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Seismic Bracing In Utah
Utah is known for its seismic risk, making seismic bracing all the more necessary. Seismic bracing mitigates the potential of damage in a seismic event, especially damage resulting from unrestrained MEP systems and equipment. VIE Engineers provides code-compliant seismic engineering services in Utah that enhance building safety and stability during seismic events.
Stability For Non-Structural Systems
Nonstructural systems, such as mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, piping, pneumatic tubing, and fire equipment, are more vulnerable to earthquake damage than structures. Not only that, but they can result in more costly damage. Seismic bracing stabilizes MEP systems, giving an effective solution to stabilize costs and decrease disaster.
When seismic events occur, seismic bracing allows systems to move relative to their supports, rather than resisting. This provides security, prevents damage, and improves the life-safety of people and property alike.
More Than Meeting Code Requirements
VIE’s seismic engineering services go beyond meeting code. VIE has developed multiple innovative techniques to reduce the number and sizes of seismic braces, ensuring that each of our clients receive cutting-edge work. VIE’s founder and president served on the ASCE 7 code committee and utilizes first-hand experience from investigating the aftermath of natural disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina, to deepen our understanding of seismic behavior. This provides clients with significantly enhanced value.
Some of VIE’s seismic bracing projects in Utah have included:
- The Salt Lake City International Airport.
- The NSA Utah Data Center.
- Numerous education and medical buildings at the University of Utah.
- Post-secondary educational facilities at the University of Utah, Utah State University, and Dixie College in Saint George, Utah.
- Multiple buildings for the University of Utah Medical Center.
- Several university student housing facilities.
- Multiple wells, water treatment plants, and process facilities for the Weber Basin Water District.
- Treatment facilities for the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District.
- Water treatment plants and water pumping facilities for the Central Utah Water Conservancy District.
- The $1.5 Billion City Center Mall in Salt Lake City.
Previous Projects
Utah Seismic Bracing Services
Utah is the most seismically hazardous state in the western United States that does not currently have a dedicated earthquake engineering center, although USU (Utah State University) has received $2.5M in order to launch the Utah Earthquake Engineering Center – a much needed move for the state. Utah has experienced 17 earthquakes greater than M5.5 since settlement in 1847, with investigations of faults indicating an extensive history of repeated earthquakes of M6.5 and greater prior to that.
Utah has very high earthquake risk, as approximately 80% of the state’s population lives along the Wasatch Fault. Experts agree that Utah is overdue for a large earthquake that is expected to be M7.0 or bigger. A major earthquake on the Wasatch Fault is likely to be one of the most costly natural disasters in the history of the United States. This is especially true due to Utah’s large number of unreinforced masonry structures (approximately 175,000), as URM’s are one of the primary causes of death during seismic events.
While VIE Engineers serves multiple Western and Midwestern states, our homebase is in Utah. We have seen the immense need for seismic engineering services in this state. We provide everything from seismic bracing to equipment anchorage to equipment seismic certification, grant writing, and more.
Why Choose VIE Engineers?
VIE Engineers is a seismic engineering consulting company based in Northern Utah that has become recognized experts in the earthquake engineering realm across the United States. VIE has over 40 years of experience in the field and has completed numerous projects with a total construction value approaching $10 billion in the past 7 years alone. We take pride in enabling clients to be prepared for the future with seismic engineering services that mitigate risk and preserve the safety of people and property alike.
We don’t just design seismic bracing. We work with CFC in order to provide our clients with everything that they need, from site reviews to design to bracing kits and more. Contact us today to learn more about our seismic bracing services in Utah.