scope:

INTRODUCTION

There are two purposes for this paper. The first purpose is to provide some basic design information to size seismic supports for ductwork, piping and conduits. Basic design information can be used to determine the capacity of the support. The capacity should be in terms of tension and compression loads in the lateral support. For example the seismic demand will be transferred to the building structure through a lateral support consisting of a cable or strut that is at a 45 degree angle (plus or minus 5 degrees). All parts including the duct attachment, cable or strut, structural connection brackets, and anchorage should have capacity to properly transfer the load (demand) from the duct to the building structure based on the load in the lateral support.

The second purpose of this paper is to identify the issues in the current International Building Code and provide reasonable changes that will be submitted for adoption. This paper could be used to explain the relevant issues and proposed changes to a building code official which may be used as current enforcement. Adoption of these suggested changes to be applied in current building projects by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. Obviously there is some implied responsibility until these changes either are adopted or if these changes become standard practice by the engineering community as the practical way to implement a seismic restraint design.