While I appreciate the concerns by the structural engineer I would refer
them to the requirements of §9.3.3.2 which fairly clearly require a
seismic separation assembly to accommodate only the separation in the
two horizontal dimensions, and not the vertical.
Further, §9.3.5.1.1 indicates that bracing is required to prevent
vertical motion. And, lastly, §9.3.5.10 describes the conditions when a
net vertical reaction force on a brace must be considered, and this does
not apply to separation assemblies.
As to whether or not they have been tested in the vertical dimensions I
would defer to one of the manufacturers, perhaps Zeke at Metraflex for
further information.
As I am a current principal member of the hanging and bracing committee
please see the disclaimer below.
sincerely,
*Ken Wagoner, SET*
*Parsley Consulting
500 West Mechanic Street
Harrisonville, Missouri 64701-2235*
*Phone: (760) 745-6181 *
*Visit the website
<https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fwww.parsleyconsulting.com%2f&c=E,1,Y5zKJKPEh1mBEBqSR-VE9cUKl5y-eyP8BpvmE_5j9ZqW2eJbNphYzrCMBZ-2YuX6d-RRkHI4gQ1FV-cvOeCfRC58uZS9NiToZv2mx7909oCqLvCW_n5hDHeK&typo=1>
IMPORTANT NOTICE: This correspondence is not a Formal Interpretation
issued pursuant to NFPA Regulations. Any opinion expressed is the
personal opinion of the author and does not necessarily represent the
official position of the NFPA or its Technical Committees. In addition,
this correspondence is neither intended, nor should it be relied upon,
to provide professional consultation or services
It should be noted that the above is my opinion as a member of the NFPA
Automatic Sprinkler System Hanging and Bracing Committee and the Hanging
and Bracing for Fire Suppression Systems Committee in accordance with
the NFPA Regulations Governing Committee Projects and should therefore
not be considered, nor relied upon, as the official position of the NFPA
or its Committees
*
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