ABSTRACT
When empty tanks with discrete and flexible anchors are analyzed with a focus on buckling due to wind loads, a radially and meridionally restrained lower edge is usually assumed. Using six typical tank geometries, it is observed from FE calculations that this simplification may yield unsafe design depending on the anchor stiffness of the particular case. The results of a parametric study are published to help the designer to draw the first conclusion whether discrete and flexible anchors shall be considered in the FE model.
