VIE is one of the few seismic engineering firms in the United States to provide equipment seismic certification through analysis methods rather than shake-table testing. VIE achieves this objective using both seismic analysis and seismic performance database methods. This process is significantly more cost-effective than the more commonplace shake-table testing, and is approved by multiple review authorities, such as ASCE 7, IBC, UFC, and more.
About Equipment Seismic Certification
Current building codes require seismic certification of certain critical or life-safety related equipment. This equipment typically has an “Importance Factor” of 1.5. This means that anchorage design forces must be increased by 50% over what is required by noncritical equipment.
More importantly though, Ip = 1.5 equipment must often be certified that it can remain functional during and after a seismic event. The process to achieve this is called Seismic Certification.
Approved Equipment Seismic Certifications From Government Agencies
VIE Engineers successfully enables equipment suppliers and contractors to achieve seismic certification through analysis and experience data methods. These methods are specifically listed as approved seismic certification methods in current building codes. These approvals have been obtained from governmental agencies in multiple states, as well as from multiple Federal and State governmental agencies.
Certification by analysis and experience data methods are typically far less expensive than shake-table testing methods. Analysis and experience data certification reports can frequently be prepared in two to three weeks. Analysis and experience data methods do not require shipping equipment to a shake table test facility. In contrast, shake table methods do require shipping of equipment to a shake table test facility. Waiting time for shake table testing can be on the order of several months to one year.
Through providing equipment seismic certifications by using experience data instead, we’ve been able to save our clients hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Classes Of Equipment We Certify
VIE Engineers have successfully performed equipment seismic certifications for the following classes of equipment:
- Electrical Equipment: Electrical Switchgear, Low and High Voltage Transformers, Battery Systems, Motor Control Centers, other Emergency Power Equipment, and UPS units.
- Mechanical Equipment: Boilers, Pumps, Generators, and Custom Process Equipment.
- Instrumentation and Controls: Custom Control System Cabinets, Computer Systems, and Equipment Control Panels.
Samples Of Our Work
Here, we show an example of the testing for our certifications to illustrate this approach.
Not only do we conduct the analysis, we also issue seismic certifications. See an example certification below.