ASI - Structual Engineering Company ASI - Structual Analysis Software

Seismic Analysis Consultation

ASI has the capability to perform seismic analysis of structures using its Applied Element Method (AEM) based Extreme Loading® Technology. In the case of extended structures, like long bridges, the effects of sundry input excitations at different piers can be easily considered. Effects of an earthquake on elements attached to structures such as power, gas and water lines can be studied by applying floor displacement as input excitation to such pipelines. Effects of earthquakes on furniture inside buildings, hanging and suspended objects, stacked barrels, and so forth can also be studied. Furthermore, unique material behavior or special dampers can  be taken into consideration as well.
 
Seismic Analysis Services Include:

  • Creating a 3D model for the “as-designed” structure based on the available design drawings.
  • Performing nonlinear static and dynamic analyses of the structure under the effect of the required cases of loading including seismic and wind loading.
  • Comparing the behavior of the “as-designed” structure with the “as-built” structure.
  • Checking stresses in all structural components.
  • Making recommendations for retrofit to prevent progressive collapse due to seismic activity.

Seismic Analysis: Yanbu Gas Plant

During the erection of a deethanizer column at Yanbu Gas Plant Expansion Project, a mismatch between the anchor bolts and the skirt upper base plate holes was observed. In order to complete the erection process, the column vendor widened and slotted nine holes in the skirt base plate and totally removed three anchor bolts. Additionally, several anchor bolts were damaged and several others were subjected to excessive heat during flame cutting. This raised concerns about the safety of the newly developed structure.

Saudi ARAMCO tasked Applied Science International (ASI) to use its in-house structural analysis software Extreme Loading® for Structures (ELS) to provide a comparative structural modeling and analysis of the deethanizer column skirt. The objective --- to compare the “as-designed” case with the actual damaged cases under the effect of wind and seismic loading conditions provided by Saudi ARAMCO.

Seismic Analysis: Yanbu Gas Plant