Feasibility Tests on a Three-Dimensional Base Isolation System Incorporating Hydraulic Mechanism

Author(s):  
Akihiro Kashiwazaki ◽  
Takahiro Shimada ◽  
Tatsuya Fujiwaka ◽  
Katsuhiko Umeki

In Japan, a number of three-dimensional base isolation systems have been studied for application to new nuclear plant concepts such as the FBR, but these efforts have not so far yielded practically applicable results. The impeding factor has been the difficulty of obtaining an adequate capacity on the vertical isolator for supporting the mass of an actual structure and for suppressing rocking motion. In this paper, we propose a new three-dimensional base isolation system that should solve the foregoing problem. The system is constituted of a set of hydraulic load-carrying cylinders connected to accumulator units containing a compressed gas, another set of rocking-suppression cylinders connected in series, and a laminated rubber bearing laid under each load-carrying cylinder. The present paper covers a basic examination for applying the proposed system to a commercialized FBR now under development in Japan, together with static and dynamic loading tests performed on a scale model to verify expected system performance. Response analysis reflecting the test results has indicated the proposed system to be well applicable to the envisaged commercialized FBR. The study was undertaken as part of an R&D project sponsored by the government for realizing a three-dimensional seismic isolation system applicable to future FBR’s.

Author(s):  
Takahiro Shimada ◽  
Tatsuya Fujiwaka ◽  
Satoshi Moro

In Japan, a number of three-dimensional base isolation systems have been studied for application to new nuclear plant concepts such as the FBR, but these efforts have not so far yielded practically applicable results. The impeding factor has been the difficulty of obtaining an adequate capacity on the vertical isolator for supporting the mass of an actual structure and for suppressing rocking motion. In this paper, we propose a new three-dimensional isolation system that should solve the foregoing problem. The system is constituted of a set of hydraulic load-carrying cylinders connected to accumulator units containing compressed gas, a set of rocking-suppression cylinders connected in series, and a laminated rubber bearing laid under each load-carrying cylinder. The present paper covers a basic examination for applying the proposed system to a FBR plant now under development in Japan. In order to verify expected system performance, the load-carrying cylinders were first tested independently of rocking-suppression cylinders, and this was followed by integrated dynamic test of the system incorporating both load-carrying and rocking suppression cylinders. Response analysis reflecting the test results has indicated the proposed system to be well applicable to the envisaged commercialized FBR. The study was undertaken as part of a research and development project sponsored by the government for realizing a three-dimensional seismic isolation system applicable to future FBR.


Author(s):  
Takahiro Shimada ◽  
Junji Suhara ◽  
Kazuhiko Inoue

Three dimensional (3D) seismic isolation devices have been developed to use for the base isolation system of the heavy building like a nuclear reactor building. The developed seismic isolation system is composed of rolling seal type air springs and the hydraulic type springs with rocking suppression system for vertical base isolation device. In horizontal direction, the same laminated rubber bearings are used as horizontal isolation device for these systems. The performances and the applicability have already been evaluated by the technical feasibility tests and performance tests for each system. In this study, it was evaluated that the performance of the 3D base isolation system with rolling seal type air springs combined with hydraulic rocking suppression devices. A 1/7 scaled model of the 3D base isolation devices were manufactured and some performance test were executed for each device. For the rolling seal type air springs, dynamic loading test was executed with a vibration table, and pressure resistant ability test was executed for reinforced air springs. In the dynamic loading test, it is confirmed that the natural period and damping performance were verified. In the pressure resistant ability test, it is confirmed that the air springs had sufficient strength. For the hydraulic rocking suppression system, forced dynamic loading test was carried out in order to measure the frictional and oil flow resistance force on each cylinder. And the vibration table tests were carried out with supported weight of 228 MN in order to evaluate and to confirm the horizontal and vertical isolation performance, rocking suppression performance, and the applicability of the this seismic isolation system as the combined system. 4 rolling seal type air springs and 4 hydraulic load-carrying cylinders with rocking suppression devices supported the weight. As a result, the proposed system was verified that it could be applied to the actual nuclear power plant building to be target.


Author(s):  
S. Kitamura ◽  
S. Okamura ◽  
K. Takahashi

In Japan, several kinds of three-dimensional seismic isolation system for next-generation nuclear power plant such as fast reactors have been studied in recent years. We proposed a structural concept of a vertical component isolation system, assuming a building adopting a horizontal base isolation system. In this concept, a reactor vessel and major primary components are suspended from a large common deck supported by isolation devices consisting of large coned disk springs. In order to verify the isolation performance of the vertical component isolation system, 1/8 series of shaking table tests using a scale model were conducted. The test model was composed of 4 vertical isolation devices, common deck and horizontal load suspension system. For the design earthquake, the system smoothly operated, and sufficient isolation characteristics were shown. The simulation analysis results matched well the test results, so the validity of the design technique was able to be verified. As the result, the prospect that the vertical isolation system applied to the FBR plant could technically realize was obtained.


Author(s):  
K. Takahashi ◽  
K. Inoue ◽  
M. Morishita ◽  
T. Fujita

Seismic isolation technology plays an important role in the area of architect engineering, especially in Japan where earthquake comes so often. This technology also makes the nuclear power plant rationalized. The horizontal base isolation with laminated rubber bearings has already been proven its effectiveness. These days, seismic isolation technology is expected to mitigate even the vertical load, which affects the structural design of primary components. Seismic isolation system has possibility to improve the economical situation for the nuclear power plant. From these points of view, a research project has been proceeded to realize practical three dimensional seismic isolation systems from 2000 to 2005 under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of the Japanese government. The isolation system is developed for the supposed “Fast Breeder Reactor (abbreviated FBR)” of the next generation. Two types of seismic isolation systems are developed in the R&D project. One is a three-dimensional base isolation for a reactor building (abbreviated 3D SIS) and the other is a vertical isolation for main components with horizontal base isolation of the reactor building (abbreviated V. +2D SIS). At first step of the R&D, requirements and targets of development for the seismic isolation system were identified. Seismic condition for R&D was discussed based on the real seismic response. Vertical natural frequency and damping ratio required to the system were introduced from the response to the seismic movement. As for 3D SIS, several system concepts were proposed to satisfy the requirements and targets. Through discussions and tests on performance, reliability, applicability, maintainability, “Rolling seal type air spring system with hydraulic anti-rocking devices” was decided to be developed. Verification shaking tests with the 1/7 scale model of the system and analysis for applicability to the real plant are conducted. The result shows that the system is able to support the reactor building, to suppress the rocking motion and to mitigate the vertical seismic load. As for V.+2D SIS, coned disk spring device was selected at the beginning of R&D. Performance tests of the elements, which include common deck movement, were conducted and the system applicability to the plant is confirmed. Verification tests were conducted with 1/8 scale model of the system and the result proves the applicability to the real plant.


Author(s):  
Osamu Furuya ◽  
Kiyotaka Takito ◽  
Hiroshi Kurabayashi ◽  
Kunio Sampei ◽  
Koji Yamazaki

Abstract Vibration isolation devices are generally applied to equipment that dislikes vibration installed in buildings. Since the vibration isolator is intended for small vibration input, the damage has been frequently confirmed with excessive vibration input such as an huge earthquake motion. Therefore, the development of a seismic isolation device with a vibration isolation function is desired for important equipment and expensive manufacturing equipment. However, the vibration region targeted by the vibration isolator and the vibration region of the seismic input are at completely different levels. In this study, the authors propose a seismic isolation system using air floating technique to cope with such different vibration levels. In this paper, basic concept, basic performance, preliminary performance evaluation by nonlinear time response analysis, and performance evaluation by shaking table test.


Author(s):  
K. Inoue ◽  
M. Morishita ◽  
T. Fujita

Mitigation of earthquake loads by seismic isolation technology is very promising for enhanced safety and economy of the next generation nuclear reactors, through rationalized and simplified design of structures, systems and components. The horizontal base isolation with laminated rubber bearings is a proven technology and its application has been widely spread including nuclear facilities. On the other hand, significantly increased benefit of mitigated seismic loads is expected with three-dimensional (abbreviated 3D) seismic isolation, since the earthquake loads are inherently three-dimensional and the vertical component of the earthquake load sometimes plays an important role in the structural design of reactor components. From these points of view, a research project has been undertaken for the development of 3D seismic isolation technology, under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of the Japanese government. It was presented in a former conference that two types of 3D seismic isolation systems were applicable to the next generation nuclear power plants. One is 3D base isolation of a whole nuclear island, and the other is a vertical isolation system for main components with horizontal base isolation system. Among a number of proposed concepts, three were promising ideas for the 3D base isolation system (or device), i.e., “hydraulic 3D base isolation system”, “independent cable reinforced rolling-seal air spring”, and “rolling seal type air spring”. Then the last idea, i.e., “rolling seal type air spring”, was selected from above three ideas for further development. In this paper, current status of this R&D project are firstly shown. Next, the performance requirements for 3D isolation system and devices are shown. Then the developing targets for 3D isolation technology are shown. Furthermore, future plan of the project is provided.


2012 ◽  
Vol 234 ◽  
pp. 96-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donato Cancellara ◽  
Fabio de Angelis

In the present work we have analyzed a particular base isolation system for the seismic protection of a multi-storey reinforced concrete (RC) building. The viscous dampers and friction sliders are the devices adopted in parallel for realizing the base isolation system. The base isolation structure has been designed and verified according to European seismic code EC8 and by considering for the friction sliders the influence of the sliding velocity on the value of the friction coefficient. A dynamic nonlinear analysis for a three-dimensional base isolated structure has been performed. Recorded accelerograms for bi-directional ground motions have been used which comply with the requirements imposed by EC8 for the representation of a seismic action in a time history analysis. In this paper a comparative analysis is presented between the base isolated structure with the described hybrid base isolation system and the traditional fixed base structure.


Author(s):  
Kengo Goda ◽  
Osamu Furuya ◽  
Kohei Imamura ◽  
Kenta Ishihana

At the present, base isolation system has been recognized by general earthquake resistant technique since the Great Hanshin Earthquake 1995. The seismic isolation will be aggressively applied to not only architectural and civil structures but also various structures, because the effectiveness on seismic safety had been demonstrated again in the Great East Japan Earthquake. In generally, although the base isolation system is divided into laminated rubber bearing type and friction sliding bearing type. In the case of former type, shape factor, maximum or minimum outer shapes and so on are restricted by the material characteristics in visco-elastic material. In general, the isolation structure is used in high damping rubber. However, we pay attention to base isolation using urethane elastomer. Urethane elastomer has excellent elasticity, mechanical strength, abrasion resistance, weather resistance, oil resistance, impact resistance the absorbent, anti-vibration and excellent low-temperature properties. Furthermore, it is possible to impart various characteristics by a combination of isocyanate and polyol and chain extender, requires no large-scale apparatus, it has the advantage molecular design is easy. In previous study, the research and development of laminated type base isolation device using urethane elastomer was carried out to upgrade a seismic safety for various structures. The fundamental characteristics was investigated from several loading test by using various experimental devices, and the design formula for the stiffness and equivalent damping coefficient is formulated as an approximate expression of mechanical characteristics until now. It was confirmed that urethane elastomer is not hardening up to 500% shear strain. Moreover, the experimental examination for aged deterioration in the urethane material has been continuously carried out. As the results, it was confirmed that the laminated type seismic isolation device using urethane elastomer is possible to develop as a practicable device from the stable mechanical properties as considering in design step. In this study, the small-scale laminated type base isolation device using urethane elastomer is advanced to the direction of further technical upgrading and of scale down for light-weight structure as a sever rack. The first stage, basic properties of the urethane elastomer has been investigated by loading test. Furthermore, the design equation is created by loading test using urethane elastomer. The validity of the design equation has been confirmed. The second stage, the compression creep test with laminated type base isolation device has been investigated to confirm an effect on light-weight mechanical devices.


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