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Restraining Mechanical Equipment
Restraints are used to prevent equipment and systems from moving horizontally, vertically, or from turning over. The purpose of restraining is to prevent equipment from damaging itself (rendering it non-functional) or damaging adjacent systems that need to remain operational during an Extreme Event. The restraint or anchoring systems must provide a direct load path to the main structure of the building. In all cases, the use of gravity and friction are not acceptable forms of restraint.
Typical equipment includes fans, pumps, tanks, chillers, cooling towers, rooftop air handling equipment and boilers.
Seismic Spring Isolators Our restrained spring type isolators with housings are designed to prevent excessive equipment movement due to seismic and wind forces. |
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Seismic Inline Pump Stands Our engineered inline pump support stands help minimize space requirements while providing the necessary restraint. |
Seismic Pipe Stands Our seismic pipe stands allow for quicker and easier pipe installation, and provide the required seismic resisting force when supporting the dead load. |
Seismic Restraint Brackets Our standardized seismic equipment restraint brackets save installation time and effort and match a variety of equipment base styles. |
Pads Type N and NSN neoprene rubber pads can be cut to specific sizes to match loading conditions. Type RD neoprene mounts include a threaded insert for attachment. Both options provide effective high frequency isolation on stiff structures. |
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| Component | Design Considerations | |
|---|---|---|
| Indoor base mounted equipment (pumps, compressors, air handling units, tanks, etc.) | Anchor equipment to housekeeping pads, keeping in mind anchor edge distance and anchor embedment depth |  |
| Ensure that housekeeping pads have been reinforced and positively attached to the building structure for the designed equipment’s seismic and overturning loads | ||
| Verify that housekeeping pads have adequate depth for anchor embedment | ||
| Establish that restraint brackets are adequately attached to the equipment | ||
| Vibration control products shall be seismically rated and should not affect the restraint system | ||
| Indoor Suspended equipment (fans, unit heaters, filter, units, etc.) | Restrain to structure by using a cable or rigid restraint system |  |
| Confirm that hanger rods are sufficiently sized or reinforced for seismic up-lift loads | ||
| Vibration control products shall be seismically rated and should not affect the restraint system | ||
| Rooftop equipment (rooftop units, condensing units, cooling towers, air cooled chillers, etc.) | Curbs, sleepers or dunage steel should be positively attached to a structure in order to withstand seismic and wind loads |  |
| Ensure that curb or sleeper construction are both seismically and wind rated | ||
| Establish that equipment is positively attached and anchored to the curb, sleeper or dunage steel | ||
| Vibration control products shall be seismically rated and should not affect the restraint system |
