Structural design of anchor bolt chairs of storage tanks

Anchor bolts are widely used to secure storage tanks if self-anchoring conditions are not available. This structure can effectively counterweight excessive overturning and lifting moments of storage tanks, with its anchor bolts embedded in circular beam foundation and chairs welded on tank walls. Based on years of experience in construction of storage tanks overseas, standards for design of anchor bolt chairs stipulated by American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) are reviewed, which have been incorporated in the API 650 "Welded Tanks for Oil Storage". In addition, practical comments and precautions are proposed.