Finite Element Analysis of Seismic Response of Exposed Steel Penstock in Hydropower Station

Using finite element method, the seismic responses of an exposed steel penstock in a hydropower station were analyzed. The results show that the penstock is constrained weakly due to the expansion joint and sliding supports, so the penstock can adapt to the deformation during the earthquake well, and the stress caused by the earthquake is small which will be benefit for the strength and safety of the penstock. However large acceleration and displacement in transverse direction may be induced under strong earthquake, in addition, the penstock will be likely to jump apart from supports in vertical direction. So it is better to equip caging device to limit transverse sliding and vertical jumping in an appropriate range in order to ensure the safety and stability of the whole structure.