An Introduction To Flexible Seismic Bracing

An introduction to flexible seismic bracing:
Definition and Role
 DEFINITION: Flexible seismic bracing is a type of component or device used to limit the displacement generated by attached electromechanical engineering facilities, to control the vibration of the facilities, and to transfer the loads to the load-bearing structure3.
Role of : When an earthquake occurs, it can withstand seismic forces from horizontal and vertical directions, limit the displacement of E&E equipment, and prevent the equipment from being damaged by seismic shaking. At the same time, it reasonably distributes the seismic forces and transmits them to the main structure of the building, thus reducing the degree of damage suffered by the E&E equipment and the building3.
Structure and Composition
 Anchor solid: responsible for firmly fixing the bracket to the building structure, ensuring that the whole bracket system will not be detached from the building during an earthquake3.
 Reinforcement Boom: serves to support and suspend pipelines, bridges, and other facilities, transferring the weight of the pipelines and other facilities to the anchor solids or other supporting structures3.
 Seismic Connecting Elements: Ensure that the various components are firmly connected and can effectively transfer forces during an earthquake, so that the bracing system can work together to resist seismic forces3.
 Seismic diagonal bracing: provides lateral support for the entire bracing system, enhancing stability and withstanding lateral forces generated during an earthquake3.
 Elastic components: such as springs, rubber pads, etc., are the key parts of flexible seismic bracing that distinguish it from ordinary seismic bracing, which can produce elastic deformation during earthquakes, absorb and buffer seismic energy, and reduce the transmission of seismic force to pipelines or equipments.
Working Principle
 Displacement Compensation: When an earthquake occurs, the elastic element of the flexible seismic brace can deform, allowing the pipeline or equipment to be displaced within a certain range, thus avoiding the rupture of the pipeline or damage to the equipment due to rigid connection. For example, under the action of seismic wave, the pipeline may produce longitudinal or transverse displacement, and the elastic element of flexible seismic brace can adapt to these displacements by stretching, compressing or twisting, etc. to protect the safety of pipeline and equipment1.
 Energy Absorption: The elastic element can absorb seismic energy during deformation, convert the kinetic energy of the earthquake into elastic potential energy and store it, and then gradually release it after the earthquake, reducing the repeated impacts of the earthquake on the pipelines and equipment. This is like a shock absorber in a car, where the deformation of the elastic element slows down the vibration and protects the vehicle and passengers.
 Vibration Control: Flexible seismic mounts can suppress the vibration amplitude of pipelines or equipment during earthquakes through their own damping characteristics, so that the equipment and pipelines can be restored to a stable state more quickly and fatigue damage due to continuous vibration can be prevented.
Application Scenario
 Building water supply and drainage engineering: It is used to fix and protect water supply pipes, drainage pipes, fire-fighting water pipes, etc., to ensure that these pipes will not rupture or fall off during earthquakes, and to safeguard the normal operation of fire-fighting systems and water supply and drainage systems.
 building electrical engineering: it can be used to support and fix electrical equipment such as cable bridges, bus ducts, electrical piping, etc., to prevent electrical equipment from being damaged during earthquakes, and to avoid secondary disasters such as fires triggered by electrical failures.
 Building HVAC Engineering: It can be used to provide anti-seismic support for air ducts and air conditioning pipes in the HVAC system to ensure the normal operation of the HVAC system after an earthquake and maintain a comfortable environment in the building.
 Urban underground comprehensive pipeline corridor: the comprehensive pipeline corridor concentrates many kinds of pipelines such as electric power, communication, water supply and drainage, and gas, etc. The flexible seismic bracing can protect these pipelines from damage in earthquakes, and ensure the normal operation of the city’s infrastructure3.
 rail transport: in the underground, light rail and other rail transport systems, it is used to fix and protect all kinds of electrical equipment, communication equipment, ventilation equipment, etc., to ensure that when an earthquake occurs, the rail transport system can be operated safely, and safeguard the lives of passengers3.
Advantage
 Good seismic performance: it can effectively absorb and buffer seismic energy and reduce the impact of seismic force on pipes and equipment, which greatly improves the safety of pipes and equipment in earthquakes compared with traditional rigid brackets2.
 Adaptable to a wide range of pipelines and equipment: it can be customised designed and installed according to different pipeline diameters, materials, weights, as well as types and sizes of equipment, with strong versatility and adaptability.
 Convenient and quick installation: usually with modular design, the connection between components is simple and reliable, and does not require complex welding or on-site processing, which can greatly shorten the installation time and improve the construction efficiency5.
 Reducing late maintenance costs: as flexible seismic mounts have good durability and reliability, they are not easy to be damaged under normal conditions of use, so they can reduce late maintenance and replacement costs5.