Hybrid Simulation of Structure-Pipe-Structure Interaction within a Gas Processing Plant

Though often overlooked, the impact of seismic transient ground deformation on natural gas (NG) pipes can be highly adverse. Particularly, pipe elbows may undergo excessive in-plane bending demand and buckling. In this paper, a critical scenario coupling two industrial structures typically found in an NG processing plant is studied. High strain cross-sectional ovalization are probable during earthquake due to out-of-phase oscillation imposing asynchronous displacement demands at ends. A parametric study was first performed investigate various structure-pipe-structure configurations that increase elbows. Simultaneous mobilization divergent between supporting low-frequency range, lower pipe-structure stiffness ratio, shorter length straight segments linking element, higher internal pressure have led onset To validate observation, experimental campaign developed which full-scale element physically tested by means hybrid simulation (HS). The shows interaction coupled with nonnegligible even for integrity pipe. finding depends structural system’s dynamic geometrical properties as well frequency content excitation.