# Seismic Base Isolation System - Project Profile

Canonical URL: https://www.ridgurak.com/resources/project-profiles/seismic-base-isolation-system--project-profile/

## Content

Seismic Base Isolation Protects Rack Systems During Earthquakes

    Big-box retail outlets are increasingly required to address risks to the public during seismic events. FEMA established new guidelines for these facilities, and RIDG-U-RAK responded with an innovative rack-storage system designed to withstand powerful anticipated earthquakes.

    Storage System Requirements

- Maintain rack integrity during large seismic events

- Reduce the risk of personal injury during an earthquake

- Minimize product loss

    Seismic Base Isolation System

- Meets FEMA performance guidelines

- Passed rigorous testing at the Structural Engineering Earthquake Simulation Laboratory

- Can be used in a variety of rack configurations

- Can be retrofitted to existing rack

- Does not impede daily operations

    “Our Seismic Isolators dissipated 85% of the earthquake’s ground forces… results were from months of testing.”
Jim Courtwright, Chief Engineer, RIDG-U-RAK

    How Base Isolation Works

    RIDG-U-RAK’s Seismic Base Isolation System dissipates up to 85% of the seismic energy exerted on a storage system during an earthquake. The base-isolation unit is positioned between the columns of an upright frame and anchored to the floor, allowing the rack structure to move in a controlled way.

    The system is designed to withstand an earthquake 25% more intense than the Northridge or Loma Prieta earthquakes, which reached magnitudes of 6.7 and 6.9, respectively.

    Advantages

- Reduced risk of personal injury

- Limited product loss

- Quicker return to normal operations

- Potential insurance savings

- Installation on new or existing storage systems

    Industries

- Big-box retail outlets

- Warehousing operations

- Storage facilities

- High-value products and commodities

Learn more about [RIDG-U-RAK Seismic Base Isolation](https://www.ridgurak.com/pallet-rack/pellegrino-seismic-base-isolation-system/).