Seismic Restraint of Non Structural Components ( Mechanical Equipment) 1

[StrLamp]

Hi Everyone,

The consultant has provided the following specification (see attached) for the attachment of mechanical equipment: they said it must be limited to the lateral force-resisting elements only. For example, in a steel building with OWSJ and a steel deck, they do not allow components to be attached to them.
In my understanding, these gravity members should remain intact during an earthquake; therefore, connecting any units to them should be acceptable.
Also, they have mentioned that any unit resting on vibration isolation should include a snubber as well. Why is this a requirement? I assume that spring vibration isolators may resonate with seismic forces, which is why they are asking for a snubber to be installed. Is this an explicit requirement?
I was not sure where I should direct this question, as seismic restraints are typically handled by the mechanical engineer in most cases.

Thank you,

 

[KootK]

I think you start with a more explicit understanding of what the EOR is trying to accomplish:

1) Don't direct any secondary structure towards fragile things. This includes all column and light duty floor & roof framing.

2) Provide the snubbers so that there is a limit to the extent that the restrained items can shift without slipping their moorings altogether.

 

[KootK]

I think you start with a more explicit understanding of what the EOR is trying to accomplish:

1) Don't direct any secondary structure seismic demand towards fragile things. This includes all columns and light duty floor & roof framing.

2) Provide the snubbers so that there is a limit to the extent that the restrained items can shift without slipping their moorings altogether.