| Title |
Identification of Weak Points and Optimization Model for Fatigue
Life Improvement in Modular Pipe-Racks of Unconventional Oil
Plants Using Seismic Dynamic Analysis |
| Authors |
이상엽(Lee, Sang Yeop);아시프 라비아(Asif, Rabea);강민혁(Kang, Min Hyeok);심원섭(Shim, Won Sup);허종완(Hu, Jong Wan) |
| DOI |
https://doi.org/10.12652/Ksce.2025.45.3.0305 |
| Keywords |
지진, 비전통오일 플랜트, 파이프랙, 동적 해석, 최적화 Seismic, Unconventional oil plant, Pipe-Rack, Dynamic analysis, Optimization |
| Abstract |
This study conducted an optimization design using finite element analysis to assess the structural stability of modular pipe racks in
unconventional oil plants, which have recently garnered attention, and to improve their fatigue life. The subject of the study is the
modular pipe rack of a 300BPD oil sands plant built in Yeoncheon, with the target site selected as Alberta, Canada, a major oil sands
deposit region prone to frequent seismic activity. Dynamic analysis of earthquake loads, considering design standards (ASCE, NBC)
and local environmental conditions, revealed a potential for block shear failure at the gusset plate. Consequently, an optimization
design was performed to alleviate stress concentration and improve fatigue life by modifying the shape of the gusset plate, improving
the joint with the web, and reinforcing the structure. Fatigue analysis under earthquake loads showed that two optimized models had
fatigue lives at the stress concentration and bolt joint areas at least 400 % longer than the original. This study distinguishes itself from
previous research by applying dynamic analysis based on actual time-history data for the entire model, rather than being limited to joint
areas. The results of this study are expected to serve as dynamic analysis guidelines and optimization design criteria for ensuring the
structural stability and economic viability of modular pipe racks in the future. |