Experimental Evaluation of Dynamic Behavior of Pipeline Systems of Thermal Power Plants Exposed To Seismic Loads

This paper deals with the experimental results obtained by in situ and model testing of a segment of the pipeline system of a thermal power plant. The field testing has been performed by using the forced and ambient vibration method. The model testing has been performed by means of a shaking table. The model was designed and constructed to the scale of 1/3 and tested on the seismic shaking table in the IZIIS' laboratory. The adopted modeling concept was an adequate model with artificial mass simulation, using the same material as that of the prototype. The spring hangings, as well as the special rolling support, have also been simulated. The model was subjected to random, harmonic and earthquake motion in horizontal, vertical and biaxial directions. The results show that the support springs can accept displacements in both the horizontal and the vertical direction in the elastic range of deformation, while the stop point base support is sensitive to the intensity of earthquake motion and is required to be limited to the horizontal and vertical directions.