Application of spatial point cloud data in finite element modeling of storage tanks

doi:10.16265/j.cnki.issn1003-3033.2025.09.1124

Abstract

Abstract:

To improve the accuracy of structural safety evaluation results for hazardous chemical storage tanks, a finite element model construction process for storage tanks based on 3D laser scanning was proposed. This process utilized point cloud data to build a finite element simulation model that accurately reflected the actual structural topology of the tank, such as out-of-roundness and local concave-convex deformations, thereby enhancing the accuracy of the analytical model. First, high-precision spatial structural data from the field were acquired using a 3D laser scanning system. A lightweight regularization preprocessing method was proposed, including coordinate system transformation, node correspondence, and coordinate value updates. Next, combined with the finite element model unit construction method, the point cloud nodes with updated coordinates were used to generate a numerical simulation model that accounted for initial geometric defects, followed by an analysis of model accuracy. Finally, taking an in-service dome-roof tank as an example, deformation analysis of the storage tank was conducted based on 3D laser scanning data. A high-precision finite element model construction method was employed to build a full-scale finite element model of the tank wall, and an evaluation of the wall's strength performance was carried out. The results indicate that the point cloud data processing method proposed in this paper enables the construction of a finite element model that accounts for geometric deformation of storage tanks. The spatial position accuracy of the unit nodes can reach 0.01 mm, and the volume of the reduced point cloud data can be decreased by 70%. Compared to traditional finite element simulation models that consider initial geometric deformation, the structural safety evaluation data obtained from this model are more conservative, leading to safer assessment conclusions for storage tanks.

Key words: storage tank structure, point cloud data, finite element, safety assessment, cylindrical structures

CLC Number:

X959其他

DU Liang, XING Shu, WANG Dapeng, ZHANG Chunyi, SHI Xiushan, YAN He. Application of spatial point cloud data in finite element modeling of storage tanks[J]. China Safety Science Journal, 2025, 35(9): 106-112.

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位置	弹性模量/GPa	泊松比	密度/(kg·m^-3)
罐体	201.0	0.3	7 850
地基	3.0	0.2	2 500

载荷种类	计算方法	载荷/ kPa	施加位置及方向
自重	重力加速度为9.8 m/s²,轻污油密度为1 180 kg/m,最高工作液位为6.2 m	71.70	整体坐标系Z向
储罐静液压	罐壁压力随罐壁高度变化	0~71.70	垂直于罐壁指向离心方向
风载荷	依据《建筑结构载荷规范》(简称GB 50009—2012)^[7],基于储罐所在地(张家港)基本风压计算	0.45	整体坐标系Y向
罐顶固定载荷	依据设计资料及GB 50009—2012^[17],取罐顶固定载荷为结构件及活动载荷之和	2.5	整体坐标系Z向

应力强度	计算值 (本文)	计算值 (不考虑结构变形)	许用值
S_Ⅰ	175.24	155.46	KS_m
S_Ⅲ	190.12	165.44	1.5KS_m
S_Ⅳ	336.99	299.18	3S_m