FRICTION PENDULUMS (FP)

Friction Pendulums (FPs) are advanced seismic isolation devices engineered to protect industrial structures, buildings, equipment, and critical facilities from earthquake-induced forces. Using a curved sliding surface and a controlled friction interface, the system allows the structure to move laterally during seismic events while reducing transmitted forces and lengthening the vibration period. Once the shaking stops, the device’s natural self-centring action returns the structure to its original position.

FP systems are widely used in high-seismic, high-value applications, including:

  • Large LNG storage tanks

  • LNG terminals, jetties, and processing facilities

  • Commercial and residential buildings

  • Hospitals, data centres, and critical infrastructure

  • Bridges, industrial structures, and power plants

PENDULUM TYPES

TSP – Single Sliding Surface

  • Compact design for moderate displacement demands.
  • Ideal when installation clearance is limited.
  • Provides controlled seismic movement with consistent energy dissipation.

TDP – Double Sliding Surface

  • Smoother and more uniform energy dissipation across the full motion cycle.
  • Suitable for large LNG tanks, high-seismic industrial structures, and complex facilities requiring wide displacement capability.
  • Widely used in critical infrastructure and high-value assets.

HOW THE CPA FRICTION PENDULUM WORKS

Curved Sliding Surface
Allows controlled lateral movement during an earthquake, reducing force transfer to the structure.

Self-Centring Action
Naturally returns the structure to its original position after shaking, essential for LNG tank stability.

Longer Vibration Period
Extends the natural period of the structure, significantly reducing seismic forces.

Friction Interface
Dissipates seismic energy smoothly and consistently.

High Vertical Stiffness
Supports large gravity loads, including the extreme loading conditions associated with full LNG tank operation.

FRICTION PENDULUMS
FRICTION PENDULUMS

KEY ADVANTAGES

Predictable Seismic Performance
Consistently reduces forces across DBE and MCE events — critical for LNG tank safety.

Maintenance-Free Operation
Requires no servicing or replacement throughout its operational life.

Handles Large Displacements
Accommodates wide movement while maintaining stability, important for large-diameter LNG tanks.

Reduces Torsional Effects
Improves uniform response of circular and high-mass structures such as LNG tanks during shaking.

Long Service Life
Provides decades of reliable performance under demanding environmental and operational conditions.

APPLICATION AREAS

CPA Friction Pendulums are widely used across sectors requiring high-reliability seismic protection, including:

  • LNG storage tanks
  • LNG terminals, jetties & regasification facilities
  • LNG & petrochemical processing plants
  • High-seismic industrial buildings
  • Power generation facilities
  • Data centres and critical infrastructure
  • Bridges and heavy industrial structures

Full product information in relation to CPA ancillary equipment can be downloaded from our catalogue

Go to Download Page