Comparative Seismic Performance of LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) Storage Tanks Isolated Using Triple Friction Pendulum and Single Friction Pendulum Systems Under Varying Earthquake Hazard Levels
摘要
At different earthquake hazard levels, the seismic response of LNG storage tanks equipped with Single Friction Pendulum and Triple Friction Pendulum devices has been investigated in this research. The main aim is to evaluate and contrast the dynamic adaptation, energy dissipation capacity, and overall efficiency of the two isolation systems in reducing seismic forces. A computational simulator utilizing equations of motion has been created to model the tank's response to seismic excitations. A nonlinear time-history analysis is performed utilizing the Newmark-Beta method, integrating actual earthquake records to accurately represent seismic activity. The analysis focuses on key response parameters, including displacement, acceleration, velocity, base shear, and frequency characteristics, for both isolation systems. The comparative results reveal that LNG tanks with TFPS exhibit significantly lower outer tank displacement and impulsive displacement than those with FPS, demonstrating enhanced seismic resistance. The research demonstrates that TFPS effectively decreases outer tank displacement for all evaluated ground motions, significantly enhancing impulse force mitigation. Furthermore, TFPS efficiently distributes displacement across various sliding surfaces, resulting in enhanced energy dissipation and adaptive stiffness characteristics. This feature enhances seismic resilience by decreasing base shear and structural demand, especially during near-fault ground motions. The analysis demonstrates that convective displacement (sloshing mode) is not altered by the presence of TFPS, since the durations of the both modes are significantly separated. This ensures that the seismic isolation mechanism does not interfere with fluid mobility inside the tank. Overall, the results highlight the superiority of TFPS over FPS as an isolation technique for LNG storage tanks located in seismically active areas. Its enhanced damping capacity, adaptability to varying seismic intensities, and ability to minimize structural displacement make it a preferable choice for ensuring the stability and longevity of LNG storage facilities. The results underscore the necessity of multi-stage friction pendulum isolators in critical infrastructure, offering a sustainable and resilient approach to mitigating seismic hazards while reducing maintenance costs and operational disruptions.