sept 2013

1. International Seismic Application Technology
Engineered Seismic Bracing Systems
and Services
ASCE 7-10 SEISMIC DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
FOR MEP NON-STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS
For :
GAYNER ENGINEERS
Presented by Tim Lindfelt, Regional
Engineering Manager 1

2. Why Is Seismic Bracing Required for
MEP Systems
Life Safety Functionality
2

3. EXAMPLE:
1994 NORTHRIDGE EARTHQUAKE
80-90% of the damage was to NON-structural elements
10 Essential Hospitals temporarily inoperable due
primarily to water damage, broken glass, dangling
light fixtures, and lack of emergency power due to
failures in the distribution or control systems.
3

4. PERFORMANCE OF PUBLIC WATER
SUPPLY SYSTEMS IN HISTORIC
EARTHQUAKES
4

5. SEISMIC BRACING IS A CODE
REQUIREMENT
5

6. 6
AREAS REQUIRING SEISMIC BRACING

7. Seismic Ground Acceleration Code
Changes “G-Force”
7

8. SEISMIC DESIGN REQUIREMENTS FOR
NONSTRUCTURAL COMPONENTS
CHAPTER 13
8

9. BRACING/SUPPORTS FOR MEP SYSTEMS
MUST BE ENGINEERED BY A PE AND
REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY THE AHJ
9

10. IMPORTANT GENERAL TERMS
10

11. Component Importance Factor (Ip)
11

12. Ip =1.5 EXAMPLES
 Examples of life-safety :
• Fire protection system
• Smoke exhaust system
• Power to life-safety/hazardous
systems
• Emergency Power
• Flammable, toxic, hazardous
 Examples of Risk
Category IV Buildings :
• Acute Care Hospitals
• Emergency Response
Centers/Shelters
• Fire/Police Stations
• Air Traffic Control Towers
• Water Facilities Supplying OCC
CAT IV Buildings
• Some Buildings
Storing/Processing Hazardous
Materials
• Strategic National Defense
12

13. SEISMIC DEMANDS ON
NONSTRUCTURAL COMPONENTS
 13.3.1 – SEISMIC DESIGN FORCE
UPPER LIMIT
LOWER LIMIT
With Modal AnalysisWithout Modal Analysis
13

14. SEISMIC DEMANDS ON
NONSTRUCTURAL COMPONENTS
FLOOR MOUNTED per TABLE 13.6-1
High Deformability Component
ap = 1.0 and Rp = 2.5 (ap/Rp = 0.4)
14

15. SEISMIC DEMANDS ON
NONSTRUCTURAL COMPONENTS
FLOOR MOUNTED per TABLE 13.6-1
15
Spring Isolated Component
ap = 2.5 and Rp = 2.0 (ap/Rp = 1.25)

16. SEISMIC DEMANDS ON
NONSTRUCTURAL COMPONENTS
DISTRIBUTED per TABLE 13.6-1
Pipes welded or brazed
ap = 2.5 and Rp = 12.0 (ap/Rp = 0.2)
16

17. SEISMIC DEMANDS ON
NONSTRUCTURAL COMPONENTS
DISTRIBUTED
Pipes threaded, coupled, etc
Ap = 2.5 and Rp = 6.0 (ap/Rp = 0.42)
17

18. SEISMIC DEMANDS ON
NONSTRUCTURAL COMPONENTS
DISTRIBUTED
Low Deformable Material (Glass or Cast Iron
ap = 2.5, Rp = 3.0 ap/Rp = 0.83)
18
GLASS PIPES CAST IRON PIPES

19. WHAT REQUIRES BRACING?
PER 13.1.4:
 SUSPENDED/WALL MOUNTED COMPONENTS OVER 20LBS OR 5PLF
 FLOOR MOUNTED EQUIPMENT OVER 400LBS OR CENTER OF GRAVITY 4 FT
OR HIGHER ABOVE FLOOR
19

20. WHAT REQUIRES BRACING….
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS (RACEWAYS):
 SEISMIC DESIGN CAT. C,D,E,F:
Ip=1.5– Conduit > 2.5” dia. (SDC C)
Ip=1.0 and 1.5 – Conduit > 2.5” dia (SDC D, E, F)
Ip=1.0 and 1.5 – Trapezed Conduit/CT ≥ 10plf
Conduits > 2.5” attached to panels, cabinets
or other equipment shall be installed with flexible
connections.
13.6.5.6:
20

21. WHAT REQUIRES BRACING….
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS cont.:
 Light Fixtures, Lighted Signs, Ceiling Fans
• Vertical supports shall be designed for 140% of operating weight with
simultaneous horizontal force of 140% of operating weight.
• Lights within a ceiling grid < 56 lbs does not need additional bracing
• Connection to structure shall allow a 360 degree range of motion if no
bracing is provided
13.6.1:
21

22. WHAT REQUIRES BRACING….
HVAC SYSTEMS:
 SEISMIC DESIGN CATEGORY C,D,E,F:
Ip=1.0 or 1.5 – Duct ≥ 6 Sq. Ft. or weigh > 17 lb/ft
**Provisions must be made to avoid impact with larger ducts
or mechanical components, or the ducts must be
protected in the event of such impacts
Ip=1.0 or 1.5 –Ducts supported on trapeze ≥ 10 lb/ft
Ip=1.0 or 1.5 – Inline Equipment > 75lbs , unbraced
pipes attached to inline equipment shall have flex
connections
Note: All smoke control/hazardous /
toxic ductwork requires bracing with
no size exceptions.
13.6.7:
22

23. WHAT REQUIRES BRACING….
PIPING SYSTEMS:
 SEISMIC DESIGN CAT. C:
Ip=1.0 – No bracing required for single hung pipe
Ip=1.5 – Piping > 2” dia.
Ip= 1.0 and 1.5 – Trapezed Piping ≥ 10plf
 SEISMIC DESIGN CAT. D,E,F:
Ip=1.0 – Piping > 3” dia. (Cast Iron > 2” dia)
Ip=1.5 – Piping > 1” dia.
Ip=1.0 and 1.5 – Trapezed Piping ≥ 10plf
13.6.8:
23

24. WHAT REQUIRES BRACING….
PIPING SYSTEMS cont.:
 Item 3: Piping has an Rp < 4.5 per Table 13.6-1, piping
systems and attachment shall be designed for the seismic
forces and relative displacements of Section 13.3.
13.6.8.3:
24
Ap Rp

25. GENERAL EXCEPTIONS TO THE RULES
12” RULE:
 Must be ALL hangers on a run
 Provisions are made for the piping to accommodate expected
deflections (flexes at components with relative displacements)
 Assure that components does not swing and damage another utility.
13.6.5.6, 13.6.7, 13.6.8:
25

26. GENERAL EXCEPTIONS TO THE RULES
12” RULE cont.:
 ELECTRICAL CONDUITS AND MECHANICAL DUCTS:
• If rods are used as hangers, swivels shall be provided to
prevent inelastic bending in rods.
• Rods and anchors will have to be designed for bending due
to seismic forces in Section 13.3 if swivels are not installed
 PIPING SYSTEMS:
• If rods are used as hangers, swivels, eyenuts, or other
devices to prevent any bending in the rods.
13.6.5.6, 13.6.7, 13.6.8:
26

27. DAMAGING IMPACT &
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGE
13.2.3:
27
• Unbraced component shall not
damage an essential component.
Hazardous
exhaust flue
Unbraced pipe

28. TYPICAL BRACING RULES - PIPING
 Transverse Max Spacing : Steel/Cu = 40 ft ; Cast Iron = 20 ft
 Longitudinal Max Spacing : Steel/Cu = 80 ft ; Cast Iron = 40 ft
 Min Run Length = 10 ft
 A Brace Within 2ft of 90deg Turn Can Work for Both Sides
28

29. ASCE REQUIRES :
HOLISTIC SEISMIC DESIGN
29

30. SUSPENDED PIPING BRACING
METHODS - TRANSVERSE
30

31. SUSPENDED PIPING BRACING
METHODS - LONGITUDINAL
31

32. SUSPENDED PIPING BRACING
METHODS – CABLE TRANS & LONG
32

33. SEISMIC BRACING- WHAT NOT TO DO!
33

34. SEISMIC BRACING- WHAT NOT TO DO!
34

35. ROOF TOP SUPPORTS
 Wind forces shall be designed per section
29.5
 Wind provisions for components and
cladding is now in chapter 30
 Wind provisions on equipment is part 6
 Compare section 13.3 vs WIND SECTION
29.5
35

36. ROOF TOP SUPPORTS
 Detailing for wind design shall
be per Ch 13 (13.1.6 c)
 Code compliance requires
“Positive Attachment” to
structure.
 Friction resistance cannot be
used
36

37. ROOF TOP EQUIPMENT
 ASCE 29.5 and 29.5.1
• Wind loads shall be increased by 1.9 if your roof top equipment or
structure is on a roof that is no more than 60ft from grade.
• Studies from Texas Tech University showed that the wind gust factor is
actually 1.63 compared to 0.85 that was in ASCE 7-02. The 1.9 factor
was used to increase the pressure based on the testing (1.63/0.85 =
1.9).
37

38. ROOF SCREENS DO NOT REDUCE
WIND LOADS ON STRUCTURES
 Definition of mechanical screens per 2010 CBC
38
FEMA 549 ATTACHMENT OF ROOFTOP EQUIPMENT IN HIGH WIND REGIONS

39. INTERSTORY DRIFT
 Caused by earthquake forces
 Deflection is typically 1% of
story height
 MEP systems physically attached
to two different floors
 Methods to mitigate effects:
- Use flex couplings/hose
- Use slotted mounts
- Spring isolators
39

40. INTERSTORY DRIFT AFFECTS ON
PIPING DROPS INTO EQUIPMENT
40

41. VIDEO OF PIPE RUPTURE AT
CONNECTION TO EQUIPMENT - SHAKE
TABLE TEST
Welded/Brazed Connections Outperformed Threaded
Watch here
41

42. FORCES ON A PIPE DROPPING INTO A
FLOOR MOUNTED EQUIPMENT
42

43. FORCES ON A PIPE DROPPING INTO A
FLOOR MOUNTED EQUIPMENT
43
DEFORMED FLEX

44. FORCES ON A PIPE DROPPING INTO A
FLOOR MOUNTED EQUIPMENT
44
DEFORMED FLEX

45. TYPICAL FLEX CUTSHEETS
45

46. SEISMIC RELATIVE DISPLACEMENT
Components will respond differently in an
earthquake. Provide adequate flexibility.
46

47. SEISMIC BUILDING JOINTS
47

48. SEISMIC ON THERMALLY ACTIVE
PIPING
 Avoid over bracing hot water and steam piping
48

49. THERMAL PIPING RISER DESIGN
Guide
Anchor
Spring Mount
Guide
Guide
Spring Mount
Anchor
Spring Mount
49

50. PIPING INSULATION VS LOAD PATH
TRADITIONAL METHOD
50

51. PIPING INSULATION VS LOAD PATH
CODE COMPLIANT METHOD
51

52. Pre-Insulated Pipe Support Integral Attachment Support
Example: 10” Pipe with 2” Insulation – Hot Water Service, 200°F
No Direct Path for Heat Loss Direct Path for Heat Loss thru Tee
Heat Loss = 100 Btu/hr Heat Loss = 2500 Btu/hr
HEAT LOSS THRU PIPE SUPPORT –
PRE-INSULATED VS INTEGRAL
52

53. PRE-INSULATED ANCHOR
ENGINEERED DATA SHEET
53

54. BRACING/SUPPORTS FOR MEP SYSTEMS
MUST BE ENGINEERED BY A PE AND
REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY THE AHJ
54

55. Special Seismic Certification
13.2.2:
 Manufacturer Submit Cert of Compliance for Approval to the
Registered Design Professional and Building Official
 Designated (Ip=1.5) Equipment
 Options : Testing / Analysis / Experiential Data
 Registered Design Professional must state requirements on
Construction Documents
55

56. IBC REQUIRES SPECIAL INSPECTION
For Ip=1.5 Systems
56

57. IBC REQUIRES SPECIAL INSPECTION For
Ip=1.5 (Designated Seismic Systems)
57
• Inspector needs to check
• Label of equipment
• Anchorage or mounted conforms to certificate of
compliance

58. IBC 2012 REQUIRES SPECIAL INSPECTION
MEP COMPONENTS
58
SEISMIC BRACING IS PART OF INSTALLATION
THEREFORE NEEDS TO BE INSPECTED ALSO

59. Mechanical Engineer of Record Duties
 Define Ip for Each Component
 Determine List of Special Seismic Certifications
 Review Subcontractor Submittals (Seismic Bracing and
Anchorage Submittals)
 Statement of Special Inspections
59

60. Contractor Statement of Responsibility
60

61. ISAT’S APPROACH TO COMPLY WITH
CODE
61

62. ISAT OPA-0485-07
 Only large MEP Design-Vendor with 2007 Specific
OPA!!
62

63. SEISMIC BRACING SUBMITTAL DRAWINGS
Each Seismic Location is Detailed on the Plans and
Denoted with a Location Specific I.D. Number
A Seismic Bracing Legend is Added
to Assist Installers, Inspectors, and
Reviewing Engineers in
Understanding the Constraints of
the Design
ISAT’s Structural Engineers “Wet” Stamp Each
Layout with Their Stamp from the Project State
63

64. IN-HOUSE CUSTOM ENGINEERING
 California Licensed PE’s, SE’s, ME’s
 Custom Details and Calculations
 ELECTRONIC “WET STAMPS”
64

65. Seismic Bracing Inserted and
Coordinated Within The Model
65

66. Custom Bracing Installation Solutions
66

67. Point Load Maps
67

68. Deck Pour/Insert Coordination
GPS Total Station
68

69. Example: Cable Bracing Kit
Kits Labeled with:
-Contractor Name
-Project Name
-Drawing #
-Building
Area/Floor
Cables are Pre-Tied
to custom lengths,
field adjustable,
with correct
brackets installed.
(No need to field
cut and swage
cables, no
“hunting” for
correct materials)
Correct concrete anchors, beam clamps, wood
connections, etc. are included in each kit. (No quote
surprises, No “hunting” for Anchors)
Appropriate quantity of Rod Stiffener components are included in
each kit. (No surprises in the quote (stiffeners are usually an add
with other systems), No “hunting” for materials)
Installation Details
are in each kit
Kit Production and Material Shipment…
69

70. ISAT’s “Blue Banger Hanger”
Cast-In-Place Concrete Deck Inserts
IBC COMPLIANT
70

71. Buy American Act
ISAT’s Seismic Bracing Kits and Blue Banger
Hangers, labeled as such, are a “Domestic
Construction Material” under FAR 52.225-9 and FAR
52.225-2
71

72. PHD STRUT PRODUCTS
72

73. PHD PIPE HANGER PRODUCTS
73

74. Stiffy Supports – Light Duty Low Voltage
Engineered Supports

75. Typical Vibration Isolation
• Spring hangers for suspended equipment, piping,
and duct
• Un-housed spring mounts
• Seismically restrained spring mounts
• Neoprene mounts
• Neoprene hangers
• Equipment frames (e.g. cooling towers)
• Equipment inertia bases
• Riser supports (anchors, guides, and springs)
• Most material complies with Buy American Act

76. Flexible Hose and Expansion Joints
 Flexible Hose
• Stainless, bronze,
• CSA certified for natural gas
• Variety of end fittings
• Custom lengths
 Rubber sphere expansion joints
 Expansion compensators
 Seismic expansion joints
• V-loops for easy nesting
• U-loops
• Drain ports
• O2 cleaned, capped, and bagged for medical gas
• CSA certified for natural gas
 PTFE bellows and hose

77. Los Angeles, CA (HQ)
San Francisco, CA
San Diego, CA
Sacramento, CA
Phoenix, AZ
Las Vegas, NV
Portland, OR
Seattle, WA
Salt Lake City, UT
Denver, CO
Charlotte, NC
Atlanta, GA
New York, NY
San Juan, Puerto Rico
ISAT Office Locations
ISAT is opening additional offices in geographic regions where
building code compliance for nonstructural seismic restraints is
becoming more stringent.

78. ISAT’s Website…www.isatsb.com
A wealth of information at your fingertips!
THE END 78