Our services

Seismic Engineering

MSS understand the importance of safety and security. As a result, we take seismic engineering solutions seriously. We have seismic engineering experts in our team in order to advise on all projects that it may be relevant for, either on site or to your plans. We also consult regularly with an expert, independent Seismic Advisor, to ensure that all calculations and plans are 100% accurate and in line with all relevant regulations. Our team are very aware of the seismic regulations as they relate to various councils across New Zealand along with the Seismic Building Codes.

Designed, manufactured and installed to code

NZ Seismic Event RISK Statistics Non -structural elements – MEP-F Mechanical Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Systems

Non – Structural damage contributes to 61% of all commercial building related

  • The contribution of non-structural damage to all commercial buildings related earthquake injuries can be as high as 96-100% in smaller aftershocks
  • Contents related injuries contribute to 42% of all commercial building related earthquake injuries
  • Damage to internal wall, appendages and exterior non-structural elements only contribute to 7% of overall earthquake injuries
  • 90% of non-structural injuries were at the lowest injury severity level considered against received treatment
  • 58% of structural injuries and 37% of masonry injuries were fatal
  • 82% of all building related earthquake injuries occurring since 4th September 2010 were because of the 22nd of February 2011 Earthquakes that struck Christchurch New Zealand

Reference - BECA report prepared for MBIE 28 October 2016


Non-structural earthquake damage has financial and life safety consequences Financial losses and non-structural damage

Damaged infrastructure has financial costs in three ways: the expenses of repairing the equipment, cleaning up the damage, and the lost function of the building. Especially in Commercial and industrial building, the cost of replacing HVAC, plumbing and other piping, electrical systems, and fire sprinkler systems can exceed the cost of the entire structure.

The secondary damage alone—water damage from broken pipes, chemical spills, a fire caused by exposed wires and ruptured natural gas lines, etc.—can create an enormous financial impact. And broken non-structural elements can render the building completely useless. Without plumbing, ventilation, electricity, and fire protection, it’s difficult to do any work. And the local authorities may shut the building down when enforcing building and life safety codes

Life safety concerns and non-structural elements

Earthquake damage to MEP-F components also threatens life safety. The increased risk of fire (caused by broken electrical equipment or ruptured gas lines) combined with non-functional fire suppression systems is but one example of this. Unsecured heavy equipment—for instance, a fan in the ductwork—can fall, creating another major hazard. Even HVAC can be essential to life safety, such as when it is needed to clear away smoke or provide hospital ventilation. Piping systems may transport hazardous materials, and containment failure is especially dangerous earthquake injuries.

Files

Seismic Restraints
Self Bracing Dropper Report
Cable Support Systems | BRANZ

FR13610-001 ISSUE 1.pdf

LEADING PROJECTS NATIONWIDE

Who we've helped

No items found.

No items found.
See all
No items found.
See All

Featured products

EMT3 Cable Tray
Supports, Fasteners & Consumables
Download
Metal Framing
Download
Cable Containment
Download

Our resources

To find out more about our seismic engineering services, why not reach out to us today.

TALK TO OUR TEAM

Contact Us

Call us
Call
Sales (free phone): 0508 222 5387 (0508 CABLE TRAY)
Sales & Accounts: +64 9 279 8292
Visit Us
visit
19B Ra Ora Drive,
Highbrook,
East Tamaki,
Auckland 2013
Already have a plan in mind? Upload a drawing or any specifications of the project. (Maximum 10MB, if file is larger than 10MB please contact us for an alternative upload option.)
Max file size 10MB.
Uploading...
fileuploaded.jpg
Upload failed. Max size for files is 10 MB.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.