Guidelines and manuals

Various industry associations have developed seismic restraint manuals, providing solutions and design values representing an accepted or best practice.

Electrical Contractors Association of British Columbia

The manual provides guidelines for the restraint of electrical equipment, conduits, and cable trays. It provides design details and is generally accepted for practice in British Columbia.

Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA)

  • SMACNA 2020 Seismic Restraint Manual Guidelines for Mechanical Systems

(Purchase here)

The SMACNA manual is the reference specified by most project for the bracing of piping and ductwork.

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers

  • ASHRAE 2020 - HVAC Handbook - Chapter 56 Seismic and Wind Resistant Design

  • ASHRAE 2012 - Practical Guide To Seismic Restraint

(Purchase here)

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

FEMA E-74 Reducing the Risks of Nonstructural Earthquake Damage – A Practical Guide

(Download)