equipment pad 1

[newdnbea]

for seismic design ASCE requires components to be securely fasten to the supporting structure. sometimes we design concrete pads to support an HVAC units outside buildings. it seems funny we anchor the unit to the pad but the pad itself is not securely attached to something else. since the pad is embeded very shallow to the soil to me the pad and the equipment can be thrown the air together during an earthquake. is there a min embedment requirement for shallow foundations? thanks.

 

[Demonic996TT]

By that logic you would have to anchor your foundations foundation with another foundation and so on.....with an equipment mat the sliding resistance should control over overturning moment, especially with your equipment being short. If your sliding stability needs to be increased embedding the footing will increase it, but it is doubtful you need it with the load described.