Level Best

The four largest LPG storage tanks in the world (each 5,650 tonnes, 60m long, 16m diameter and buried in a mound) were founded on one enormous piled raft whose differential settlement needed to be minimal since the tanks could not withstand distortion.
A 3D FEA model of the tanks, mound and piled raft was created, validated by pile load tests performed on site. Individual pile lengths were carefully adjusted to achieve near-uniform settlement.
Highlights
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FEA back-analysis of pile load tests undertaken on site.
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Creation of 3D FEA model of the tanks, mound, piled raft and supporting soil.
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Simulation of construction, tank hydrotesting and operation.
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Optimisation of individual pile lengths to create a near-uniform settlement of the raft.
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Distortion of the LPG tanks minimised for their safe operation.