gnomik
You have looked at the wrong Victaulic publication. Go to the Victaulic web site and download "Grooved Piping System - Design Data - 26.01" This publication illustrates how the Victaulic couplers are put together and the difference between the ridged and flexible couplings. In addition, 26.01 gives examples of how to calculate the amount of flexibility you get from one of their joints. With this information, you should be able to answer your own question.
You stated, “This spring supported isolation pads add to the unpredictability of movement in case of a seismic event.” Incorrect! When properly designed and installed, spring supported isolation pads have very predictable movements. You should have seismic snubbers to limit the seismic movement of your equipment. The following web site should give you days of reading some of the best information on the web about vibration isolation and seismic requirements:
Once you understand how spring supported isolations systems should be designed, how snubbers limit travel, and the amount of flexibility Victaulic joints have: You should be able to answer your own question.
Your question started out asking about seismic moment and Victaulic couplers. Now the issue has changed to vibration isolation. A Victaulic flexible coupler should not be used for vibration isolation. The metal to metal contact through the joint will transmit the vibration from the isolated equipment into the piping system.
You also stated, “Sprinkler system has a suspended system that forces it to swing along with the building, and therefore, is of no concern.” Incorrect! Sprinkler systems do have some movement that is independent of the building and it is for this reason, the flexible couplers are used in strategic locations to prevent pipe failure and the resulting water damage during seismic events. FM Global has requirements that are more stringent than NFPA 13 regarding the placement of anchors and flexible couplers used in sprinkler systems. If you question the need for flexibility in sprinkler piping systems, FM Global has a lot of information, especially information about insurance claims from broken sprinkler pipes during earthquakes. Water damage can create substantial insurance claims.
Regards,