s it a Nonstructural Component or Non building Structure? 2

[OldSchl]

Hi all,

wondering what you would categorize the attached air filter dwg. Is it a

A.) Nonstructural Component (ASCE 7-05 chapter 13)
or
B.) Non building Structure (ASCE 7-05 chapter 15)

I'm leaning towards B, even though it is, technically, a mechanical unit. But, since this air handler is not attached to a main laterally resisting structure and is a stand-alone structure (i.e it's gotta resist the lateral loads on its own. I feel it would fall under chapter 15, table 15.4-2, under elevated tanks, vessels, bins, hoppers (ASCE 7-05).

I've also noticed that the seismic load for this air filter corresponding to category B is almost 40% greater than that of A.

 

[msquared48]

Non-Building Structure from what I see.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

http://mmcengineering.tripod.com

 

[EngineeringAdam]

I agree with Mike.

I have some experience with mechanical units where I used Chapter 15 for the same reason as you.

By going the more conservative route you also avoid any complications that could arise if the plan checker doesn't agree with a chapter 13 justification attempt.

 

[PMR06]

Read this months Structure Magazine article:

http://www.structuremag.org/article.aspx?articleID=1405

 

[OldSchl]

PMR06

great article, thanks for the reference..