Abstract
This investigation deals with the seismic response analysis of a pipe-support system with friction characteristics. The friction characteristics are assumed to be as the Coulomb friction model. This paper highlights, particularly, the effect of friction forces upon the maximum response of the piping system subjected to random excitations including seismic motions as follows. (1) The maximum response of the piping is generally suppressed by the growth of friction force. (2) The response reduction factor based on the maximum response of the linear piping is proposed. This factor can be obtained only through the ratio of the natural period of piping to that of the supporting structure. (3) The other response reduction factor is proposed. This factor is based on the maximum linear piping response for the least feasible condition where the natural period of piping coincides with that of the supporting system. The maximum response for other than the least feasible condition can be obtained by using this factor.
