Back in the late 70s early 80s, there were a number of good papers about large dia steel storage tanks. We have installed several in areas where the soils are only "firm" - i.e., Su about 750psf (okay - 38 kPa). In construction, we used the "proof loading" for monitoring settlments, tilts, etc. Slope indicators for any lateral squeeze, etc.
Unfortunately, I have all my references on the subject in storage - but Bjerrum wrote a good paper about edge failure of a large dia storage tank - London ISSMFE conference. If you want it, let me know an e-mail through thread and I will forward a copy of it to you.
For any good discussion - please advise the following:
soil stratigraphy and relevant soil properties (Atterberg limits, undrained shear strength, effective strenght parameters, consolidation data, sensitivity, etc).
Size of tank, height of tank, nature of liquid (specific gravity).
Nearby problems (e.g., pipelines, slopes, etc.) - but for a tank this size, it should be on level ground for you will need a large containment area with berms. They present their own problem to ensure low permeability.
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