Tall Vertical Vessels

Influence of Stiffeners on Shell compressive stresses

Vertical vessels may be stiffened by adding internal & external members attached to the shell. These
can be attached in either the longitudinal or circumferential direction and in some cases in both
directions.

So equation for allowable compressive stress may be modified as follows,

σ callow = 1.5 x 106 (ty tx)½ / r ≤ ⅓ Yield point

where, ty = t + (Ay/dy) (the equivalent thickness of the shell in circumferential direction)
tx = t + (Ax/dx) (the equivalent thickness of the shell in longitudinal direction)
Ay = Cross Sectional area of one circumferential stiffener
Ax = Cross Sectional area of one longitudinal stiffener
dy = distance between circumferential stiffeners
dx = distance between longitudinal stiffeners

Any additional area to the shell as stiffeners increases the buckling strength of the vessel in
proportion to the square root whereas the additional metal area added uniformly to the
shell by increasing its thickness will increase its strength in direct proportion.