Hot RC Structure (Sulfur Pit)

[butelja]

We are evaluating a design for a sulfur pit. It is essentially a RC box below grade, with removable RC lid panels. The interior is lined with 1/4" thick 316 stainless steel. The sulfur storage temperature is 300 °F.

Does anyone know of a good reference that deals with evaluating the thermal stresses in such a structure? My main concerns are:

1.) Large moments at the corners due to each panel (floor, wall, etc.) trying to assume a curved form due to differential expansion and being restrained by adjacent panels. Assume a linear temperature profile across the wall thickness.

2.) Determining the proper spacing of the shear studs that connect the stainless liner to the concrete. It is desired to have composite action between the liner and concrete. The stainless steel expansion is very large. How is this accomodated?

 

[ishvaaag]

If you want composite action you can't get it but for complete transfer of the worse shears that develop, that will be those occurring when the concrete is cold and molten sulphur is poured.

Each stud will need to restrain forces of inter-studs compression developing at the differential elongation.

That is, take an entire square module, and find what force would cause the same elongation than the differential elongation the sulphur causes between the concrete and steel when it is poured.

This force should be a conservative statement of the capacity required of each stud.