» Read more recent posts about seismic design and the latest version of ANSI MH16.1.
The characteristics of the types of soils present at a location determine its assigned soil classification. Criteria include the ability of the soil to withstand the weight of the structures built on it. Therefore, it’s important to have this information available for a rack design engineer. That’s because the soil classification contributes to the overall geological and seismic risk determination. Taken together, those form the basis of a seismic rack design.
Identifying a Seismic Design Category
To determine the site’s soil classification, the building owner or architect typically engages a geotechnical engineer. This specialist conducts a site soil survey prior to the design and construction of a facility. Based on that information it is possible to identify the site’s the seismic design category (SDC). That designation subsequently informs the rack engineer’s selection of proper, safe design precautions integrated into the structure.
Facility owners who do not have the soil classification information about their building and are unable to get it from the contractor, which can occur with older buildings, it is possible to have a new site soil survey done.
ANSI MH16.1: Specification for the Design, Testing and Utilization of Industrial Steel Storage Racks, published by RMI, includes a complete listing of the calculations to be performed by a qualified rack design engineer.
Learn More About Racks Designed for Earthquake-Prone Areas
For additional information on seismic design requirements for rack safety, the standard is available here.
