CE-5102 - Computer Analysis of Structures

Assignment 1-
Analysis of a Cylindrical Water Tank

Course: MSc. Degree in Structural Engineering

Assignment 01: Analysis of a Cylindrical Water Tank
Consider vertical cylindrical tank with radius R (m), height H (m) and thickness t (m) is filled with water
having unit weight ( 10kN/m3).
Hoop Stress along x direction - N
Vertical Stress along x direction Nx

Fixed at Bottom

01. Consider Section above x from bottom of tank as shown above. For proof the Hoop Stress
resultant we consider the half of that section as below.

2R

N
In calculation both exterior and interior radius of the cylindrical taken as R, since the thickness t<<<R.
Pressure at Depth H-x = ( ) kN/m2
Horizontal Projection Area of Pressure = 2R
Considering forces in horizontal direction,
2 = ( ) 2
= ( ) kN per m width
02. We didnt consider the vertical loads here. Since there is no any vertical loads there shouldnt be
any vertical stress developed in x direction according to membrane theory.
Therefore Nx = 0
03. Ask to select three arbitrary values for radius, height and thickness. Selected arbitrary values,
Case 01 Case 02 Case 03
R- Radius (m) 12 9 6
H-Height (m) 6 9 12
t-Wall thickness (m) .3 .4 .5
H/R 0.5 1 2
t/H 0.05 .044 .042
t/R 0.025 .044 .083

04. Case 01 was selected for mesh sensitivity study in order to select the best suited discretization.
a. Mesh Type 01 2mx2m mesh
b. Mesh Type 02 1mx1m mesh
c. Mesh Type 03 0.5mx0.5m mesh
d. Mesh Type 04 0.25mx0.25m mesh
Four SAP Models were done with different Mesh Sizes as shown above. Base considered as fixed
base. And load is applied using joint pattern. Sample images shown below.

Fixed Based Assign

 Joint Pattern Assign

Surface Area Load Assign

Hoop Stress (Circumferential Force) results taken from SAP 2000 with manual calculation are shown
below.
a. Mesh Type 01 2mx2m mesh c. Mesh Type 03 0.5mx.050m mesh
Mesh Type 01 N (F11) Mesh Type 03 N (F11)
(2mx2m) (kN/m) (0.5mx0.5m) (kN/m)
Height from Bottom Manual SAP 2000 Height from Bottom Manual SAP 2000
0 720 0.0 0 720 0.0
2 480 338.8 0.5 660 48.5
4 240 318.4 1 600 146.7
6 0 0.0 1.5 540 242.9
2 480 311.9
2.5 420 345.5
b. Mesh Type 02 1mx1m mesh
3 360 345.7
3.5 300 319.0
Mesh Type 02 N (F11) 4 240 273.2
(1mx1m) (kN/m)
4.5 180 215.6
Height from Bottom Manual SAP 2000
5 120 151.5
0 720 0.0
5.5 60 84.7
1 600 148.6
6 0 0.0
2 480 320.5
3 360 356.6
4 240 281.5
5 120 154.7
6 0 0.0

d. Mesh Type 04 0.25mx0.25m mesh

Mesh Type 04 N (F11)

(0.25mx0.25m) (kN/m)
Height from Bottom Manual SAP 2000
0 720 0.0
0.25 690 13.8
0.5 660 48.7
0.75 630 95.2
1 600 146.0
1.25 570 195.9
1.5 540 241.2
1.75 510 279.5
2 480 309.5
2.25 450 330.6
2.5 420 342.8
2.75 390 346.7
3 360 343.0
3.25 330 332.6
3.5 300 316.5
3.75 270 295.8
 4 240 271.2
4.25 210 243.8
4.5 180 214.2
4.75 150 183.0
5 120 150.8
5.25 90 117.9
5.5 60 84.7
5.75 30 51.4
6 0 0.0

To get clear result I have drawn variation of hoop stress with different mesh sizes and manual
calculated values along in vertical direction in a same chart.

Hoop Stress vs Tank Height

7

4
Tank Height (m)

0
0.0 100.0 200.0 300.0 400.0 500.0 600.0 700.0 800.0
Hoop Stress (kN/m)

Mesh Type 01 Mesh Type 02 Mesh Type 03

Mesh Type 04 Manual Calculation
Due to the base fixity, manual calculated values and other values significantly changes between 0-
3m. Therefore I am comparing values between 3-6m here.
Mesh Type 01 results somewhat larger than the manual calculated values. Mesh type 02, 03 and 04
results is almost similar to manual calculated values. As well as Mesh type 02, 03 and 04 results is
almost similar. Since those values are nearly similar no need to go for fine mesh further. Mesh type
02 (1mx1m Mesh) is selected for next calculations.

05. All cases (case 01, 02 and 03) as shown on question number 3, analysis separately using SAP 2000.
Each case has three different element types, such as membrane, shell thin and shell thick with 1mx1m
mesh. Therefore all together 9 models were used.
As a sample, some images of case 02 shell thin model is indicated below.

Approximately 1mx1m mesh

 Assign Joint Pattern Assign Area Loads

F11-Hoop Stress Results F22-Vertical Stress Results

Summary of hoop stress and vertical stress resultants in all cases and manual calculation with
different element formulation is indicated in tabular form below.
Case 01- Summary

Tank Height Manual Cal. Membrane Thin Shell Thick Shell

from N=(H-
Bottom x)R Nx(F22) N (F11) Nx(F22) N (F11) Nx(F22) N (F11) Nx(F22)
( x-m) (kN/m) (kN/m) (kN/m) (kN/m) (kN/m) (kN/m) (kN/m) (kN/m)
0 720.00 0 0 -82.1 0 -15.5 0 -16.32
1 600.00 0 800.095 59.585 148.615 -1.115 156.56 -0.56
2 480.00 0 429.235 -15.29 320.46 6.97 325.51 7.035
3 360.00 0 370.69 3.6 356.58 5.775 357.56 5.665
4 240.00 0 238.42 -0.645 281.52 2.705 280.535 2.61
5 120.00 0 119.47 -0.005 154.66 0.73 153.62 0.68
6 0.00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Case 02- Summary

Tank Height Manual Cal. Membrane Thin Shell Thick Shell

from N=(H-
Bottom x)R Nx(F22) N (F11) Nx(F22) N (F11) Nx(F22) N (F11) Nx(F22)
( x-m) (kN/m) (kN/m) (kN/m) (kN/m) (kN/m) (kN/m) (kN/m) (kN/m)
0 810.00 0 0 -96.81 0 -19.9 0 -21.6
1 720.00 0 942.71 66.7 190.57 -2.585 207.08 -1.44
2 630.00 0 574.74 -16.745 433.245 7.63 443.925 7.765
3 540.00 0 549.015 3.545 527.275 6.675 529.62 6.455
4 450.00 0 450.47 -0.19 492.635 3.19 490.915 3
5 360.00 0 356.225 -0.535 396.9 0.72 394.79 0.65
6 270.00 0 272.55 0.565 287.645 -0.27 286.53 -0.265
7 180.00 0 177.6 -0.425 183.725 -0.355 183.545 -0.34
8 90.00 0 91.15 0.28 86.75 -0.16 87.075 -0.14
9 0.00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Case 03 - Summary

Tank Height Manual Cal. Membrane Thin Shell Thick Shell

from N=(H-
Bottom x)R Nx(F22) N (F11) Nx(F22) N (F11) Nx(F22) N (F11) Nx(F22)
( x-m) (kN/m) (kN/m) (kN/m) (kN/m) (kN/m) (kN/m) (kN/m) (kN/m)
0 720.00 0 0 -87.87 0 -21.8 0 -24.63
1 660.00 0 855.36 59.02 208.865 -2.105 236.485 -0.055
2 600.00 0 550.99 -14.62 460.69 8.3 475.67 8.38
3 540.00 0 545.55 2.88 550.585 6.265 551.735 5.8
4 480.00 0 480.8 0.115 519.875 2.35 516.19 2.06
5 420.00 0 414.21 -0.775 444.37 0.13 441.53 0.07
6 360.00 0 362.99 0.82 366.71 -0.475 365.83 -0.43
7 300.00 0 295.4 -0.71 298.285 -0.36 298.5 -0.315
8 240.00 0 242.015 0.565 236.785 -0.135 237.195 -0.115
9 180.00 0 177.28 -0.42 177.855 -0.01 178.1 -0.01
10 120.00 0 121.015 0.29 119.105 0.02 119.16 0.015
11 60.00 0 58.95 -0.185 59.935 0.015 59.895 0.01
12 0.00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
06. In order to easily compare the stress resultants; results were plotted in charts for each case
separately as shown in below. Some of the important point I have discovered is highlight below.
Case 01- Hoop Stress Resultant (N)

In membrane element type hoop stress resultant (N) is considerably changed with manual
calculated values up to 3m height. Then 3-6m it is approximately coincide with the manual
calculated values
Shell thin and thick element types hoop stress resultant (N) results almost similar up to total
height.
Shell thin and thick element types hoop stress resultant (N) up to 3m is completely changed
with manual calculated values and membrane values.
Shell thin and thick element types hoop stress resultant (N) 3-6m is approximately similar
with manual calculated values and membrane values.
Case 01- Vertical Stress Resultant (Nx)

In membrane element type vertical stress resultant (Nx) is considerably higher with manual
calculated and other element type values up to 3m height. Then 3-6m it is approximately
similar with the shell thin and thick values
Shell thin and thick element types vertical stress resultant (Nx) results almost similar up to
total height.
Shell thin and thick element types vertical stress resultant (Nx) 3-6m is approximately similar
with membrane values. And it is almost zero 4-6m.

Case 01- Hoop Stress (N) Variation with Height

7

5
Tank Height (m)

0
0.00 100.00 200.00 300.00 400.00 500.00 600.00 700.00 800.00 900.00
Hoop Stress (kN/m)

Manual Calculation Membrane Shell Thin Shell Thick

 Case 01 - Vertical Stress (Nx) Variation with Height
7

5
Tank Height (m)

0
-100 -80 -60 -40 -20 0 20 40 60 80
Vertical Stress (kN/m)

Manual Calculation Membrane Shell Thin Shell Thick

Case 02- Hoop Stress (N) Variation with Height

10

7
Tank Height (m)

0
0.00 100.00 200.00 300.00 400.00 500.00 600.00 700.00 800.00 900.00 1000.00
Hoop Stress (kN/m)

Manual Calculation Membrane Shell Thin Shell Thick

 Case 02 - Vertical Stress (Nx) Variation with Height
10

7
Tank Height (m)

0
-120 -100 -80 -60 -40 -20 0 20 40 60 80
Vertical Stress (kN/m)

Manual Calculation Membrane Shell Thin Shell Thick

Case 02- Hoop Stress Resultant (N)

In membrane element type hoop stress resultant (N) is considerably changed with manual
calculated values up to 3.3m height. Then 3.3 - 9m it is approximately coincide with the
manual calculated values
Shell thin and thick element types hoop stress resultant (N) results almost similar up to total
height.
Shell thin and thick element types hoop stress resultant (N) up to 3m is completely changed
with manual calculated values and membrane values.
Shell thin and thick element types hoop stress resultant (N) 6 - 9m is approximately similar
with manual calculated values and membrane values.
Case 02- Vertical Stress Resultant (Nx)

In membrane element type vertical stress resultant (Nx) is considerably higher with manual
calculated and other element type values up to 4m height. Then 4-9m it is approximately
similar with the shell thin and thick values
Shell thin and thick element types vertical stress resultant (Nx) results almost similar up to
total height.
Shell thin and thick element types vertical stress resultant (Nx) 5-9m is approximately similar
with membrane values. And 5-9m it is almost zero.
Case 03- Hoop Stress Resultant (N)

In membrane element type hoop stress resultant (N) is considerably changed with manual
calculated values up to 3m height. Then 3 - 12m it is approximately coincide with the manual
calculated values
Shell thin and thick element types hoop stress resultant (N) results almost similar up to total
height.
Shell thin and thick element types hoop stress resultant (N) up to 6m is completely changed
with manual calculated values and membrane values.
Shell thin and thick element types hoop stress resultant (N) 6 - 12m is approximately similar
with manual calculated values and membrane values.
Case 03- Vertical Stress Resultant (Nx)

In membrane element type vertical stress resultant (Nx) is considerably higher with manual
calculated and other element type values up to 5m height. Then 5-12m it is approximately
similar with the shell thin and thick values
Shell thin and thick element types vertical stress resultant (Nx) results almost similar up to
total height.
Shell thin and thick element types vertical stress resultant (Nx) 5-12m is approximately similar
with membrane values. And 5-12m it is almost zero.

Case 03- Hoop Stress (N) Variation with Height

14

12

10
Tank Height (m)

0
0.00 100.00 200.00 300.00 400.00 500.00 600.00 700.00 800.00 900.00
Hoop Stress (kN/m)

Manual Calculation Membrane Shell Thin Shell Thick

 Case 03 - Vertical Stress (Nx) Variation with Height
14

12

10
Tank Height (m)

0
-100 -80 -60 -40 -20 0 20 40 60 80
Vertical Stress (kN/m)

Manual Calculation Membrane Shell Thin Shell Thick

07. Ask to plot variation of bending moment in vertical direction. First indicate the variation of
bending moment in table from and then in charts.
Case 01 Results

Tank Thin Shell Thick Shell Case 01- Bending Moment

Height Variation with Height
from
Bottom M22 M22 7

( x-m) (kNm/m) (kNm/m) 6

0 43.9267 42.9814
1 -4.20075 -4.2883 5
Tank Height (m)

2 -15.0838 -14.7992 4
3 -10.70105 -10.4474
4 -4.42355 -4.314 3

5 -0.8636 -0.84495 2
6 0 0
1

0
-20 0 20 40 60
Bending Moment (kNm/m)

Shell Thin Shell Thick

Case 02 Results
Tank Thin Shell Thick Shell
Height Case 02- Bending Moment
from Variation with Height
Bottom M22 M22
10
( x-m) (kNm/m) (kNm/m)
0 73.2742 70.5819 9
1 -3.43465 -3.6852 8
2 -22.39105 -21.5879 7
3 -16.6468 -15.92425

Tank Height (m)

6
4 -7.0525 -6.75435
5 -1.0781 -1.08555 5

6 0.9956 0.88945 4
7 0.95575 0.876 3
8 0.3347 0.3097
2
9 0 0
1

0
-40 -20 0 20 40 60 80
Bending Moment (kNm/m)

Shell Thin Shell Thick

Case 03 Results
Tank Thin Shell Thick Shell
Height Case 03- Bending Moment
from Variation with Height
Bottom M22 M22
14
( x-m) (kNm/m) (kNm/m)
0 85.0016 79.4234
12
1 -7.0326 -7.1853
2 -25.30995 -23.5128
10
3 -15.86095 -14.56615
4 -4.9296 -4.5883
Tank Height (m)

8
5 0.38375 0.22045
6 1.4469 1.21935
6
7 0.9101 0.78995
8 0.2841 0.2619
4
9 -0.01705 0.00065
10 -0.06785 -0.0501
2
11 -0.0251403 -0.01915
12 0 0
0
-40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100
Bending Moment (kNm/m)

Shell Thin Shell Thick

08.
a. In manual calculation we didnt consider the base condition of cylindrical tank. As this has fixed
base in real condition wall resist some moment at the bottom. If outward movement is prevented by
a fixed or pinned joint then the ring tension will be zero and vertical bending moments and shear
forces will occur at the bottom.
Membrane type element doesnt resist any moment. Therefore at the tank bottom to some height it
is clear that we cannot use membrane type element for analysis. For this bottom area we can used
shell type element and above that can used membrane type element.

Case 02
Tank Height Manual Cal. Thin Shell Thick Shell
from Bottom N (F11) Nx(F22) N (F11) Nx(F22) M22 N (F11) Nx(F22) M22
( x-m) (kN/m) (kN/m2) (kN/m2) (kN/m2) (kNm) (kN/m2) (kN/m2) (kNm)
0 810 0 0 -19.9 73.2742 0 -21.6 70.5819
1 720 0 190.57 -2.585 -3.43465 207.08 -1.44 -3.6852
2 630 0 433.245 7.63 -22.3911 443.925 7.765 -21.5879
3 540 0 527.275 6.675 -16.6468 529.62 6.455 -15.9243
4 450 0 492.635 3.19 -7.0525 490.915 3 -6.75435
5 360 0 396.9 0.72 -1.0781 394.79 0.65 -1.08555
6 270 0 287.645 -0.27 0.9956 286.53 -0.265 0.88945
7 180 0 183.725 -0.355 0.95575 183.545 -0.34 0.876
8 90 0 86.75 -0.16 0.3347 87.075 -0.14 0.3097
9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Case 03
Tank Height Manual Cal. Thin Shell Thick Shell
from Bottom N (F11) Nx(F22) N (F11) Nx(F22) M22 N (F11) Nx(F22) M22
( x-m) (kN/m) (kN/m2) (kN/m2) (kN/m2) (kNm) (kN/m2) (kN/m2) (kNm)
0 720 0 0 -21.8 85.0016 0 -24.63 79.4234
1 660 0 208.865 -2.105 -7.0326 236.485 -0.055 -7.1853
2 600 0 460.69 8.3 -25.31 475.67 8.38 -23.5128
3 540 0 550.585 6.265 -15.861 551.735 5.8 -14.5662
4 480 0 519.875 2.35 -4.9296 516.19 2.06 -4.5883
5 420 0 444.37 0.13 0.38375 441.53 0.07 0.22045
6 360 0 366.71 -0.475 1.4469 365.83 -0.43 1.21935
7 300 0 298.285 -0.36 0.9101 298.5 -0.315 0.78995
8 240 0 236.785 -0.135 0.2841 237.195 -0.115 0.2619
9 180 0 177.855 -0.01 -0.01705 178.1 -0.01 0.00065
10 120 0 119.105 0.02 -0.06785 119.16 0.015 -0.0501
11 60 0 59.935 0.015 -0.02514 59.895 0.01 -0.01915
12 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

As above we can highlight where the membrane theory is valid and where the shell theory is valid
from bottom of tank.
 In case 02, 6-9m height from tank bottom both the stress resultants variations (Hoop and
Vertical Stress) and bending moments are already similar as manual calculated values.
(Compare in question 6)
In case 03, 6-12m height from tank bottom both the stress resultants variations (Hoop and
Vertical Stress) and bending moments are already similar as manual calculated values.
(Compare in question 6)
Therefore it is clear that membrane theory is not valid at tank bottom. It is valid at tank top only.
In conclusion there is no need to analyze the tank with membrane type element. It is enough to
analyze cylindrical tank using shell type element.
b. As said previously membrane theory is not valid for all water height of the tank. Due to the water
present in water developed base moment at bottom. It is gradually decreasing tank bottom to top.
Therefore up to some level from bottom cannot applied membrane theory after that we can apply
bending theory.
We need to identify this location where the values coincide with manual calculation results. To easily
identify this height, we can plot consider this height as a ratio to total height vs H/R ratio.

H/R vs Membrane Valid Height Ratio

1.20
Membrane Valid Height Ratio

1.00

0.80

0.60

0.40

0.20

0.00
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5

H/R Ratio
Membrane Shell Thin Shell Thick

According to this graph it is clear membrane theory applicable height increases with higher H/R ratio.
When the H/R ratio less membrane theory applicable height is decrease and shell theory applicable
height is increased. Sometimes membrane theory it is even not applicable in very less H/R ratios.

Below indicate the graph of t/H vs membrane valid height ratio. According to it is clear that it is the
opposite of previous one. According to this graph it is clear membrane theory applicable height
increases with lower t/H ratio. And shell theory applicable height decreases.
 t/H vs Membrane Valid Height Ratio
1.20

1.00
Membrane Valid Height Ratio

0.80

0.60

0.40

0.20

0.00
0.041 0.042 0.043 0.044 0.045 0.046 0.047 0.048 0.049 0.05 0.051

t/H Ratio
Membrane Shell Thin Shell Thick

t/R vs Membrane Valid Height Ratio

1.20
Membrane Height Top to Bottom(m)

1.00

0.80

0.60

0.40

0.20

0.00
0 0.01 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.05 0.06 0.07 0.08 0.09

t/R Ratio
Membrane Shell Thin Shell Thick

Above shows the plot of t/R vs membrane valid height ratio. It is very similar to first one. According
to this graph it is clear membrane theory applicable height increases with higher t/R ratio. When the
t/R ratio less membrane theory applicable height is decrease and shell theory applicable height is
increased. Sometimes membrane theory it is even not applicable in very less t/R ratios.
c. It is clear in all graphs I have shown previously hoop stresses, vertical stresses, vertical bending
moments are already similar in both shell thick and shell thin element formulations. Didnt find any
much difference in both element types in our calculations. It may have difference when the thickness
is more increasing.
As previously said to take the tank fixity condition, have to consider the some height at bottom
considering shell thin or shell thick elements.