Reverse Engineering Method for Roundness Assessment of a Water Storage Tank Using Point-Cloud Processing

Water storage tanks are important components in various industrial applications, used to store water for purposes such as irrigation, firefighting, and more. This study investigates the structural integrity of a riveted water storage tank, lined with geo-synthetic polypropylene focusing on deformations observed along the shell courses. The primary causes of these deformations were identified as uneven soil compaction and improper liner installation. To assess the extent of these issues, 3D laser scanning technology was used to accurately capture the surface information from the tank, followed by the creation of a CAD model using data point processing. The roundness analysis revealed significant geometric deviations, with outward displacements reaching up to 142 mm and inward displacements up to 57 mm, exceeding the tolerance limits specified by API 653 standards. These results indicate potential risks to the tank structural integrity and operational safety of the tank. This study needs to be completed with a further assessment in accordance with ASME FFS-1 standards to assess the fitness for service of the tank.