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Seismic Testing

Seismic Testing, CAN 2-1708A.5 Section 4.2, and other standards

The 2007 California Building Code (CBC) CAN 2-1708A.5 Section 4.2 (Office of Statewide Health Planning & Development-OSHPD) has introduced new guidelines for seismic design of nonstructural components. These concepts are intended to improve the performance of essential nonstructural systems subject to strong ground shaking such as that resulting from earthquakes or nearby railways, airports, power plants and other possible causes of movement or vibrations.

Testing anchors for seismic shear and seismic tension

Stork is accredited by the International Accreditation Service (IAS) to conduct specialized testing on concrete anchors. This accreditation qualifies the St. Paul laboratory (Stork Twin City Testing) for all testing required for two acceptance criteria, AC193 and AC308, which include moving crack and seismic testing, as well as the Method A embrittlement test.

Independent, accredited, 3rd party testing

Special Seismic Certification is required for certain equipment and components pursuant to ASCE/SEI 7-05 Section 13.2.2. Stork laboratories can provide independent 3rd party testing and are accredited to International Standards Organization (ISO) accreditation standard 17025 as specified in State of California Code Application Notice (CAN) 2-1708A.5.

Stork seismic testing experts evaluate your active mechanical and electrical equipment as well as components with hazardous contents with testing on our shake table pursuant to Section 13.2.5 of ASCE/SEI 7-05 and AC156. 

Partners with Structural Engineers

When required, Stork partners with a Structural Engineering firm to handle all the required SE procedures, including reviewing the data and submitting your report.

Associations with standards and specifications applicable to Seismic Testing

2007 California Building Code (CBC) Sections 1708A.2, 1708A.5, 1702A and 1707A.9
CAN 2-1708A.5 Section 4.2

American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE/SEI), 7-05 Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures, Sections 13.2.1, 13.2.2, 13.2.5, 13.2.6, 13.1.3 and 13.1.4

ICC-ES AC193: Acceptance Criteria for Mechanical Anchors in Concrete Elements

ICC-ES AC308: Acceptance Criterial for Adhesive Anchors in Concrete Elements

ICC-ES AC156: Acceptance Criteria for Seismic Qualification by Shake-Table Testing of Nonstructural Components and Systems

ASTM E488: Standard Test Methods for Strength of Anchors in Concrete and Masonry Elements

OSHPD: Office of Statewide Health Planning & Development: Special Seismic Certification

Stork locations offering Seismic Testing services:

  • Stork Garwood Laboratories, Inc. - Pico Rivera, CA

  • Stork Garwood Laboratories, Inc. - San Clemente, CA

  • Stork Twin City Testing Corporation - St. Paul, MN

  • Stork East-West Technology Corporation - Jupiter, FL


    • Want to learn more about seismic testing, vibration testing, dynamics testing, anchor testing or other services we offer? Send us your question for a quick response. 

     

    Stork conducts seismic and earthquake testing to ASCE/SEI 7-05

    Seismic and earthquake testing services from Stork

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    Articles and papers relevant to Seismic Testing:

    Which nonstructural components require Special Seismic Certification?

    A piece of equipment or a components is subject to special seismic certification based on its importance and whether it is required to be functional immediately following an earthquake. According to CAN 2-1708A.5, the following equipment requires special seismic certification:
    1. Emergency and standby power systems equipment including generators, turbines, fuel tanks, and automatic transfer switches.
    2. Elevator equipment (except elevator cabs).
    3. Components with hazardous contents excluding pipes, and ducts.
    4. Smoke control fans.
    5. Switchgear.
    6. Motor control centers.
    7. Built-up or field assembled mechanical equipment.
    8. X-Ray machine(s) in the fluoroscopy room (as required to meet the minimum basic radiological/imaging service space requirements of Section 1224.18, 2007 CBC).
    9. Air conditioning units.
    10. Air handling units.
    11. Chillers used for HVAC.
    12. Cooling Towers designed as components.
    13. Transformers.
    14. Electrical substations.
    15. UPS and associated batteries.
    16. Distribution panels including electrical panel boards.
    17. Control panels, including fire alarm, fire suppression, preaction, and auxiliary or remote power supplies.

    Relevant standards and specifications for Seismic Testing:

  • ASTM E 488

  • CAN 2-1708A.5

  • ASCE/SEI 7-05

  • ICC-ES AC193

  • ICC-ES AC308

  • ICC-ES AC156