by Brianna Crandall — January 23, 2017 — The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) just published the updated Standard ANSI/ASCE/SEI 25-16, Earthquake-Actuated Automatic Gas Shutoff Devices, which provides current minimum functionality requirements for earthquake-actuated automatic gas shutoff devices and systems. With both a means of sensing seismic activity and a way of shutting off the flow of gas, these devices can be used on systems carrying natural gas and propane, as well as for piping, equipment, and appliances typically found in structures of three stories or less.
Topics covered include an overview of applicability and operation, both construction and performance issues, definitions, and a detailed commentary. The seismic performance requirements established in this standard are based on dynamic testing of current devices and in-depth examination of data on ground motions, structural damage, fire initiation, and actuation of existing earthquake shutoff devices.
This new edition, which updates the previous Standard ANSI/ASCE/SEI 25-06, provides greater transparency regarding the performance of these devices, says ASCE. A primary reference for structural and mechanical engineers incorporating gas shutoff devices and systems; the standard will also be of interest to manufacturers, inspectors, insurers, and owners in seismically active areas.
Standard ANSI/ASCE/SEI 25-16, Earthquake-Actuated Automatic Gas Shutoff Devices, is available from the ASCE Bookstore.
