NEHRP Clearinghouse
- Title
- Appropriate Seismic Reliability for Critical Equipment Systems: Recommendations Based on Regional Analysis of Financial and Life Loss.
- File
- PB99157265.pdf
- Author(s)
- Porter, K.; Scawthorn, C.; Taylor, C.; Blais, N.
- Source
- Multidisciplinary Center for Earthquake Engineering Research, Buffalo, NY.; National Science Foundation, Arlington, VA., November 10, 1998, 122 p.
- Abstract
- The study recommends a minimum seismic reliability level for critical equipment systems located in seismically vulnerable facilities. It describes a methodology to achieve cost-effective risk mitigation and applies that methodology to a test case involving an automatic sprinkler system in a high-risk building. The study builds on previously published works in this area that provide guidelines for identifying equipment systems that are important for either the normal operation of a facility or for life safety protection. By making it possible to calculate quantitative risk scores, the methodology provides a basis both for evaluating the seismic adequacy of equipment systems and for making cost-effective equipment retrofit decisions. The methodology is primarily for use in areas of high seismicity.
- Keywords
- Critical equipment systems; Sprinkler systems; Emergency preparedness; High rise buildings; Safety equipment; Earthquake resistance; Retrofitting; Risk analysis; Reliability analysis; Earthquake damage; Earthquake engineering; Cost benefit analysis; Life saving equipment; Nonstructural systems; Seismicity; Fire protection