Experimental and Numerical Studies of Ratcheting in a Pressurized Piping System Under Seismic Load

Rational seismic design procedures necessitate comprehensive evaluation of nuclear piping systems under large amplitude seismic loads. This comprehensive assessment requires accurate prediction of inelastic response of piping system till failure to ensure adequate margins for unexpected beyond design basis events. The present paper describes the details of experimental and numerical studies of inelastic response of pressurized piping system under seismic loading. Shake table test has been carried out on a three-dimensional stainless steel piping system under internal pressure and seismic load. The amplitude of base excitation has been increased till failure of the piping system. The tested piping system has been analyzed using iterative response spectrum (IRS) method for various levels of excitation. The comparison of numerical and experimental results is given in the paper.