Seismic response analysis of a large LNG storage tank considering pile-soil interaction in a soft site

Based on the finite element analysis program ANSYS, a three-dimensional integral finite element model of a pile-soil-LNG storage tank interaction system was established, the effect of pile-soil interaction on the seismic response of the LNG storage tank was analyzed in a soft site of class IV. Analysis results showed that the peak shear force, the peak overturning moment and the maximum Von Mises equivalent stress of the inner steel wall of the LNG storage tank drop at different levels, but the maximum sloshing wave height of liquid rises; in addition, the effect of insulation layer stiffness on the seismic response of the LNG storage tank is also analyzed, it has an important influence on the seismic response of the LNG storage tank; with increase in insulation layer stiffness in a certain range, the peak shear force, the peak overturning moment and the maximum sloshing wave height vary a little, but the maximum Von Mises equivalent stress of the inner steel wall decreases significantly.