Basic Site Criteria In Every Specification

January 11th, 2012

Fema Spec

Every job that has seismic considerations should have three basic site criteria listed in the mechanical, electrical and plumbing specification.  By being clear in a specification, an engineer is able to minimize risk and liability.  The three site criteria items that should be listed are:

 

  • Occupancy Category:  A classification used to determine structural load requirements including those imposed by wind, flood, snow and seismic based on the occupancy of the structure. 
    • This information can be found in the structural notes.  For a code reference, refer to Table 1604.5 - IBC 2006/ASCE 7-05 Occupancy Category of Buildings and Other Structures
    • There are (4) occupancy categories labeled I, II, III, IV.
  • Seismic Design Category:  A classification assigned to a structure based on its Seismic Use Group or Occupancy Category and the severity of the design earthquake ground motion at the site.
    • This can also be found in the structural notes.  This takes into account both the Occupancy category and the ground movement to determine the seismic requirements for the building.  
  • Component Importance Factor:  Factor applied to a component that defines the criticality of that component.  This factor can be either a 1.0 or a 1.5.
    • This is up to the MEP engineer to decide which components should have an Ip = 1.0 or 1.5.  
    • Typical equipment that should be considered to have an Ip = 1.5 might include but is not limited to:
      • All mechanical, electrical, plumbing, or fire protection systems that support the operation of, or are connected to, emergency power equipment.
      • All systems (MEP) involved with fire protection.
      • All gases or fluids that must be contained in a closed system which are flammable or combustible.  Any gas that poses a health hazard if released into the environment.
      • Equipment that is in an essential facility.
      • Etc.

 

For more information or a free consultation, call us at 901.685.8800, or email us at sales [at] bedsonreps [dot] com !

 

 Bedson Reps provides reliable solutions for Industrial Ventilation, Heating, Dust/Oil Mist/Smoke Collection, Vibration and Seismic Restraints for Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Alabama.

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