Seismic Base Isolation System Applying Innovative Technology

Today traditional storage racks are no longer confined to industrial warehouses and distribution centers. Big box retailers and warehouse club stores are now using “high cube storage racks” in areas accessible to the general public. Although convenient, high cube storage racks pose a significant threat to the public during a seismic event. Realizing this threat, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) adopted new guidelines stating that rack structures must not fail nor allow falling product during a moderate to severe earthquake. Compliance with these standards is critical to public safety...

“I’m proud to introduce our new, Seismic Base Isolation System…our finest accomplishment to date. After years of development and exhaustive testing, we have created an innovative storage system that reduces the risk of personal injury and product loss during an earthquake. This is not just technology - it’s the application of technology to a very real problem .” John B. Pellegrino. P.E. President, CEO Ridg-U-Rak Inc. RIDG-U-RAK’s Seismic Base Isolation System: • Reduces the risk to the public during an earthquake • Potentially reduces the cost of reinforced flooring in seismic zones • Improves...

Ridg-U-Rak's new Seismic Base Isolation System has proven to withstand the most powerful earthquake anticipated in the United States with little or no merchandise shedding or rack damage. Used in a warehouse or big box retail outlet, this can reduce the risk of product loss and personal injury. The base isolator is positioned between the columns of an upright frame and anchored to the floor using standard installation procedures. This allows the upright frames to translate during a seismic event...reducing the effect of the violent ground forces exerted on the rack during an earthquake. Positioned...

RIDG-U-RAK conducted more than 100 earthquake simulations with varying loads, product configurations and base arrangements during five weeks of exhaustive testing at the Structural Engineering Earthquake Simulation Laboratory located at the State University of New York at Buffalo. This world-class laboratory is home to some of the most sophisticated seismic equipment available for structural testing. These tests were conducted on one of two 23 by 23-foot shake tables that operate in three dimensions to best replicate real world earthquakes. The testing protocol had a number of critical milestones…...

“...from previous shake table tests I had conducted, we had a rough idea how much acceleration and motion we could tolerate without material falling off the rack. Ridg-U-Rak designed the isolators around those parameters, which they are satisfying very well…they’re performing exactly as Ridg-U-Rak designed them to do. This is the first tri-axial merchandise test ever performed…this is a groundbreaking effort and we’re setting all kinds of records here.” Peter Higgins, P.E., S.E. Supervising Test Engineer “Recently the FEMA-funded task force, which I was a part of, developed best practices or...

:30 Second Seismic Simulation The Seismic Base Isolation System was put to the test during more than 100 earthquake simulations. Details about test procedures can be found on the back cover. Shown below is a direct comparison of a fixed-based rack structure with an identically configured rack structure using the Seismic Base Isolation System. As the earthquake simulation intensified, the base isolated rack held its merchandise while the fixed-base rack system became extremely dangerous, nearly shedding its entire load! Simulation begins...rack starts to sway, loads start to move. Ground force...

Ridg-U-Rak’s patent-pending Seismic Base Isolation System is easy to install and provides numerous benefits both in terms of safety and return on investment. These base isolators can be used to retrofit existing storage racks and can be used with racks produced by manufacturers other than Ridg-U-Rak. Exploded View of the Base Isolator Ridg-U-Rak’s unique design: • Applies proven base isolation technology to reduce the effect of violent ground forces exerted on racks during an earthquake • Does not obstruct daily operations in any way • Does not impede loading and unloading of racks • Can be easily...

Public Safety Concerns for public safety have grown since big box retailers, warehouse shopping clubs and retail centers began using high cube storage racks. Although convenient, these environments put the shopping public in harms way during a seismic event. Ridg-U-Rak’s Seismic Base Isolation System has proven to reduce the risk of falling merchandise and rack failures during moderate to severe earthquakes. An investment in Ridg-U-Rak’s Base Isolators provide the best available protection for the public in these busy shopping centers. High Value Product All products stored in racks are valuable,...

FEMA Guidelines FEMA 460, "Seismic Considerations for Steel Storage Racks Located in Areas Accessible to the Public published in 2005", outlines the need for improved safety for the shopping public. The guidelines require that rack structures should not fail nor shed their load during a 'Design Basis" earthquake. Test Protocols Testing protocols followed AC156, "Acceptance Criteria For Seismic Qualification by Shake-Table Testing of Nonstructural Components and Systems", to achieve performance levels as outlined A "Design Basis" earthquake, as outlined in the AC156 represents 100% of qualification...