CA Seismic Test

Seismic Tests - AC 156

Construction applications and equipment installations in earthquake-prone areas pose a special set of challenges for engineers. No structure can be isolated from seismic activity.

Recognizing this hazard, it has adopted codes and standards governing judicial powers in seismically active areas. These standards ensure that structures and equipment are used to maintain their integrity despite earthquakes, and seismic testing is a vital part of the validation of prototypes and designs. Even if there are no specific codes and standards in a particular earthquake-prone jurisdiction, engineers may still need to reassure their designs will withstand a certain amount of seismic activity. This helps protect equipment and provides security to staff.

ISO 17025 Accredited

Besides having international accreditation, OLUROLAB also has A2LA ISO 17025 laboratory accreditation. Our seismic testing equipment includes multiple uniaxial, triaxial, biaxial seismic machines. With this level of capability spreading from shore to shore, we are strategically positioned to provide excellent service to our customers. We can test as long as the test item fits on one of our shaker tables and without exceeding the weight limit.

Some examples of equipment that may require seismic testing:

• Nuclear equipment - These systems include instrumentation, batteries, gauges, and more from manufacturers such as Siemens, GE, and Yokogawa. With three separate single-axis, three-axis and dual-axis seismic machines, we can help solve licensing issues or support hardware retrofit and replacement programs to meet regulatory and requirements. Our seismic and EQ testing services for nuclear components and systems include thermal and radiation aging, seismic testing, LOCA testing, functional monitoring and more.
• Turbine generators and compressors - Some turbines and compressors can rotate at tens of thousands of revolutions per minute. Therefore, shaft bearings and turbine / compressor blades with openings close to the turbine bodies are particularly prone to pressures caused by seismic activity. If too much deviation occurs in moving parts during a seismic event, there is great potential for disaster failure.
• Flywheel energy storage modules - Flywheel energy storage systems have potential problems similar to those experienced by turbine generators and compressors.
• Electrical switching devices - Equipment in this structure can usually handle hundreds of amps across all voltage ranges. Connections, supports, circuit protection devices and structural elements must be able to withstand the seismic activity. Compromised connections and electrical equipment may not be apparently malfunctioning until after the dangerous event. However, when it fails, it can fail and lead to personal injury and property damage.
• Emergency standby equipment - When earthquakes occur, power cuts often occur. When power outages occur, the emergency standby equipment must remain undamaged and functional, so it works reliably in an emergency.
• Commercial / industrial equipment - There are several reasons for ensuring seismic survival. In some cases, there are safety concerns that damage to the equipment can be a hazard to staff or the public. In other cases, concerns are purely financial.