How do seismic supports effectively limit the displacement of electromechanical equipment during earthquakes through rigid connections?
Publish Time: 2025-09-11
In modern large buildings, electromechanical facilities such as water supply and drainage, fire protection piping, HVAC, power cables, and communication lines are the "lifeline systems" that maintain the building's normal operation. However, during earthquakes, these facilities often shake violently due to lack of effective anchoring, leading to pipe breakage, equipment dislodgment, and line interruptions. This not only causes serious property damage but can also cause secondary hazards such as fires, water leaks, power outages, and gas leaks, threatening personal safety. As a key device specifically designed to secure electromechanical facilities, one of its core functions is to effectively limit the displacement of equipment during earthquakes through scientific rigid connection design, ensuring structural integrity and functional stability during vibrations.1. The Essence of Rigid Connections: Creating a Stable Force Transmission PathThe "rigidity" of seismic supports does not mean that the material is absolutely undeformed, but rather that the structure possesses sufficient stiffness and strength to resist deformation and maintain geometric stability under seismic loads. Unlike ordinary supports that only bear vertical gravity, seismic supports must withstand seismic forces acting in all horizontal directions. Rigid connections are achieved using pre-assembled high-strength steel components, such as C-sections, channels, and angles, combined with specialized seismic connectors. During installation, these components are securely connected to the main building structure using bolts or preloaded fasteners, forming a unified spatial load-bearing system.When an earthquake causes lateral movement in the building, the inertial forces generated by the electromechanical equipment are rapidly transferred to the rigid main poles via the bracket's lateral connectors and diagonal braces. From there, they are introduced into the building's load-bearing structure via anchor points, effectively transferring force from equipment to bracket to structure. This design prevents bending, twisting, or uncoupling of traditional hangers under horizontal forces, effectively limiting horizontal movement of the equipment.2. Diagonal Bracing System: The Key to Resisting Horizontal Seismic ForcesThe core of seismic support displacement control lies in its diagonal bracing structure. According to mechanical principles, horizontal seismic forces are primarily borne by diagonal braces in the form of axial compression or tension. The diagonal braces, together with columns or crossarms, form a triangular, stable structure, significantly enhancing the overall system's resistance to lateral displacement. For example, in lateral seismic supports for air ducts or bridges, seismic connectors are installed on both sides at a 45°–60° angle. When seismic forces act from the left or right, the diagonal braces are immediately loaded, preventing the equipment from swaying. In longitudinal seismic supports, front and rear diagonal braces prevent the equipment from sliding along the pipe.The diagonal braces are connected to the main components using dedicated seismic hinges, allowing for slight angle adjustment to accommodate installation errors but preventing free rotation, ensuring a rigid and reliable connection. High-strength bolts or preloaded fasteners are used at all connection points, eliminating welding. This ensures both connection strength and quick on-site installation and removal.3. Multi-Directional Constraint Design: Comprehensively Limiting Three-Dimensional DisplacementModern seismic support systems typically utilize a combination of "lateral + longitudinal" dual seismic supports, or employ three-dimensional seismic supports, to fully constrain the equipment in the X, Y, and Z directions. For example, a long section of fire protection pipe might be equipped with a set of seismic supports at regular intervals, including both lateral supports to prevent swaying and longitudinal supports to prevent forward and backward sliding. This multi-directional rigid connection works synergistically to prevent the pipeline from twisting, misaligning, or disconnecting during an earthquake.4. Prefabricated Components and Standardized Installation Ensure ReliabilityAll seismic support components are prefabricated in the factory and undergo rigorous mechanical testing and anti-corrosion treatments (such as hot-dip galvanizing) to ensure consistent material properties. On-site installation requires no cutting or welding, relying solely on bolted connections. This improves construction efficiency and avoids structural weakening caused by welding. The rationally designed and easy-to-use fasteners ensure that each connection point meets the specified preload force, maintaining long-term rigidity.5. Application Value: Protecting the "Lifeline" of BuildingsIn crowded places such as airports, train stations, hospitals, and commercial complexes, the rigid connection design of seismic supports can significantly reduce the damage rate of electromechanical systems during earthquakes. Experiments have shown that under earthquakes of design intensity, the displacement of piping systems equipped with seismic supports can be controlled within the permitted range, effectively preventing joint fractures and equipment falls.Seismic support utilizes high-strength finished components, a scientific bracing layout, and rigid connection nodes to create a stable and reliable force transmission path, effectively transferring earthquake inertial forces to the building's main structure, thereby minimizing the displacement and vibration of mechanical and electrical equipment. It not only extends the safety of the building structure but also serves as a critical barrier to ensure continued post-earthquake functionality and mitigate secondary disasters.
