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Combined horizontal–vertical seismic isolation system for high-voltage–power transformers: development, testing and validation

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Abstract

The electric power network is considered to be critical infrastructure. Electric utility companies and electric power administrators are increasingly interested in strengthening the security and resilience of their networks against earthquakes. Important components of these networks are high-voltage electrical transformers. Earlier studies in the use of seismic isolation systems for electrical transformers and other equipment produced results that clearly show the benefits of seismic isolation in the horizontal direction. However, vertical ground motions were transmitted through the isolation system unchanged or even magnified. In response to this problem, this paper presents the development and validation of a compact, effective, reliable and cost-effective combined horizontal–vertical seismic isolation system for use in electrical equipment.

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Acknowledgements

Financial support for this project was provided by the Bonneville Power Administration, Portland, Oregon, USA. The Triple Friction Pendulum isolators were designed and manufactured by Earthquake Protection Systems, Inc., Vallejo, CA, USA. The spring–damper units were designed and manufactured by Taylor Devices, Inc., North Tonawanda, NY, USA. All devices were supplied at no cost to the project. The authors are grateful for the support provided.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. LERA Consulting Structural Engineers, Leslie E. Robertson Associates, 40 Wall Street, 23rd Floor, New York, NY, 10005, USA

    Donghun Lee

  2. Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, 1426, USA

    Michael C. Constantinou

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  1. Donghun Lee
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  2. Michael C. Constantinou
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Correspondence to Donghun Lee.

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Lee, D., Constantinou, M.C. Combined horizontal–vertical seismic isolation system for high-voltage–power transformers: development, testing and validation. Bull Earthquake Eng 16, 4273–4296 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10518-018-0311-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10518-018-0311-2

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