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Design and analysis of above-ground full containment LNG storage tanks
Development of the world's largest above ground LNG tank

Static, dynamic, thermal and nonlinear analysis

Strict design requirements met

KOGAS Gas Technology Corporation (KOGAS-Tech) is using LUSAS Civil & Structural software to
help develop and continually improve its range of above ground full containment Liquified Natural
Gas tanks. With the assistance of LUSAS engineering consultancy services LNG storage tank
sizes of 140,000m3 were initially developed but now, using LUSAS Civil & Structural, an above
ground full containment LNG tank with a capacity of 200,000m 3 has been analysed and optimised.
When completed it became the largest above ground full containment LNG storage tank in the
world.

Tank development
Over the years KOGAS-Tech has developed two distinct types of above-ground post-tensioned concrete
containment tanks. One involves the use of a proprietary inner membrane system, and the other
comprises a steel nickel inner tank lining. Both are of a 140,000m 3 capacity and have been installed at the
Pyeongtaek and Tongyeong facilities in South Korea.

With the use of LUSAS software KOGAS-Tech has now developed a 200,000m 3 above ground tank for
the Pyeongtaek facility. Similar in nature to its smaller brother it has a 37.6m high nickel steel inner tank of
84m diameter insulated from a 86.4m inside diameter post-tensioned concrete wall. The steel tank sits on
a concrete base slab supported by small diameter piles at close centres. The overall tank height to the top
of the roof slab is 52.8m.

Analyses undertaken

In analysing and developing its range of

tanks KOGAS-Tech performs numerous
finite element analyses with LUSAS
including:

Static analysis

Wind loading

Modal and seismic analysis

Temperature modelling

Leakage modelling

Prestress / post-tensioning

Burn-out modelling

Relief valve heat flux modelling

Soil-structure interaction

Static analysis

For static analysis, 2D axisymmetric solid element and 3D shell element models are built and numerous
static linear analysis loadcases are defined for various parts of the structure with the roof, the walls, the
base slab etc being loaded independently. Load combinations then allow the effects of the multiple
loadcases to be assessed.

Modal analysis

3D shell element modelling and eigenvalue analysis of the LNG tank outer shells and pressure relief
platforms involves an examination of both the uncoupled and coupled response of the two structures.
Lumped mass modelling is used for fluid/structure interaction of the LNG and for soil/structure interaction
of the pile arrangements.

Wind load modelling Seismic analysis

3D shell element modelling is used to carry out wind
load analysis of the LNG tank outer shell. For this
analysis, half-models can often be used due
symmetry of both tank geometry and loading. The
wind load is varied around the circumference of the
outer walls using a Fourier distribution providing a
normal pressure on the forward face of the structure
and a suction to the rear face.
Interactive Modal Dynamics techniques are used in
the calculation of the dynamic seismic response.
Operational Basis Earthquake (OBE) and Safe
Shutdown Earthquake analysis assessments are
also run to satisfy code requirements. The
generated data from the structural analysis is
integrated to obtain base shear forces and bending
moments in the wall.

Thermal modelling

For thermal modelling, 2D axisymmetric solid field and continuum elements are used and a semi-coupled
steady state thermal analyses of LNG tank outer walls with insulation is performed. For this, an initial
stress-free temperature is applied to all elements, and combinations of environmental conditions are
considered for both the air and base temperatures. Results plots of hoop stresses in the top and bottom
corners caused by a steady state thermal load are produced.
Top corner modelling
 Bottom corner modelling

Results plots of hoop stresses in the top and bottom corners caused by a steady state thermal load are
produced.
Leakage modelling

Leakage modelling analysis investigates the effect

of LNG spillage from the inner steel tank onto the
Polyurethane Foam (PUF) insulation on the inside
of the outer concrete tank at five different heights.
The tank insulation is assumed to have been
completely destroyed up to each level of the LNG
under consideration. 2D axisymmetric solid field and
continuum elements are used to model the tank
outer walls and insulation down to the top of each
leakage level. A semi-coupled steady state thermal
analysis is carried out to assess the effects of the
leakage.

Modelling prestress tensioning

Large temporary openings in the wall mean that it is

necessary to limit the effects of stress concentration
caused by prestress forces. Loadings for each set of
cables, both horizontally and vertically, are defined
and assigned in separate load cases. These
loadings can then be combined in different ways to
achieve the required prestress sequence and/or
loading pattern. Section slicing of the model is used
to obtain axial forces and bending moments in the
walls around the opening for selected load
combinations.

Burn-out modelling

Modelling of a burn-out scenario involves 2D axisymmetric solid field elements and transient thermal
analyses of the LNG tank outer walls. The tank roof and insulation layers (except any PUF layer), are
assumed to have been destroyed, and are not included in the analysis. Steady state conditions are
initially applied for a specified time. To model the burn-out situation, a temperature load of a specified
peak temperature reducing to -170C over a distance of 1.5m is moved down the inside of the tank at a
constant speed for the burn-out time under consideration.
Relief valve heat flux modelling

With relief valve heat flux modelling, the tank bases

are normally excluded from an analysis because
they are considered to be remote from the heat flux
loading. 3D solid field and continuum elements are
used for a semi-coupled transient thermal analyses
of a segment of an LNG tank.

An initial stress-free temperature is applied to all

elements and steady state conditions are
established for an internal temperature of 170C
and a specified mean annual external temperature.
A heat flux is then be applied to a specified region
on the top of the roof for the number of time steps
under consideration.

"Using LUSAS allows us to continuously improve our analysis, research and

development capability especially in nonlinear analysis. With LUSAS we can ensure that
our range of LNG tank designs always meets the strict design requirements of our
clients."