Do static equipment tanks now necessarily require design foot bolts?

Whether the design of static equipment tanks must include foot bolts depends on specific design specifications and operating conditions. Foundation bolts are not required in all cases, but for larger tanks or those with special requirements, they may be designed to ensure stability and safety. It is recommended to refer to the latest ** or industry standards to determine the design requirements. .

Are there regulations requiring the use of foot bolts?

There are no regulations specifying that vertical storage tanks must be equipped with foot bolts. Generally, seismic and wind stability calculations, as well as anchorage calculations, are performed on storage tanks to determine whether foundation bolts are necessary. Refer to GB50341 for specific details

If the tank body is self-stable, and anchoring is not required even after applying the more stringent calculation methods specified in GB50341, then it is also unnecessary to install anchors. Voiceover: The anchoring cost is not high; if one subjectively wants to add it, there’s no problem with that.

Our facility has two fire water storage tanks, which were newly designed and installed in 2024; they have a diameter of 14 meters and no foot bolts

There are a few key points to consider regarding whether to use foot bolts or not: 1. The lifting force generated by internal pressure should not exceed the total weight of the tank wall, tank top, and the components that support them; therefore, no anchoring is required. 2.0.6Mw+MPi ≥ MDL/1.5+MDLR: the tank is unstable and an anchoring structure needs to be installed; if the value is lower, no anchoring is required. 3. If the base wind shear force Fw is greater than or equal to the frictional resistance Fr, the tank is unstable and anchoring structures are required; if it is less, no anchoring is necessary.

There is no requirement for seismic or wind resistance; if that has been taken into account, there is no need to install anchor bolts

Whether anchor bolts must be designed for static equipment tanks depends on several factors, including the type and size of the tank, operating conditions, and installation environment. Here are some key points: Tank type and size: Large tanks – Flat-bottomed tanks with a diameter of over 5 meters usually require foot bolts to enhance stability, especially in areas subject to strong earthquakes or wind loads. Small storage tanks: Smaller tanks may not require foot bolts, depending on the design specifications and operating conditions. Operating conditions: Internal pressure: High-pressure storage tanks usually require foot bolts to resist the uplift force generated by internal pressure. Temperature changes: Tanks with large temperature fluctuations may require anchor bolts to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction. Installation environment: Seismic zones: Tanks located in seismically active areas usually require foot bolts to enhance their seismic resistance. Wind load: Storage tanks in areas with high wind loads also require foot bolts to prevent tipping over. Latest standard: API 650: Applicable to oil storage tanks, it specifies that large storage tanks require the design of foot bolts. EN 14015: a European standard that also has similar requirements. GB 50341: A Chinese standard that provides detailed specifications for tank design, including requirements for foundation bolts. Historical design: In the past, flat-bottomed storage tanks with a diameter of over 5 meters might not have been designed to include foot bolts, but with technological advancements and updates to standards, it is now common to require the use of foot bolts, especially in high-risk areas. Conclusion: In modern design, large storage tanks usually require anchor bolts, and the latest design codes and standards should be followed. It is recommended to refer to standards such as API 650, EN 14015, or GB 50341, and carry out the design in light of actual conditions.