Possible variants

A number of variables governed by functional and boundary conditions are taken into account in order
to optimize the construction, i.e. shapes, dimensions, material use.
Number of tanks n:
Functional requirements:
-

The total storage capacity of 1.500.000 m3 must be subdivided in tanks of maximum 150.000m3
per each. Thus, a minimum number of 10 tanks with maximum capacity are needed.

Boundary conditions:
-

The available surface area of max 600400m2 is limited by half of the 10m wide dike, its slope
1:2 depending on the excavation depth:

L-25-22h ,where L=600 or 400m and h = excavation depth +4m

-

Distance between the tanks should be minimum 10m

Width and length of the tanks outer dimensions bT and lT

Functional requirements:
Liquid (oil+water) volume stored in one tank, depending on the tank height and thickness of ballast if
necessary, walls and deck.
Boundary conditions:
-

The available dry dock surface area

Maximum foundation pressure of 100KN/m2

Concerning the construction, several factors influence the outer dimensions of the tanks:
-

Strength of concrete C28/35

The bending moments and shear forces in walls

Height of the tanks hT (from bottom side of deck slab to top side of bottom slab)
Functional requirements:
The amount of storage in one tank depends on its dimensions, i.e. the depth and width of the tank, the
thickness of walls, top and bottom slab.
Boundary conditions:

The water level in the pond is normally at 3m + NAP

Minimum water level 2m above the storage tanks, whether the tank has oil or not.

Depth of the pond excavation depth is a determining factor for the tank height and depends on several
factors:
-

Bursting up caused by water pressure with a safety factor of 1.1

Depth of the water tight clay layer. This is given at 30m and 60m below NAP
Weight of the soil above which is 20KN/m3.
Maximum foundation pressure of 100 KN/m2.
Thickness of the ballast layer as well as the thickness of top and bottom slab.
The required 1.5 m height of water between the bottom of the 0.50.5m holes and oil.

Shape and dimensions of the deck

Functional requirements:
-

Deck should provide sufficient sealing and tightness for the tank.
It should be designed with respect to strength, stiffness and stability.

Boundary conditions:
-

Shape and dimensions of the deck are inextricably linked with the shape and dimensions of the
tanks below it, as well as the subdivisions decided.
Type of false- and form- work to be used.
Type of concrete, rebars and prestressing steel which are respectively C28/35, B500 and Y1860.

Construction is influenced by:

Wall thickness
The bending moments and forces which depend on the size and subdivision of the tanks.
Temperature gradient

Shape and dimensions of the outer walls and tanks

Functional requirements:
-

The walls must provide sufficient tightness for both water and oil, and in order to do so, a
concrete compression zone must be present equal to at least 20% of the thickness of the walls
that separate the oil from the water in the pond.

Square holes 0.50.5m placed at the top level of (the ballast; if required) bottom inside the tank,
and spaced at 10m must regulate pressure, resulting in a water layer of at least 1m between the top
of the holes and oil.
The wall thermal properties should provide that the oil temperature does not exceed 30 C.
Outer walls should be designed with respect to strength, stiffness and stability. In particular, the
walls are subjected to inward and outward pressure from oil and water as well as loads from the top
slab.

Boundary conditions:
-

Shape and dimensions of tanks walls are dependent on the shape of the deck.
The retaining liquid volume and dimensions of tanks.
Type of false- and form- work to be applied.
Use of prestressed or reinforced concrete.
Water level in the pond, in normal situation at 3 m + NAP, but can rise up to 5m + NAP.
Thickness of ballast layer if required.
Maximum foundation pressure of 100KN/m2.
Surface area and depth of the pond depending on:
Dike slope of 1:2
Bursting-up due to water pressure at a depth of either 30m or 60m below NAP, taking
account the safety factor against it (1.1) and the weight of the soil above at 20KN/m2.

Shape and dimensions of inner walls

Functional requirements:
-

Support deck and divide tanks into compartments.

Pressure and amount of water is regulated inside tanks by the use of square holes (0.50.5m)
spaced at 10m. Thus a water layer of at least 1m between the top of the holes and lower surface
of oil.
Inner walls should be designed with respect to strength, stiffness and stability, bearing of the
deck, inward and outward liquid pressure and must form a part of stable structure.

Boundary requirements:
-

Dimensions of tanks.
Size of compartments: use of reinforcing or prestressing steel.
Shape, size and weight of top slabs.
Water level in the pond.
Type of false- and form- work to be used.
Maximum foundation pressure of 100 KN/m2.

Type of concrete and steel to be used.

Height of the ballast layer that might be required at the bottom of the tanks
Functional requirements:
-

Prevent up lifting of the tanks

Design with respect to to strength, stiffness and stability.

Boundary conditions;
-

Buoyance forces
Shape, size and weight of inner and outer walls and deck.
Water level in pond.
Oil water level inside tanks
Material used for ballast
Maximum foundation pressure of 100 KN/m2.

Dimensions in case of subdivision in compartments; a:

Functional requirements:
-

Subdivision of tanks in compartments should goal to optimization of construction, i.e. tanks

capacity relevant to dry dock surface area. This must govern all phases of construction right
from the beginning of construction of the tanks, till the tanks are completed and pond is filled
with water.

Boundary conditions:
-

Dimensions of tanks
Width of inner and outer walls
Strength of deck

Total length and width of the pond (at the bottom of the side slope lpb and bpd; at the top of the side
slope lpb and bpd.
Functional requirements:
-

Dry dock surface area must be sufficient to provide enough liquid storage capacity (oil and
water) of 1.500.000 m3 in tanks.
Level of top of the dike related to the level of excavated depth. This depends on:

Bursting up due to water pressure (safety factor 1.1)

Depth of water tight clay layer at 30 or 60 m below NAP.
Weight of soil above to be 20KN/m2.

Boundary conditions:
-

Rectangular shape of bentonite-cement wall, with maximum dimensions of 600400m

Height of bentonite cement wall at 5m above NAP.
10m wide dike
Dike slope of 1:2