Nonstructural component Ch 13 or Non building structure Ch 15 ASCE 7 (AHU)
Nonstructural component Ch 13 or Non building structure Ch 15 ASCE 7 (AHU)
(OP)
Fellow Engineers,
I came across an AHU I have to design the anchorage for. I am almost sure that this is a non structural component and that I have to use Ch 13 in ASCE 7 (seismic coefficents are clearly stated for "air handlers" in Ch 13 table), but this AHU is not inside a building or attached to the building, it is sitting outside on SOG. Reading CH 13, is states that any nonstructural component attached to a building is designed with Ch 13. Also, Ch 15, refers me back to Ch 13 for any architectural, mechanical, and electrical components supported by nonbuilding structures. Should I use Ch 13 requirements even though the AHU is not attached or supported by a nonbuilding structure or building? Or is Ch 15 what I have to use even though an AHU does not really fall into a nonbuilding structure not similar to building category?
I hope you guys could help me figure out which requirements I need to obey, Ch 13 or Ch 15.
Thank You
JO
I came across an AHU I have to design the anchorage for. I am almost sure that this is a non structural component and that I have to use Ch 13 in ASCE 7 (seismic coefficents are clearly stated for "air handlers" in Ch 13 table), but this AHU is not inside a building or attached to the building, it is sitting outside on SOG. Reading CH 13, is states that any nonstructural component attached to a building is designed with Ch 13. Also, Ch 15, refers me back to Ch 13 for any architectural, mechanical, and electrical components supported by nonbuilding structures. Should I use Ch 13 requirements even though the AHU is not attached or supported by a nonbuilding structure or building? Or is Ch 15 what I have to use even though an AHU does not really fall into a nonbuilding structure not similar to building category?
I hope you guys could help me figure out which requirements I need to obey, Ch 13 or Ch 15.
Thank You
JO






RE: Nonstructural component Ch 13 or Non building structure Ch 15 ASCE 7 (AHU)
RE: Nonstructural component Ch 13 or Non building structure Ch 15 ASCE 7 (AHU)
http://www.structurearchives.org/article.aspx?arti...
RE: Nonstructural component Ch 13 or Non building structure Ch 15 ASCE 7 (AHU)
jedclampett, yes I usually pick the highest load and use that, it is conservative. But it would be nice to know which one it is exactly.
prm06, that flow chart takes me to ch 15, just because it is not attached/supported by another structure.
This is so confusing :/
RE: Nonstructural component Ch 13 or Non building structure Ch 15 ASCE 7 (AHU)
It is not actually all that clear if ASCE 7 would be applicable to it in the first place. Per IBC, a structure is "that which is built or constructed", which could be construed to include just about every physical object, but the definition is usually construed in a more narrow sense; otherwise, we'd all be analyzing our coffee cups and staplers for seismic stability.
RE: Nonstructural component Ch 13 or Non building structure Ch 15 ASCE 7 (AHU)
Are you saying it does not even need to be check for seismic? But this is a 20'x20'x12'High AHU.
JO
RE: Nonstructural component Ch 13 or Non building structure Ch 15 ASCE 7 (AHU)
There was another thread about anchors on a rectangular tank. That tank is about the size of a semi.
So why does the rectangular tank require seismic design but a semi parked next to it doesn't?
But for a 20'x20'x12' item, I'd include it under Chapter 15.
RE: Nonstructural component Ch 13 or Non building structure Ch 15 ASCE 7 (AHU)
Thanks for the advice
JO
RE: Nonstructural component Ch 13 or Non building structure Ch 15 ASCE 7 (AHU)
RE: Nonstructural component Ch 13 or Non building structure Ch 15 ASCE 7 (AHU)
RE: Nonstructural component Ch 13 or Non building structure Ch 15 ASCE 7 (AHU)
You mean ch 13?
JO
RE: Nonstructural component Ch 13 or Non building structure Ch 15 ASCE 7 (AHU)
RE: Nonstructural component Ch 13 or Non building structure Ch 15 ASCE 7 (AHU)
Thanks.
RE: Nonstructural component Ch 13 or Non building structure Ch 15 ASCE 7 (AHU)
Sorry - I should proof read before submitting. I meant chapter 13 - non-structural components.
RE: Nonstructural component Ch 13 or Non building structure Ch 15 ASCE 7 (AHU)
Yes I agree with you. I feel like ch 13 is correct. But they should really add that not all equpment need to be attached/supported by a structure', it is a bit confussing.
JO
RE: Nonstructural component Ch 13 or Non building structure Ch 15 ASCE 7 (AHU)
It seemed strange that platforms placed on an elevated level fell into chapter 13, but the 25% weight rule, but that platforms on the ground floor fell into chapter 15.
I designed all of them per chapter 13.
RE: Nonstructural component Ch 13 or Non building structure Ch 15 ASCE 7 (AHU)
Thanks for the feedback. I guess in cases like these we just have to use our engineering judgement.