensile stress on the upwind side.
As the stress is directly proportional to the distance from
the neutral axis, a straight line may be drawn from L to
nfe, as shown in detail b of Fig. 10.1. The neutral axis is
located a distance kd from the downwind side of the bearing
plate and a distance (d — kd) from the upwind side.
By similar triangles, we obtain:
nh
(d — kd) kd
therefore
1
k = nf, (10.3)
nf, h 1+ (h/nh)
Table 10.1. Average Values of Properties of f hree
Concrete Mixes
Water Content
U.S. Gallons 28-day Ultimate Allowable
per 94-lb Sack Compressive
of Cement Strength, psi 30 XEc106 Strength, psi
2000 15 800
2500 12 1000
6 3000 10 1200
5 3750 8 1400
 Skirt Supports for Vertical Vessels 185
where fs = maximum induced tensile stress in steel at where Ct is the term in the brackets and is a constant for
bolt-circle center line on upwind side, pounds a given value of -k.
per square inch. To determine the distance /I consider the element which
fc = maximum induced compressive stress in con- is located a distance of r(cos a A- cos 0) from the neutral
crete at bolt-circle center line on downwind side, axis. The moment of the force on this element times this
pounds per square inch lever arm is:
Ea
IL — dMt = dF1 r(cos a + cos 0)
Ec
If the maximum induced tensile stress in the bolts, L, and = Ail, [ (cos a + cos 0) r(cos 0 ± cos a ] dO
the maximum induced compressive stress in the concrete, (1 + cos a)
fc, at the center line of the bolt circle are known, k may be , [r(cos 0 ± cos a)21 do
determined by use of Eq. 10.3. = J stir (1 + cos «) j
Taylor, Thompson, and Smulski (156) have expressed
the area of bolting steel in terms of an equivalent shell of By integration,
steel of thickness- tt having the same total cross-sectional
f ' (cos a A-- cos 0)2
area of steel as shown in Fig. 10.2. Mt ---- fettr 22
Referring to Fig. 10.2, we find that the location of the (1 A- cos a) d°
neutral axis may be defined in terms of angle a (156). — cost a + *(sin a cos a) + 4-(a )
d/2 kd IL 1 + cos a
cos a = — 1 -- 2k (10.4) (10.10)
d/2
Dividing Mt by Ft gives 11.
In tie same figure consider an element of the bolting steel
measured'by angle.d0. The area of this element is given -by: [ (x• — a) cos? a -F- 4(sin a cos a) A- Or — r
11 —
d.48 = t1rd8 (10.5) — a) cos a + sin a
(10.11)
The distance of this element from the neutral axis is
(Note that 11 is a constant for a given value of k.)
r(cos a A- cos 0) RELATIONSHIPS FOR THE COMPRESSION SIDE. On the
The maximum distance from the neutral axis for such compression side a similar procedure is used. A differential
an element is: element of concrete and steel is considered having an area
r(1 + cos a) of:
dA, = t2r dB (10.12)
The stress in the element, f8', is directly proportional to
the distance from the neutral axis, and if the maximum where 12 = concrete width (exclusive of bolting steel, 11)
stress is fe, under the bearing plate, inches.
r (cos a + cos 0) The distance of this eleinent from the neutral axis is:
f8' = fs (10.6)
r (1 + cos a) r(cos 0 — cos a)
Multiplying the stress by the elemental area gives the
elemental force in tension, dFt.
(cos a cos 8)
dFt = Llir dB (10.7)
(1 cos a)

The summation of the elemental forces on the bolting steel

in tension can be represented by tensile force Ft located at Concrete in
compression
the center of tension and distance /1 from the neutral axis.
Similarly the summation of the compressive forces on the
concrete in compression can be represented by a compressive
force Fe located at distance 12 from the neutral axis.
RELATIONSHIPS FOR THE TENSION SIDE. By integration Steel in
of Eq. 10.7 for the upper and lower halves on both sides of tension
the center line, we obtain:
(cos a + cos 0)
Ft = fatir2 dB
a (1 + cos a)
I 2
= fstir L + (Or — a) cos a + sin a)] (10.8)
i cos a

fstirCt (10.9) Fig. 10.2. Plan view of loading on bolting steel and bearing plate.
186 Design of Supports for Vertical Vessels

Table 10.2. Values of Constants Ct , C„ z, and j as a element times the lever arm is:
Function of k (156)
dM, = dF, r(cos 0 - cos a)
Cc C't
(cos 0 - cos a)2
= ± dO
0.050 0.600 3.008 0.490 0.760 (1 - cos a)
0.100 0.852 2.887 0.480 0.766
0.150 1.049 2,772 0.469 0.771 By integration,
0.200 1.218 2.661 0.459 0.776
0.448 (cos 0 - cos a)2
0.250 1.370 2.551 0.779 Mc = (12 nil)fcr 22 dB
0.300 1.510 2.442 0.438 0.781 0 1 - cos a
0.350 1.640 2.333 0.427 0.783
cos2 a - a cos a) 4-a
0.400 1.765 2.224 0.416 0.784 = (12 + n11)fcr22
0.450 1.884 2.113 0.404 0.785 1 - cos a
0.500 2.000 2.000 0.393 0.786 (10.19)
0.550 2.113 1.884 0.381 0.785
0.600 2.224 1.765 0.369 0.784 Dividing M, by F, gives 12 .

a cos2 a - *(sin a cos a) +

12 - (r) (10.20)
The maximum distance from the neutral axis for such L sin a - a cos a
an element is: (Note that /2 is a constant for a given value of k.)
r(1 - cos a) The total distance between the forces Ft and Fc is equal
The stress L' in the element is directly proportional to to 1 12. This distance divided by d gives the dimension-
the distance from the neutral axis, and if the maximum less ratio, j.
induced stress is fc,
11 + 12
fc = f r(cos 8 - cos a) j -
(10.13) d
c
r(1 - cos a) [ Or - a) cos2 a + 4(2r - a) + 4 sin a cos a
'
Or - a) cos a + sin a
The corresponding compressive (comp.) stress, f's(comp.),
in the steel on the compression side (see Eq. 10.2) is: a - 2 sin a cos a ± a cos2 a1
..1-
+ 1- (10.21)
I sin a - a cos a
(cos 8 - cos a)
f a (comp.) = af, (10.14) Referring to Fig. 10.2, we find that-the distance from the
(1 - cos a)
neutral axis to the center line of the vessel is (d/2) (cos a)
The corresponding compressive forces in the element are and distance zd is equal to:
obtained by multiplying the elemental stresses by the ele-
d
mental areas. zd = 12 - cos a (10.22)
2
[cos 8 - cos al
dFc(concrete) f dAc f,t 2r d8 (10.15) (4a - 4 sin a cos a + a cos2 a)]
1 - cos a cos a +
( cos - cos a]
[ sin a - a cos a
de (10.16) (10.23)
dFc(steel) rife' dA s = nfclir
1 - cos a
The quantities Ct, Cc, j, and z are given in Table 10.2
The total compressive force on the element is equal to as a function of k.
the sum of the above two equations, or BOLTING AREA AND BEARING-PLATE WIDTH. Taking a
summation of moments about Fc (see Fig. 10.2) we obtain:
ros 8 - cos a]
dFc(total) = (12 + nli)rfc do
1 - cos a Mwind - Wdwzd - Ftjd = 0
By integration, therefore
cos 0 - cos a m =
Pt
Mwind VVdwZd
(10.24)
Fc = (t2 nt .j )rfe2 dO jd
o 1 - cos a
[2(sin a - a cos a)] Substituting for Ft by Eq. 10.9 we obtairk:
F, = (t riti)rf, (10.17)
1 - cos a
11 Mwind Wdwld
(10.25)
= (12 + ril l)rf,Cc (10.18) fsrCtjd

where C, = the term in the bracket and is a constant for a And A, = 2irrii; therefore
given value of k.
To determine the distance 12 the same procedure is used A, = 27r [
Mwind WdwZd
(10.26)
as for the tension side. The moment of the force on the Ct fsjd

Referring to Fig. 10.2 and taking a summation of vertical
forces, we obtain:
Ft ± Wd w — F, = 0 (10.27)
Substituting for Ft by Eq. 10.9 and F, by Eq. 10.18, we
obtain:
fstirCt Wdw (12 + rdi)rf,C, = 0
Solving for 12, we obtain:
Wdw (Ctf, — Ce fen)ril
12 (10.28)
Cc fcr
The total width of the bearing plate will be Li + 12 (Eq.
10.25 plus Eq. 10.28). Therefore
Width of bearing plate, (3 = /1, /2 (10.29)
Nomographs for the solution of anchor-bolt problems by
the method of Taylor, Thompson, and Smulski have been
presented by Gartner (233). An alternate procedure has
been presented by Jorgensen (234).
DETERMINATION OF BEARING-PLATE THICKNESS. The
thickness of the bearing plate is determined by .the com-
pression load on the downwind side of the vertical vessel.
The minimum required width of the bearing plate was pre-
viously determined by use of Eq. 10.29. The maximum
compressive stress between the bearing plate and the con-
crete occurs at the outer periphery of the bearing plate.
The induced compressive stress at the bolt-circle center line
was determined by successive approximation in calculating
the required width of bearing plate (see Eq. 10.29). Equa-
tion 10.30 gives the relationship between the maximum
induced compressive stress at the outer periphery and the
corresponding stress at the bolt circle.
(2kd 13
fe(max induced) = (fc(bolt circle induced)) (10.30)
2kd )
Although the compressive stress varies from the maximum
given in Eq. 10.30 to a lesser value at the junction of the
skirt and bearing plate, the value at the bolt circle may be
used for simplicity of calculation in determining the required
thickness of the bearing plate.
BEART''G PLATES WITHOUT GUSSETS. A bearing plate
witho ossets may be assumed to be a uniformly loaded
cantilever beam with fc(max induced) the uniform load. The
maximum bending moment for such a beam occurs at the
junction of the skirt and bearing plate for unit circumfer-
ential length (b = 1 in.) and is equal to:
/ 0
M(max) = fe max Oi 2 = (for b = 1) (10.31)
2 0 .0078f,b2
where I = outer radius of bearing plate minus outer radius
of skirt, inches
The maximum stress in an elemental strip of unit width
is given by:
6M(max) 3fc max 12
f(max) 142 (for b =
bi 4 2
where / 4 -- bearing-plate thickness, inches
Skirt Supports for Vertical Vessels 187
Letting Amax) = f (allowable) and solving for 14 gives us:
14 = 1 V 3f c maxg(allow.) (10.32a)
The thickness of the bearing plate, 14, as calculated by
Eq. 10.32a is usually rounded off to the next larger standard
thickness of plate.
BEARING PLATES WITH GUSSETS. If gussets are used to
stiffen the bearing plates, the loading condition on the sec-
tion of the plate between two gussets may be considered
to act similarly to that of a rectangular uniformly loaded
plate with two opposite edges simply supported by the
gussets, the third edge joined to the shell, and the fourth
and outer edge free. Timoshenko (107) has tabulated the
deflections and bending moments for this case as shown in
Table 10.3.
Note in Table 10.3 that for the case where l/b = 0 (no
gussets or gusset spacing, b = co) the bending moment
reduces to Eq. 10.31, and the thickness of the flange is
determined by Eq. 10.32. Also note that when l/b is equal
to or less than *, the maximum bending moment occurs at
the junction with the shell because of cantilever action.
If 1/6 is greater than 2, the maximum bending moment
occurs at the middle of the free edge.
To determine the bearing-plate thickness from the bend-
ing moments, Eq. 10.33 may be used.
14 -= -‘,/6.11(„„„)
(10.32b)
faiiou .
DESIGN PROCEDURE FOR BoT:N c CALCULATIONS AND
SIZING OF BEARING PLATE The location of the neutral
axis is determined by the ratio of induced stresses, as indi-
cated by Eq. 10.3. Thus the determination of minimum
bolting and minimum width of hearing plate requires suc-
cessive-approximation calculations. The value of k deter-
mines the constants C1, Cc, j, and z, which in turn determine
the values of Ft and F, and their locations.
As a first approximation in the determination of k, f, may
be taken as the maximum allowable stress in the bolting
steel, but fc should not be taken as the maximum allowable
compressive stress in the concrete since the maximum corn-
Table 10.3. Maximum Bending Moments in a Bearing
Plate with Gussets (107)
(Courtesy of McGraw-Hill Book Co.)
fx =b/2)
ky x = b/2)
v
1/b
—0 .500fd2
0
— 0 . 4280
0 .0293f,b2 —0 .319f,t2
2/3 0 .0558fcb2 — 0.227012
. 0972f,b2 . 119fc12
0 .123M2 0 .124012
2 0 .131fcb2
0 . 133M' --
-00112125
5f:1/ 2
3
0 . 133f,b2 — 0 .125,02
b = gusset spacing (x direction) inches.
1 = -bearing-plate outside radius minus skirt outside
radius (y direction) inches.
188 Design of Supports for Vertical Vessels
Table 10.4. Bolt Data (157)
(Courtesy of Taylor Forge &Pipe Works)
Minimum Maximum
Bolt Standard Thread 8-thread Series Bolt Spacing* Radial Edge Nut, Fillet
Size No. of Root No. of Root Minimum Pre- Distance Distance Dimension Radius
d Threads Area Threads Area B, ferred E (across flats)
/g1/
7 X
;i" 13 0.126 No. 8 1y4" 3" 1 H6"
%" 11 0.202 thread 1% 3 1%6 % 1346 ifs
%" 10 series 1% 3 1% 11-if 6 1% 24
0.419 below 1" 2316 3 1% 1%6 1%6 %
1" 8 0.551 8 0.551 2% 3 1% 1%6 1% Xs

1%" 7 0.693 8 0.728 232 3 132 1% 1916 Hs

%," 7 0.890 8 0.929 21,1s 3 1% 1% 2 9/
916
1%" 6 1.054 8 1.155 3346 1% 1% 2916 946
1,%" 6 1.294 8 1.405 3% 2 134 2% %
1,%" 51.‘ 1.515 8 1.680 3% 234 1% 2916 91
1%" 5 1.744 8 1.980 3% 2% 131 2% %
1%" 5 2.049 8 2.304 4 2% 1% 21916 91
2" 432 2.300 8 2.652 4% 2% 2 3% 1316

2%" 43 3.020 8 3.423 4% 234 2%- 334 1316

21. 4" 4 3.715 8 4.2925% 3346 2% 3,1 1.,
7,.6
294" 4 4.618 8 5 .259 5% 3% , 2% 434 %
3" 4 5.621 8 6.324 614 3% 2% 4% 6,
1/1 6
* center-to-center distance between bolts, inches

pressive stress in the concrete is developed at the outer
periphery of the bearing plate rather than at the center line
of the bolt circle.
After evaluating k by Eq. 10.3, the minimum area of
bolting steel required may be determined by Eq. 10.26
and the preceding relationships. This permits the selection
of the number and size of bolts having sufficient root area
to equal or slightly exceed the minimum required bolting
area. Table 10.4 gives the necessary information for this
selection. Usually the number of bolts selected is a mul-
tiple of four to permit greater ease in bolt layout.
As(act.) = NAB As(min) (10.33)
where N = number of bolts
A B = root area of bolt, square inches (Table 10.3)
As(min) = minimum area of bolting steel, square inches
(Eq. 10.26)
As(act.) = actual area of bolting steel used, square inches
The width of the bearing plate may be evaluated by use
of Eqs. 10.25, 10.28, and 10.29.
In the first trial the area of bolting steel is selected and
the width of the bearing plate determined by use of the
original evaluation of k. The values of the induced tensile
and compressive stresses in the steel and concrete based on
this area and this width are next determined. An induced
tensile stress in the steel based upon the first calculation
of k may be determined by Eq. 10.34.
fs(induced) = fs(first estimate)
As(min)
A (10.34)
A 8 (act.)
An induced maximum compressive stress in the concrete
also based upon the first calculation of k may be determined
by use of Eq. 10.30. These values of fs and L may be used
to obtain a more correct value of k by Eq. 10.3. If the new
value of k differs appreciably from that originally calculated,
a complete recalculation should be made using the constants
Ct, Cc, j, and z based upon the new value of k. After con-
sistent values of f„, fc, and k have been determined, the
bolting design and bearing-plate width are established.
The thickness of the bearing plate may then be established
by use of Eq. 10.31. To complete the design of the skirt
and bolting ring the compression ring or bolting "chairs"
should also be considered.
10.1c Example Calculation 10.1, Bearing-plate Design.
A proposed fractionation column is 10 ft in diameter and
150 ft higliand rests on a foundation of 3000-psi-strength
 Skirt Supports for Vertical Vessels 189
concrete. The proposed bearing plate under the skirt has The compressive load may be calculated by a summation
a 9 ft, 8 in. inside diameter and an outside diameter of of vertical forces using Eq. 10.27.
11 ft, 8 in. The bolt circle is 11 ft, 0 in. in diameter and
contains 24 steel bolts 23i in. in diameter (from Table 10.4, Ft Wd. — F, = 0
the area per bolt = 3.72 sq in). Assume that under oper- 600,000 + 598,000 = F, = 1,198,000 lb
ating conditions the dead weight of the tower is 600,000 lb.
A high wind velocity develops a wind moment of 8,000.000 The induced stress in the concrete at the bolt circle, L,
ft-lb. A continuous compression ring is used. From based upon k = 0.333 may be evaluated by Eq. 10.18.
Table 10.1, n = = 10; f“idit,„..) for the structural F, =- (12 + nli)rfeCc
steel skirt is 20,000 psi. Determine the maximum induced But
stress in tension in the bolts and the maximum induced 12 = 13 — ti = 12 — 0.215 = 11.785 in.
stress in compression in the bolts. Also determine the
maximum compression stress in the concrete at the outer- 1,198,000 = [(11.785) ± (10 X 0.215)](5.5)(12)(1.588)h
most edge of the bearing plate on the downwind side and the f, = 818 psi
width and thickness of the bearing plate.
For first trial assume L = 20,000. Rechecking k by Eq. 10.3 gives:
From Table 10.1, fe(n..) = 1200. 1 1
k — 0.317
(11 ft, 8 in.) — (9 ft, 8 in.) 17,700 1 ± 2.16
t(proposed) = = 12 in. 1+
2 (10)(818)

By Eq. 10.3, estimating fc(bott circle) = 1000, Rechecking constants and stresses gives the following.
From Table 10.2 for k = 0.317,
1 1
k(approx,) = 1.554
20,000
1 + .fa 1+
nf, (10)(100.0) 0.333 Ct — 2.405

By rearranging Eq. 10.30 and solving for fc(boit circle) we z = 0.434

obtain: j = 0.782'
= 1200 (2)(0.333)(11)(12) 1 8 x 106 — 105(6)(0.434)(11)
ic(bolt circle) Ft 596,000
(2)(0.333)(11)(12) 12i (0.782)(11)
88 596,000
= 1200 — 17,450 psi
(88 + 12) = 1055 psi fs =
(0.215)(515)(12)(2.405)
To evaluate the induced stresses the ,.!onstantsare read F, = 600,000 ± 596,000 = 1,196,000 lb
from 'Pable 10.2. For k = 0.333
1,196,000
1.588 — 835 psi
Ce (11.785 + 2.15)(5.5)(12)(1.554)
= 2.376 1 1
— —0.324
z = 0.431 17,400 1 ± 2.08
1+
(10) (835)
0.782
The tensile load may be calculated by Eq. 10.24.
k = 0.32, approirnately, by interpolation
The rechecks of fs, fc, and k are in sufficient agreement for
Al %mid — Wdwzd 8 X 106 — 6 X 105(0.431)(11)
Ft — — design purposes.
jd (0.782)(11) To check maximum compressive stress in bolts and con-
_8 X 106 — 2.85 X 106 crete, Eq. 10.2 is used.
.---- 598,000 lb
8.6 Es
fs(comp ) = — L = iofc = 8350 psi
Ec
The induced stress in the steel L based upon k = 0.333
may be evaluated by Eq. 10.9. By Eq. 10.30
(2kd + 13
Ft = fstlrCt fc(max induced) = (fc(bolt circle induced))
9 kd

A (24)(3.72) 835 t(2)(0.32)(11)(12) + 12 \

0.215 in.
5d = 5(11)(12) (2)(0.32)(11)(12)
598,000 = L(0.215)(5.5)(12)(2.376) 77.5 ± 12)
= 835 ( 77.5 — 965 psi
1.3 = 17,700 psi
190 Design.of Supports for Vertical Vessels
By Eq. 10.320
Full-fillet weld
Skirt t4 = V6(11,700/20,000) = 1.875
)g" gusset plate
on either side
Therefore, use 1%-in. plate.
of anchor bolts
10.1d Practical Considerations in Designing Bearing
%.* fillet weld Plates.
rxrxV.Z. ROLLED-ANGLE BEARING •PLATE. If the vertical vessel
or larger is not very high and a skirt is used to support the vessel
Z9' Alla' A rather than legs, lugs, or columns, a simple design may
Bolt size + suffice for the bearing,plate. If the calculated thickness of
the bearing plate is 3z in. or less, a steel angle rolled to fit
Fig. 10.3. Rolled-angle bearing pica*. the outside of the skirt may be lap welded as shown in Fig.
10.3.
SINGLE-RING BEARING PLATE. If the required bearing-
Determination of bearing-plate thickness by Eq. 10.32 is plate thickness is in. to in., a design using a single-ring
as follows: bearing plate may be employed, as shown in Fig. 10.4.
If the bearing-plate width is less than 5 in. and the thickness
l 4 = l 03f c/fallow.) less than 3 in., the rolled-angle design (Fig. 10.3) will
11 ft, 8 in. — 10 ft, 0 in. probably be more economical.
— 10 in. CENTERED CHAIRS. If the required bearing-plate thick-
2
ness is 3/4 in. or greater for the design shown in Fig. 10.4, a
bolting "chair" can be used to advantage. Figure 10.5
t 4 = 10 V(3)(965) — 3.81 in. (withe.it gussets) shows a typical design for a centered anchor-bolt chair.
20,000
Although the number and size of bolts required should be
As this thickness is considered to be excessive, the bearing checked for each design, Table 10.5 gives some typical
plate will be stiffened with 24 gussets equally spaced and values of the maximum number of chairs usually inserted
straddling the bolts. in a vessel or skirt of a given diameter.
The gusset spacing, b, is In checking the bearing-plate thickness for a :,-entered
chair the plate inside the stiffeners may be considered to
7r(11)(12) act as a concentrated loaded beam with fixed ends.
b= = 17.3 in.
24 The concentrated load, P, is produced by the bolt and
is equal to maximum bolting stress times the bolting area,
/ 10 or
= 0.58
b 17.3 .1) fs Ab (10.35)

Interpolating between l/b = 3 and 1/b from Table where h = maximum induced stress in bolting steel
10.3 gives: Ab = root area of anchor bolt, square inches (The
values of A and Ab are those determined in an
Mm„„ = M, = —0.26A/2 = (-0.26)(965)(100) earlier section.)
P = maximum bolt load, pounds
•= —25,100 in-lb
The maximum bending moment in the bearing plate
By Eq. 10.32b
inside the chair occurs at upwind dead center and is located
t 4 = V6(25,100/20,000) =- 2.75 in.

Further reduction, in bearing-plate thickness could be

realized if the gusset spacing were decreased by using 48
gussets. Skirt
For 48 gussets, gusset spacing, b is: gusset plate
on either side
7(11)(12) Of anchor bolts
b— = 8.65 in. 54•• fillet
48 Bolt size +
weld
/ 10
= = 1.255
b 8.65
/ A1111// A
Interpolating again from Table 10.3 gives: 2.

5" minimum
Minas = My — 0.12ifei2
—11,700 in-lb Fig. 10.4. Single ring beam, plate with gussets.
 Skirt Supports for Vertical Vessels WI
Table 10.5. Maximum Number of Centered Chairs in
Various-sized Vessel Skirts
Skirt diameter, ft No. of Chairs
3 4
4 8
5 8
6 12
7 16
8 16
9 20
10 24

width of the plate. With this consideration the required

bearing-plate thickness inside the chair may be calculated
Plan View B-B by Eq. 10.37.

14 = 6 /1/„. (10.37)
— bhdXfatow.
where is = bearing-plate width, inches
14 = bearing-plate thickness, inches
bhd = bolt-hole diameter in bearing plate, inches
fano, = allowable stress, pounds per square inch

The bending moment in the bearing plate outside the

stiffeners (between chairs) may be controlling and can be
Bolt size +
determined by use of Table 10.3. The thickness can be
Washer determined by use of Eq. 10.32b.
1/4-or
greateF--
-1— EMPIRICAL DIMENSIONS FOR EXTERNAL CHAIRS. If the
T / Bolt size +
6 number of bolts required exceeds the number given in
Table 10.5, external bolting chairs may be used, as shown
Section A-A
in Fig. 10.6. The proportions for the chair may be deter-
mined empirically by the relationships given in detail b of
Fig. 10.6. Note that the hole in the bearing plate is made

Washer (thickness equal

to bolt diameter)

Bolt size + 9'

Elevation
Bolt size + 1/4"
t5
Fig. 10.5. Centered anchor-bolt chair.

near the bolt where the cross-sectional area is mini-

at or Bolt size + V min
mum. The moment is given by Eq. 10.36. Min = %to
Bolt size + 8`
Pb to Gusset plates
Mmax = —
8 (10.36) Qo

where Mmax = maximum bending moment, inch-pounds

T Bolt size +
(a) (b)
b = spacing inside chairs, inches (usually 8 in.)
The hole in the bearing plate reduces the effective beam Fig. 10.6. External bolting chair.
192 Design of Supports for Vertical Vessels

(21 sin 7'2)

P /
Mx (1 + µ) In +1
Orr ire

[(1 µ — 72) 9(10.39)

where M, = maximum bending moment along radial axis,

inch-pounds
Mx = maximum bending moment along circum-
ferential axis, inch-pounds
P = maximum bolt load on upwind side (see Eq.
10.35) pounds
A = Poisson's ratio (0.30 for steel)
In = natural logarithm
a = radial distance from outside of skirt to bolt
circle, inches
/ = radial distance from outside of skirt to outer
Bearing plate edge of compression plate, inches
= gusset spacing, inches
e = radius, of action of concentrated load, inches
= one-half distance across flats of bolting nut,
inches
71, 72 = constants from Table 10.6

A comparison of Eqs. 10.38 and 10.39 using the constants

Fig. 107. Vessel skirt with external bolting choirs. in Table 10.6 indicates that for (b/1) = unity, Mx = Mu,
and that for all cases in which (b/1) is greater than unity,
M, is greater than Mx and M„ is therefore controlling.
After the determination of the size of the bolt and the
width of the bearing plate and after the selection of the
larger than the hole in the top plate for ease in erection of bolt-circle diameter and gusset spacing, the dimensions
the vessel. a,b,e, and 1 are fixed. The constants - -y1 and 72 may be
CALCULATION OF COMPRESSION-PLATE THICKNESS. The evaluated by use of Table 10.6, and the maximum bending
maximum load on the compression plate at the top of an moments in the radial and circumferential directions may
external chair occurs on the upwind side of the vertical be computed by use of Eqs. 10.38 and 10.39.
vessel where the reaction of the bolts produces a compression For the case in which a is selected to be 1/2 and M y is
load. The compression plate may be considered to act as controlling, Eq. 10.38 reduces to:
a rectangular plate bounded by the two gusset plates, the
skirt, and the outside of the plates. The bolt load may be 2/
— [(1 In — + (1 — -y i ) (10.40)
considered to be a uniformly distributed load acting over a 4ir
circular area equal to the bolt area. The fact that the
compression plate is welded to the skirt and gusset plates To determine the maximum stress in the compression
as indicated in Fig. 10.7 provides additional rigidity on ring a strip of unit width is considered. For this case,
these sides, which tends to compensate for the lack of sup-
port on the fourth side. As an approximation the plate 6M
will be considered to act as a plate freely supported on four fmax = 1 21
52
sides. Timoshenko (107) has developed the relationships
for a rectangular plate freely supported on four sides with a
concentrated load acting as a uniformly distributed load
over a circular area of radius e. In reference to the "Plan"
view of Fig. 10.6 with y in the radial direction and x in the Table 10.6. Constants for Moment Calculation in
circumferential direction, the maximum bending moments Compression Ring (107)
M, and Mx are given by Eqs. 10.38 and 10.39, respectively.
(Courtesy of McGraw-Hill Book Co.)
era) b/I 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2.0
2/ sin —
P 1 113
M, = — (1 + In 71 0.565 0.350 0.211 0.125 0.073 0.042
47r ire +1 47r 72 0.135 0.115 0.085 0.057 •0.037 0.023 0
(10.38) Note: for a b/I less than 1.0 invert b/I and rotate axes 90°.
 Skirt Supports for Vertical Vessels 193
Or. if fx is assumed to be fau,, as the upper plate of the bolting ring. Such a continuous
ring is preferred when the spacing of external chairs becomes
is = N/(6-Hvilanow.) (10.41) so small that the compression plates approach a continuous
where / 5 =-- thickness of compression plate, inches ring. As in the case of the compression plate the maximum
fallow, = allowable working stress, pounds per square inch load on a continuous compression ring occurs on the upwind
side of the vertical vessel where the reaction of the bolts
10.1e Example Calculation 10,2, External-chair Design. produces a compression load on the ring. This load pro-
An external chair will be designed for a column 8 ft, 0 in. duces a bending stress in the compresson ring. As in the
in diameter having 12 bolts 1% in. in diameter with a cal- case of external chairs the vertical gusset plates transfer this
culated induced stress of 17,500 psi. The holt-circle diam- compression load to the hearing plate.
eter is 8 ft, 6 in., and the outside diameter of the bearing In determining the thickness of the continuous compres-
plate is 9 ft, 0 in. The gusset height, h, is 12 in. sion ring the assumption is made that each section of the
By Fig. 10.6, ring between gussets acts as a rectangular plate bounded by
the two gusset plates, the shell, and the outer ring. The
1.16 = (9.0(134 = 0.515 in. • Use %-in. plate.) bolt load will be considered to be a uniformly distributed
A = 9 in. + (41 = 1034 in., load acting over the area of the bolt.
Therefore the method used in determining the thickness
b = 8 in. + (131 in.) = 93Z in. of the compression plates for external bolting chairs is
By Table 10.4, applicable. This method involves the use of Eq. 10.38,
10.39, or 10.40 and of Table 10.6 plus Eq. 10.41.
root area of bolt, Ab = 1.405 sq in. CALCULATION OF GUSSET-PLATE THICKNESS FOR COM-
/ PRESSION RINGS. If the gussets are evenly spaced alter-
The bolt load by Eq. 10.35 is: nately between bolts; the gusset plate may be considered to
P = fs Ab = (17,500)(1.405) = 24,600 lb react as a vertical column. Normally the gusset is welded
to the shell, but no credit is taken for the stiffening effect
By Fig. 10.6, produced by the shell. The moment of inertia>of the gusset
(8 ft, 6 in.) — (8 ft, 0 in.) about the axis having the least radius3of gyration- is given
— --= 3 in. in 'Appendix J, item I as: i 4 ,)
2
(9 ft, 0 in.) — (8 ft, 0 in.) t ). 0 in 116 3
1= — 6 in. I— r2 14r 2
2 12

From Table 10.4,

nut dimension across flats 2.375
e= L 1 83 in
2 2
The compression-plate thickness W: li TA ri in pi
b 9.5
----- 1.58
1 6
Interpolating from Table 10.6 giveis: 11 I it ft
-yi = 0.134
Shell
Substituting in Eq. 10.40 gives: cif it. q 111 Strap
21
11,4 = (1Iµ) ln + 1 — yi 11 Fri
4.7r elf

24,600 1.3 in ( (2) (6) ) Compression

+ 1 — 0.11111 ring 0
,17r L /4.188
Guset z:
= +8200 in-lb 1 I
Bea_riing dilate
Substituting into Eq. 10.41 withfaii,;= 17,500 psi Wes:
\I(6)(8200) 1
/5 — • Y— = 1.672
fallow. 17,500
Therefore use 1%-in. plate for compression plate.
10.1f Continuous-compression-ring Thickness. Figure
10.8 shows a sketch of a continuous compression ring used Fig. 10.8. Skirt with continuous compression ring and strap.
194 Design of Supports for Vertical Vessels
or force, Q0 (see (Fig. 6.3) produced in shells with closures,
/62 and the calculation may be treated accordingly.
(10.42) In Chapter 6 the following relationships were derived:
12
where a = area of cross section, square inches (Y)x—o = (0Mo + Qo) (6.75)
= radius of gyration, inches 2/33D1
16 = gusset-plate thickness, inches
1 = width of gusset, inches (61 — 201, (25'Mo Qo) (6.76)
0 D1
Equation 4.21 may be used to express the relationship In detail a of Fig. 10.6 y is the horizontal deflection of the
for steel columns in which the value of (h/r) is from 60 to skirt corresponding to yi in Fig. 6.3 and varies with distanc,e
200. above the compression ring in accordance with Eq. 6.65.
Applying the boundary condition that the slope of the
P 18,000 deflection curve dy / dx is equal to zero at the top of the ring
f• a — 1 (h2/18,000r2)
(4.21)
where x = 0, we obtain:

((Adx),o = 0 = 202D1
where h = height of gusset, inches (10.48)
(2$Mo Qo)
Substituting Eq. 10.42 into this relationship gives.
Noting that yi of Fig. 6.3 is taken as equal to —y in Fig.
18,000 10.6, detail a, we obtain:
fallow. — 1 (h2/1500162)
(10.43)
(Y)x—o — 215,3D1 (ftMo Qo) (10.49)
The allowable stress, Allow., in Eq. 10.43 must be:
Bolt load P Solving Eqs. 10.48 and 10.49 for M0 and Qo gives:
fallow. — 116 a
(10.44)
(10.50)
Qo = 403D1y
Substituting in Eq. 10.43 gives: M0 = —202D1y (10.51)
Bolt load 18,000 where
116 1 + (h 2/150016 2)
.4 4 13(1 — ,l12)
/
r 212
(6.86)
Or

h2(bolt load) .E13

18,000/4 3 — (bolt load)/62 — — 0 (10.45) DI — (6.15)
1500 12(1 — u')_.--

Examination of Eq. 10.45 indicates that when the gusset By Eq. 6.84
height, h, is small, the third term in the equation may be w.-=lE
(10.52)
disregarded. In this case Eq. 10.45 reduces to the rela- y r2
tionship for straight compression without column action or
where w = load, pounds per linear inch
bolt load = skirt thickness, inches
16 (10.46)
18,000/ r = radius of curvature, inches
Equations 10.45 and 10.46 are based on the asumption Substituting Eqs. 6.15 and 10.52 into Eqs. 10.50 and
that the compression plate is sufficiently thick for the bolt into Eq. 10.51 gives:
load to be transferred to the gusset plates without intro- • $312....2
duction of eccentric action. The stiffening resulting from Qo = wr = (10.53)
the welding of the compression plates and gussets to the 3(1 —
shell introduces a margin of safety which justifies the above _ 02i2u,r2 —w
assumption. Mo — (10.54)
If the gussets are not evenly spaced, an eccentric loading 6(1 — 2132

will result in an induced bending moment. The thickness Taking a summation of moments about the junction of
of such gussets may be proportioned empirically, as in the the skirt with the bearing plate gives:
ease of gussets for external chairs.
P(a) = Qohm
16 = 116 (10.47)
where (20 is the force per linear inch on the skirt and is
10.1g Reaction of External Bolting Chairs and Compres- assumed to act over an arc distance of m, or
sion Rings. The use of external bolting chairs or a compres-
sion ring results in a loading condition that produces a reac- Pa
Qo = — (10.55)
tion in the skirt. This reaction, R, is similar to the shear mh
 Skirt Supports for Vertical Vessels 195
Substituting Eq. 10.53 into 10.55 gives: This thickness can be reduced by increasing the gusset
height. Assuming a gusset height of 18 in. rather than 12
Paj
(10.56) in. will reduce the skirt thickness to:
mh
t = 1.214(+1)" = 0.926 in. or 1.0 in.
Substituting Eq. 10.56 into Eq. 10.54 for w gives:
fl3t2Par2 10.11 Thermal Stresses in the Skirt. For the case in
M — (10.57) which the vessel is operated at a temperature considerably
D 6(1 — u2) mh
different from atmospheric temperature, a thermal stress
For a strip of unit width under flexure may be induced in the skirt as a result of the temperature
gradient near the junction of the skirt and the vessel.
6M0 j 3Par2 TEMPERATURE GRADIENT IN SKIRT. To minimize the
(10.58)
12 (1 _ to)inh temperature gradient in the skirt, the skirt may be insulated
Substituting for /3 by Eq. 6.86 and solving for t gives: both inside and out. Skirts of vessels are insulated inside
and out for fire protection when manways are cut into the
[3(1 10,1” skirt. The modulus of elasticity decreases rapidly with
— u2)l f2[ LIL r
(1 — AI)" mhf increasing temperature above 600° F with resulting loss in
elastic stability. F. E. Wolosewick (160) has given an
For steel in which p = 0.3, approximate equation for the skirts of vessels with 2 to
( Pa )35 4% in, of insulation both inside and out.
t = 1.76 (10.59)
mhisnow. T x = (Tv — 50°) — 6.037x — 0.289x2
where i = skirt thickness required to resist reaction of 0.009x3 0.00007x4 (10.60)
external chairs or compression ring, inches
Differentiating with respect to x gives:
r = radius of skirt, inches
m = 2A (see Fig. 10.6) or bs (bolt spacing) dTx
P = maximum bolt load, pounds —6.037 — 0.578x + 0.027x2 — 0.00028x3 (10.61)
dx
a = radial distance from outside of skirt, to bolt circle,
inches where Tx = temperature of skirt at x distance below junc-
h = gusset height, inches tion•of skirt and shell, degrees Fahrenheit
10.1h Example Calculation 10.3, Reaction of a Bolting Tn = temperature of fluid in vessel bottom. degrees
Ring. The tower described in Example Calculation 10.1 is Fahrenheit
x = distance below junction of skirt and shell,
to be modified so that it has a bearing plate extending
6% in. out from the skirt with a bolt circle 3% in. outside the inches
skirt. Twenty-four bolts 2) in. in diameter are to be used
THERMAL EXPANSION. As an insulated vessel is brought
with a continuous compression ring, and the gusset height
up to operating temperature, it will undergo thermal
is to be 12 in. Determine the required thickness of the
expansion. If there is no restraint to this expansion, no
skirt to resist the reaction of the bolting ring. The maxi-
stress will be induced. The metal both in the skirt and in
mum induced stress in the bolts is 17,450 psi, and the maxi-
the shell at the junction will have the same temperature.
mum allowable stress in the skirt is 20,000 psi.
From the junction to the foundation a temperature gradient
a = 3%-in. will exist, which will tend to produce a varying thermal
expansion. At any given point in the skirt the radial
r(126.5)
m= — 16.6 in. thermal expansion, y, is proportional to the coefficient of
24 thermal expansion, a, the radius of the skirt, r. and the
hut.. = 20,000 psi temperature difference Tl, or

h= 12 in. y = ar(T,, — Tx) = arT' (10.62)

p = 17,450 X 3.72 sq in. per bolt
where y = radial thermal expansion, inches
r = 60 in. a = coefficient of thermal expansion inches per inch
per degree Fahrenheit
By Eq. 10.59 r = radius of skirt, inches
TI = (T,, — Tx) = temperature of vessel bottom
t = 1.76 ( Pa )"
mhiaiiow. minus skirt temperature, degrees Fahrenheit

Substituting gives: Differentiating Eq. 10.62 with respect to x. the distance

450) (3 72) (3 25)] . ,33 along the skirt from its junction with the vessel, gives:
- '
t = 1.76 [ (17 (60)
(16.6)(12)(20,000) dy _ ar dT 1
= 1.214 in. or 13& in. dx dx
 196 Design of Supports for Vertical Vessels
but dTt = d(T, — Tx ) = — dTx ; therefore and
drx
dy _ ar dTx I Qo = a di32 Di — (10.70)
(10.63) . . dx
dx dx
A comparison of Eqs. 10.69 and 10.70 indicates that
STRESS FROM BENDING MOMENTS AND SHEAR. The
term dy/dx represent the slope of the skirt from the vertical i3Mo = — Qo (10.71)
as a result of thermal deformation. This deflection can be
AXIAL THERMAL STRESS, fat , AT JUNCTION WITH SHELL.
compared to the deflection dyi/dx for a cylindrical shell
(See Eq. 6.122.)
joined to a flat-plate closure, shown in Fig. 6.3. At the
junction, where x = 0, Moc
— 6M0 —6a c/6 DI 0;
fat = /2 I (10.72)
i I 12 dx I
3 Di (i3Mo Qo) (6.75)
21 CIRCUMFERENTIAL THERMAL STRESS, Li, AT JUNCTION
WITH SHELL. ' (See Eq. 6.125.)
Cy) 1
— (20Mo Qo) (6.76)
202Di I SAM° ± Qo) //WO
fee — + /2 (10.73)
t
Substituting Eq. 10.62 into Eq. 6.75 and Eq. 10.63 into
Eq. 6.76 gives: But by Eq. 10.71 0M0 = —Qo; therefore
1 iL6MO
arT1 = yx—o (riMo Qo) LE — (10.74)
20 3 D1 12

ar dTI (dy 1 SHEAR THERMAL STRESS, .fst, AT JUNCTION WITH SHELL.

(2,6Mo + Qo)
dx dx x= o 2132D, (See Eq. 6.121.)

Clearing fractions on the right side of these equations gives: 3 Qo Ia di32 D1 dTx
Lt = T (10.75)
21 dx
arT 1(2,8 3.D 1) = —13Mo — Qo
10.1j Example Calculation 10.4, Thermal Stresses.
ar dT t Consider a vessel having a diameter of 130 in. and a skirt
(2/32D1) = 20M0 Qo (10.64)
dx thickness of in. insulated inside and out with the skirt
suppLting a shell in which the bottom temperature is
Adding the two equations gives: 700° F. Assume that the temperature distribution in the
skirt is given by Eq. 10.60. Calculate the thermal stresses
ar dr!. at the junction.
arT1(2133M) (202D1 ) :=-- faro
dx
a = 7.6 X 10-6 deg F
therefore
dT 1) E = 25.5 X 106 psi (from Fig. 8.6)
Mo 2ar#D1 (T's (10.65)
dx ) = 0.27

20.1.10 = 4arO2D1 (T1/3 By Eq. 6.86

dx )
— /12) — 0.272)
Substituting into Eq. 10.64 gives: — r2/2
= — 0.227
(65)2(0.5)2
andT i(2 dT
(3 2 Di) = 4ar62D i (T1/3 Qo By Eq. 6.15
dx
Eta 25.5 X 106(0.5)3
therefore D1 — — 28.7 X 10 4
12(1 — p.2) 12(1 — 0.272)
Qo = 2ar/32D1 (2T1(3 — d T) (10.66)
dx The temperature gradient at the junction, x = 0, by
Eq. 10.61 is:
At the junction of the skirt and bottom dished head T' =-
dTx
T2, — Tx , and T„ = Tx ; therefore T' = 0. And, therefore, = —6.037

dT1
Mo = a dO D1 — (10.67) Axial thermal stress:
dx
Substituting into Eq. 10.69 gives:
and
dT dTx
Qo = —a 02 Di (10.68) Mo = — dp
dx dx
Or
— (7.6 X 10-6)(130)(0.227)(28.7 X 104)(-6.037)
dT x
Mo —a d(3 D 1 (10.69)
dx = 388 in-lb per in.
 Lug Supports for Vertical Vessels 197
By Eq. 10.72 are setup on the windward side when the vessel is empty
Ice-ea—Use in this case the dead load—is—subtracted-from., tbe
6/1/0 6(388) Wind-100, Therefore the stresses on the leeward side are
fat = j2 (0.5)2 — 9320 psi
the determining factor for design of the supports. The
Circumferential thermal stress: maximum total compression load in P pounds in the most
By Eq. 10.70 remote column is (164):

D dT, 4P,„(H L) I IV
Q0 = a d132 P= (10.76)
dx riDoc
= (7.6 X 10-6)(130)(0.227)2(28.7 X 10')(-6.037) where P,„ = total wind load on exposed surface, pounds
H= height of vessel above foundation, feet
-- —88.2 lb per in. L vessel clearance from foundation to vessel bot-
tom, feet
By Eq. 10.74
Dbc diameter of anchor-bolt circle, feet
a6/1/0 n number of supports
fet =- , 12 — R0.27)(9320)] = 2115 psi Td' = weight of empty vessel plus weight of liquid
I
and other dead load, pounds
Shear thermal stress:
By Eq. 10.75 10.2a Lugs with Horizontal Plates. Figure 10.9 shows a
sketch of a vessel supported on four lugs, each lug having
s Q, —88-? — 264.6 psi two horizontal-plate stiffeners. Such lugs are of essentially
fst =
0.5 the same design as that shown in Fig. 10.6 for external chairs,
and the same design procedure may be used. This type
10.2 LUG SUPPORTS FOR VERTICAL VESSELS of lug uses to advantage the axial stiffness and strength of
The choice of the type of supports for a vertical pressure the cylindrical shell to absorb the bending stresses produced
vessel depends on the available floor space, the convenience by the concentrated loads of the supports. Both the top
of location of the vessel according to operating variables, and bottom plates should have continuous welds as the
the size of the vessel, the operating temperature and pres- maximum compressive and tensile stress occurs in these two
sure, and the materials of construction. plates, respectively. These welds and the intermittent
Brackets or lugs offer many advantages over other types welds of the vertical gussets to the shell carry the vertical
of supports. They are inexpensive, can absorb diametrical shear load. The load, P, on the column has a lever arm, a,
expansions by sliding over greased or bronze plates, are measured to the center line of the shell plate. This moment
easily attached to the vessel by minimum amounts of
welding, and are easily leveled or shimmed in the field.
As a result of the eccentricity of this type of support,
compressive, tensile, and shear stresses are induced in the
wall of the vessel. The tensile and compressive forces cause
indeterminate flexural stresses which must be combined
with pressure stresses circumferentially and longitudinally.
The shear forces act in a direction parallel to the longitudinal
axis of the vessel, and the shear stress induced by these r-
forces is relatively so small that they are often disregarded.
Lug supports are ideal for thick-walled vessels since the
thick wall has a considerable moment of inertia and is there- Qo
fore capable of absorbing the flexural stresses due to the 1
h
1
••••••-3.-1
eccentricity of the loads. In thin-walled vessels, however, H 0
this type of support is not convenient unless the proper
reinforcements are used or many lugs are welded to the
vessel.
If a vessel with lug supports is located out of doors the
wind load, as well as the dead-weight load should be con-
sidered in the calculation of P. However, as lug-supported
vessels are usually of much smaller height, than skirt-sup-
ported vessels, the wind loads may be a minor consideration.
The wind load tends to overturn the vessel, particularly
when the vessel is empty. The weight of the vessel when
filled with liquid tends to stabilize it. Y

The highest compressive stresses in the smpslrts occur on

the leeward side when the vessel is full because dead Jed Fig. 10.9. Sketch of vessel on four-lug supports with horizontal-plate
and wind load are additive.„,„ The highest tensile stresses stiffeners.