Otimização estrutural de tetos flutuantes tipo pontão

Abstract

Storage tanks are logistically important in oil processing units. One of the most widely used types of storage tank is the vertical cylindrical tank with external floating roof. Thin steel plates form these structures, which float directly on the product stored in the tank. There is not much design data regarding floating roofs and data analysis of the existing ones indicated that structural weight might be reduced and need further studies. Steel weight reduction can significantly decrease equipment’s cost, since some floating roofs have 100 meters of diameter. Motivated by diminishing structural weight, this work aims to optimize the structure of pontoon floating roofs. The results achieved may help floating roof’s initial design.