Shaking table tests of a switching power cabinet considering physical damage and functionality loss

Abstract

Switching power cabinets are critical equipment that converts alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) for electrical power system of telecommunication buildings. Post-earthquake damage to the cabinet may result in entire functionality loss of telecommunication buildings, which will have a significant impact on post-earthquake emergency response. In this study, unidirectional shaking table tests were conducted separately in X-direction and Y-direction to evaluate the seismic responses of a switching power cabinet. The seismic input motion was generated based on required response spectrum of YD 5083 code. The peak table acceleration levels were scaled from 0.3 g to 2.5 g in order to capture progressive damage of the switching power cabinet. Based on the test results, the physical damage and functionality loss of tested cabinet were analyzed first. Then the response characteristics of the cabinet were evaluated and explained in terms of the natural frequency, acceleration, and deformation response. Both outside cabinet and in-cabinet acceleration amplification factors were analyzed. The seismic fragility curves of switching power cabinet were also developed considering four observed seismic damage states.