Seismic load
A Prilling Tower has been simulated and designed to be built in an earthquake sensitive area. The mechanical construction should have the right strength to withstand falling sand and debris and should also withstand some specified seismic loads according to the ASCE 7-10 provisions (American Society of Civil Engineers). These simulations had to be performed in the software and the results had to be discussed with the customer of Decometa before the start of the building process.
Seismic load study
The goal was to simulate and test the general strength and peak stresses under an earthquake load. determine also the maximum deflection of the construction under normal gravity conditions.
FEM simulation seismic loads
The construction of the Prilling Tower was implemented in the finite element method simulation software tool, and a gravitational test load was applied to the model and a seismic load was applied afterwards. Separately, wind loads were applied to the model as well according to the provisions of the area in Egypt, and some additional specifications from the customer. During the simulations it became clear that minor changes in the construction could improve the general behaviour of the system during the seismic loads, and were implemented in the final design. The simulations were performed for all load cases and finally a report was generated with all the necessary data for reference purposes.
Results in comparison with ASCE 7-10
Decometa could improve some parts in the construction of the Prilling Tower based on the output of the software for an Egyptian customer. All specifications could be met given the provivions according the ASCE 7-10 norm, and could also be verified. Decometa was able to deliver the prilling Tower within time and specification.