Seismic stability of vibration-insulated turbine foundations depending on the frequency composition of seismic impact

The seismic resistance of vibration-insulated turbine foundations is a complex and multifaceted problem that includes many aspects. The turbine foundation is a special building structure that unites parts of the turbine and generator unit into a single machine and it is used for static and dynamic loads accommodation. The number of designed and constructed power plants in high seismic level areas is large and steadily growing. In addition, engineers and designers deal with the issue of the frequency composition of the seismic impact influence on the seismic resistance of vibration-insulated turbine foundations. Dynamic calculations were performed in Nastran software using time history analysis and the finite element method. The main criteria for the seismic resistance of a vibration-insulated turbine foundation are the values of the maximum seismic accelerations in the axial direction at the level of the turbine installation and the values of vibration-insulated foundation maximum seismic displacements (deformations of vibration isolators). The results of the calculation experiments proved a significant effect of seismic action frequency composition on the behavior of the vibration-insulated turbine foundations. Calculations of foundations, taking into account earthquakes of the same intensity, but with different values of the prevailing frequencies of the impact, lead to the differing by several times values of the maximum seismic accelerations at the turbine level and seismic displacements.

Seismic behavior of the main girder of a bridge with viscoelastic dampers

Introduction. The seismic stability of bearing structures is one of the main objectives of design and construction of structures in earthquake areas. The co-authors have analyzed the effect of a damper, located at the intersection of structural elements, on the seismic response of the main girder of a steel-concrete bridge exposed to the seismic impact. The purpose of this study is to select optimal values of viscous and elastic elements to ensure the seismic resistance of the bridge. Materials and methods. The finite element method was used to simulate the geometric characteristics of the bridge. The model of the bridge has rod elements to simulate girders and viscous elastic elements to simulate dampers. In the study, different values of elastic and viscous characteristics of the damper were used in pairs. The nonlinear problem statement helped to analyze the bridge structure using the direct dynamic method. Results. As a result, we obtained a graphic chart describing the relationship between horizontal displacements and the time for each pair of values of elastic and viscous characteristics of the damper for Maxwell and Kelvin – Voigt models. The effect of changes in the values of stiffness and damping parameters on the values of the period and eigenfrequencies of this superstructure was also investigated. Conclusions. The co-authors chose the damper parameters to minimize seismic displacements of the bridge girder and optimally suppress the dynamic interaction between the bridge elements. Viscoelastic elements of the Kelvin – Voigt type provide more regular values of horizontal displacements of the girder when the direction of the seismic effect changes. We also recommend to select the pair of values equal to 20 000 kN/m, 800 kN s/m, and to use the Kelvin – Voigt model in the design of a viscoelastic damper.

BRB system stability considering frame out-of-plane loading and deformation zone

A simple and economical design approach is described for a BRB system, consisting of a BRB within a steel frame, subject to in-plane and out-of-plane seismic displacements. The approach avoids out-of-plane system or brace instability while allowing large frame out-of-plane deformations and desirable BRB axial performance. It also limits the compressive/tension force ratio. It is based on the simple concept that a brace will be stable with two moment-releases (hinges) but that an out-of-plane buckling mechanism may occur with more than two. The hinges are detailed as specified deformation zones (SDZs) at the brace ends. The hinges use a plate which can yield about its weak axis during out-of-plane movement. Simple methods to assess the stability of the brace itself (between hinges) are developed, an example is provided illustrating how the monotonic deformation demand of the simple plate hinge can be assessed, and detailing recommendations are made to restrict the deformation of the boundary elements at the brace ends.

Investigation on the reasonable area of energy-dissipation bars for hybrid rocking columns

<p>In recent years, hybrid rocking columns have drawn more and more interests from researchers, due to their self-centering capacity. The energy-dissipation bars, which are generally applied at the rocking joints of hybrid rocking columns, could improve their energy dissipation capacities. Thus, the reasonable reinforcement ratio of energy-dissipation bars is much required for engineering applications. To determine the reasonable reinforcement ratio of energy-dissipation bars, a numerical investigation is conducted in this paper based on nonlinear time-history analysis. The analysis results show that a reasonable reinforcement ratio of energy-dissipation bars can effectively reduce seismic displacements of the hybrid rocking columns, without excessive residual deformations. Further, the reasonable reinforcement ratio of energy-dissipation bars for hybrid rocking columns with different periods is proposed in this paper.</p>