Passive Control of Seismic Response of Piping Systems

Passive energy dissipating devices, such as elastoplastic dampers (EPDs) can be used for eliminating snubbers and reducing the response of piping systems subjected to seismic loads. Cantilever and three-dimensional piping systems were tested with and without EPD on shaker table. Using a finite element model of the piping systems, linear and nonlinear time-history analysis is carried out using Newmark’s time integration technique. Equivalent linearization technique, such as Caughey method, is used to evaluate the equivalent damping of the piping systems supported on elastoplastic damper. An iterative response spectrum method is used for evaluating response of the piping system using this equivalent damping. The analytical maximum response displacement obtained at the elastoplastic damper support for the two piping systems is compared with experimental values and time history analysis values. It has been concluded that the iterative response spectrum technique using Caughey equivalent damping is simple and results in reasonably acceptable response of the piping systems supported on EPD.