Author(s)

G. De Martino, F. De Paola, M. Giugni & N. Fontana

Abstract

In this paper a model is discussed that allows a simple calculation of seismic effects on an elevated water cone-shaped tank. In particular, following on from the complete model of De Stefano and by means of the classic mechanical approach introduced from Housner, a definition of a circular tank in volumetric and seismic way equivalent to the cone-shaped one has been obtained, permitting the evaluation of the hydrodynamic effects by means of easy to use formulations. Keywords: seismic design, elevated cone-shaped water tanks, hydrodynamic effects. 1 Introduction A suitable seismic response of hydraulic infrastructures (dams, tanks, distribution networks, water-drainage system etc.) allows for the development of an effective program of immediate aid to the hit areas and also the following measures aimed at the economic and social recovery, like events that took place recently in Italy have put into evidence. It is essential, therefore, that the seismic design of infrastructures could assure their reliability, by means of a suitable preliminary evaluation of the acting forces and a careful modelling of the right structural dynamic response, non neglecting, at the same time, the possibility to use devices for the mitigation of the seismic forces [2, 13]. In order to estimate the hydrodynamics actions induced on the hydraulic containers, to be added obviously to the hydrostatic push and the inertial actions connected to the structural masses in order to define the design input, there are many research works in progress at the Department of Hydraulic and

Keywords

seismic design, elevated cone-shaped water tanks, hydrodynamic effects.