Basis for Seismic Analysis:

The criteria for line selection for seismic analysis are normally mentioned in the ITB documents if the
construction site falls under seismic zone. If the same is not mentioned then on a broad respect following
lines can be considered:

Lines with outside diameter 6 and larger.

Transfer line/Two phase flow lines.
Strain sensitive equipment: Compressor, Turbine and Pump.
Heater and Cold box connected lines.
Steam & flare header system in pipe rack.
Other lines considered important as per stress engineers decision.

As per code ASME B 31.3 the longitudinal stresses generated due to sustained and occasional loads should
be within 1.33 times Sh (Basic allowable stress at hot temperature) value. So We have to add Sustained
stress and occasional stress such that the scalar combination of the same remains within the limit specified
by the code. Normally the nozzle load checking is not required for seismic analysis. However few
companies need the nozzle load checking at seismic condition for static equipments. Sometimes the
allowable nozzle load can be increased by 50% for checking in occasional cases. However nozzle load
checking is not required at seismic case for rotating equipments. The following article will describe steps to
perform the static method of seismic analysis in Caesar II.
The first step in static seismic analysis is to collect the seismic coefficient. Sometimes the value of seismic
coefficient is provided directly and sometimes enough data is provided to calculate the same. The following
equation (as per IS 1893) can be used to calculate the seismic co-efficient:

Here Spectral Acceleration Coefficient (Sa/g) = 2.5 (Examples are shown for the sake of a typical
value calculation)
Zone Factor (Z) = 0.16
Response Reduction Factor (R) =3
Importance factor (I) = 1.75
Horizontal Seismic Coefficient (Ah) = 0.12 (X & Z Direction)
This co-efficient value need to be entered in Caesar spreadsheet as shown below:

Caesar Spreadsheet showing the input of Seismic Co-efficient

Normally Y component is not entered. However few clients may require the input of the same. in that case
follow guidelines provided by them.
To perform seismic analysis open the Caesar II spreadsheet and click on uniform loads as shown in the
below mentioned figure.

Caesar II Spreadsheet showing Seismic Analysis

After that prepare the load cases for seismic analysis. The load cases normally prepared are shown in the
figure attached below:
 Load Cases for Seismic Analysis
Once you prepared the required load cases simply run the file and check the stresses for Code
compliance as mentioned below:
 Caesar Output window for Seismic Analysis

Check restraint summary for load cases L8 to L11 in the above mentioned figure and check stresses for
load case L16 to L19.