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The Great Southern California ShakeOut



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Disclaimer: The effects, descriptions, recommendations, and suggestions included in this web site are intended to improve earthquake preparedness; however, they do not guarantee the safety of an individual or a structure. The Earthquake Country Alliance (ECA) takes responsibility for the inclusion of materials from various sources on these pages. The State of California, the Seismic Safety Commission, the ECA and all contributors to this document do not assume liability for any injury, death, property damage, loss of revenue, or any other effect of an earthquake.




Emergency Power System

Larger imageSeismic Snubber

Source: Noson, Perbix, SSD

Purpose

To secure emergency power systems.

The emergency power system can include the following elements:

  • Motor generator set
  • Battery set
  • Fuel supply tank
  • Muffler
  • Electric cable
  • Power transfer unit

Recommendation — Secure Generator

Install seismic snubbers to secure motor generator set.

Source: Noson, Perbix, SSD

Supplies Required

  • Eight steel Z snubbers (or other type of seismic snubber)
  • Eight expansion bolts—1/2" diameter (for concrete)
  • OR
  • Eight expansion bolts—1/2" diameter (for wood)

Installation

  1. Place snubbers at two sides near the corners.
  2. Bolt to the concrete or wood, allowing 1" free play between the generator and snubber.

Note

  • Due to size or complex design, motor generator sets and power transfer units may require more extensive mitigation design by a structural engineer.
  • Equipment may already be anchored directly without using isolation springs. Consult with structural engineer to determine if seismic snubbers are necessary.

Larger imageFuel Supply Tank

Source: Noson, Perbix, SSD

Recommendation — Secure Fuel/Water Tank

Install steel braced platforms, metal straps, and slack line to secure fuel supply tank or water day tank.

Caution

When anchoring to post-tensioned slab, locate and avoid reinforcing.

Supplies Required

  • Steel-braced platform (Consult an engineer for design.)
  • Metal straps (18 gage x 2")
  • Sheet metal screws—3/8"
  • Flexible line
  • Lag bolts or expansion bolts—3/8"

Installation

  1. Place a minimum of two straps (one at each end of the tank).
  2. Secure straps to the steel-braced platform with sheet metal screws. Attach to supporting structure with lag bolts or expansion bolts.

Note

  • Provide slack in electrical cables.
  • Anchor each element in the system.


Source: School Facilities Manual Nonstructural Protection Guide

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Created in the SCEC system Last modified: May 22 2007 17:23 © 2008 Southern California Earthquake Center @
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