Overview

Projects that require seismic restraints for MEP systems and components require project-specific certification(s) that the design of the seismic restraints selected for the MEP systems and their components will meet the most stringent code, specification, or details.

This certification must be provided both in the submittals and in the construction documents.

For the submittal of seismic restraints and supports, the certification may be satisfied by one of the following means.

  1. Project and site-specific designs and documentation that are prepared and submitted by a registered design professional.
  2. Manufacturer’s certification accompanying the submittal that the restraints are seismically qualified for the project and site. This certification is normally made via the process described below:
    • Analysis Method

      This is typical for the seismic restraints used for MEP systems and components. Manufacturers of these seismic restraint devices will normally have families of the various types of restraint devices that have different seismic force capacity ranges.

      The manufacturer will perform an analysis to determine the project and site-specific seismic design loads, and then analyze the MEP system and/or components to determine the required restraint capacities at the restraint attachment points to the system and/or components. The proper restraint will be selected from the manufacturer’s standard product offering, or a special restraint may be designed and built for the application.

      The manufacturer’s certification will include a statement signed and sealed by a registered design professional that the restraint devices will meet the appropriate code, specification, and/or details. The manufacturer of the restraint devices may have them tested in accordance with ICC-ES AC 156 as outlined in Sections 9.6.3.6 and A.9.3.4.5 of ASCE 7-98/02 and Section 13.2.5 of ASCE 7-05 (ASCE is the American Society of Civil Engineers).

      They will then provide a signed and sealed certification document stating that the restraint devices will provide adequate protection for the MEP system and components.

Registered Design Professional

The registered design professional mentioned above needs to be one with knowledge and experience in force analysis, stress analysis, and the proper use of steel, aluminum, elastomers, and other engineering materials in the design of force-resisting systems. There are several disciplines that may fulfill these requirements such as structural engineers, civil engineers, and mechanical engineers involved in the area of machine design.

EASE Company

PRIMUS’ seismic calculations are prepared by EASE Company which was founded in 1987 as a separate firm by Thompson & La Brie Structural Engineers. EASE specifically works with equipment manufacturers to provide calculations and details necessary to accommodate state and local building department requirements.

California Code

PRIMUS recognizes that California has one of the most stringent seismic equipment anchorage requirements. Because of this, PRIMUS utilizes the California/International Building Codes (CBC/IBC) as guidance for any area requiring seismic restraints. The California / International Building Codes (CBC/IBC) require all stationary equipment to be anchored to its supporting structure (CBC 2007, Section 1613a & IBC 2006, Section 1613). In addition, much of this equipment must have calculations to validate its method of anchorage (ASCE 7-05, Section 13.1.4). For ceiling or wall-supported equipment, a calculation must be provided for any piece of equipment that weighs 20 pounds or more. For floor-mounted equipment, the requirement is for equipment that weighs 400 pounds or more or is over 60 inches in height.

Other States

Many states such as Utah, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington are recognizing California’s Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) requirements because of their complete and thorough review of equipment anchorages.

OSHPD is the governing agency for hospital construction in California and for more information, please go to http://www.oshpd.ca.gov. When required, PRIMUS will contract with design engineers in a particular area for seismic calculations if the company’s existing approvals are not recognized.

Additional Information

If you would like more information on seismic restraints, or how it pertains to PRIMUS’ steam sterilizers, please contact the SPIRE corporate office at 402-344-4200, or via email at info@spire-is.com


Have a question or having difficulties? Talk to Dave Schall, our PRIMUS sterilizer expert who is here to assist you anytime at 877.679.7800 extension 1212 or email at dschall@spire-is.com.

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