How Seismic Anchors Protect Infrastructure and Tools

If you live and work in California, you would have heard the words’ seismic anchors’ several times already. California is no stranger to severe earthquakes, so seismic anchors are crucial in building infrastructure. Anchors essentially brace buildings to prevent them from collapsing in an earthquake. 

If you have a building you want to protect during earthquakes, you should also consider anchoring large tools and devices. According to the California Building Code, a device weighing more than 400 pounds requires a permit for seismic anchors. 

To protect your devices, you should get this permit and have strong seismic anchors installed. 

How Do Seismic Anchors Work in Buildings?

Seismic anchors transfer seismic forces from a building to the ground below, allowing a structure to withstand the shaking and vibration during an earthquake.

The transfer process works as follows:

• Seismic anchors connect a structure to its foundation. This is typically done by attaching brackets to the bottom part of a building and bolting each one to the foundation. It is crucial for the formed connection between the building and foundation to be strong enough that it does not break during an earthquake. 
• When an earthquake happens, the vibrations and shaking do not last long. But they are often strong enough to make a building collapse. When seismic anchors transfer the seismic forces to the ground, they help absorb the sheer energy of the earthquake. This helps prevent the structure from collapsing. 
• There is very limited movement between a building and its foundation during an earthquake, allowing the energy to dissolve. 
• Seismic anchors protect buildings during and after earthquakes. This is mainly why they are essential and often required in earthquake-prone areas. 

Why Use Seismic Anchors for Large Tools and Devices

A building should not be the only thing secured in the event of an earthquake; the tools and devices inside should also be anchored. The main reason for anchoring these objects is that they can and will shift and fall during an earthquake, causing severe injury. Even worse, they may become projectiles, injuring those inside the building and causing further damage to the property. 

Seismic anchors help prevent this by securing large tools, devices, and equipment to the ground or walls. Many tools and equipment are essential for industrial operations or public services. If they become damaged, it can lead to disruptions, financial losses, and safety risks. Therefore, seismic anchors can help ensure critical equipment continues functioning during and after an earthquake. 

Although installing seismic anchors along with equipment may be more expensive, it will protect your investment in the long run. 

What Happens If a Building Is Not Secured With Seismic Anchors

Seismic anchors are required for California buildings for a reason. Not using them for your building could cause the structure to collapse during an earthquake. A collapse will also result in injuries or loss of life. On top of that, you will suffer severe financial losses.Your unsecured equipment, tools, and devices will shift or topple over, causing more injuries or deaths. People outside of your building may be hurt or killed if the building with everything inside comes down. 

You will face substantial economic losses after an earthquake and subsequent building collapse. You may be forced to shut your business’s doors for months or years. If you cannot rebuild immediately, your business will likely be closed permanently. 

Moreover, if your insurance provider discovers your building and equipment are not properly anchored for earthquakes, you may be considered a high risk. This means you will pay more on your monthly insurance premium. Source