Seismic pipe restraint and method for using the same

Abstract

A system for limiting the movement of a pipe due to a seismic event is disclosed, including an energy absorbing device for restraining the pipe in the event of the seismic event, and a clamp adapted be attached about the pipe at a point where the anticipated unrestrained movement due to a seismic event is greater than the anticipated thermal movement of the pipe. The energy absorbing device is connected at one of its ends to the clamp, and the opposite end of the energy absorbing device is adapted to be connected to a substantially immovable support structure or wall. The device includes a first elongated member having a hollow portion therein and a second member mounted within the hollow portion of the first member. One of the first and second members has its front end fixedly connected to the clamp, and the other one of the members has its rear end adapted to be connected fixedly to the support structure. The first member includes a first interference means and the second member includes a second interference device so that as the first and second members move longitudinally relative to one another, the first and second interference device engage one another forcibly and thereafter the first and second members continue relative movement for load and displacement limiting purposes until they come to rest.