Requirements For Seismic Qualification of HVACR Equipment

ANSI/AHRI Standard 1270 (I-P)
2015 Standard for
Requirements for
Seismic Qualification
of HVACR Equipment
Approved by ANSI on November 6, 2015

IMPORTANT
SAFETY DISCLAIMER
AHRI does not set safety standards nor does it certify or guarantee the safety of any products, components or
systems designed, tested, rated, installed or operated in accordance with this standard/guideline. It is strongly
recommended that products be designed, constructed, assembled, installed and operated in accordance with
nationally recognized safety standards and code requirements appropriate for products covered by this
standard/guideline.
AHRI uses its best efforts to develop standards/guidelines employing state-of-the-art and accepted industry
practices. AHRI does not certify or guarantee that any tests conducted under its standards/guidelines will be
non-hazardous or free from risk.
Note:
This standard supersedes the 2013 version.

For SI ratings, see ANSI/AHRI Standard 1271 (SI)-2015.
Price $10.00 (M) $20.00 (NM) ©Copyright 2015, by Air-Conditioning Heating and Refrigeration Institute
Printed in U.S.A. Registered United States Patent and Trademark Office
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1. Purpose ............................................................................................................................................. 1
Section 2. Scope ................................................................................................................................................ 1
Section 3. Definitions ........................................................................................................................................ 1
Section 4. Symbols ............................................................................................................................................ 4
Section 5. Equipment......................................................................................................................................... 4
Section 6. Seismic Demand ............................................................................................................................... 8
Section 7. Seismic Capacity of Equipment by Analysis .................................................................................. 10
Section 8. Seismic Capacity of Equipment by Testing .................................................................................... 13
Section 9. Report Requirements ...................................................................................................................... 18
Section 10. Seismic Rating of Equipment ....................................................................................................... 21
TABLES
Table 1. Seismic Performance Level; Functionality (per ASCE 7 Section 13.2.2) ........................................... 6
Table 2. Seismic Performance Level; Structural Integrity (per ASCE 7 Section 13.2.1) .................................. 7
Table 3. Load Combinations ........................................................................................................................... 12
Table 4. Analytical Procedures ........................................................................................................................ 13
Table 5. Functional Requirements For Designated Seismic Systems .............................................................. 15
Table 6. Allowable Minor Damage States for Designated Seismic Systems .................................................. 16
Table 7. Allowable Minor Damage States for Components of Designated Seismic System Equipment ........ 17
APPENDICIES
Appendix A. References – Normative ............................................................................................................. 22
Appendix B. References – Informative ........................................................................................................... 23
Appendix C. ASCE 7 Commentary C13 Seismic Design Requirements for Nonstructural Components -
Informative ................................................................................................................................ 25
Appendix D. Seismic Design of Liquid Storage Tanks-Informative ............................................................... 26
Appendix E. Software Validation- Normative ................................................................................................ 28

FIGURES
Figure 1. Qualification Flowchart ..................................................................................................................... 5
Figure 2. RRS, Normalized For Equipment ...................................................................................................... 8

ANSI/AHRI STANDARD 1270 (I-P)-2015
REQUIREMENTS FOR SEISMIC QUALIFICATION

OF HVACR EQUIPMENT
Section 1. Purpose
1.1 Purpose. The purpose of this standard is to define the requirements for seismic qualification of
mechanical HVACR Equipment. The 2012 International Building Code® (IBC) includes a number of
provisions for seismic design and certification of nonstructural components. These provisions are intended to
improve the performance of non-essential and essential nonstructural systems subject to strong ground shaking.
Both the IBC and the American Society of Civil Engineers Standard SEI/ASCE 7 (ASCE 7) contain
requirements for qualification of Equipment.
Section 2. Scope
2.1 Scope. This standard applies to the following Equipment: Fan Coil Units, Unit Ventilators, Air
Handling Units, Coils, Air-to-Air Heat Exchangers, Vertical Packaged Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps,
Packaged Terminal Equipment, Dehumidifiers, Flow and Contaminant Controls, Furnaces, Humidifiers, Liquid
Chillers, Thermal Storage Equipment, Unitary Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps (including Ductless
Equipment), and Water-Source Heat Pumps. This standard does not apply to any other products. This standard
describes the methods for equipment qualification and the process to determine equipment Seismic Capacity.
The applicability of this standard to equipment not specifically listed in the scope has not been considered.
Section 3. Definitions
All terms in this document shall follow the standard industry definitions in the current edition of ASHRAE
Terminology website (https://www.ashrae.org/resources--publications/free-resources/ashrae-terminology) or
the International Code Council Evaluation Services (ICC-ES) Acceptance Criteria AC156 (AC156), unless
otherwise defined in this section.
3.1 Active Component. A component or sub-assembly that is critical to the functional performance
of the equipment that includes moving or rotating parts, electrical parts such as switches or relays, or
other internal components that are sensitive to earthquake forces.
Examples of Active Components include: fans, variable frequency drives, control panels, and damper
assemblies.
3.2 Active Equipment. Equipment that contains Active Components.
3.3 Allowable Stress Design (ASD). A comparison of the stresses in the connections/elements
defined in the Equipment Force-Resisting System (EFRS) determined by analysis from the effects of
design loads to the allowable stresses for the material used in the EFRS.
3.4 Attachments. The devices or hardware used to secure or restrain the Equipment to the building
structure. Attachments or restraints of the Equipment include anchor bolts, welded connections, and
mechanical fasteners.
3.5 Attachment Point. The point at which the Equipment is connected to the building structure.
This connection point is designed to transfer seismic forces between the structure and the Equipment.
3.6 Certificate of Compliance. A certificate stating the Seismic Capacity of Equipment determined
using methods of this standard.
1
3.7 Certification Response Spectrum (CRS). For shake table testing, certification will be performed
based on a Required Response Spectrum (RRS) which determines the input motion at the equipment
attachment. For this application, the CRS is the RRS. For dynamic analysis certification of Equipment,
the CRS defines the forcing function in terms of octaves used by the analysis program to define the
input of motion at the equipment attachment. The CRS constitutes the Seismic Capacity of the
Equipment if it satisfies the acceptance criteria as defined in this standard.
3.8 Component. Devices that can be individually qualified per this standard and joined with other
Pre-Qualified Components or EFRS qualified separately for multi-component Equipment such as
motors, coils, fans, valves, dampers, etc.
3.9 Component Amplification Factor. A factor for a component that is not attached to the
Equipment’s substructure at the base, but somewhere above in the unit. The unit may have some
internal amplification because of the response to the dynamic forcing functions. For example, a fan on
top of a cooling tower may see higher seismic shaking than if it was attached to the base. This higher
demand must be defined so the fan (Component) will need to have a higher capacity in order for the
cooling tower itself to be rated at the demand at the attachment point.
3.10 Damping. Energy dissipation mechanism that reduces amplification and broadens the vibratory
response. Damping is expressed as a percentage of critical Damping applied near the natural frequency
of the Equipment.
3.11 Design Earthquake. The earthquake effects that are two-thirds of the corresponding maximum
considered earthquake (MCE) effects.
3.12 Designated Seismic System. The architectural, electrical and mechanical systems and their
Equipment and components that require design in accordance with Chapter 13 of ASCE 7 and for
which the importance factor, Ip, is equal to 1.5 in accordance with Section 13.1.3 of ASCE 7.
3.13 Equipment. Products manufactured to perform HVACR functions. These products are
manufactured by combining components with an EFRS. In context of this standard, these products are
evaluated to determine the maximum Seismic Demand that the HVACR Equipment will survive and
continue to function following a seismic event.
3.14 Equipment Qualified by Test (EQT). Equipment identified to be qualified by shake table test.
3.15 Equipment Force-Resisting System (EFRS). A system of elements within the Equipment that
include brackets, braces, frames, and struts that provides the seismic load path transmitting seismic
forces to the equipment Attachment Points.
3.16 Flexible Equipment. Equipment, including its attachment and force-resisting structural system,
that has a fundamental period greater than 0.06 second (frequency less than 16.67 Hz).
3.17 Functional Requirements. High level actions that the Equipment must achieve that define the
Equipment to be functional.
3.18 Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD). Comparison of the load on the connections/elements
defined in the EFRS determined by analysis from the effects of design loads to the allowable strength
for the configuration of the connection and material used in the EFRS.
3.19 Performance Requirements. Parameters that can be measured such as pressure, revolutions per
minute (RPM), flow rates, and physical dimensions. The Performance Requirements are measured
before and after a shake table test and must be equivalent or within tolerance for the Functional
Requirements to be met.
3.20 Pre-Qualified Component. Active or energized components seismically pre-qualified to a

specific g-level used in multi-component Equipment.
2
3.21 Required Response Spectrum (RRS). The response spectrum as defined by AC156 to create the
required demand on the Equipment. The response spectrum is generated from formulas available in
AC156 and is used as the Seismic Capacity in the certification of Equipment.
3.22 Rigid Equipment. Equipment, including its Attachments and EFRS, that has a fundamental
period less than or equal to 0.06 second (frequency greater than or equal to 16.67 Hz).
3.23 Rugged Component. A nonstructural component that has been shown to consistently function
after design earthquake level or greater seismic events based on past earthquake experience data or
past seismic testing when adequately anchored or supported. The classification of a nonstructural
component as rugged shall be based on a comparison of the specific component with components of
similar strength and stiffness. Common examples of rugged components include: AC motors,
compressors and base mounted horizontal pumps.
3.24 Rugged Equipment. Equipment judged to survive design earthquake motion without Significant
Loss of Function and qualified by engineering judgment such that the Equipment does not require
further testing or analysis.
3.25 Seismic Capacity. The maximum analytical or test acceleration at which the Equipment can
satisfy the performance criteria as defined in Section 5.
3.26 Seismic Demand. Seismic forces resulting from ground motion that are defined in the IBC. The
maximum design acceleration of the seismic forces is the demand. The Seismic Demand can be a
single value that corresponds to the maximum value of the RRS.
3.27 "Shall," "Should," "Recommended," or "It Is Recommended." "Shall," "should,"

"recommended," or "it is recommended" shall be interpreted as follows:
3.27.1 Shall. Where "shall" or "shall not" is used for a provision specified, that provision
is mandatory if compliance with the standard is claimed.
3.27.2 Should, Recommended, or It Is Recommended. "Should," "recommended," or "it is

recommended" is used to indicate provisions which are not mandatory but which are desirable
as good practice.
3.28 Significant Loss of Function. The functional state of Equipment or Components that cannot be
restored in a timely fashion to their original function by competent technicians after design earthquake
motion because the Equipment or Components require parts that are not normally stocked locally or
not readily available.
3.29 Test Response Spectrum (TRS). The acceleration response spectrum developed by the motion
of the shake table to provide an input motion that simulates an earthquake for the qualification of
Equipment. This motion is created to develop the CRS at the equipment attachment point. The TRS
shall envelope the RRS with limited exceptions.
3.30 Transmissibility. A non-dimensional ratio that defines the force amplitude factor of load path
in the EFRS in terms of steady-state forced vibration. The ratio may be expressed in terms of force,
displacement, velocity, or acceleration and is used to characterize resonant modes of structural
vibration.
3.31 Zero Period Acceleration (ZPA). The maximum peak acceleration used to derive a specific
applied time history spectrum (the peak acceleration AFLX is greater than the ZPA).
3
Section 4. Symbols
4.1 Symbols. The following symbols are used in this document. Refer to ASCE 7 and AC156 for
additional information.
AFLX-H = The probable maximum horizontal spectral acceleration that Flexible Equipment will
experience in a seismic event defined by AC156.
AFLX-V = The probable maximum vertical spectral acceleration that Flexible Equipment will
experience in a seismic event defined by AC156.
ap = In-structure equipment amplification factor. The ap represents a comparison of the
equipment’s natural frequency to the fundamental frequency of the building structure as
determined in ASCE 7 Section 13.6-1.
ARIG-H = Horizontal spectral acceleration that Rigid Equipment will experience in a seismic event
defined by AC156.
ARIG-V = Vertical spectral acceleration that Rigid Equipment will experience in a seismic event defined
by AC156.
D = Dead Load as used in the load combination formulas.
F = Load due to fluids with well-defined pressures and maximum heights.
Fp = An equivalent horizontal static force that represents the dynamic accelerations of a seismic
event used in the prescriptive method identified by ASCE 7 Section 13.3.1. The horizontal
seismic design force is applied at the equipment’s center of gravity.
H = Load due to lateral earth pressure, ground water pressure or pressure of bulk materials.
h = Average building/structure roof height with respect to grade as defined in ASCE 7 Section
13.3.1.
Ip = Equipment importance factor. Ip represents the life-safety importance factor of the Equipment
or Component as defined in ASCE 7 Section 13.1.3.
L = Live load.
ρ = Redundancy factor based on the extent of structural redundancy present in a structure as
defined in ASCE 7, Section 12.3.4. ρ = 1.0 for nonstructural components.
QE = Earthquake Load as used in the load combination formulas.
Rp = Equipment response modification factor. Rp represents the capability of the Equipment and
attachment to absorb energy, as defined in ASCE 7 Section 13.6.1.
S = Snow load.
SDS = Design spectral response acceleration at short period (0.2 secs), as determined in ASCE 7
Section 11.4.4.
Wp = Equipment operating weight, including all contents, as defined in ASCE 7 Section 13.3.1.
z = Height of the equipment attachment to the structure with respect to grade (ground level) as
defined in ASCE 7 Section 13.3.1. For items at or below grade, z shall be 0.0 and not negative.
Section 5. Equipment
5.1 Applicability. Equipment shall be seismically qualified per the requirements contained in this standard.
The qualification processes are shown in Figure 1. For each piece of Equipment, the seismic qualification
method shall be identified as provided in Tables 1 and 2. As the complexity of Equipment increases, the
methods allowed to qualify Equipment become more limited. Components can be qualified separately for multi-
component Equipment. Component complexity may require the component to be qualified separately from the
equipment EFRS especially for electronic components. Components that are deemed rugged are exempt from
qualification.
For Equipment and Components to meet the special qualification requirements for Designated Seismic
Systems, the device shall be shown to be functional after an earthquake as required by Section 13.2.2 in ASCE
7. When the Equipment is not part of a Designated Seismic System, the device’s structural integrity shall be
qualified in accordance with Table 2. In both cases, Attachments are not included in the qualification. The
qualification of the Equipment shall include the loads applied at the Attachment Points.
4
Search Table 1 and

Table 2 to identify the
Seismic Qualification
Method for the
equipment.
Test Analysis
Develop Qualification Plan Identify components that require

qualification by test.
Perform Pre-test Determine Analysis Method for Equipment

and components defined in Table 3:
 Static Analysis
 Dynamic Analysis
 Qualification by Similarity
Perform Shake Table Test  Use pre-qualified components
Develop Qualification Plan

Perform Post-test
Perform Analysis
Prepare Final Report
Prepare Final Report
Figure 1. Qualification Flowchart
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Table 1. Seismic Performance Level5; Functionality (per ASCE 7 Section 13.2.2)

Component
Qualification Method Qualification Focus ap Rp Ip
Description
Static Analysis Attachment Point 1.0 See Note 6 1.5
Non-vibration
Isolated Rugged Dynamic Analysis Attachment Point RRS See Note 6 1.5
Component4
Shake Table Test Attachment Point per Standard AC156
Vibration Isolated
Rugged Dynamic Analysis Attachment Point RRS See Note 6 1.5
Component4
Non-vibration
Isolated Active or Component Functionality
Shake Table Test3 per Standard AC156
Energized and Attachment Point
Component
Vibration Isolated Shake Table Test Component Functionality
Per Standard AC156
Active Component w/Isolation Mounts and Attachment Point
Equipment
Description
EFRS and Attachment
Static Analysis 2.5 See Note 6 1.5
Point
1.0
Static Analysis w/Natural EFRS and Attachment
or See Note 6 1.5
Frequency1 Point
Rugged Equipment4 2.52
EFRS and Attachment
Dynamic Analysis RRS See Note 6 1.5
Point
EFRS and Attachment
Shake Table Test per Standard AC156
Point
Static Analysis of EFRS and
1.0
Dynamic Analysis4 Equipment Functionality
or See Note 6 1.5
(Component Qualification and Attachment Point
2.52
also required)
Non-vibration
Isolated Active Dynamic Analysis of EFRS
Equipment Functionality
Equipment (Component Qualification RRS See Note 6 1.5
and Attachment Point
also required)
Equipment Functionality
Shake Table Test per Standard AC156
Vibration Isolated Shake Table Test Equipment Functionality
per Standard AC156
Active Equipment w/Isolation Mounts and Attachment Point
Static Analysis w/Sloshing Equipment Functionality
ASCE 7
Liquid Storage Effects and Attachment Point
Tanks4 Equipment Functionality
Dynamic Analysis ASCE 7
Notes:
1. Natural frequency can be determined by dynamic analysis or other means.
2. The value of ap equal to 1.0 is for rigid Components and Equipment. The value of ap equal to 2.5 is for flexible
Components and Equipment. See Section 2 for definitions of rigid and flexible.
3. Dynamic analysis required to determine amplification factors for shake table testing of active or energized
Components.
4. ASME pressure vessels are considered rugged but still require an evaluation of the EFRS
5. The local authority having jurisdiction may have more stringent requirements.
6. The Rp factor for all equipment with an importance factor Ip = 1.5 shall be a value of 1.5.
6
Table 2. Seismic Performance Level5; Structural Integrity (per ASCE 7 Section 13.2.1)
Component
Description
Non-vibration
Isolated Rugged Dynamic Analysis Attachment Point RRS See Note 6 1.0
Component4
Vibration Isolated
Rugged Dynamic Analysis Attachment Point RRS See Note 6 1.0
Component4
Non-vibration Static Analysis w/Natural 1.0 or
Isolated Active or Attachment Point See Note 6 1.0
Frequency1 2.52
Energized
Component Dynamic Analysis Attachment Point RRS See Note 6 1.0
Static Analysis Attachment Point 2.5 2.0 1.0
Vibration Isolated
Active Dynamic Analysis Attachment Point RRS 2.0 1.0
Component
Shake Table Test3 Attachment Point per Standard AC156
Equipment
Description
Rugged
Equipment4 Static Analysis w/Natural 1.0 or
(motor HP < 10; Attachment Point See Note 6 1.0
Frequency1 2.52
heat transfer
capacity < 200 Dynamic Analysis Attachment Point RRS See Note 6 1.0
MBH)
Static Analysis EFRS and Attachment Point 2.5 See Note 6 1.0
Non-vibration Static Analysis w/Natural 1.0 or

EFRS and Attachment Point See Note 6 1.0
Isolated Active Frequency1 2.52
Equipment Dynamic Analysis EFRS and Attachment Point RRS See Note 6 1.0
Shake Table Test EFRS and Attachment Point per Standard AC156
Static Analysis EFRS and Attachment Point 2.5 2.0 1.0

Vibration Isolated
Active Equipment Dynamic Analysis EFRS and Attachment Point RRS 2.0 1.0
Shake Table Test EFRS and Attachment Point per Standard AC156
Static Analysis w/Sloshing
Liquid Storage EFRS and Attachment Point ASCE 7
Effects
Tanks4
Dynamic Analysis EFRS and Attachment Point ASCE 7
Notes:
1. Natural frequency can be determined by dynamic analysis or other means.
2. The value of ap equal to 1.0 is for rigid Components and Equipment. The value of ap equal to 2.5 is for
flexible Components and Equipment. See Section 2 for definitions of rigid and flexible.
3. Dynamic analysis required to determine amplification factors for shake table testing of active or
energized Components.
4. ASME pressure vessels are considered rugged but still require an evaluation of the EFRS
5. The local authority having jurisdiction may have more stringent requirements.
6. Refer to ASCE 7 Table 13.6-1.
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Section 6. Seismic Demand
6.1 Seismic Demand. The Seismic Demand for Equipment is based on the design spectral response
acceleration at short periods, SDS. This acceleration value is modified based on many factors and results in the
total horizontal acceleration at the center of gravity of Equipment and its Components in terms of g-levels.
AC156 is the accepted document that defines the acceleration demand as shown in Figure 2, which is used for
dynamic testing and dynamic analysis of Equipment. ASCE 7 defines an equivalent static horizontal force F P
based on the design spectral acceleration that is used in static analysis discussed later in this section.
6.2 Derivation of Seismic RRS. The equipment earthquake response spectra for testing Equipment are
defined in AC156 and are applied in the horizontal and vertical directions. The spectra are applied
simultaneously at the Attachment Points of the Equipment. The shake table testing input is adjusted so that the
response at the Attachment Points meets the criteria established in AC156. The RRS for horizontal and vertical
accelerations shall be developed based on the normalized response spectra shown in Figure 2 (Reference from
AC156). The RRS for the vertical direction shall be two-thirds of the horizontal acceleration at ground level.
The horizontal accelerations (AFLX and ARIG) shall be calculated as specified in equations 1 through 4
(Reference AC156). The RRS has an assumed 5 percent damping value of critical Damping for Equipment.
Figure 2. RRS, Normalized for Equipment
These assumptions allowed by AC156 result in normalizing the acceleration factors that define the horizontal
acceleration RRS.
Horizontal: AFLX-H = SDS · (1 + 2z/h) 1
ARIG-H = 0.4 SDS · (1 + 2z/h) 2
Vertical: AFLX-V = 2/3 SDS 3
ARIG-V = 0.4 · 2/3 SDS 4
AFLX-H is limited to a maximum value of 1.6 times SDS (Equation 5). ARIG-H is limited to 3 times 0.4 or 1.2 times
SDS (Equation 6). The 1.2 times SDS can be applied to Equipment that is considered rigid with a natural
frequency above 33.3 Hz.
8
AFLX-H (MAX) = 1.6 · SDS 5
ARIG-H (MAX) = 1.2 · SDS 6
Logarithmic interpolation can be used between the AFLX-H and ARIG-H using the 1.6 and 1.2 factors for the
acceleration with 8.3 Hz and 33.3 Hz for the frequency. A good approximation for Equipment that has a natural
frequency of 16 Hz is 1.4 times SDS. However, some Equipment may have a natural frequency above 16 Hz.
This provides a small reduction in demand from the 1.6 times S DS to 1.4 times SDS as shown in equation 7.
ARIG-H (MAX) = 1.4 · SDS 7
For Equipment restricted to at grade locations, AFLX-H is limited to a maximum value of 1.0 times SDS as shown
in Equation 8 where z in Equation 1 is set at 0.0. For Rigid Equipment restricted to at grade locations, ARIG-H is
limited to a maximum value of 0.4 times 1.4 times SDS resulting in Equation 9. For some applications, the
Equipment may be restricted to be installed “at grade” to take advantage of lower demands if the Equipment
does not have capacity that meets the criteria in Equations 5 and 6.
AFLX-H (MAX at Grade) = 1.0 · SDS 8
ARIG-H (MAX at Grade) = 0.4·1.4·SDS = 0.56 · SDS 9
The acceleration g-level demand to qualify Equipment is defined in Equations 5 and 8 for Flexible Equipment
or Rigid Equipment installed on isolation springs. The acceleration g-level demand to qualify Equipment is
defined in Equations 7 and 9 for Rigid Equipment (natural frequencies above 16 Hz) rigidly attached to the
building structure. The vertical acceleration value is not used in the comparison for demand versus capacity. It
is assumed that the vertical acceleration is included in the equipment qualification at a 2/3 fraction of the
horizontal acceleration at ground level. So the capacity of the Equipment will be provided for the horizontal g-
level that the Equipment can survive and, if necessary, function after the design earthquake seismic event to be
compared with the demand g-levels as determined by Equations 5 and 8 or Equations 7 and 9.
6.3 Derivation of Seismic CRS. The Seismic Demand of Equipment defined in Section 6.1 is based on
AC156 for qualifying Equipment by test. Further discussion defines the Seismic Demand based on natural
frequencies to be used to qualify Equipment by analysis. The Seismic Demand derived by the requirements in
Section 6.1 for either test or analysis is defined as the CRS.
6.4 Seismic Demand. The seismic demand on the equipment is selected depending on the type of
qualification.
6.4.1 Demand for Qualification by Testing. The demand will be provided by the motion of the shake
table and the response measured at the equipment attachment. The measured table motion is the
demand. This measured table motion shall be in terms of a spectrum as identified in Figure 2 where
the peak of the response spectra demand curve will be AFLX-H. This qualification method allows the
equipment to yield and approach the strength failure without loss of function.
6.4.2 Demand for Qualification by Dynamic Analysis. The maximum horizontal acceleration and
coincident vertical acceleration is applied at the equipment attachment. As an example, the demand
input for floor mounted equipment would be applied at the base. The dynamic analysis model will
result in the applicable responses of the EFRS based on the natural frequencies of the equipment. The
shape of the input demand shall match the demand as depicted in Figure 2 where the peak of the
response spectra demand curve will be AFLX-H.
This method limits the stress levels below yield. Conservatism of this method to show operability
maintains the structure below yield and results in a safety factor of 1.4 from the testing method. The
modeling analysis does not accurately account for materials beyond yield. Conditions where yield is
present in the results, other methods must be performed to evaluate the elastic behavior.
Comprehensive documentation shall be recorded for evaluations of elastic conditions.
9
6.4.3 Demand for Qualification by Static Analysis. The Seismic Design Force equation from ASCE 7
provides a prescriptive approach to determine the horizontal seismic force acting on the center of
gravity to be used for equipment attached to the building structure and evaluation of the attachment.
The relative horizontal seismic design force can be calculated as a function SDS as follows:
0.4 aP SDS WP Z
FP = R (1 +2 ) 10
( P⁄I ) h
P
Fp is not required to be taken as greater than

FP = 1.6 S𝐷𝑆 I𝑃 W𝑃 11
And Fp shall not be taken as less than

FP = 0.3 S𝐷𝑆 I𝑃 W𝑃 12
The Rp factor for all equipment with an importance factor Ip = 1.5 shall be a value of 1.5, to assure that
the structure remains linear elastic.
6.5 Seismic Capacity. The Seismic Capacity shall be determined as prescribed in Section 7 and Section 8.
6.5.1 Capacity of Equipment When Qualified by Testing or Dynamic Analysis. The Seismic Capacity
shall be the maximum demand value of AFLX-H at which the item of equipment continues to function
satisfactorily. For example, if the equipment was qualified to be acceptable and functional when AFLX-
H =1.0 g, then the Seismic Capacity is 1.0 g’s. Seismic Capacity of equipment does not decrease when
elevated in a building, the demand increases. If the equipment is elevated above grade, then the value
of the demand AFLX-H shall be calculated per Equation 5 and then compared to the Seismic Capacity.
So the demand varies based on equipment location within a building while the capacity of the same
item of equipment is a constant.
6.5.2 Capacity of Equipment When Qualified by Static Analysis. The Seismic Capacity shall be the
FP/WP in terms of g-levels and is equal to the largest FP/WP that meets the stress limits on the EFRS
as defined by industry standards. These stress limits are lower than yield, and result in a conservative
methodology. For some cases, the capacity can be expressed in terms of the short period Seismic
Capacity that appropriately corresponds to FP/WP.
Section 7. Seismic Capacity of Equipment by Analysis
7.1 Scope and Purpose. This section establishes the minimum requirements to qualify Equipment by
analysis. The purpose is to establish the Seismic Capacity of the Equipment so that the Equipment is operable
after a seismic event and maintains structural integrity.
The complexity of the Components and EFRS that transfers the forces generated by motion through the
Attachment Points and EFRS will govern the design and the ability to perform the analysis that can qualify the
Equipment. Static analysis can only be performed if each force (static equivalent load) can be tracked through
the EFRS and the stresses can be calculated for each element and connection of the EFRS to include stresses
developed from bending. For more complex Equipment, a dynamic analysis model may be required where the
EFRS is modeled and the Components are defined as point loads (masses) or distributed loads on the EFRS.
Analysis shall be performed with the demand applied on the equipment EFRS and Components. The demand
shall include load combinations as defined in Section 7.2.9. The operating aspects of the Equipment shall be
included in the demand loads to include operating conditions and the state of fluids (e.g. vapor, liquid, solid or
ice).
There are many different types of dynamic finite element analysis programs available. These programs can
model Equipment using shapes, solids, or shells. The application of the different programs is based on the
complexity and elements used to comprise the Equipment structure. Not all Equipment can be defined in terms
10
of structural shapes such as beam elements. Each dynamic finite element analysis program shall be capable to
evaluate the structure and determine a response based on a non-linear forcing function.
7.2 Analysis. The maximum horizontal acceleration with the coincident vertical acceleration in g-levels
shall be applied to each of the Components and the equipment EFRS. The calculated stresses/strengths shall be
less than or equal to the allowable stresses/strengths in each Component, each EFRS connection, and each
EFRS element.
7.2.1 Allowables. Allowable stresses/strengths shall be justified from industry standards (see Section
7.9)
7.2.2 Demand. The maximum horizontal acceleration and coincident vertical acceleration is
determined from Section 6, Seismic Demand. For a rigid Seismic Demand to be applied, the natural
frequency shall be determined by dynamic analysis or other means.
7.2.3 Verification of Software. Each dynamic analysis program is required to have independent
software verification using sample structures as prescribed in Section 7.5.
7.2.4 Brackets and Legs. Analysis of the structural elements shall include brackets that transfer the
load from the Components to the EFRS. For example, this includes transfer elements of smaller coils
in a face and by-pass arrangement in an air handling unit. Structural elements include the legs integral
with elevated Equipment. Thus, the analysis shall address the attachment of the Equipment to the legs
and the legs to the building structure and evaluate all forces and moments at each connection.
Structural system parameters of the EFRS shall be defined in terms of weight per linear distance, area,
moment of inertia, and/or section modulus as applicable.
7.2.5 Spliced Sections. The splice sections of modular units shall have an increased factor of safety of
2.0 at the seam of each module. Alternatively the load on the seam from each module shall be evaluated
with the load moving in opposite directions, both adding directly to the fastening system of the seam
for loads applied perpendicular and loads that apply parallel to the seam.
7.2.6 Components. Components may be deemed rugged as identified in Section 5. If Components are
not deemed rugged, then these Components shall be evaluated or tested. Component qualification shall
be performed as defined in Section 5.
7.2.7 Elastic Deflections. All deflections must be maintained below yield unless noted by exception
in this section. Dynamic analysis programs cannot evaluate plastic deformation. Deformations shall
be determined at all component connection points in relation to all other connection points of the
Component. Relative displacement of component Attachments shall be evaluated. If deformation is
detected, then other methods, including engineering judgment, shall be performed to determine if the
deformation will cause the equipment to be considered not functional. The deflection is permitted to
exceed yield as listed in Sections 7.2.7.1 and 7.2.7.2.
7.2.7.1 The deflection is permitted if plastic deformations (yielding) of the EFRS will not
impair the operability of the Equipment.
7.2.7.2 Interpretation of yield response resulting from dynamic analysis programs can be
allowed if the yield can be determined using a different method, provided the yield response
is less than 1.15 times yield. Failure of the connection is assumed to be at 1.4 times yield
resulting in a margin of 20% versus 40% above the yield allowed values.
7.2.8 Weight. 100% of the operating weight shall be accounted for in a reasonable distribution on the
EFRS. Additional weight can be added to the Equipment to account for additional devices such as a
variable frequency drives or controls.
11
7.2.9 Load Combinations.
The load combination formulas shown in Table 3 are based on two different methods to evaluate EFRS
connections. LFRD is a strength based analysis. ASD is a stress based analysis. The demand as defined
in the IBC is in terms of LFRD. Conversion is required to apply ASD analysis methods. Use of the
vertical demand is in Section 6 (Equation 3 and Equation 4).
Table 3. Load Combinations
ASD LRFD
(1.0+0.14·SDS)·D+H+F+0.7·ρ·QE (1.2+0.2·SDS)·D+ ρ·QE+L+0.2·S
(0.6+0.14·SDS)·D+0.7·ρ·QE+H (0.9-0.14·SDS)·D+ ρ·QE+1.6·H
7.2.10 Demand Application. The demand is applied in horizontal and vertical directions. A two-
dimensional analysis shall be used for evaluations of Equipment that requires certification to ASCE 7
13.2.1. One horizontal and the vertical are combined in each orthogonal direction. A three-dimensional
analysis shall be used for evaluations of Equipment that requires certification to ASCE 7 Section
13.2.2. Two horizontal and the vertical loads are applied simultaneously.
7.3 Qualification of Components. The Components shall be evaluated at the elevation where the
Component attaches to the EFRS. If the elevation is above the Attachment Point, then an acceleration
amplification factor (Component Amplification Factor) shall be added to the demand for the Component. The
amplification factor can be determined by dynamic analysis or by shake-table test.
7.4 Natural frequency. The identification of the Equipment capacity can take advantage of reduced
demand if the Equipment is deemed rigid (natural frequencies above 16 Hz) with a rigid attachment
configuration. Evaluation of Equipment to identify the natural frequency requires the use of a dynamic analysis
program. The dynamic analysis output will identify the natural frequencies of the equipment’s EFRS. If any of
the frequencies are below 16 Hz, then the Equipment is considered flexible.
7.5 Software Verification. Many commercial software programs such as ANSYS, NASTRAN,
GTSTRUDL, SAP2000 and ETABS, that are capable of performing structural analysis, come with a suite of
verification problems that are run and compared against known solutions to verify that the software is
performing correctly as installed on a given computer and operating system. Often times, however, these
problems are very simple and only test certain features of the program.
7.6 Qualification by Similarity. In this case, the active or energized Equipment is proven to be inherently
rugged by analysis supported by previously qualified Equipment. Equipment can be shown to be rugged by
analysis with similarity to other previously qualified Equipment if the Components are similar to previous
qualified Equipment and the EFRS can be shown to be linear elastic. As long as the EFRS does not yield from
the demand, the Components will not see higher accelerations compared to the previously qualified Equipment.
New Components must be qualified to 1.25 times the maximum demand or as required by the amplification
factor determined by a dynamic analysis.
7.7 Analytical Procedures. There are several analytical procedures that can be used to qualify Equipment
defined in Table 4. These analytical procedures are defined in ASCE 7 in detail.
12
Table 4. Analytical Procedures
Seismic
Seismic Demand Modal Response
Equivalent Static Response
on Nonstructural Spectrum
Force Procedure History
Qualification Analysis Components Analysis
(ASCE 7 Procedure
(ASCE 7 (ASCE 7
Section 12.8) (ASCE 7
Section 13.3) Section 12.9)1
Chapter 16)
Qualification by Static
Analysis without Natural X
Frequency
Qualification by Static
Analysis for Rigid X
Equipment
Qualification by Dynamic
X X
Analysis
Note:
1. Modal Response Spectrum Analysis shall be used for static Components.
7.8 Load factors. The following load factors shall be used for analysis.
Load factor on combined Earthquake effect (E) when using LRFD =1.00
Load factor on combined Earthquake effect (E) when using ASD = 0.70
7.9 Allowable stresses/strengths. The design of materials shall be in accordance with the material design
chapters of the IBC. The seismic effects (i.e., forces, stresses) under the CRS must be shown to be less than or
equal to the design strengths calculated in accordance with one of the applicable standards listed in Appendices
A and B.
7.10 Deformations and Deflections. The deformation or deflection of the EFRS shall be determined.
Relative displacements shall be defined and applied to internal components (i.e. piping and conduit) and
included as an additional demand load on the components affected by the deformations.
Section 8. Seismic Capacity of Equipment by Testing
8.1 Scope and Purpose. This section establishes the minimum requirements for Equipment Qualification
by Testing (EQT) for Equipment identified in Section 5. The purpose is to establish the desired input motion
that defines the capacity of the Equipment to withstand seismic events and maintain their Functional
Requirements. AC156 is the governing document for qualification by testing. Additional requirements and
allowances are provided in this section.
8.2 Qualification Test Plan. This section details the necessary equipment information to be provided by
the manufacturer to the laboratory performing the test.
8.2.1 Manufacturer Information. Provide manufacturer’s information per AC156.
8.2.2 EQT Description. A description of the EQT shall be provided, including the following items:
8.2.2.1 Product Name.

8.2.2.2 Equipment model number and serial number of specific product tested.
8.2.2.3 Functional Requirements.
8.2.2.4 Detailed description of the equipment’s EFRS to include all subassemblies.
8.2.2.5 Overall dimensions and weight of Equipment.
8.2.2.6 Any restrictions or limitations on equipment use.
13
8.2.3 Code Parameters.
8.2.3.1 Building Code. List the version of the IBC.
8.2.3.2 Importance Factor. Specify the importance factor. The Ip value will dictate the
functionality requirements.
8.2.4 Performance Requirements. Detailed description of the Performance Requirements, or

operational test parameters, used to verify Functional Requirements before and after the test. See Table
5.
8.2.5 Equipment Product Line Extrapolation and Interpolation. For equipment product line
information as required per AC156.
8.2.6 Installation Instructions. A description shall be provided that describes how the Equipment is
installed in the field and how the Equipment shall be installed on the shake table that represents the
field installation.
8.2.7 Special Test Requirements. The equipment manufacturer shall list test requirements that may be
deemed special or beyond normal seismic qualification testing (i.e., specific EFRS displacements,
acceleration monitoring, etc.).
8.3 Testing Laboratories. Testing laboratories as defined per AC156.
8.4 Product Sampling. Product sampling as defined in AC156.
8.5 Seismic Qualification Test Procedure
8.5.1 Test. AC156 shall be strictly adhered to for completion of the test.
8.5.2 Post-test Performance Inspection and Verification. For Equipment with an importance factor of
1.5, the Equipment being qualified must be capable of performing its Functional Requirements after
the seismic event. The Equipment shall be visually examined and results documented upon completion
of the shake table tests. The Equipment shall not pose a life-safety hazard due to collapse or major
subassemblies becoming separated. Structural integrity of the anchorage system shall be maintained.
Structural damage, such as local yielding of the force-resisting members is acceptable and structural
members and joints comprising the force-resisting system shall be allowed minor fractures and
anomalies. Allowable minor damage shall be reviewed against the criteria in Table 5.
8.5.3 Alternative Post-test Performance Test. Alternative Performance testing requirements performed
on the Equipment to verify post-test compliance may be performed by the testing laboratory or at the
equipment manufacturing facility. The Equipment shall satisfy the Performance Requirements and/or
tests specified by the manufacturer. Results shall be equivalent to those of the pre-test functional
compliance testing or within tolerances defined in Table 5 and Table 6. Materials deemed to be
hazardous shall not have been released into the environment in quantities greater than the exempted
amounts listed in the applicable codes. Any repairs shall be documented and included in the final test
report.
14
Table 5. Functional Requirements for Designated Seismic Systems 1,2,3,4

Equipment Functional Requirements
Controls operate by restoring power and reset. Functional test the controls capability
Vertical Packaged AC Units
to reposition Components or start/stop Components.
Packaged Terminal AC Units
Electric motors shall be functional.
Water Source Heat Pumps
Rotating air moving Components shall be functional.
Unitary Small AC Units
Refrigerant flow Components shall be functional.
Unitary Large AC Units (above
Liquid flow Components shall be functional.
65,000 Btuh)
Heat exchangers shall be functional.
Dehumidifiers
Large Water or Air Cooled Chillers Electric motors shall be functional.

with Screw or Centrifugal
Compressors Rotating air moving Components shall be functional.
Water or Air Cooled Chillers with Refrigerant flow Components shall be functional.
Screw or Scroll Compressors in a
framed structure Liquid flow Components shall be functional.
Air Handling Units Controls operate by restoring power and reset. Functional test the controls capability
Furnaces
Fan-Coils Unit
Unit Ventilators
Liquid flow Components shall be functional.
Air-to-Air Exchangers
Fans

Humidifiers
Liquid flow/containment Components shall be functional.
Tanks Liquid flow/containment Components shall be functional.

Notes:
Performance requirement testing can be performed as an alternative to Functional Requirements to ensure
Equipment meets the Functional Requirements defined in Table 2. Performance Requirements are defined as
follows:
1. Allow a maximum of 20% air flow reduction by leakage through housing or access doors or fan performance.
2. Allow a variance from the design performance for heat removal or addition of +/- 15%.
3. Allow a variance from the design performance for adding moisture of +/- 15%.
4. Allow a variance from the design performance for removing moisture of +/- 15%.
15
Table 6. Allowable Minor Damage States for Designated Seismic Systems

Equipment Allowable Minor Damage States1,2
Vertical Packaged
AC Units
Component freely rotates and has no visible deformation of the Component’s Equipment
Force Resistance System (EFRS). Equipment that provides airflow has no visible
Packaged Terminal
deformation of the EFRS/housing (envelope) and no visible separation of access doors or
AC Units
EFRS/housing (envelope).
Water Source Heat
No visible or minimal deformation of the piping systems (with no leakage), refrigerant
Pumps
retaining Components and EFRS.
Unitary Small AC
No visible deformation of the piping system, water retaining Components and EFRS.
Units
Failure of personnel lighting and minor deformation of electrical power/control conduit.
Unitary Large AC
Units (above 65,000
Minor deformation of standing seam construction is allowed only if the deformation does
BTUH)
not affect the functionality of any required Component.
Dehumidifiers
Large Water or Air
No visible or minimal deformation of the piping systems (with no leakage), refrigerant
Cooled Chillers with
retaining Components and EFRS.
Screw or Centrifugal
Compressors
Water or Air Cooled
Chillers with Screw
or Scroll
Compressors in a
framed structure
Air Handling Units
Furnaces Component freely rotates and has no visible deformation of the Components EFRS.
Equipment that provides airflow has no visible deformation of the EFRS/housing
Fan-Coils Unit (envelope) and no visible separation of access doors or EFRS/housing (envelope).
Unit Ventilators Failure of personnel lighting and minor deformation of electrical power/control conduit.
Air-to-Air Minor deformation of standing seam construction is allowed only if the deformation does
Exchangers not affect the functionality of any required Component.
Fans
Component freely rotates and has no visible deformation of the Components EFRS.
Equipment that provides airflow has no visible deformation of the EFRS/housing
(envelope) and no visible separation of access doors or EFRS/housing (envelope).
Humidifiers
Tanks No visible deformation of the piping system, water retaining Components and EFRS.
Notes:
1. Allowable minor damage states define the effects from the qualification test which may result in lower
equipment performance and still meets a minimal functional requirement and is considered operable.
2. Allowable minor damage states are applicable for inspection of shake table testing. Equipment is defined
by ASCE 7 Section 13.2.2 to be operable after an earthquake. Importance factor shall be 1.5.
16
Table 7. Allowable Minor Damage States for Components of

Designated Seismic System Equipment3
Components Class Functional Requirements1 Allowable Minor Damage States2

ASME Pressure
Rugged Specification not required Specification not required
Vessels
Coils Rugged Specification not required Specification not required
Provide electrical, pneumatic
Allow control reset using control panel
Control Panels Energized and electronic signals to
when power is restored.
Equipment
Damper blades continue to
No plastic deformation of damper blades
Dampers Simple rotate as demanded by
or framing material.
actuator.
Flow and
Contamination Rugged Specification not required Specification not required
Controls
Provide control and ignition
No plastic deformation of base material.
Gas Manifolds Simple of flammable material in a
No leakage of gas is allowed.
metal heat exchanger.
Transfer a fluid medium Minor permanent bending of ductile pipe
Internal Piping Simple
within Equipment. without leaking.
Minor permanent bending of ductile
Internal Transfer a fluid medium
Simple conduit without parts separating exposing
Conduits within Equipment.
cables to be damaged.
Motors Rugged Specification not required Specification not required
Refrigeration
Rugged Specification not required Specification not required
Compressors
Variable
Provide varying electric Allow control reset using control panel
Frequency Energized
power signal to motors. when power is restored.
Drives
Notes:
1. Functional Requirements defines the functions that the Equipment performs when in operation.
Performance Requirements are measurable parameters that when performed during a functional test proves
that the Functional Requirements are met.
2. Allowable minor damage states define the effects from the qualification analysis or test which may result
in lower equipment performance and still meets a minimal functional requirement to be operable.
3. Equipment is defined per ASCE 7 Section 13.2.2 to be operable after an earthquake. Importance factor shall
be 1.5.
17
Section 9. Report Requirements
9.1 Purpose. The purpose of this section is to establish requirements for final test/analysis certification
reports.
9.2 Analysis Report. The report shall have the following information.
9.2.1 Executive Summary.
9.2.1.1 Analysis Agent. Agent’s name, address, contact information, and phone number.
9.2.1.2 Analysis Agent Qualification. Provide qualification documentation of analysis

agent.
9.2.1.3 Signatures. Signatures (dated) and titles (or equivalent identification) of persons
approving the analysis report.
9.2.1.4 Objective. State the objective of the analysis which is usually to establish the
maximum horizontal and vertical spectral accelerations that can be imposed on the
Equipment and satisfy the acceptance criteria.
9.2.1.5 Methodology. Provide a complete explanation of the methods used to apply the
demand and the analysis techniques used to determine the performance of the EFRS of the
Equipment or Component. Describe the analysis used to evaluate the loads at the Attachment
Points of the Equipment to the building structure and the Components to the EFRS.
9.2.1.6 Assumptions. List assumptions used in the analysis and their justification.
9.2.1.7 Conclusions. Provide the results of the analysis and include a statement of
functionality. For designated seismic system Equipment, results of the Performance
Requirements that prove the Functional Requirements are maintained shall be summarized.
An explanation of any deficiencies shall be provided with justification if the Equipment is
still qualified.
9.2.1.8 Structural Features. A rationale shall be provided explaining why the equipment
structural configuration is representative of the product line and options included in the
seismic qualification. The force-resisting structural configurations shall be similar to all
products within the product line. If the structural configuration or EFRS is not represented
by the selected sample for analysis, then these unit(s) shall be analyzed separately.
9.2.2 Manufacturer Information.
9.2.2.1 Equipment Manufacturer Information. Manufacturer’s name, manufacturer’s

address, primary contact, and phone number for all correspondence regarding the seismic
qualification per this procedure.
9.2.2.2 Functional Requirements. Provide a description of the equipment’s overall function.
9.2.2.3 Model Number/Serial Number. Supply the manufacturer’s unique identification

number and/or serial number.
9.2.2.4 Equipment Designation. Short designator used for the analysis
9.2.2.5 Product Description. A detailed description of the Equipment
9.2.2.6 Dimensions. Height, width, and depth

9.2.2.7 Weight. Operating weight of the Equipment and all associated additional weights
included in the analysis
18
9.2.2.8 Restrictions. Provide restrictions or limitations on use of the Equipment.
9.2.3.1 Building Code. List the version of the IBC

operational parameters, used to verify Functional Requirements for Ip = 1.5.
installed in the field.
9.2.6 Details.
9.2.6.1 General arrangement drawings
9.2.6.2 Provide the inputs used in the calculation to include but not limited to the Seismic
Demand, assumed flexibility of the equipment, restrictions (e.g. not allowed to be isolated or
installed above grade) and materials (properties and allowable loads/stresses) used in the
construction of the Equipment or Component. All options that are available on the Equipment
included in the certification.
9.2.6.3 Location of Components and Attachment Points
9.2.6.4 Details of all connections
9.2.6.5 Qualification of Components
9.2.6.6 Assemblies
9.6.2.7 Modular sections (including splice bolting/welding requirements)
9.6.2.8 Internal piping affected by motion to include piping that crosses splice connections
9.2.7 Results. This section is used for the actual calculations. Results shall include the stresses and
deflections from the seismic loads and other loads. Identify all locations where the dynamic analysis
results show deflections or deformations that suggest that the EFRS has exceeded yield.
9.2.8 Computer Programs. Provide validation documentation of computer programs.
9.2.9 Specific Report Requirements. Reports shall be submitted in their entirety and shall include at
least the following:
9.2.9.1 Report Identification Number. Each report shall have a unique identification
number. Each page of the report shall include this identification number to ensure that each
page is part of the same test report.
9.2.9.2 Page Numbers. The report shall be paginated and the total number of pages
indicated on the first page.
9.2.9.3 Date. The report date shall be included.
9.2.10 Appendices. The report shall provide additional information that is pertinent to the analysis,
such as graphs, calculations, drawings, photographs, and interpretation of results, if required.
19
9.3 Seismic Shake Table Test Report. The report shall have the following information.
9.3.1 Executive Summary.
9.3.1.1 Laboratory Information. Test laboratory’s name, address, contact information and
phone number
9.3.1.2 Laboratory Qualification. Provide qualification documentation in the form of a

certificate for accredited or approved laboratories or provide documentation of compliance
to this standard for laboratories that are not approved.
9.3.1.3 Signatures. Signatures (dated) and titles (or equivalent identification) of persons
approving the test report.
9.3.1.4 Assembly of test specimen. Report shall identify the parties constructing the
assemblies.
9.3.1.5 Test results and conclusions. Provide the results of the testing and include the
verification of functionality for Ip = 1.5. Results of the Performance Requirements that prove
the Functional Requirements are maintained after the shake table test shall be summarized.
A statement shall indicate whether the product passed or failed. Failure shall be described to
include the specific items that failed and the failure mode. An explanation of any deviation
or anomalies shall be provided with justification if the Equipment is still qualified.
9.3.2 Manufacturer Information.
9.3.2.1 Equipment Manufacturer Information. Manufacturer’s name, manufacturer’s

address, primary contact, and phone number for all correspondence regarding the seismic
qualification testing per this procedure
9.3.2.2 Functional Requirements. Provide a description of the equipment’s overall function.
9.3.2.3 Model Number/Serial Number. Supply the manufacturer’s unique identification

number and/or serial number.
9.3.2.4 Equipment Designation. Short designator used for plotting and test run purposes.
9.3.2.5 Product Description. A detailed description of the Equipment. This shall include
major subassemblies and Components (e.g., bills of material) and any other applicable
product information.
9.3.2.6 Dimensions. Height, width, and depth
9.3.2.7 Weight. Weight of the Equipment and all associated additional weights provided for
the test.
9.3.2.8 Restrictions. Provide restrictions or limitations on use of the Equipment.
9.3.3.1 Building Code. List the version of the IBC.
20

operational test parameters, used to verify Functional Requirements before and after the test for Ip =
1.5.
9.3.5 Equipment Product Line Extrapolation and Interpolation. Reporting requirements as defined in
AC156.
installed in the field and how the Equipment shall be installed on the shake table that represents the
field installation.
9.3.7 Special Test Requirements. The equipment manufacturer shall list test requirements that may be
deemed special or beyond normal seismic qualification testing (i.e., specific EFRS displacements,
acceleration monitoring, etc.).
9.3.8 Product sampling. Provide evidence that the Equipment is in compliance to Section 8.4.
9.3.9 Seismic Qualification Test Procedure. Provide a description of the test procedure and
documentation in compliance with Section 8.5.
9.3.10 Specific Report Requirements. Test reports shall be submitted in their entirety and shall include
at least the following:
9.3.10.1 Report Identification Number. Each report shall have a unique identification
number. Each page of the report shall include this identification number to ensure that each
page is part of the same test report.
9.3.10.2 Page Numbers. The report shall be paginated and the total number of pages indicated
on the first page.
9.3.10.3 Date. The report shall include the date of testing and report date.
9.3.11 Test data. Test data shall include proof of performance, TRS plots, acceleration time histories
of the shake table input motion, 5% damped response spectra of the table motion compared with the
qualification spectra, transmissibility plots, EQT weight, test monitoring calibrations, etc.
Section 10. Seismic Rating of Equipment
10.1 Scope. Seismic rating of the Equipment is based on testing or analysis that defines the maximum
earthquake acceleration in terms of spectral acceleration g-values that the Equipment can withstand and
maintain its structural integrity and, if required, be functional after the Design Earthquake. The Equipment is
rated up to the CRS value based on analysis or test.
21
APPENDIX A. REFERENCES – NORMATIVE

A1 Listed here are all the standards, handbooks, and other publications essential to the formation and
implementation of the standard. All references in this appendix are considered part of this standard.
A1.1 2012 International Building Code®, International Code Council, 4051 West Flossmoor
Road, Country Club Hills, IL 60478.
A1.2 AC156, Acceptance Criteria for Seismic Qualification by Shake-Table Testing of

Nonstructural Components and Systems, 2007, ICC Evaluation Service, Inc. Whittier, California:
ICC-ES.
A1.3 ASCE Standard SEI/ASCE 7-10. Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other
Structures, American Society of Civil Engineers. 1801 Alexander Bell Drive, Reston, Virginia 20191.
A1.4 ASHRAE Terminology, https://www.ashrae.org/resources--publications/free-

resources/ashrae-terminology, 2015, American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-
Conditioning Engineers, Inc., 1791 Tullie Circle, N.E., Atlanta, GA 30329, U.S.A.
22
APPENDIX B. REFERENCES – INFORMATIVE

B1 Listed here are standards, handbooks, and other publications which provide additional information.
B1.1 AA ADMI-05, "Aluminum Design Manual". The Aluminum Association, 1525 Wilson
Blvd. Suite 600, Arlington, VA 22209.
B1.2 AA ASM 35-00, "Aluminum Sheet Metal Work in Building Construction". The Aluminum
Association, 1525 Wilson Blvd. Suite 600, Arlington, VA 22209.
B1.3 ACI 371R, Guide to the Analysis, Design, and Construction of Concrete-Pedestal Water
Towers, 1998, applies to ASCE 7 Section 15.7.10.7. American Concrete Institute, 38800 Country Club
Drive, Farmington Hills, MI 48331.
B1.4 ANSI/IEEE Standard 344-1987, IEEE Recommended Practice for Seismic Qualification of
Class 1E Equipment for Nuclear Power Generating Stations (1987), Institute of Electrical and
Electronics Engineers, Inc. American National Standards Institute, 25 West 43rd Street, Fourth Floor,
New York, NY 10036.
B1.5 ANSYS, Inc., ANSYS, 275 Technology Drive Canonsburg, PA 15317.
B1.6 API 12B, Bolted Tanks for Storage of Production Liquids, Specification 12B, 14 th edition,
1995, applies to ASCE 7 Section 15.7.8.2. American Petroleum Institute, 1220 L Street, NW
Washington, DC 20005.
B1.7 API 620, Design and Construction of Large, Welded, Low Pressure Storage Tanks, 10th
edition, 2002, applies to ASCE 7 Sections 15.4.1, 15.7.8.1 and 15.7.13.1. American Petroleum
Institute, 1220 L Street, NW Washington, DC 20005.
B1.8 API 650, Welded Steel Tanks for Oil Storage, 10th edition, Addendum 4, 2006, applies to
ASCE 7 Sections 15.4.1, 15.7.8.1 and 15.7.9.4. American Petroleum Institute, 1220 L Street, NW
Washington, DC 20005.
B1.9 API 653, Tank Inspection, Repair, Alteration, and Reconstruction, 3 rd edition, 2001, applies
to ASCE 7 Sections 15.7.6.1.9. American Petroleum Institute, 1220 L Street, NW Washington, DC
20005.
B1.10 AWWA D100, Welded Steel Tanks for Water Storage, 2006, applies to ASCE 7 Sections
15.4.1, 15.7.7.1, 15.7.9.4, 15.7.10.6 and 15.7.10.6.2. American Water Works Association, 6666 W.
Quincy Ave., Denver CO 80235.
B1.11 AWWA D103, Wire and Strand-Wound Circular Pre-stressed Concrete Water Tanks, 1995,
applies to ASCE 7 Sections 15.7.7.3. American Water Works Association, 6666 W. Quincy Ave.,
Denver CO 80235.
B1.12 AWWA D115, Circular Pre-stressed Concrete Tanks with Circumferential Tendons, 1995,
applies to ASCE 7 Section 15.7.7.3. American Water Works Association, 6666 W. Quincy Ave.,
Denver CO 80235.
B1.13 Computers and Structures, Inc., ETABS, 1995 University Avenue, Suite 540
Berkeley, CA 94704.
B1.14 Computers and Structures, Inc., SAP2000, 1995 University Avenue, Suite 540
Berkeley, CA 94704.
23
B1.15 Georgia Tech University, GTSTRUDL, Structural Design & Analysis Software, Atlanta,
Georgia 30332-0355.
B1.16 IEEE Standard 693-1997, IEEE Recommended Practice for Seismic Design of Substations
(1997), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. 3 Park Avenue, 17th Floor
New York, NY 10016.
B1.17 MSC Software, NASTRAN, Accurate, Efficient & Affordable Finite Element Analysis, 2
MacArthur Place Santa Ana, CA 92707.
B1.18 NFPA 59A, Production, Storage, and Handling of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), 2006,
applies to ASCE 7 Section 15.4.8. National Fire Protection Association, 1, Battery Park, Quincy,
Massachusetts, 02169.
24
APPENDIX C. ASCE 7 COMMENTARY C13

SEISMIC DESIGN REQUIREMENTS FOR
NONSTRUCTURAL COMPONENTS - INFORMATIVE
The following commentary is included in ASCE/SEI 7-10.
C13.2.2 Special Certification Requirements for Active Designated Seismic Systems:
This section addresses the qualification of active designated seismic equipment, its supports, and attachments
with the goal of improving survivability and achieving a high level of confidence that a facility will be
functional following a Design Earthquake. Active equipment has parts that rotate, move mechanically, or are
energized during operation. Active designated seismic equipment constitutes a limited subset of designated
seismic systems. Failure of active designated seismic equipment itself may pose a significant hazard. For active
designated seismic equipment, failure of structural integrity or loss of function are to be avoided.
Examples of active designated seismic equipment include mechanical (HVAC & refrigeration) or electrical
(power supply distribution) equipment, medical equipment, fire pump equipment, and uninterruptible power
supplies for hospitals.
Evaluating post-earthquake operational performance for active equipment by analysis generally involves
sophisticated modeling with experimental validation and may not be reliable. Therefore, the use of analysis
for active or energized components is not permitted unless a comparison can be made to components that have
otherwise been deemed as rugged. As an example, a transformer is energized but contains components that
can be shown to remain linearly elastic and are inherently rugged. On the other hand, switch equipment that
contains fragile components is similarly energized but not inherently rugged, and therefore cannot be certified
solely by analysis. For complex components, testing or experience may therefore be the only practical way to
ensure that the equipment will be operable following a Design Earthquake. Past earthquake experience has
shown that most active equipment is inherently rugged. Therefore, evaluation of experience data together with
analysis of anchorage is adequate to demonstrate compliance of active equipment such as pumps, compressors
and electric motors. In other cases, such as for motor control centers and switching equipment, shake table
testing may be required.
As a rule of thumb, active mechanical and electrical equipment to be considered under 13.2.2 can be limited to
equipment that contains an electric motor greater than 10 hp or heat transfer capacity greater than 200 MBH.
Components with lesser motor hp and thermal exchange capacity are generally considered to be small Active
Components and are deemed rugged. Exceptions to this rule may be appropriate for specific cases, such as
elevator motors that have higher horsepower but have been shown by experience to be rugged. Analysis is still
required to ensure the structural integrity of the non-active component. For example, a 15-ton condenser would
require analysis of the load path between the condenser fan and coil to the building structure attachment.
25
APPENDIX D. SEISMIC DESIGN OF LIQUID

STORAGE TANKS - INFORMATIVE
D1.1 Scope. This appendix is limited to the evaluation of liquid storage tanks and does not address the
design of their foundations or supporting structures. For tanks supported within building structures on elevated
levels (ASCE 7 Section 15.3), appropriate building amplification of seismic ground motion should be
considered when deriving the seismic forces on the tank. This section does not apply to small metal housings
used in humidifiers.
D1.2 General. Any structure having a primary purpose of retaining a significant volume of liquid within its
boundaries is considered to be a liquid storage tank. The perimeter may be of any shape but will be
approximated as cylindrical, rectangular or a combination of both for analysis purposes within the scope of this
appendix. The structure may be of any material, may be located above or below ground and may be internal
or external to building structures.
The ability of a liquid storage tank to retain the liquid within its boundaries is a passive function determined by
the structural and leak integrity of the tank under the loads to which it is subjected. There may also be active
functions associated with keeping the liquid within the tank boundaries, such as the closure of open isolation
valves on piping penetrating the tank boundaries or shutting down pumps that could otherwise empty the tank.
A tank could also be part of system that has passive and active functional requirements in addition to liquid
retention.
Those tank structures having full covers are considered closed. The covers of closed tanks may be subject to
internal forces resulting from liquid sloshing caused by seismic excitation if adequate freeboard height is not
provided.
Tanks without full covers are considered open. Sloshing could result in some of the liquid spilling over the
walls of the tank during a seismic event if adequate freeboard height is not provided.
D1.3 Description. Liquid storage tanks may contain structures such as internal structural elements, roof
supports, piping, baffles or heat exchanger tube bundles within their boundaries. Normally wetted structures
such as baffles and heat exchanger tube bundles are likely to inhibit liquid sloshing by creating significant
resistance to relative fluid movement. Structures that are contained within liquid-containing structures are
defined in ASCE 7 Section 15.6.4 as “Special Hydraulic Structures” and are required in Section 15.6.4.1 Design
Basis to be designed for the hydrodynamic rigid body and sloshing forces that result from seismic excitation.
A complete or partial loss of liquid inventory could result from the loss of tank structural integrity and/or liquid
sloshing. For hazardous liquids such a loss could result in a significant safety hazard. For non-hazardous
liquids a loss of inventory could result in a significant safety hazard where, for instance, drowning or
electrocution could result from contact with the escaping liquid. In addition, the loss of liquid inventory could
adversely impact the function of nearby structures and/or equipment that are important to safety.
ASCE 7 Chapter 13 Seismic Design Requirements for Nonstructural Components, Section 13.1.5 Applicability
of Nonstructural Component Requirements, defines “non-building structures” as being those nonstructural
components whose weight is greater than or equal to 25% of the effective seismic weight of the building to
which they are attached. This section defers to Chapter 15 for the design of non-building structures (including
storage racks and tanks) that are supported by other structures. This is interpreted to include all tanks regardless
of weight since Chapter 15 provides special requirements for these structures in Section 15.7 Tanks and Vessels.
Tanks that are self-supported are also included within the scope of Chapter 15.
Liquid storage tanks are considered, herein, to be “Non-building Structures not Similar to Buildings” whose
design requirements are specified in ASCE 7 Chapter 15 rather than “Nonstructural Components” whose design
requirements are specified in Chapter 13.
26
D1.4 Liquid Seismic Mass.
D1.4.1 Where wetted structures internal to a tank are expected to offer little resistance to fluid
movement the contained liquid mass shall be partitioned into a convective and impulsive
component determined in accordance with standard methods. Sloshing due to the convective
component shall be considered.
D1.4.2 If wetted structures internal to a tank are expected to offer significant resistance to fluid
movement (such as baffles or heat exchanger tube bundles) then the liquid mass bounded by
the internals shall be considered entirely impulsive.
D1.4.2.1 Sloshing can be ignored if there is no liquid above the wetted internal structures.
Otherwise, that portion of the liquid above the internals shall be considered convective and
sloshing will be considered.
D1.4.2.2 That portion of the liquid mass outside the bounds of the internal structures shall be
added to the tank mass.
D1.4.2.3 That portion of the liquid mass bounded by the internal structures shall be added to
the mass of the internals when the relative movement between the internals and the tank can
be shown to be small (i.e. rigid behavior).
D1.4.2.4 That portion of the liquid mass bounded by the internal structures shall be added to
the mass of the tank when the relative movement between the internals and the tank are
expected to be significant (i.e. flexible behavior).
D1.4.2.5 Alternatively the entire liquid mass may be added to either the internal structures
or the tank whichever is more limiting.
27
APPENDIX E. SOFTWARE VALIDATION -

NORMATIVE
E1.1 Representative Solutions. It is the end users responsibility to verify that software used in analysis
produces results that are reasonable for problems similar to those for which it is being used. This can be
accomplished by finding representative problems with known solutions from literature or from the results of
other previously verified programs. Representative problems must use program features similar to those for
which a solution is desired. For instance, a typical dead weight and seismic analysis of simple equipment or
structures will use beam elements for modeling, static methods for the dead weight analysis and dynamic
response spectrum methods for the seismic analysis. The response spectrum method requires that modal
analysis be performed. The seismic forces, moments and stresses for each mode will be typically post processed
into a combined load set using square root sum of squares (SRSS) or complete quadratic combination (CQC)
methods. The individual load sets for X, Y & Z directions of loading may then be combined by SRSS into a
final load set. The stress results of analysis will typically be post-processed for comparison to allowables for a
structural code such as AISC. Therefore, a representative set of problems shall include all of these features
individually or in combination.
E1.2 Processing Results. The post processing of results can often be verified manually with a sampling of
results. For instance, the SRSS combination of X, Y & Z seismic results can be verified when the individual
results are available. Likewise, stress comparisons to AISC allowables can be manually verified when the
individual components of stress are available.
E1.3 Model Samples. Models that use solid and/or shell elements can be compared to known solutions from
a source such as “Roark’s Formulas for Stress and Strain”. A collection of verification problems is available
from http://www.comp-engineering.com/manuals.htm or from SAP2000 “Manuals and ETABS Manuals
sections”. The “Software Verification Examples” for the ETABS program are well suited for frame analysis
problems and include some shell type solutions as well. The example problems “Problem A thru Problem Z“
for SAP2000 are for models such as simple cantilevered beams and walls but include other more complex
examples of shell element models.
28

Requirements For Seismic Qualification of HVACR Equipment

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What are the seismic performance levels defined in the standard?

What are the seismic performance levels defined in the standard?

What are the different ways seismic capacity of equipment can be determined according to the standard?

What are the different ways seismic capacity of equipment can be determined according to the standard?

ANSI/AHRI Standard 1270 (I-P)

2015 Standard for

Approved by ANSI on November 6, 2015

This standard supersedes the 2013 version.

Section 2. Scope ................................................................................................................................................ 1

Section 3. Definitions ........................................................................................................................................ 1

Section 4. Symbols ............................................................................................................................................ 4

Section 6. Seismic Demand ............................................................................................................................... 8

Section 7. Seismic Capacity of Equipment by Analysis .................................................................................. 10

Section 8. Seismic Capacity of Equipment by Testing .................................................................................... 13

Section 9. Report Requirements ...................................................................................................................... 18

Section 10. Seismic Rating of Equipment ....................................................................................................... 21

Table 3. Load Combinations ........................................................................................................................... 12

Table 4. Analytical Procedures ........................................................................................................................ 13

Table 5. Functional Requirements For Designated Seismic Systems .............................................................. 15

Appendix A. References – Normative ............................................................................................................. 22

Appendix B. References – Informative ........................................................................................................... 23

Appendix D. Seismic Design of Liquid Storage Tanks-Informative ............................................................... 26

Appendix E. Software Validation- Normative ................................................................................................ 28

Figure 1. Qualification Flowchart ..................................................................................................................... 5

Figure 2. RRS, Normalized For Equipment ...................................................................................................... 8

REQUIREMENTS FOR SEISMIC QUALIFICATION

3.2 Active Equipment. Equipment that contains Active Components.

3.20 Pre-Qualified Component. Active or energized components seismically pre-qualified to a

3.27 "Shall," "Should," "Recommended," or "It Is Recommended." "Shall," "should,"

3.27.2 Should, Recommended, or It Is Recommended. "Should," "recommended," or "it is

Search Table 1 and

Develop Qualification Plan Identify components that require

Perform Pre-test Determine Analysis Method for Equipment

Develop Qualification Plan

Prepare Final Report

Figure 1. Qualification Flowchart

Table 1. Seismic Performance Level5; Functionality (per ASCE 7 Section 13.2.2)

Non-vibration Static Analysis w/Natural 1.0 or

Static Analysis EFRS and Attachment Point 2.5 2.0 1.0

Section 6. Seismic Demand

Figure 2. RRS, Normalized for Equipment

ARIG-H = 0.4 SDS · (1 + 2z/h) 2

Vertical: AFLX-V = 2/3 SDS 3

ARIG-V = 0.4 · 2/3 SDS 4

AFLX-H (MAX) = 1.6 · SDS 5

ARIG-H (MAX) = 1.2 · SDS 6

ARIG-H (MAX) = 1.4 · SDS 7

AFLX-H (MAX at Grade) = 1.0 · SDS 8

ARIG-H (MAX at Grade) = 0.4·1.4·SDS = 0.56 · SDS 9

Fp is not required to be taken as greater than

And Fp shall not be taken as less than

Section 7. Seismic Capacity of Equipment by Analysis

7.2.9 Load Combinations.

Table 3. Load Combinations

Table 4. Analytical Procedures

Section 8. Seismic Capacity of Equipment by Testing

8.2.1 Manufacturer Information. Provide manufacturer’s information per AC156.

8.2.2.1 Product Name.

8.2.3 Code Parameters.