Prestressed Lightweight Concrete In The Transport Of Cryogenic Liquids

Current investigation indicates that a prestressed lightweight concrete hull of an offshore structure should qualify for use as a secondary barrier for the containment of liquefied gases in offshore structures. Experimental research was conducted to determine the effect of thermal and cyclic fatigue induced by cryogenic thermal shock and a simulated 20-year storm wave-loading history. Tests were performed on one-way prestressed lightweight concrete specimens tested in cyclic axial tension and compression. Results indicate that prestressed lightweight concrete exhibits only minor surface cracks together with a small reduction in flexural stiffness after undergoing these severe loading conditions. The use of prestressed lightweight concrete as a secondary barrier would simplify the design of a cryogenic containment vessel, with equal or enhanced safety over a conventional steel vessel.