Passive Control of Seismic Response of Piping Systems

Passive energy dissipating devices like Elasto-plastic dampers (EPDs) can be used for eliminating snubbers and reducing the response of piping systems subjected to seismic loads. Cantilever and 3-dimensional piping systems were tested with and without EPD on shake 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 Elasto-Plastic 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 Elasto-Plastic damper support for the two piping systems is compared with experimental values and time history analysis values. It has been concluded that, iterative response spectrum technique using Caughey equivalent damping is simple and results in reasonably acceptable response of the piping systems supported on EPD.