Kinetics™ Seismic Design Manual Forward
An industry leader, Kinetics Noise Control has engineered and manufactured vibration isolation, noise control products and seismic restraint systems for over 40 years. With the advent of recent changes to the building codes, in particular with respect to a building’s ability to survive seismic events, there is a new focus on the proper design, application and installation of equipment restraint componentry.
To address this need, Kinetics Noise Control has taken a more active role in the development of new restraint devices that are more effective than those produced by the industry in the past. In conjunction with the development of hardware, this manual has been published as an aid to project specifiers, architects, engineers, and installation contractors.
The primary focus of this manual is to offer a guide to meeting the different requirements specified in the various building codes in ways that are more easily understood than in the original code format. The key to the manual is its ability to link both code and project requirements to products and design solutions with a minimum of effort.
Often raised questions and frequently encountered field problems are addressed in the earlier segments of this manual. Prior to designing or installing a restraint system, those parties involved should read and become familiar with these sections. A full understanding of them will allow an installation to move ahead smoothly with a minimum of difficulty.
Interpretations of code language are included for areas in which there is often confusion. Because this manual is focused on the restraint of equipment, large segments of the existing code language intended to address items beyond the scope of the mechanical system, and generally not of interest to those using this manual, have been reduced to a more manageable size.
Piping and duct restraint is covered in detail because of the high level of input and guidance needed at the field level. Addressed in this section are piping, conduit and ducting systems, cable and strut restraint arrangements, and various anchorage systems.
This manual was written to allow the user to maintain compliance with SMACNA to the maximum extent possible. When there are areas where safe, functional systems can be installed at a lower cost or level of effort than is dictated by the SMACNA guidelines, these are pointed out as possible options. It is not the intent of this manual to be fully SMACNA compatible, however, and when SMACNA is specified the end user should obtain and reference their manual as well.
Also included in this manual are guidelines for determining the level of restraint required and the quantity of restraint components needed for various pieces of equipment in various locations. Different types of restraints are identified with explanations as to which ones might be the most appropriate for particular situations and why.
Design and sizing information for interfacing items such as anchorage components and housekeeping pads are addressed as well.