A coupled finite element genetic algorithm technique for optimum design of steel conical tanks

Steel conical tanks having an upper cylindrical section and supported by a reinforced concrete shaft are widely used for water containment in elevated tanks. During the past few decades, a number of conical tanks have failed as a result of buckling of the steel vessel due to inadequate selection of the shell thickness. In the current study a powerful numerical tool that couples a non-linear finite element model and a genetic algorithm optimization technique is developed specifically for the analysis and design of steel conical tanks. The developed numerical tool is capable of selecting the set of design variables which satisfies the structure safety requirements while achieving a minimum structure weight and consequently minimum cost.