Rittal Tech Zone 4 Overview 0803 0000

08/03
Technical Paper
Seismic Zones Zone 4
The Uniform Building Code The Uniform Building Code (UBC) is one of three major codes used by local and state jurisdictions throughout the United States to regulate building construction. The UBC is a consensus-based document that is updated annually and published every third year by the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO). The principal issues the code addresses are those related to fire resistance, occupant safety, accessibility, energy conservation and structural adequacy. The UBC Zones Within the United States, there are six seismic zones: 0, 1, 2A, 2B, 3 and 4. Zone 0 represents minimum seismic risk with higher numbers showing increasing risk up to Zone 4, the maximum seismic risk zone. Zone 2 is subdivided into two different zones, 2A and 2B. The distinction between these two zones is that zone 2A is associated with unknown geologic conditions, whereas zone 2B is associated with known crustal faults.
Rittal Corporation One Rittal Place Springfield, Ohio 45504 Toll Free: 1-800-477-4000 Technical Hotline: 1-800-637-4425 Email: rittal@rittal-corp.com Website: www.rittal-corp.com
Map Key: Red, Zone 4; Orange, Zone 3; Yellow, Zone 2B; Green, Zone 2A; Blue, Zone 1
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Technical Paper
Effects on enclosures In areas where seismic activity is possible, enclosures have to withstand more influences and material-stress than in zones with no or a minimum seismic risk. During an earthquake, sensitive electric/electronic equipment can be subjected to motions that can over-stress equipment framework, whereas the amount of motions and resulting stress depends on several factors, like: Structural characteristics of the building Framework in which the equipment is contained Severity of the earthquake Therefore, it is important to use enclosures that have been tested for specific seismic zones. Seismic certification If compliance with the UBC-Zone certification is required, the requirements for conformity are stated in GR-63-CORE NEBS Requirements: Physical Protection (NEBS or Network Equipment-Building System). This standard identifies the minimum generic compatibility criteria for telecommunications equipment, especially for: Earthquake and Office Vibration (Zone requirements) Fire resistance Thermal robustness Transportation and Handling Acoustic Noise Airborne Contaminates The testing criteria of the GR-63-CORE are as follows: Door does not open during test. Equipment still operable immediately before and after test. Enclosure must be base mountable. Enclosure is bolted down to concentrate slab. To test for physical performance, the GR-63-CORE contains some different physical performance criteria and certification levels, such as: R4-44: All equipment shall be constructed to sustain the waveform testing without permanent structural or mechanical damage. R4-45: Maximum single amplitude deflection at top of enclosure relative to the base does not exceed 75mm (3). R4-46: System should have a natural mechanical frequency greater than 2.0Hz as determined by swept sine survey.
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Technical Paper
O4-47: System should have a natural mechanical frequency greater than 6.0Hz as determined by swept sine survey.
Some Testing Criteria and results for seismic tests of equipment are given in the following tables: Testing Criteria Horizontal Vertical Frequency Range 0 50Hz 0 50Hz Force Capability 10,000 lbs 20,000 lbs Maximum Stroke 10 in. 8 in. Maximum Velocity 45 in./sec (2.55mph) 22 in./sec (1.24mph) Maximum Acceleration 10g 10g Testing Results Bell Core Requirements/Objective Result R4-44, Physical Performance, Zone 4 Complies R4-45, Top Motion <3in., Zone 4 Complies R4-46, Natural Frequency >2.0Hz Complies O4-47, Natural Frequency >6.0Hz Does not comply
To be complete: Seismic activity According to the National Earthquake Information Center, the world averages 35 earthquakes per day (12.000-14.000/year). Among these there are about 18 major earthquakes (7.0-7.9) and one great earthquake (>8.0) in any given year. The highest levels of seismic activity within the USA can be found in Alaska and California while there are only minimal levels of activity in Florida and North Dakota. Descriptor Great Major Strong Moderate Light Minor Very Minor Magnitude > 8.0 7.0 7.9 6.0 6.9 5.0 5.9 4.0 4.9 3.0 3.9 < 3.0 Average Annually 1 18 120 800 6.200 (estimated) 49.000 (estimated) About 9000 per day
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Seismic tested enclosures It is important to understand that Rittal does not offer seismic certified enclosures. The enclosure user must understand that the fundamental dynamics of the enclosure may change once the user installs his equipment. This change may or may not affect the seismic stability of the system. Although it is true Rittal tested certain specific configurations under specific conditions and achieved specific results, the enclosure users application will more than likely be of a different configuration and/or different conditions. These differences will most likely lead to different results. These different enclosure applications may require additional seismic testing to ensure desired results. Rittal recommends the use of pre-tested configurations, but if for some reason the use of pre-tested configurations is not possible, Rittal can offer you theoretical testing by using Finite Element Modeling (FEM). Rittal will work closely with the customer to determine their seismic requirements. Rittal is also available to assist you during the testing process. In many cases, Rittal is present during the seismic test and will make recommendations or actually tweak the enclosure on-site. For further information about Rittal pre-tested enclosure or the seismic assistance please contact the technical hotline.
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