The proposed research will develop procedures and guidelines for seismic design and restraint of hazardous piping systems located in industrial-facility buildings. At present, no integrated code or guideline exists to facilitate this task. The design level for piping systems will be based on the importance of the piping and the intensity of the seismic loading. A piping importance rating will be developed, based on OSHA and EPA standards for hazardous fluids. Seismic zonation, including local soil characteristics and the response of diverse types of buildings will be considered in the development of seismic design parameters. A computer code which incorporates state-of-the-art technology in the seismic area will be developed for determination of seismic loads on the piping systems. A design manual will be developed for plastic-piping systems which will specify design requirements, restraint-spacing limits, and generic piping-restraint configurations as a function-of piping importance (i.e., fluid contents) and the level of seismic load.The potential commercial application as described by the awardee: The proposed research will benefit all industrial facilities with hazardous piping in zones of moderate or high seismicity by reducing the threat of death or injury to building occupants, and by reducing potential economic loss.
