Vibration Isolation of Cable Tray Hangers

by Britt K. Pearce, Clemson Univ, Mechanical Engineering, Dep, Clemson, SC, USA,
Marvin W. Dixon, Clemson Univ, Mechanical Engineering, Dep, Clemson, SC, USA,
John E. Jackson, Clemson Univ, Mechanical Engineering, Dep, Clemson, SC, USA,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Structural Engineering in Nuclear Facilities

Abstract:

Analytical and experimental investigations have been performed to partially evaluate the feasibility of using much more flexible support systems than those presently used to support electrical and control cables in nuclear power plants. This approach, which entails introducing a flexible element between the support and the component being supported, could apply to many types of support systems, such as for piping, HVAC or even bridges. However, this paper addresses the specific case of cable tray hangers only. It was found that, for appropriate stiffness and damping characteristics, this concept could be used effectively to isolate cable trays from hanger motion caused by seismic excitation and to significantly reduce hanger loads while maintaining reasonable displacements. This was found to be true for all variations in system parameters investigated. Thus, the flexible hanger concept appears to offer much potential. However, additional study including full-scale testing and more detailed analysis must be completed before the concept can be validated for plant use.

Subject Headings: Cables | Power plants | Electric power | Load tests | Vibration | Validation | Stiffening

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