Conduit Installation in seismic regions?

[chuck@apsinc.biz]

Can any one point me in the right direction for conduit installation requirements in a Seismic 3 zone? The Engineer specified GRC with threaded fittings and the contractor installed GRC with compression fittings and now the owner is questioning the seismic integrity of the raceway system? I need some sort of documentation that states as long as the compression fittings are listed for the use then it is acceptable for them to be installed in a Seismic 3 zone.

 

[ron]

Re: Conduit Installation in seismic regions?

The requirements regarding the seismic zone would come from an interpretation of the local building code. Mostly, the requirement has to do with hanging/supporting the raceway, not the couplings.

 

[tom baker]

Re: Conduit Installation in seismic regions?

Some division 16 specs now have a section on siesmic restraint. Most commom to design hangers for supporting weight of conduit if filled with water. Also epoxey anchors are most often spec'd, they are far stronger than expansion bolts. As far as coupling type goes, perhaps a call to the mfg would be in order. However a good siesmic design would have lateral support so the conduit would be less likely to pull apart.
We had a little 6.5 earthquake 2 years ago, I am more a beliver now after I saw 2 foot waves in a asphalt parking lot.