Experimental study on the dynamic response of the non-structural piping system by altering the position of diagonal braces

Abstract

Damages to nonstructural components (NSCs) are frequently reported after earthquakes. Suspended piping systems are significant NSCs that play an important role in the functionality of civil infrastructures. However, during seismic events, the piping systems undergo large displacement and collide with each other and the structural components, hence the piping systems may fail and suspend the functionality of facilities. In this study, an experimental program was conducted on the multi-layered piping system with transversal and longitudinal diagonal anti-seismic braces mounted at different positions to increase the overall lateral stiffness and reduce displacement of the piping system. During the experimental program, specimens were subjected to quasi-static cyclic loading based on the loading protocols suggested by the current Chinese code CJ/T 476–2015. Experimental data was used to obtain hysteresis, and strain curves to find an optimal position for mounting diagonal braces on the piping system. It can be concluded that for multi-layered piping systems when the diagonal braces are mounted at the position or near the center of inertia of the piping system, diagonal braces contribute the most to mitigate lateral dynamic loads.