The influence of the wind ring modeling method on the assessment of the shell stability of open tanks using the MNA-LBA method

<ns3:p>The article discusses the effect of various methods for modelling the wind girder on the stability assessment of the shell of open-top tanks, conducted using the MNA-LBA dimensioning procedure in accordance with the PN-EN 1993-1-6 standard. In the context of applying this procedure, the question arises about the influence of the wind girder modelling method on two key parameters essential for evaluating the relative slenderness of the shell, namely the critical load-bearing indicator rRpcr and the plastic load-bearing indicator rRpl. For a formal assessment of overall relative slenderness of the shell, both of these indicators must be determined as accurately as possible. A series of numerical analyses were conducted using models with varying levels of accuracy in the representation of the wind girder. The results of these analyses helped address problematic issues related to the interpretation of the results needed for a reliable assessment of the stability of the shell of open-top tanks.</ns3:p>