A pressure vessel or tank is only as safe as its ability to stand up to the forces of its location. Roben Manufacturing performs seismic and wind load calculations as an integral part of equipment design, sizing skirts, legs, lugs, and anchorage so that towers, vessels, and tanks remain stable under the loads dictated by the installed site.
Tall columns and large tanks are particularly sensitive to lateral loads. A vessel that is perfectly adequate for internal pressure can still fail at its base or supports if wind and seismic forces are underestimated. We calculate these loads to the governing standards so the entire load path — from shell to support to foundation interface — is sound.
Designing Equipment to Stand Up to Its Site
Wind loads depend on the basic wind speed at the site, the exposure category, the height and shape of the equipment, and the appropriate gust factors. We calculate the resulting shear and overturning moment and verify that the shell, supports, and anchorage can carry them without excessive stress or instability. For tall, slender towers, we also consider dynamic effects.
Seismic loads depend on the site's seismic parameters, the soil conditions, and the dynamic characteristics of the equipment. We determine the seismic base shear and overturning moment, then check the supports and anchor bolts against the combined loads. Where required, we coordinate with the customer's civil engineer so the equipment loads match the foundation design.
Support design is where these loads become hardware. Whether the equipment rests on a skirt, legs, lugs, or saddles, we size the support and its connection to the shell for the controlling load combination, including operating, empty, and test conditions. Anchor bolt sizing and base ring or chair details follow from the same analysis.
All of this is documented in the calculation package: the load inputs, the resulting forces, and the verification of each component in the load path. This documentation supports both the equipment's code compliance and the site's structural and permitting requirements.
Why Choose Roben Manufacturing
- Site-specific load analysis. We calculate wind and seismic loads from the actual site parameters, not generic assumptions.
- Complete load-path verification. From shell to support to anchorage, every element in the load path is checked for the controlling combination.
- Tall-tower expertise. Slender columns receive the dynamic and stability analysis their geometry demands.
- Coordination with civil design. We align equipment loads with the customer's foundation design to avoid field surprises.
- Documented calculations. Load inputs, forces, and component checks are documented for code compliance and site permitting.
Key Features & Capabilities
- Wind load calculation from site wind speed and exposure
- Seismic base shear and overturning moment determination
- Skirt, leg, lug, and saddle support design
- Anchor bolt sizing and base ring or chair detailing
- Combined load cases: operating, empty, and test
- Dynamic analysis for tall, slender towers
- Load-path verification from shell to foundation interface
- Coordination of equipment loads with foundation design
- Compliance with governing building-code load provisions
- Documented calculation package for permitting and inspection
Applications & Industries Served
- Tall distillation and absorption columns
- Vertical reactors and process vessels on skirts
- Horizontal vessels on saddle supports
- Storage tanks in seismic and high-wind regions
- Elevated and structure-supported equipment
- Equipment for offshore and coastal installations
Codes, Standards & Quality Assurance
Roben Manufacturing fabricates under a controlled quality system and holds the ASME U Certificate of Authorization, with registration through the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors. Every applicable project is supported by material test reports, qualified welding procedures, nondestructive examination records, and complete documentation.
Relevant standards and resources include: ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Certification; API Standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Request a Quote on This Project
Contact Roben Mfg., Inc. to discuss your project specifications, timeline, and material requirements.
Request a Quote