Mechanical Vibration Controls and Seismic Restraints

<Project Title>
PROJECT STANDARD SPECIFICATION
SECTION 15241 - MECHANICAL VIBRATION CONTROLS AND SEISMIC RESTRAINTS
PART 1 - GENERAL
0.1 RELATED DOCUMENTS
A. Drawings and general provisions of the Contract, including Conditions of Contract and
Division 1 Specification Sections, apply to this Section.
0.2 SUMMARY
A. This Section includes vibration isolators, vibration isolation bases, vibration isolation roof
curbs, and seismic restraints and snubbers.
B. Related Sections include the following:
1. Division 15 Section "Hangers and Supports" for pipe hanger restraints.

2. Division 15 Section "Metal Ducts" for flexible duct connectors.
3. Division 15 piping Sections for flexible pipe connectors.
4. Division 15 equipment Sections for HVAC equipment.
0.3 SUBMITTALS
A. Product Data: Indicate types, styles, materials, and finishes for each type of isolator
specified. Include load deflection curves.
B. Shop Drawings: Show designs and calculations, certified by a professional engineer, for the
following:
1. Design Calculations: Calculations for selection of vibration isolators, design of

vibration isolation bases, and selection of seismic restraints.
2. Vibration Isolation Base Details: Detail fabrication, including anchorages and
attachments to the structure and to the supported equipment. Include auxiliary motor
slides and rails, and base weights.
3. Seismic Restraint Details: Detail fabrication and attachment of restraints and
snubbers.
0.4 QUALITY ASSURANCE
A. Professional Engineer Qualifications: A professional engineer who is legally registered and

qualified to practice in the jurisdiction where the Project is located and who is experienced
in providing engineering services of the kind indicated. Engineering services are defined as
those performed for design and installations of vibration isolation bases and seismic
restraints that are similar to those indicated for this Project in material, design, and extent.
B. Manufacturer’s recommendations shall be considered in selection of vibration and seismic

restraints. All selection shall be certified by manufacturer.
MECHANICAL VIBRATION CONTROLS AND SEISMIC RESTRAINTS 15241 - Page 1/10

STD-SPC-DCA(A1)-ME-DCA REV A
<Project Title>
0.5 PROJECT CONDITIONS
A. Project seismic zone is 2A with a zone factor of 0.15.
B. Building Importance Factor: 1.0.
0.6 SEISMIC SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
A. General Requirements: The requirements for seismic protection measures described in this
section shall be applied to the mechanical equipment and systems listed below.
B. Mechanical Equipment: Mechanical equipment to be seismically protected shall include the

following items to the extent required on the Drawings or in other Sections of the
Specification:
1. Storage tanks for oil and water.

2. Water, oil and gas piping.
3. Expansion air separator tanks.
4. Valves and fittings for piping.
5. Heat exchangers.
6. Water chiller units.
7. Cooling towers.
8. Air and refrigerant compressors.
9. Refrigerant piping.
10. Air handling units.
11. Pumps with motors.
12. Ducts.
13. Exhaust and return fans.
C. Mechanical Systems: The following mechanical systems shall be installed as required on the
Drawings and other Sections of the Specification and shall be seismically protected in
accordance with this Specification:
1. All Piping Inside the Building Except as Specifically Stated Below Under "Items Not
Covered By This Section".
2. Chilled water distribution systems outside of buildings.
3. Fuel piping outside of buildings.
4. All water supply systems.
5. Storm and sanitary sewer systems.
6. Condenser water piping outside the building.
7. Fuel storage tanks.
8. Water storage tanks.
D. Contractor Designed Bracing: The Contractor shall design the bracing in accordance with
SMACNA Seismic Restraint Manual. Design shall be performed by a certified engineer.
Resistance to lateral forces induced by earthquakes shall be accomplished without
consideration of friction resulting from gravity loads.
E. Items Not Covered By This Section: Fire Protection Systems. Seismic protection of piping
for fire protection systems shall be installed as specified in Division 13.
F. Items Requiring No Seismic Restraints: Seismic restraints are not required for the following
items:

<Project Title>
1. Gas piping less than 25 mm inside diameter.

2. Piping in mechanical equipment rooms less than 32 mm inside diameter.
3. All other piping less than 64 mm inside diameter.
4. Rectangular air handling ducts less than 0.56 m² in cross sectional area.
5. Round air handling ducts less than 711 mm in diameter.
6. Piping suspended by individual hangers 1000 mm or less in length from the top of
pipe to the bottom of the supporting structural member where the hanger is attached.
All hangers shall meet the length requirements. If the length requirement is exceeded
by one hanger in the run, the entire run shall be braced.
7. Ducts suspended by hangers 1000 mm or less in length from the top of the duct to the
bottom of the supporting structural member. All hangers shall meet the length
requirements. If the length requirement is exceeded by one hanger in the run, the
entire run shall be braced.
8. Interior piping and ducts not listed above shall be seismically protected in accordance
with the provisions of this Specification.
0.7 COORDINATION
A. Coordinate layout and installation of vibration isolation and seismic-restraint devices with
other construction that penetrates ceilings or is supported by them, including light fixtures,
HVAC equipment, fire-suppression-system components, and partition assemblies.
B. Coordinate size and location of concrete housekeeping and vibration isolation bases. Cast
anchor-bolt inserts into base. Concrete, reinforcement, and formwork requirements are
specified in Division 3 Sections.
C. Coordinate installation of roof curbs, equipment supports, and roof penetrations. These
items are specified in Division 7 Sections.
PART 2 - PRODUCTS
0.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
A. Noise Criteria:
1. Noise levels in all 8 octave bands due to equipment and duct systems shall not exceed
following NC levels:
Type Of Room NC LEVEL

Auditoriums, Theaters 35
Bathrooms and Toilet Rooms 40
Mosques 35
Conference Rooms 35
Corridors 40
Dining Rooms, Food Services/ Serving 35
Kitchens 50
Laundries 50
Lobbies, Waiting Areas 40
Locker Rooms 50
Offices, large open 40

<Project Title>
Offices, small private 35

Shops 50
2. For equipment which has no sound power ratings scheduled on the plans, the
Contractor shall select equipment such that the foregoing noise criteria, local
ordinance noise levels, and ASHRAE requirements are not exceeded. Selection
procedure shall be in accordance with ASHRAE Fundamentals Handbook 2001,
Chapter 7, Sound and Vibration.
3. An allowance, not to exceed 5db, may be added to the measured value to compensate
for the variation of the room attenuating effect between room test condition prior to
occupancy and design condition after occupancy which may include the addition of
sound absorbing material, such as furniture. This allowance may not be taken after
occupancy. The room attenuating effect is defined as the difference between sound
power level emitted to room and sound pressure level in room.
4. In the absence of specified measurement requirements, measure equipment noise
levels 0.914 m from equipment and at an elevation of maximum noise generation.
B. Machinery Airborne Sound Level Criteria: For each piece of machinery in the human work
environment, the maximum airborne sound levels shall not exceed 84 dB A-weighted scale,
continuous or intermittent, or 140 dB peak sound pressure-level, impact or impulse, noise.
Unless otherwise specified the maximum equipment airborne sound power level in dB shall
not exceed the following data:
Maximum Sound Power Level (dB)

Octave Band Level Center Frequency (Hz)
Equipment
63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000
Air Handling Unit 94 90 89 89 89 84 82 79
Make-Up Air Fan 91 91 80 84 82 76 71 65
Air Conditioning Unit 100 96 90 89 86 80 75 72
Chiller 98 98 96 95 93 94 88 81
Cooling Tower 110 110 105 102 98 95 92 87
Air Compressor 90 89 92 93 92 92 90 81
Pump 85 80 82 82 80 77 74 72
Fan 55 50 48 47 48 46 42 37
C. Seismic Restraint Requirements:
1. All mechanical equipment not supported with isolators external to the unit shall be
securely anchored to the structure. Such mechanical equipment shall be properly
supported to resist a horizontal force of 50 percent of the weight of the equipment
furnished.
2. All mechanical equipment mounted on vibration isolators shall be provided with
seismic restraints capable of resisting a horizontal force of 100 percent of the weight
of the equipment furnished.
D. Allowable Vibration Tolerances for Rotating, Non-reciprocating Equipment: Not to exceed

a self-excited vibration maximum velocity of 5 mm per second (0.20 inch per second) RMS,
filter in, when measured with a vibration meter on bearing caps of machine in vertical,
horizontal, and axial directions or measured at equipment mounting feet if bearings are
concealed. Measurements for internally isolated fans and motors may be made at the
mounting feet.
<Project Title>
E. Materials: Rubber shall be natural rubber. Elastomer shall be chloroprene. Shore A

durometer measurement of both materials shall range between 40 and 60. Inorganic
materials such as precompressed, high-density, fibrous glass encased in a resilient moisture-
impervious membrane may be used in lieu of specified natural rubber and elastomers.
Where this substitution is made, specified deflections shall be modified by the
manufacturing source to accommodate physical characteristics of inorganic materials and to
provide equal or better vibration isolation. Weather-exposed metal vibration-isolator parts
shall be corrosion protected. Springs shall be chloroprene coated.
0.2 VIBRATION ISOLATORS
A. Floor Mountings:
1. Double Deflection Neoprene (Type N): Shall include neoprene covered steel support
plated (top and bottom), friction pads, and necessary bolt holes.
2. Spring Isolators (Type S): Shall be freestanding, laterally stable and include
acoustical friction pads and leveling bolts. Isolators shall have a minimum ratio of
spring diameter-to-operating spring height of 1.0 and an additional travel to solid
equal to 50 percent of rated deflection.
3. Pads (Type D), Washers (Type W), and Bushings (Type L): Pads shall be felt, cork,
neoprene waffle, neoprene and cork sandwich, neoprene and fiberglass, neoprene and
steel waffle, or reinforced duck and neoprene. Washers and bushings shall be
reinforced duck and neoprene. Size pads for a maximum load of 345 kPa (50 pounds
per square inch).
B. Hangers: Shall be combination neoprene and springs unless otherwise noted and shall allow
for expansion of pipe.
1. Combination Neoprene and Spring (Type H): Vibration hanger shall contain a spring
and double deflection neoprene element in series. Spring shall have a diameter not
less than 0.8 of compressed operating spring height. Spring shall have a minimum
additional travel of 50 percent between design height and solid height. Spring shall
permit a 15-degree angular misalignment without rubbing on hanger box.
2. Spring Position Hanger (Type HP): Similar to combination neoprene and spring
hanger except hanger shall hold piping at a fixed elevation during installation and
include a secondary adjustment feature to transfer load to spring while maintaining
same position.
3. Neoprene (Type HN): Vibration hanger shall contain a double deflection type
neoprene isolation element. Hanger rod shall be separated from contact with hanger
bracket by a neoprene grommet.
4. Spring (Type HS): Vibration hanger shall contain a coiled steel spring in series with a
neoprene grommet. Spring shall have a diameter not less than 0.8 of compressed
operating spring height. Spring shall have a minimum additional travel of 50 percent
between design height and solid height. Spring shall permit a 15 degree angular
misalignment without rubbing on hanger box.
5. Hanger supports for piping 50 mm (2 inches) and larger shall have a pointer and scale
deflection indicator.
0.3 SEISMIC CONTROLS
A. Captive Spring Mount for Seismic Restraint (Type SS):

<Project Title>
1. Design mounts to resiliently resist seismic forces in all directions. Snubbing shall take
place in all modes with adjustment to limit upward, downward, and horizontal travel
to a maximum of 6 mm (1/4-inch) before contacting snubbers. Mountings shall have
a minimum rating of one G coefficient of gravity as calculated and certified by a
registered structural engineer.
2. All mountings shall have leveling bolts that must be rigidly bolted to the equipment.
Spring diameters shall be no less than 0.8 of the compressed height of the spring at
rated load. Springs shall have a minimum additional travel to solid equal to 50
percent of the rated deflection. Mountings shall have ports for spring inspection.
Provide an all directional neoprene cushion collar around the equipment bolt.
B. Spring Isolators with Vertical Limit Stops (Type SP): Similar to spring isolators noted
above, except include a vertical limit stop to limit upward travel if weight is removed and
also to reduce movement and spring extension due to wind loads. Provide clearance around
restraining bolts to prevent mechanical short-circuiting. Isolators shall have a minimum
seismic rating as described above.
C. Seismic Pad (Type DS): Pads shall be felt, cork neoprene waffle, neoprene and cork
sandwich, neoprene and fiberglass, neoprene and steel waffle, or reinforced duck and
neoprene, with steel top plate and drilled for an anchor bolt. Washers and bushings shall be
reinforced duck and neoprene. Size pads for a maximum load of 345 kPa.
D. Thrust Restraints Type (THR): Combination spring and elastomeric restraints with coil
spring and elastomeric insert in compression. Factory set for thrust.
1. Frame: Formed steel, fabricated for connection to threaded rods and to allow for 30
degrees of angular hanger rod misalignment without binding or reducing isolation
efficiency.
2. Outside Spring Diameter: Not less than 80 percent of the compressed height of the
spring at rated load.
3. Minimum Additional Travel: 50 percent of the required deflection at rated load.
4. Elastomeric Element: Molded, oil-resistant rubber or neoprene.
5. Finishes: Baked enamel for metal components. Color-code to indicate capacity
range.
E. Manufactured Seismic Snubbers: All-directional, double-acting snubbers.
1. Construction: Interlocking steel members restrained by a 19 mm thick, replaceable,

shock-absorbing neoprene insert. Maintain 3 mm clearance in all directions between
rigid and resilient surfaces.
F. Fabricated Seismic Snubbers: Welded structural-steel shapes designed and fabricated to

restrain equipment or vibration isolation bases from excessive movement during a seismic
event. Design to resist gravity forces.
1. Construction: Welded steel shapes conforming to ASTM A 36M.

2. Resilient Components: 19 mm thick, replaceable, shock-absorbing neoprene insert.
0.4 VIBRATION ISOLATION BASES
A. Rails (Type R): Design rails with isolator brackets to reduce mounting height of equipment
and cradle machines having legs or bases that do not require a complete supplementary
base. To assure adequate stiffness, height of members shall be a minimum of 1/12 of longest
base dimension but not less than 100 mm (4 inches). Where rails are used with neoprene
<Project Title>
mounts for small fans or close-coupled pumps, extend rails to compensate overhang of
housing.
B. Integral Structural Steel Base (Type B): Design base with isolator brackets to reduce
mounting height of equipment that require a complete supplementary rigid base. To assure
adequate stiffness, height of members shall be a minimum of 1/12 of longest base
dimension, but not less than 100 mm (4 inches).
C. Inertia Base (Type I): Base shall be a reinforced concrete inertia base. Pour concrete into a
welded steel channel frame, incorporating prelocated equipment anchor bolts and pipe
sleeves. Level the concrete to provide a smooth uniform bearing surface for equipment
mounting. Provide grout under uneven supports. Channel depth shall be a minimum of 1/12
of longest dimension of base but not less than 150 mm (6 inches). Form shall include 13-
mm (1/2-inch) reinforcing bars welded in place on minimum of 203 mm (8 inch) centers
running both ways in a layer 40 mm (1-1/2 inches) above bottom. Use height saving
brackets in all mounting locations. Weight of inertia base shall be equal to or greater than
weight of equipment supported to provide a maximum peak-to-peak displacement of 2 mm
(1/16 inch).
D. Curb Mounted Isolation Base (Type CB): Fabricate from aluminum to fit on top of standard
curb with overlap to allow water run-off and have wind and water seals which shall not
interfere with spring action. Provide resilient snubbers with 6 mm (1/4 inch) clearance for
wind resistance. Top and bottom bearing surfaces shall have sponge type weather seals.
Integral spring isolators shall comply with Spring Isolator (Type S) requirements.
1.
0.5 VIBRATION ISOLATION ROOF CURBS
A. Description: Factory-assembled, fully enclosed, insulated, air- and watertight curb designed
to resiliently support roof-mounted equipment and to withstand 56 m/s wind impinging
laterally against the side of the equipment. Design restraints to meet seismic requirements.
B. Components: Upper support frame; lower support assembly; freestanding, unhoused,

laterally stable steel springs; vertical and horizontal restraints.
1. Lower Support Assembly: Provide a means of attachment to the building structure

and include a wood nailer strip for attachment of roof material and 50 mm of rigid
insulation on the inside of the assembly.
2. Spring Isolators: As indicated or scheduled. Include adjustment bolt to permit
leveling of equipment after installation. Attach to lower assembly with a rubber
isolation pad. Locate spring isolators so they are accessible for adjustment at any
time during the life of the installation without interfering with the integrity of the
roof.
3. Water Seal: Elastomeric seal conforming to UL Class A roofing materials, attached
to the upper support frame, extending down past the wood nailer of the lower support
assembly, and counterflashed over the roof materials.
PART 3 - EXECUTION
0.1 INSTALLATION

<Project Title>
A. Install and anchor vibration-, sound-, and seismic-control products according to

manufacturer's written instructions.
B. Anchor interior mounts, isolators, hangers, and snubbers to vibration isolation bases. Bolt
isolator baseplates to structural floors as required.
C. Anchor exterior mounts, isolators, hangers, and snubbers to vibration isolation bases. Bolt
isolator baseplates to structural supports as required.
D. Fill concrete inertia bases, after installing base frame, with 21 MPa concrete, and trowel to a
smooth, hard finish. Cast-in-place concrete is specified in Division 3.
E. Install pipe connectors at connections for equipment supported on vibration isolators.
0.2 SEISMIC CONTROL
A. Vibration Isolation Bases: Mount equipment on structural-steel bases or concrete inertia

bases.
B. Snubbers: Install the required number of seismic snubbers on each spring-mounted piece of
equipment. Locate snubbers as close as possible to the vibration isolators and bolt to
supporting structure.
0.3 ADJUSTING AND CLEANING
A. Adjust limit stops on restrained spring isolators to mount equipment at normal operating
height. After equipment installation is complete, adjust limit stops so they are out of contact
during normal operations.
B. Adjust thrust restraints for a maximum of 6 mm of movement at start and stop.
0.4 SELECTION GUIDE FOR VIBRATION ISOLATORS
ON GRADE 3 m FLOOR SPAN 9 m FLOOR SPAN 12 m FLOOR SPAN 15 m FLOOR SPAN

EQUIPMENT BASE ISOL MIN BASE ISOL MIN BASE ISOL MIN BASE ISOL MIN BASE ISOL MIN
TYPE TYPE DEFL TYPE TYPE DEFL TYPE TYPE DEFL TYPE TYPE DEFL TYPE TYPE DEFL
REFRIGERATION MACHINES
ABSORPTION --- D --- --- SP 1 --- SP 1 --- SP 1.7 --- SP 1.7
PACKAGED --- D --- --- SP 1 --- SP 1.7 --- SP 1.7 R SP 2.5
HERMETIC
OPEN B D --- B SP 1 --- SP 1.7 B SP 1.7 B SP 3.5

CENTRIFUGAL
ROTARY-SCREW --- N 0.4 --- N 0.4 --- N 0.4 --- N 0.4 --- N 0.4
RECIPROCATING:
500 - 750 RPM --- D --- --- SP 1.7 R SP 1.7 R SP 2.5 R SP 3.5
751 RPM & OVER --- D --- --- SP 1 --- --- 1.7 R SP 2.5 R SP 2.5

COMPRESSORS PUMPS
UP THROUGH 1- --- D,L,W --- ---- D,L,W --- --- D,L,W --- --- D,L,W --- --- D,L,W ---
1/2 HP

<Project Title>

2 HP AND OVER:
500 - 750 RPM --- D --- --- S 1.7 --- S 2.5 --- S 2.5 --- S 2.5
750 RPM & OVER --- D --- --- S 1 --- S 1.7 --- S 2.5 --- S 2.5

PUMPS
CLOSE UP TO --- --- --- --- D,L,W --- --- D,L,W --- --- D,L,W --- --- D,L,W ---
COUPLED 1-/2 HP
2 HP & --- --- --- I S 1 I S 1 I S 1.7 I S 1.7

OVER
UP TO --- --- --- I S 1 I S 1 I S 1.7 I S 1.7
10 HP
BASE
MOUNTED 15 HP I S 1 I S 1 I S 1.7 I S 1.7 I S 1.7
THRU
40 HP
50 HP & I S 1 I S 1 I S 1.7 I S 2.5 I S 2.5
OVER

ROOF VENTILTORS
ABOVE OCCUPIED AREAS:
5 HP & OVER --- --- --- CB S 1 CB S 1 CB S 1 CB S 1

CENTRIFUGAL BLOWERS
UP TO 50 HP:
UP TO 200 RPM B N 0.3 B S 2.5 B S 2.5 B S 3.5 B S 3.5
201 - 300 RPM B N 0.3 B S 1.7 B S 2.5 B S 2.5 B S 3.5
301 - 500 RPM B N 0.3 B S 1.7 B S 1.7 B S 2.5 B S 3.5
501 RPM & OVER B N 0.3 B S 1 B S 1 B S 1.7 B S 2.5
60 HP & OVER:
UP TO 300 RPM B S 1.7 I S 2.5 I S 3.5 I S 3.5 I S 3.5
301 - 500 RPM B S 1.7 I S 1.7 I S 2.5 I S 3.5 I S 3.5
501 RPM & OVER B S 1 I S 1.7 I S 1.7 I S 2.5 I S 2.5

COOLING TOWERS
UP TO 500 RPM --- --- --- --- SP 1 --- SP 1.7 --- SP 2.5 --- SP 3.5
501 RPM & OVER --- --- --- --- SP 1 --- SP 1 --- SP 1.7 --- SP 2.5

AIR HANDLING UNIT PACKAGES
SUSPENDED:
UP THRU 5 HP --- --- --- --- H 1
-- H 1 --- H 1 --- H 1
-
7-1/2 HP & OVER:
UP TO 500 RPM --- --- --- --- H,THR -- H,THR 1.7 1.7 --- H,THR 1.7 --- H,THR 1.7
-
501 RPM & OVER --- --- --- --- H,THR 1 -- H,THR 1 --- H,THR 1.7 --- H,THR 1.7
-
FLOOR MOUNTED:
UP THRU 5 HP --- D --- --- S -- 1S 1 --- S 1 --- S 1
-
7-1/2 HP & OVER:

<Project Title>

UP TO 500 RPM --- D --- R S,THR 1.7 R S,THR 1.7 R S,THR 1.7 R S,THR 1.7
501 RPM & OVER --- D --- --- S,THR 1-- S,THR 1 R S,THR 1.7 R S,THR 1.7
-
IN-LINE CENTRIFUGAL AND VANE AXIAL FANS, FLOOR MOUNTED: (APR 9)
UP THRU 50 HP:
UP TO 300 RPM --- D --- R S 2.5 R S 2.5 R S 2.5 R S 3.5
301 - 500 RPM --- D --- R S 1.7 R S 1.7 R S 2.5 R S 2.5
501 - & OVER --- D --- --- S 1 -- S 1 R S 1.7 R S 2.5
-
60 HP AND OVER:
301 - 500 RPM R S 1 R S 1.7 R S 1.7 R S 2.5 R S 3.5
501 RPM & OVER R S 1 R S 1.7 R S 1.7 R S 1.7 R S 2.5
NOTES:
1. For suspended floors lighter than 100 mm thick concrete, select deflection requirements from
next higher span.
3. For separate chiller building on grade, pump isolators may be omitted.
4. Direct bolt fire pumps to concrete base. Provide pads (D) for domestic water booster pump
package.
5. For projects in seismic areas, use only SS & DS type isolators and snubbers.
6. Isolators not required where cooling tower is located on grade or on roof over mechanical
room.
7. Suspended: Use "H" isolators of same deflection as floor mounted.
END OF SECTION 15241


Mechanical Vibration Controls and Seismic Restraints

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Mechanical Vibration Controls and Seismic Restraints

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Mechanical Vibration Controls and Seismic Restraints

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

<Project Title>

PROJECT STANDARD SPECIFICATION

SECTION 15241 - MECHANICAL VIBRATION CONTROLS AND SEISMIC RESTRAINTS

0.1 RELATED DOCUMENTS

B. Related Sections include the following:

1. Division 15 Section "Hangers and Supports" for pipe hanger restraints.

1. Design Calculations: Calculations for selection of vibration isolators, design of

0.4 QUALITY ASSURANCE

A. Professional Engineer Qualifications: A professional engineer who is legally registered and

B. Manufacturer’s recommendations shall be considered in selection of vibration and seismic