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