Diseño estructural de domos geodésicos de aluminio para tanques de almacenamiento de petróleo según API 650

Abstract

The present degree work aimed to structurally design aluminum geodesic domes for oil storage tanks, according to the API 650 standard, thus developing electronic and executable spreadsheets with specific geometric parameters, they dependent on the diameter and height of the roof, and facilitate its predimensioning. The electronic sheet initially determines the spherical geometry of the dome from its diameter and elevation, based on the study proposed by Richard Buckminster Fuller. For the pre-design of the profile, the criterion proposed by Randolph Kissell is used, in his book called Aluminum Structures, for the structural analysis the Aluminum Design Manual published by the Aluminum Engineering and Design Association is used. The live load characteristics, geometric design requirements and materials for domes are based on the API 650 annex G. For structural wind loads, the ASCE7-16 standard is taken, while the standard NEC SE-DS is applied for seismic load. The spreadsheet validates the preselected profile with the structural analysis criteria, determining that the Demand / Capacity relationship is acceptable. The last stage involves simplifying the model into an exportable file with automatic editing, compatible with SAP2000 structural design software. During the validation period of the electronic sheet, the behavior of the structure was analyzed with 3 different models, whose results did not exceed 10% error when compared with the SAP2000 software, thus having an acceptable final pre-design. It is concluded that the pre-design of geodesic domes responds to the demands of the client, subject to the geometric configuration restrictions, with a total automatic edition in case of dimensional modifications. The automation of processes in the structural pre-design supposes savings in the execution time of the project and encourages the application on new structures.