Navigating the Uncertainty: Exploring Seismic Certification of Nonstructural Components
Seismic certification of nonstructural components remains an imprecise practice, presenting challenges for those responsible for ensuring the safety, operation, and resilience of facilities and systems following a large earthquake event. These components vary in size and complexity, from electronics cabinets and switchgear to air-handlers and chillers, making a standardized certification process virtually impossible. Many manufacturers, vendors, and engineers offer seismically certified equipment, but project teams often have questions: What is actually being certified? What does it mean to be certified? Is there a defined performance standard?
In this webinar, we will delve into the complexities surrounding the seismic performance and certification of nonstructural components within the framework of building codes and design standards. We will explore how building codes address seismic resilience and the diverse methodologies that project teams can use to demonstrate seismic adequacy. Through a series of insights and examples to illustrate the nuances of the certification process, we will share lessons learned on how to adequately specify the appropriate seismic performance level needed for all nonstructural components.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After this webinar, attendees will be able to:
- Understand the nuanced meaning of seismic certification of nonstructural components.
- Understand how building codes address the seismic resilience of nonstructural components.
- Recognize the techniques used to demonstrate the seismic performance of nonstructural components.
- Discuss when seismic certification is necessary and how to specify adequate seismic performance levels for nonstructural components.
Participants will earn 1 AIA CES Learning Unit (LU/HSW) for attending the live webinar. Registration is free. Please note that space is limited – email events@sgh.com to join our waitlist if the session is closed when you register.
About the Speaker
William (Bill) Bruin has experience in risk consulting, marine and port engineering, and project management for a wide range of industrial and waterfront projects. He specializes in condition assessment, response evaluation, risk identification, hazard mitigation, due-diligence assessment, asset management, and design. Beyond his technical skills, he has participated in disaster response and recovery efforts, serving on earthquake reconnaissance teams and marine oil terminal site assessments impacted by tsunamis. He actively contributes to the engineering field as a member of multiple committees and has co-authored content for engineering manuals.
Derrick Watkins has specialized experience designing, analyzing, constructing, and repairing structures. His subject matter expertise includes complex finite element analysis, seismic design for extreme earthquake events, design of rotating and vibrating equipment supports and foundations, pressure vessels and liquid storage tanks, vibration mitigation, impact and blast considerations, aircraft impact assessment, anchorage to concrete, and equipment seismic testing and certification. He has helped to pioneer and standardize procedures and reporting for seismic certification of nonstructural components. He is an active member of several code committees, including the ASCE Committee 4 on Seismic Analysis of Safety-Related Nuclear Structures and Committee 43 on Seismic Design Criteria for Structures, Systems, and Components in Nuclear Facilities.
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