Seismic design of an elevated water tank in Costa Rica

Abstract

The structural system considered for the tank is based on a 'flag' hysteresis curve, and as a result is self-centering, allowing us to clearly limit the shear and also the bending moment that due to seismic action we have on the tower and its foundations. A clear optimization is so possible in relation to a more typical structural design. Steel dissipators with 'hourglass' geometry provide additional damping and would be the only elements to be changed after a significant quake.