ASCE 7-10 Tank Seismic Requirements

[TS59401]

I am designing a foundation for a "store bought" horizontal, saddle mounted tank. The tank is delivered with saddles and will attach directly to my two piers that extend up from footings. My question regards the applicable chapter for the seismic design of my foundation. I am not responsible for the structural design of the tank itself, just the foundation.

Should I calculate the base shear and overturning moment using the provisions of Chapter 15 "Nonbuilding Structures" or Chapter 13 "Nonstructural Components". I believe that since the tank itself is a structural component, the foundation loads would be derived from Chapter 15, but I just want to be sure.

Thank you for your advice.

 

[fegenbush]

I would recommend the use of Chapter 15. Be advised that the seismic shear may only be resisted by one of the saddles, as the other should be slotted or otherwise free floating to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction of the vessel along the axis. The free floating saddle cannot resist the seismic shear along the axis.