| Abstract: | A stochastic method has been developed for seismic analysis of structures and piping systems subjected to multiple support excitations. In either the time or the frequency domain, mean and extreme values of structural and piping system response can be found, including the effects of cross-correlations of modal response and cross-correlations of multiple support excitations. Stationary white noise and stationary filtered white noise ground excitations are used. A computer program has been developed to carry out the stochastic seismic analysis. Results for a realistic nuclear power plant structure and piping system with and without modal cross-correlations and support excitation cross-correlations are compared. From these results, it is concluded that neglecting cross-correlations can lead to large errors. The stochastic method reported is shown to be more accurate than the response spectrum method and more economical than the time-history method; therefore, it is recommended for seismic analysis of nuclear power plants. |
