Chemical Storage Tank Seismic Restraints

Natural catastrophes can create significant and costly chemical storage tank damage. Earthquakes are a particular natural event that could lead to catastrophic risk, resulting in a complete failure of a chemical storage tank system. 

Earthquakes can happen even in areas that aren’t considered to be earthquake zones. For example, a 5.8 magnitude tremor rocked Virginia on August 23, 2011.  

Considering the risk of an earthquake on a chemical storage tank, a proper restraint system is essential. Let’s explore the steps needed to protect your chemical storage tank in the event of an earthquake.

Evaluate the Earthquake Risk 

It’s vital to determine the possibility of a seismic event at the specific location of the polyethylene chemical storage tank. Poly Processing uses the latest International Building Code, per the local jurisdiction, to design restraint systems for polyethylene plastic storage tanks. As of this writing, the current IBC is 2021. The actual location and seismic activity are evaluated to ensure system safety.

How Do Polyethylene Tanks React in a Seismic Event?

Stainless steel and fiberglass tanks are more rigid and brittle than polyethylene tanks and therefore can’t absorb higher seismic and wind forces. Polyethylene is more ductile, absorbing the forces and stresses during a seismic event. As a result, the risk of damage to the polyethylene chemical storage tank is less than a steel or fiberglass tank in most cases. 

How a Seismic Tank Restraint System Is Designed 

The size of the polyethylene storage tank, the weight of the fluid, the location of the tank, and the type of chemical being stored will determine the restraint system required to prevent damage to the tank during an earthquake. Clip material differs from the polyethylene tank construction. Materials used are typically either 304 or 316 stainless steel or galvanized steel. These clips confine the tank to the surrounding area during an earthquake. 

Fiberglass tanks typically use clips that are molded into the tank design. This usually works, as long as the material structure of the fiberglass tank isn’t compromised. Damage to these structural components can be difficult or impossible to detect on fiberglass chemical storage tanks — and therefore you may not realize the damage done until it fails catastrophically at a later time.

Inspection of seismic restraints is simplified with polyethylene tanks since the restraints are separate from the tank and are made of steel. It’s important to visually inspect the steel tank clips and any cables and anchor bolts for corrosion to make sure the restraint system will be effective if it’s needed.

Concrete Pad Design

Customers often ask us, “How should I design and pour my pad to accommodate the tank and the seismic system?” Poly Processing has a set of standards which can help the engineer, contractor, or the end user engineer the correct pad for the tank. The pad size depends on both the tank size and seismic system being purchased. 

Below are a couple of PPC-created tables which showcase standards for pad design. This table is based on locations with Ss=1.700 and S1=0.750 values or less.

• Minimum Edge Distance – The distance from the sidewall of the tank to the edge of the pad.
• All concrete pads need a 28 day compressive strength of 2500 psi. minimum or as directed by American Concrete Institute (ACI) 318-11.

Note: Anchoring requirements can be modified per specific site and tank size as required to meet your specific needs. Poly Processing's seismic clip names have changed from L designation to A designation. The clip thicknesses have changed as well, based on IBC 2021. Please feel free to contact customer support for any clarification you might need. 

Concrete Pads For IMFO Tanks

Poly Processing Company has developed an Integrally Molded Flanged Outlet® (IMFO®) Tank that minimizes the hazards associated with traditional vertical tank draining and maintenance. With Poly’s IMFO system, the flange is molded at the bottom knuckle radius while the tank is processing, making it a stress-free part of the tank. The flange therefore sits below the bottom of the tank to create this full drain feature. 

We recommend that the pad be notched where the IMFO will sit so that the pad will not interfere with the fitting assembly. You can view IMFO design drawings that show the different pad shapes and how the IMFO area should be notched. 

Poly Processing has been supplying seismic calculations and systems for our tanks for over 30 years. We recommend contacting a storage tank system expert for your individual seismic restraint needs.  

Talk to a chemical storage tank expert