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

• FEA back-analysis of pile load tests undertaken on site.

• Creation of 3D FEA model of the tanks, mound, piled raft and supporting soil.

• Simulation of construction, tank hydrotesting and operation.

• Optimisation of individual pile lengths to create a near-uniform settlement of the raft.

• Distortion of the LPG tanks minimised for their safe operation.