Recent advancements in seismic analysis and design of liquid storage tanks

This review paper examines the seismic analysis and design of liquid storage tanks. It integrates the recent knowledge of tank behavior under seismic action including fluid-structure interaction, numerical modeling, as well as experimental techniques. Some typical vulnerabilities and failure modes were reviewed concerning the last earthquakes. Additionally, new construction approaches, namely, base isolation and energy dissipation, were suggested. Moreover, the paper analyzes the philosophy of design codes and standards from their inception to modern times outlining the most important performance-based design and understanding of soil-structure interaction and modeling issues associated with sloshing and base uplifting. Furthermore, it investigates new trends including the seismic performance of tanks, informing the community of engineers of the new findings on the tank seismic response. Finally, the paper presents the development of new research directions to increase the seismic resistance of these crucial engineering structures. • Comprehensive review of seismic analysis and design advancements for liquid storage tanks over the last decade. • Critical evaluation of state-of-the-art numerical modeling techniques and their impact on tank design. • Analysis of recent code updates and their implications for the seismic safety of storage tanks. • Synthesis of lessons learned from tank performance in major earthquakes and their influence on design practices.