A seismic test of large-scale liquid-filled piping. Related to liquid boundary conditions.

Abstract

In order to study piping dynamic response related to internal liquid behaviour and liquid boundary conditions during earthquakes, a large-scale seismic test has been conducted using a 15 m x 15 m shaking table. A test piping system which is 40 m in length and 254 mm in inner diameter was supported by two main and some auxiliary frame structures on the shaking table. A long straight part of the piping system was extended outside of the shaking table and supported by uniaxial smooth-sliding supports. In the vibration test, some conditions of the internal liquid and their effects were investigated. The experimental results showed that the internal liquid behaved dynamically, not as a simple lumped mass, especially under a pressurized condition, and the liquid boundary conditions influenced on the system behaviour during strong excitations.