Failure analysis of storage tank

This paper has studied failure of a hot water storage tank. During operation, one of the two tanks has been damaged by collapse of its roof. Consequently, analytical, numerical and experimental analysis of possible failure reasons was performed. Extreme stresses in the structure during its operation were determined taking into account shape and geometry imperfections as well as corrosion influence. These values were verified numerically by the finite element method. Extensive experiments performed by strain gauge measurements on the second tank of the same design helped us determine time-dependent stresses in extremely loaded locations during the chosen regimes of operation. The results of analysis allowed us to assess the failure reason and to express the recommendations for further analysis of the non-damaged tank.