Abstract
This investigation deals with seismic response analysis considering the nonlinear support-gap characteristics. The dynamic restoring force-deformation relation for a pipe-support system is assumed to be a simplified bi-linear model. This paper highlights particularly the effect of support stiffness and gap size upon the maximum response of the piping system subjected to random excitations including seismic motions as follows : (1) Displacement and velocity are suppressed by the growth of support stiffness, however, acceleration response frequently provides higher pulsive peaks. (2) The effects of support stiffness and gap size upon piping response are summarized by the "f*-z* diagram" proposed in this study. This diagram can be drawn only through the ratio of the natural period of piping and that of supporting structure system. (3) The "F*-Z* diagram" proposed in this study can be obtained only through the response for the least feasible condition where the natural period of piping coincides with that of supporting system.
