Seismic Bracing Any Help When Building Isn't?

6/26/2019

I know where I stand on this topic, but I'm interested in hearing other opinions and seeing if I'm wrong.

An existing, one-story, 35+ year old building that is a Seismic Risk Category IV building was not build to resist lateral loads. The building is being altered under a Level III alteration in the International Existing Building Code (IEBC), and is not required to be structurally braced nor is the sprinkler system required to be retrofit with seismic bracing.

My question is, is there any benefit to bracing a fire sprinkler system where the building is not structurally built to resist lateral loads?

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1 Comment

Randy

6/28/2019 11:30:49 am

Counter question: if you are not required to provide it, why give it a second thought?

I would say that it depends. Just because a building is not 'seismically designed' does not mean it's automatically good for nothing. If the pipe is small enough, then bracing can likely do some good. Branch lines restraints have been a growing point of focus. They can whip around and snap off from mains at the joints. If the structure is weak, it will likely not withstand the load applied by feed main or cross main piping.

In any case, bracing certainly does not hurt (other than the wallet...)

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