Little P.Eng. for Engineering Services is a leader in seismic analysis and design for BUILDING STRUCTURES, NONSTRUCTURAL COMPONENTS, & SEISMIC BRACING solutions. we have supported the industry for years. Our seismic design, seismic bracing solution is essential for civil / structural projects (residential / industrial / commercial) buildings, Electrical Conduit Bracing, Plumbing Pipe Bracing, Mechanical Pipe Bracing, Mechanical Ductwork Bracing.
Our professional Structural & Mechanical engineers have a huge experience and participated in a wide variety of engineering projects involving Structural seismic design and analysis. Also, designed Seismic Bracing systems that are specifically designed and engineered to brace and secure suspended non-structural equipment (VAV boxes, fans, unit heaters, small in-line pumps, etc.) and components (HVAC duct, conduit/cable tray, and piping) within a building or structure to minimize damage from an earthquake or seismic event.
Why Seismic Bracing Is Important
Little P.Eng. Engineering wants to ensure that every building in an earthquake-sensitive area has proper seismic bracing for a variety of reasons. As a building owner, you know that Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Firefighting systems are some of the largest construction investments. You also know that they are critical for the continued operation of buildings. Earthquakes in the past have continually demonstrated that Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Firefighting systems without the proper bracing are extremely vulnerable if they are not properly designed for seismic activity. The superior seismic bracing from Little P.Eng. Engineering will protect any hospital, fire department station, police station and other essential facilities.
Seismic Hazards information as per American Codes
The number-one goal of a building code is to protect people. The building code that governs the majority of the United States is the International Building Code (IBC), which is published by the International Code Council (ICC). IBC Chapter 16, as well as Chapters 11-13 and 15-23 of American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 7—Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures, address seismic design. Although the main purpose of the IBC is to safeguard against major structural failures and loss of life, this does not imply that damage should be limited or the function of the building be maintained. Buildings and other structures that support the mechanical, electrical, or plumbing (MEP) components are divided into occupancy categories (IBC Table 1604.5), which are used to determine the level of seismic loads and detailing required.
Seismic Hazards information as per National Building Codes of Canada (NBCC)
Building design for various earthquake loads is addressed in sections 4.1.8, 9.20.1.2, 9.23.10.2, 9.31.6.2, and 6.2.1.3 of the NBCC. In addition, a table in Appendix C starting on page C-11 of Division B, volume 2 of the Code provides ground motion design values for many of the larger communities across Canada. While the National Building Code is chiefly intended for new buildings (Article 1.1.1.1 of Division A), appendix A (appendix note A-1.1.1.1) outlines the principles by which the code should also be applied to the use and modification of existing buildings.
The seismic hazard is described by spectral-acceleration values at periods of 0.2, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 seconds. Spectral acceleration is a measure of ground motion that takes into account the sustained shaking energy at a particular period. It is a better measure of potential damage than the peak measures used by the 1995 code, and thus will improve earthquake-resistant design. Peak Ground Acceleration is still used for foundation design. All parameters are expressed as a fraction of gravity. The four spectral parameters allow the construction of uniform hazard spectra (UHS) for every place in Canada.
Ground motion probability values are given in terms of probable exceedance, that is the likelihood of a given horizontal acceleration or velocity being exceeded during a particular period. The probability used in the NBCC is 0.000404 per annum, equivalent to a 2-per-cent probability of exceedance over 50 years. This means that over a 50-year period there is a 2-per-cent chance of an earthquake causing ground motion greater than the given expected value.
Most buildings are well designed for withstanding vertical forces, but the horizontal component of ground motion is critical to earthquake-resistant building design. In the urban areas of coastal British Columbia, for example, 40-per-cent gravity is a typical seismic load at an appropriate probability for buildings. A building, designed to tolerate a sideward pushing force equal to 40 per cent of its own weight, should prove earthquake resistant.
Premium Seismic Restraint Systems in USA and Canada
Little P.Eng. Engineering is the leading company for seismic restraint systems anywhere earthquakes can happen. We provide seismic bracing for new construction or for retrofitting of existing construction for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Firefighting) systems throughout Canada and USA. As leaders in the seismic brace industry, we can help ensure that your building stays safe and functional. With more than 20 years' experience, our extensive knowledge and our large-scale capabilities make us the best choice for seismic restraint systems. Little P.Eng. Engineering provides the highest level of service to our customers. Whether you are a contractor tasked with constructing a new building or an owner representative of that building, we'll work with you and your needs to provide the best options available. We here at Little P.Eng. Engineering, can provide everything from a simple mark-up of your plans to assistance with 3D model design—for both a new construction or an older building that needs to be retrofitted.
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Little P.Eng. Seismic design experts are professionals who specialize in the design of buildings and other structures to be resistant to earthquakes and other seismic events. These experts typically have advanced training in structural engineering and have a thorough understanding of the principles of earthquake engineering. Little P.Eng. Seismic design experts use specialized software and tools to analyze the structure of a building and determine the appropriate seismic design elements and features to include in the building's design. Some of the key considerations in seismic design include the location of the building, the soil conditions at the site, the local building codes and regulations, and the expected level of ground shaking during an earthquake. Seismic design experts always work as consultants, providing advice and guidance to architects and other design professionals, or work directly for design firms or construction companies as subcontractors. We are always involved in the review and approval process for building projects across Canada and USA, ensuring that the design meets all necessary standards and requirements.
Codes:
American Concrete Institute: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete.
American Society of Civil Engineers: Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures (ASCE 7).
Federal Emergency Management Agency: Installing Seismic Restraints for Mechanical Equipment (FEMA 412.
Federal Emergency Management Agency: Installing Seismic Restraints for Electrical Equipment (FEMA 413).
Federal Emergency Management Agency: Installing Seismic Restraints for Duct and Pipe (FEMA 414).
International Code Council: International Building Code.
National Building Codes of Canada (NBCC)