Predicting Power-Transformer Bushings’ Seismic Vulnerability Mounting Stiffness and Coupling
Publication: Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 33, Issue 3
Abstract
Large power transformers are both expensive and vulnerable to seismic failure. Excessive amplification of earthquake loading to power-transformer bushings beyond the bushings’ rated strength can occur if the system’s structural dynamics produce unpredictable and unfavorable resonance behavior. Determining the degree of vulnerability to large seismic amplifications is not straightforward, and general design recommendations do not always resolve problems that can potentially arise. This paper considers a number of case studies in an attempt to postulate a set of critical factors that might facilitate better prediction of bushing amplification. Furthermore, several additional case studies are summarized in order to add to the evaluated data set and provide more validity for drawing broader conclusions.
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Acknowledgments
Many thanks to local Boise, Idaho engineering firm, W.E. Gundy and Associates, Inc., for providing the transformer and bushing specifications for use in the numerical study as well as guidance regarding the finite-element modeling. Thanks also to the Boise State University Department of Civil Engineering for its support of this work.
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Published In
Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 33 • Issue 3 • June 2019
Copyright
©2019 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Mar 23, 2018
Accepted: Oct 4, 2018
Published online: Feb 22, 2019
Published in print: Jun 1, 2019
Discussion open until: Jul 22, 2019
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