Failure occurs in
many cases due to errors during operations of a tank. If a tank is
suddenly emptied, an internal vacuum is produced that lead to a
catastrophic collapse. Vacuum causes implosion of a tank, i.e. the
tank collapses towards the inside.
Tank collapsed due to internal vacuum in Germany.
Notice that the deflections occur in several parts of the tank
around the circumference, not just in one sector. (Hornung and Saal,
2002)
Spherical tank that failed due to internal vacuum in Peñuelas,
Puerto Rico.
Tank with dome roof that failed due to internal vacuum in Peñuelas,
Puerto Rico.
