Performance-based optimum seismic design of cable tray system

Abstract

This study aims to develop a simple yet efficient performance-based design optimization methodology for cable tray systems in building structures. In the paper, the drift ratio between adjacent supports is proposed as a performance index and the acceptable threshold values are specified based on experimental results of shaking table tests for cable tray systems. The seismic performance levels of cable tray systems are presented according to current seismic design codes. A performance-based optimum seismic design procedure for cable tray systems is given and verified by three studied cases. The results show that the proposed performance index (drift ratio between adjacent supports) for cable tray systems is a reasonable criterion for performance-based seismic design and is much more practical and rational than the typical criterion recommended in seismic design codes. The cable tray systems designed according to the proposed procedures can derive the cost-efficient solution and meet the expected seismic performance objectives for cable tray systems as well as control the damage development of the cable tray.