LNG Tank in Świnoujście: Nonlinear Analysis of the Tank Dome Elements Behaviour

In this paper, the dome of a tank in the Świnoujście LNG terminal is analysed. Some of the rafter ribs at the connection with hangers were not mounted during construction of the tank dome. Therefore, it has become necessary to estimate its response, which has been done with the aid of some computational models of the dome, that have been created in the finite element method environment. Different local models are studied, aiming to recreate possible outermost conditions of the tank dome response, i.e. with or without composite action between steel and concrete parts of the tank dome. Static calculations with material and geometric nonlinearities are carried out on the computational models, enabling the creation of a load capacity envelope of the rafter with or without ribs. The obtained results are then used to decide if repair works need to be done and whether the missing ribs should be welded.