Probabilistic seismic assessment of seismically isolated electrical transformers considering vertical isolation and vertical ground motion

Abstract This study presents a probabilistic response analysis of seismically isolated electrical transformers with emphasis on comparing the performance of equipment that are non-isolated to equipment that are isolated only in the horizontal direction or are isolated by a three-dimensional isolation system. The performance is assessed by calculating the probability of failure as function of the seismic intensity with due consideration of: (a) horizontal and vertical ground seismic motions, (b) displacement capacity of the seismic isolation system, (c) limit states of electrical bushings, (d) details of construction of the isolation system, (e) weight of the isolated transformer, and (f) bushing geometry and configuration. Calculations of the probability of failure within the lifetime of isolated and non-isolated transformers at selected locations are also performed. The results of this study demonstrate that seismic isolation systems can improve the seismic performance for a wide range of parameters and that systems which isolate in both the horizontal and vertical directions can be further effective. The seismic assessment methodology presented can be used for: (a) deciding on the need to use seismic isolation and selecting the properties of the isolation system for transformers depending on the design limits, location, and configuration of transformer and (b) calculating the mean annual frequency of functional failure and the corresponding probability of failure over the lifetime of the equipment. The results may also be used to assess the seismic performance of electric transmission networks under scenarios of component failures.