Seismic Considerations for Large-Scale Metal Structures

When a seismic event occurs, a structure that is merely "strong" can be weak. To protect your investment and ensure the safety of your operations, metal structures must be designed for ductility, the ability to absorb and dissipate energy without failing. At Sintel, we specialize in the fabrication of big, heavy parts and large-scale metal structures. 

We understand that for our clients, a seismic-ready design isn’t just a technical requirement; it’s a strategy for long-term project success and operational continuity. Here is how we approach seismic considerations for metal structures to ensure your projects are "Made in America" tough.

1. Prioritizing Efficiency in Heavy Fabrication

When designing for earthquake zones, the goal is to prevent a catastrophic collapse by allowing the metal to deform slightly under extreme stress. This "controlled yielding" absorbs the earthquake's energy.

By utilizing high-grade materials and automated welding processes, we ensure that every joint in a large-scale structure is consistent. This eliminates the "weak links" that often lead to failure during a tremor, giving you peace of mind that your heavy infrastructure will perform as engineered under pressure. Our experience can also ensure that high costs due to unnecessary overengineering are eliminated. 

2. Lateral Force Resisting Systems (LFRS)

Seismic waves move buildings horizontally. To counteract this, metal buildings rely on Lateral Force Resisting Systems. Common configurations include:

• Moment-Resisting Frames: These rely on rigid joints between beams and columns.

• Braced Frames: These use diagonal members to resist lateral loads.

Our ability to handle massive, complex frames in-house enables us to maintain tighter control over the structural integrity of your LFRS. By optimizing the design for manufacturing, we reduce the number of field-welded connections, simplifying your on-site logistics and ensuring a higher-quality final build.

3. The Advantage of Single-Supplier Logistics

Seismic-resistant structures often require specialized coatings to protect the integrity of the metal over decades of service.

Sintel acts as your single supplier. By performing fabrication and powder coating under one roof, we eliminate the risks associated with transporting heavy parts between vendors. This prevents "transportation fatigue" or surface damage that could lead to corrosion and eventual structural compromise, ensuring your project stays on schedule and meets the most demanding audits.

4. Reliable Automation for Critical Connections

In seismic design, weld quality is non-negotiable. Traditional manual welding on large-scale parts can lead to inconsistencies.

Our investment in automation ensures "best-in-class" consistency on every structural seam. For the client, this translates to a faster turnaround and a structure that has been successfully audited against the standards of the world’s most demanding companies.

FAQs

1. Why is steel the preferred material for earthquake-resistant buildings?

Steel is naturally ductile, meaning it can bend and deform without breaking. This allows metal structures to absorb seismic energy during an earthquake. When you choose a "Made in USA" supplier like Sintel, you are ensuring the use of high-quality materials that meet strict structural standards for large-scale heavy fabrication.

2. What are the most common seismic design systems for metal buildings?

The most common systems are Moment-Resisting Frames (MRF) and Braced Frames (BF). These systems are designed to manage lateral forces. By utilizing Sintel’s design for manufacturing (DFM) services, clients can optimize these heavy frames for better structural performance and easier on-site assembly.

3. How does robotic welding improve the seismic safety of a metal structure?

Robotic welding provides a level of precision and penetration consistency that is difficult to achieve manually on "big heavy parts." Consistent welds are critical in seismic zones to ensure that the joints (the most vulnerable points of a structure) do not fail during ground motion.

4. Can powder coating help with the longevity of seismic-resistant structures?

Yes. Corrosion can weaken metal over time, making it brittle and prone to failure during a seismic event. Utilizing Sintel’s in-house powder coating services ensures that your large-scale parts are protected from the elements, maintaining the metal's integrity and ductility throughout the project.

5. What is the benefit of using a single supplier for heavy metal fabrication?

A single-source supplier like Sintel manages everything from raw material to finished powder-coated parts. This reduces logistics headaches, minimizes the risk of part damage during transit, and guarantees that the seismic-specific requirements are maintained throughout every stage of production.

6. Does Sintel handle the fabrication of heavy parts for demanding industries?

Yes. Sintel has successfully audited and passed PPAPs for the world’s most demanding companies. We specialize in heavy-duty fabrication for industries that require high-performance, seismic-ready structures, providing best-in-class on-time delivery for complex, large-scale projects.