Essential Facilities: When is Seismic Really Required?

August 3rd, 2010

9643

Per Section 1602 of the IBC, Essential Facilities are defined as:

 

  Buildings or other structures that are intended to remain operational in the event of extreme environmental loading from flood, wind, snow, or earthquakes.

 

To clarify, at a minimum, IBC Certification and Installation details are required for the following essential facilities:

  • Hospitals or other healthcare facilities
  • Fire, Rescue, and Police Stations
  • Designated earthquake, hurricane, or other emergency shelters
  • 911, communication, data, switching, operation centers
  • Most power-generating stations and other public utility facilities
  • Structures containing highly toxic materials
  • Buildings and structures having critical national defense functions
  • Most water treatment plants
  • Aviation control towers, air traffic control centers, emergency aircraft hangers, and some terminal buildings

These are all considered to be Essential Facilities.  Essential Facilities are required to remain operational after environmental loads meaning that if the building is intended continue to function after extreme environmental loads, then the critical equipment supporting the operation of the building must remain operational.

 

 

Questions about Seismic Applications?  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.

Back