TO all;

The IBC refers to ASCE 7 as the Standard for earthquake bracing, if I remember 
correctly the ASCE 7 standard in effect at the time of the adoption of the 2003 
IBC specifically excluded NFPA 13 as a standard for earthquake bracing through 
the reference in ASCE 7 excluding NFPA 13 seismic bracing since NFPA 13 
requirements did not meet the requirements of  ASCE 7. In the latest edition of 
ASCE 7 the NFPA 13 seismic bracing exclusion was removed from ASCE 7. Be aware 
of the version of the IBC that is being enforced in your area of operation 
since the IBC is considered the legal code which tells the designer, owner and 
design professionals what the requirements are for the building based on 
occupancy, construction type, ground floor area, building height and exposure 
to building.       

Jim Davidson 
 
Davidson Associates 
Fire Protection * Medical Gas * Code Consulting  
302-994-9500   Fax:302-234-1781

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] 
[mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of 
[email protected]
Sent: Thursday, March 25, 2010 3:46 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: RE: Seismic Restraint Standards

We get those cross referenced type specs now and then.

For mechanical piping, plumbing, duct, etc, SMACNA.

For Fire Protection,  NFPA 13. SMACNA isn't referenced in the NFPA INSTALLATION 
Standard, because 13 has it's own rules to follow.  

SMACNA is also no longer referenced in the IBC as of the 2003 edition.  ASCE 7 
was established as the accepted standard.  However there was some verbiage 
placed in the Code which would permit acceptance of other design standards if 
approved by the AHJ.

So if the MEOR wants to apply SMACNA to Mechanical piping and duct systems he 
needs to request permission from the AHJ to use that standard.

But as previously stated,  NFPA 13 is the applicable standard for design of 
seismic bracing for Fire Protection service piping not SMACNA.


Craig L. Prahl, CET   
Fire Protection Specialist
Mechanical Department
CH2MHILL
Lockwood Greene
1500 International Drive
PO Box 491, Spartanburg, SC  29304-0491
Direct - 864.599.4102
Fax - 864.599.8439
[email protected]
http://www.ch2m.com 


-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] 
[mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Ed Cyr
Sent: Thursday, March 25, 2010 3:01 PM
To: American Fire Sprinkler Association
Subject: Seismic Restraint Standards

Forumites:

General Mechanical specs often refer to SMACNA for seismic restraint of piping 
systems. Sprinkler specs often refer to General Mechanical.

Question: Does NFPA 13 seismic bracing requirements take precedence over SMACNA?

How was the battle won with the MEOR when he says SMACNA is the preferred 
standard for bracing of piping systems?

Any comments would be appreciated.

Thank you,
Ed Cyr

*Alpha Fire Sprinkler Corp.*
San Luis Obispo, CA
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