ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 171-2017

(Supersedes ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 171-2008)

Method of Testing for

Rating Seismic and
Wind Restraints

Approved by ASHRAE on May 31, 2017, and by the American National Standards Institute on June 1, 2017.

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© 2017 ASHRAE ISSN 1041-2336

 A3. MULTIAXIS RESTRAINTS

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Figure A-3 Examples of multiaxis restraints with integral isolation and multiaxis snubbers with test configurations.

ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 171-2017

(This annex is part of this standard. It contains require-
ments necessary for conformance to the standard.)
NORMATIVE ANNEX B
RESTRAINT FAMILY RATING
Additional restraints may be assigned rated capacities based
on testing under this standard, provided they meet the defini-
tion of a restraint family and adequate analyses are performed
as provided below.
B1. QUALIFYING A RESTRAINT FAMILY
This annex does not apply to restraint families using wire
rope (e.g., cable restraints) or to restraint families using an
elastomer component in shear as a primary load-resisting
material or if the rupture of an elastomer component within
the restraint would cause the restraint to exceed the deflec-
tion limit defined in this standard.
B1.1 Physical Properties. All restraints in the restraint fam-
ily must be of consistent similar design, have similar appear-
ance and construction, and differ only in scale. Scaling does
not have to be exact and apply to all dimensions for all com-
ponents (e.g., the same thickness of material can be used in
different sized family members). Materials used must be the
same grade or quality throughout the family.
B1.2 Numerical Method Modeling. Finite element analysis
(FEA) models must be created of each restraint within the
family that are dimensionally equivalent, that incorporate
material property strength values, and that are complete with
all significant design features.
ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 171-2017
B2. DOCUMENTING PERFORMANCE
B2.1 Physical Testing. Test at least two restraints—the
smallest and the largest—from the restraint family in accor-
dance with this standard, and document all results.
B2.2 Modeling. Using FEA models of the two restraints
tested, run load simulations that correspond with the test set-
ups and orientations for each axis. Document similarities
between the test results and the numerical models’ behavior
and correlate the results in a consistent fashion. Adjust and re-
run the models as necessary to match the tested restraints’
responses, including modes of failure. Incorporate any adjust-
ments made into all FEA models as appropriate within the
restraint family to maintain consistency.
Run load simulations on the other FEA models in the
restraint family using the same orientations that were tested
for each axis. Interpretation of the results shall be consistent
with the correlation work described above between the FEA
models and the tested restraints.
B3. APPLYING RATINGS TO
RESTRAINT FAMILY MEMBERS
B3.1 Determination of Rated Capacity. Using the correla-
tions determined from comparing the physical tests to the
FEA models, interpolate the results and apply them to the
intermediate restraint models. Extrapolation is not permitted.
B3.2 Reporting of Rated Capacity. Report the rated capac-
ity of the intermediate restraint models in the same manner as
described in Section 8.2 with the additional note, if true in
every aspect, that the rated capacities have been determined
through analyses in accordance with this standard.
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