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NethajiUnderstanding the Benefit
FM Approved Seismic Sway Bracing
The Hazards
It is estimated that more than 55,000 earthquakes are felt worldwide each year.
While we typically associate earthquakes with structural damage such as cracks,
shifting and collapse, the impact to nonstructural building contents, systems and
structures can be just as devastating.
One of the most important nonstructural elements that can be damaged in an
earthquake is the automatic sprinkler system. Unbraced, or inadequately braced,
sprinkler systems can be damaged by even modest earthquakes when pipes, fittings,
and sprinkler heads are exposed to seismic forces and/or contact walls, beams,
ceilings and other building features.
One of a series of publications design-
ed to help illustrate the benefits of Sprinkler system failure as a result of an earthquake exacerbates a bad situation by
FM Approved products, including: causing water damage to building contents and/or impairing the effectiveness of the
automatic fire sprinkler system should fire break out.
n Approval Standard 1950, Seismic Sway
Braces for Automatic Sprinkler Systems Seismic sway bracing is used to minimize the differential movement between the
n Approval Standard 1920, Pipe Couplings
sprinkler systems piping and the building. Properly installed sway bracing makes it
and Fittings for Aboveground Fire possible for the building and the sprinkler system to move as a single unit during an
Protection Systems
earthquake, thereby limiting damage.
n FM Global Loss Prevention Data
Sheet 2-0, Installation Guidelines for Sway bracing is one of three key parts to a comprehensive seismic protection scheme
Automatic Sprinklers that also includes flexibility and clearance. A fire protection engineer can advise
n FM Global Loss Prevention Data Sheet
you where it is best for the sprinkler system to be firmly braced, where flexibility
1-2, Earthquakes
n FM Global Loss Prevention Data Sheet
is required to allow controlled movement, and where adequate clearance must be
provided around sprinkler system components.
2-8, Earthquake Protection for Water-
Based Fire Protection Systems
Testing Required for Approval
FM Approved sway brace assemblies and components are a critical requirement
Benefits:
for many FM Global insured locations, and can help sprinkler installations meet
n Approval Standard 1950 provides the
the seismic requirements of NFPA 13. Sway bracing is evaluated using Approval
most rigorous performance-based test-
ing on the market today, including mul- Standard 1950, Seismic Sway Braces for Automatic Sprinkler Systems.
tiple installation angles, motion-based
Approval Standard 1950 includes requirements for the testing of the components that
testing, and comprehensive easy-to-use
are attached to the building’s structural element (e.g., beam, purlin, concrete floor)
test results.
n Manufacturing locations subject to
and the components that attach to the sprinkler piping. The rigid brace that spans the
regular surveillance audits distance between these two components is used in testing but not included within
the scope of the standard.
FM Approvals LLC (FM Approvals) is making
this brochure available for informational purposes
only, in support of the relationship between
FM Approvals and its customers. This informa-
tion does not constitute an Approvals agreement,
standard or certification. No liability is assumed
by or through the use of any information.
n FM Approved seismic sway brace The Approval Standard also allows for the testing of an entire seismic sway brace
components and assemblies are listed assembly. This test is used for rigid style sway brace assemblies (i.e., not cable style
in the Approval Guide, a source of bracing) and the resultant load rating is assigned to the entire assembly. In this test,
information for engineers, code
two complete brace assemblies are installed in the test apparatus and subjected to the
authorities, designers, contractors
same regimen of 15 tension and compression cycles at a constant force, followed by
and architects worldwide.
increasing force to the breaking point or deformation limit.
n The FM Approvals certification mark
delivers an immediate competitive Depending on the intended installation, up to four separate installation angles,
advantage, including broader market
ranging from 30 to 90 degrees may be employed in the testing for each component
potential and product differentiation.
and each assembly.
Successes: Unlike other testing organizations, FM Approvals is the only organization that
n According to the California Seismic
employs a test apparatus that simulates the cyclic motion of tension and compression
Safety Commission (USA), the founda- expected in an actual earthquake. The seismic bracing components are first subjected
tion and building envelope account for to 15 cycles of equal force, followed by continued cycles at increasing force levels
about 20 to 25 percent of constructions until the test sample breaks or deforms beyond expected limits.
costs, with the remainder of the cost
going to mechanical, electrical and Benefits and Availability
architectural components. Seismic Sway brace components and assemblies that meet the requirements of Approval
sprinkler bracing can help protect these Standard 1950 are listed in the online Approval Guide, accessible by designers,
valuable interior investments—as well engineers, authorities having jurisdiction and specifiers the world over.
as enhance life safety—particularly in
known seismic zones. Test results are presented in the Approval Guide in tabular format, showing
the maximum horizontal load rating in pounds (lbs.) and newtons (N) for each
installation angle tested. Each rating includes a safety factor of 1.5, allowing
the value to be used directly in allowable stress design (ASD). This easy form
of reference enables designers and engineers to quickly select the component or
assembly that best meets their requirements.
Understanding the Benefits
The benefits of FM Approved seismic sway brace assemblies and components
This is one of a series of publications to
help you understand how FM Approved over those that are certified by other agencies include more rigorous and realistic
products can help prevent losses in your motion-based cyclic testing that results in enhanced reliability. Add to this the
facility. For more information on how confidence of knowing that the product is made at a facility that is regularly audited
to obtain Approval of your product, by FM Approvals personnel.
contact the FM Approvals representa-
tive below: The FM Approvals certification program is an investment that demonstrates a
manufacturer’s confidence in its products. While Approval testing is considered
Richard Dunne among the most rigorous in the world, it is also a true sign of a manufacturer’s
Group Manager – Fire Protection Group confidence and a quality indicator that will help differentiate a product from the
Tel: +1 (1)401 567 5701 competition.
Fax: +1 (1)401 567 0590
[Link]@[Link] FM Approved products are not only listed in the online Approval Guide but, just as
importantly, FM Approved products are specified and accepted by building owners,
designers and code authorities worldwide.
P12100 © 2012 FM Approvals
(Rev. 07/2012) All rights reserved.
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