Application of simplified inelastic analysis procedures using equivalent linearization for piping system subjected to shaking table test

This paper compares the results of simplified inelastic analysis procedures to a shake table test of a large-scale piping system which was conducted by Nuclear Power Engineering Corporation. The simplified analysis procedures are based upon different equivalent linearization, and have been developed for calculating te inelastic seismic response of piping systems. Linearization of inelastic load-deformation relationship makes it possible to utilize conventional elastic seismic analysis, such as modeling using elastic beam elements and modal analysis. To linearize the stiffness equivalently, the flexibility factors of the elastic beam elements used in conventional modeling techniques will be modified. As a result, conventional modeling techniques can be easily applied to the simplified analysis procedures. Results of the simplified analysis procedures using equivalent linearization based upon the assumption of white noise excitation agree fairly well with those measured in the shake table test. However, the simplified procedures using equivalent linearization based upon the assumption of harmonic response do not lead to good response predictions. (author)