The Fuel Tank Bund Frame project presented a unique challenge to support a total of five 1220-litre fuel tanks above their bund without reducing the bunds' capacity, all within significant space constraints. Due to the risks involved, the client opted to have the stress caused by the weight of the fuel tanks simulated; this allowed for a design adjustment before work started, which saved the client time and hassle and also prevented any overbuilding, which would cost more by requiring more metal.
The above images show the stresses without the design adjustment. The typical yield strength of the chosen steel is 250 megapascals (MPa), and the maximum stress shown is 235 MPa. Generally, we like to keep the stresses at less than half the material yield strength as a safety factor. After a discussion with the client, it was decided that a central supporting leg would be a good addition. Simulating the stresses at the design stage likely saved this client the headache of having to try and weld up cracks under fuel tanks later on.Â