Effects of the Vertical and Horizontal Acceleration on the Seismic Response of Piping Networks

Piping networks are complex systems in a building and their seismic response assessment may be challenging. Different types of seismic analyses have been increasingly conducted on such non-structural components, due to their importance from a building serviceability standpoint, as well as the effect of their failure on economic losses. On the other hand, further studies are still required, due to the peculiar geometry of each network. This study aims to analyse the effect of the vertical and horizontal component of the seismic acceleration on the performance of piping networks with irregular geometry. Non-linear dynamic analyses are performed and the response of different types of piping networks is analysed in terms of maximum accelerations and maximum displacements. The dynamic behaviour of the systems is defined accounting for the non-linear response of pipe joints and suspended piping restraint installations. The analysis results are used to provide design optimization and analysis criteria for piping systems.