Seismic Forces on Suspended Equipment
Seismic Forces on Suspended Equipment
(OP)
Thank you for helping me with the previous thread. Now I have a situation with a conveyor belt system supported overhead from the roof joists of a warehouse. I know the forces on this will come from the roof, but how do I treat the swinging action on the conveyor.
I cannot brace it against anything, so the supports must be very stiff. How much deflection is acceptable? Also, do I need to analyze the entire warehouse, or can I just find the local forces only?
I cannot brace it against anything, so the supports must be very stiff. How much deflection is acceptable? Also, do I need to analyze the entire warehouse, or can I just find the local forces only?





RE: Seismic Forces on Suspended Equipment
Never say never. There are many devices (struts) available to absorb the energy during a seismic event. Check with Taylor Devices and others for more information. Also check out the piping industry as many of these suspended pipes use so-called anti-seismic struts to mitigate problems as well.
If your going to be working in this area, you may want to check out a few of the titles available from FEMA/NEHRP on seismic design guidelines, rehabilitation, and non-structural damage mitigation.
Good Luck.
RE: Seismic Forces on Suspended Equipment
My suspended conveyor is attached to an 8 inch tilt up wall at one end and a vertical support at the other. I feel this helps for displacement, but if the wall anchors are overloaded, I can put some diagonal hangers in to resist the load. Am I on the right track?
RE: Seismic Forces on Suspended Equipment
Good Luck.