Substations are critical components in a power system. Performance of substations during past earthquakes has not been satisfactory and many key components such as transformers and bushings have sustained significant damage. Recently several research investigations have been conducted to better evaluate, assess, and qualify seismic performance of critical substation components with emphasis on transformers and bushings. These studies include both analytical and experimental research. These works have revealed that understanding the seismic interactions among key equipment of a substation (transformers, bushings, foundation, and interconnecting elements) is critical to proper assessment of seismic performance of substations and in qualification of equipment. Due to weight limitation, shaking table tests of transformers are not feasible. Finite element analysis, however, provides a suitable platform to assess their seismic performance and to evaluate their effect on the response of other important components such as bushings. This paper will discuss the development of finite element models for several transformers and bushings, and will present the results of an ongoing parametric study using time history analysis. Design and rehabilitation recommendations will be discussed in light of the system performance.
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