Seismic behavior of riser pipes with pressure and groove joints using an in-plane cyclic loading test

Abstract

In the event of an earthquake, structures are shaken in various ways, and side sway occurs between floors. The equipment installed inside these structures is affected by this side sway, and the effect thereof can be significantly large on the riser pipes that are connected from lower to upper floors of high-rise buildings. In this study, steel jigs that were implemented on the first floor of a structure were fabricated, and riser pipe systems were installed in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association 13 standards. The seismic performance of the riser pipes was analyzed through an in-plane cyclic loading test for the allowable side sway as per the American Society of Civil Engineers 7–16 standard. The pipe systems included elbows and tee joints, which are vulnerable to earthquakes. The pipes were connected using pressure joints and groove joints, and the results obtained using both types of connections were compared. The strain, stress, and deformation angle, which are required to evaluate the seismic performance of the fittings and connectors of riser pipes in the event of an earthquake, were analyzed for the allowable side sway.