Images of anchorage Lab equipment
Why Seismic Anchorage Matters
Anchoring nonstructural components at Berkeley lab is critical to ensuring employee safety during an earthquake and maintaining operations continuity after an earthquake. It is also required by DOE and UC safety policies. Building codes are studied and enforced in order to ensure the safety of lab personnel, prevent major damage, and prolonged work stoppages.
Our Earthquake Risk
Earthquakes in the Bay Area are highly common and dangerous due to our proximity to the Hayward Fault. Before 2043 there is a 98% chance that a 6.0 magnitude earthquake will occur in SF and a 72% chance that a 6.7 magnitude earthquake will occur in the bay area, there is a 33% chance that this same earthquake will occur on the Hayward Fault.
Berkeley Lab is located right above this fault line. Boasting the highest seismic design forces of any other facility within the DOE complex, earthquake forces are considered a serious safety risk at LBNL.
Seismic Rating Dashboard
The seismic rating dashboard includes a map of all LBNL buildings. Users may select a structure(s) and view its seismic status and reason for rating.
Seismic Safety Videos
Seismic safety videos cover LBNL’s lateral force design criteria, anchorage component requirements, and lateral force design criteria. The videos provide an overview of Berkeley Lab’s seismic safety protocol.
Structural Key Plans
Structural key plans provide an annotated plan view of all buildings at LBNL. Contractors and engineers evaluating the seismic status of a structure can reference structural key plans to view the lateral force resisting system(s) and their location within the building.
Typical Anchorage Library
The typical detail library includes anchorage detail designs for the most commonly anchored nonstructural components at the Berkeley Lab. The library also includes a location factor interpolation tool and a list of pre-approved equipment, parts, and fasteners.
Location Factor Calculator
The location factor calculator, or dashboard, inputs basic component information and outputs a unique location factor value, or X. Users may select “Floor Mounted Component” or “Wall Mounted Component” and fill out the corresponding questions.
Seismic Anchorage Surveys
Take an access survey if unsure whether a component needs anchorage or has an existing detail library design. Surveys cover three categories—lab research equipment, furnishings and fixtures, and MEP components—and provide customized anchorage procedures based on user responses.
Anchorage Videos & Procedures
- Why Anchorage Matters
- Component Requirements
- Anchorage Procedure
Seismic anchorage technical videos cover anchorage component requirements and standard anchorage procedures for nonstructural components at LBNL
Why do I need to anchor my equipment
The updated ASCE 7-22 provisions detail that specific nonstructural components must be anchored for the preservation of the component itself, prevention of financial losses and the protection of those close to the component during a seismic event. In addition, the lab is highly vulnerable to seismic forces due to its proximity to the Hayward Fault.
Why is nonstructural anchorage so important?
Nonstructural components are most easily damaged by seismic forces, highly expensive and essential to building function. Most importantly, nonstructural components pose a major safety risk if unanchored during an earthquake.
