The finite element method is applied to the problem of the nonlinear behavior of anchored cylindrical liquid-storage tanks subject to horizontal seismic loading. The tank alone is modelled with assumptions of fixed conditions at the base and free conditions at the top. Geometric nonlinearity is considered and the material behavior is taken as elastic-perfectly plastic. The loading consists of a constant hydrostatic pressure to which is added an equivalent static pressure representing hydrodynamic effects arising from seismic action. The latter loading is increased until failure occurs. As an indication of the validity of the approach a comparison with a test result is given. A parametric study is then conducted. Nonlinear failure loads are calculated in each case, and these are compared with previously determined elastic buckling loads.
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