Northeast Arkansas Baptists Hospital is a 750,000 square foot facility in Jonesboro, Arkansas. It will be the largest surgical campus in the region when completed in June 2013.
Jonesboro is only 100 miles from the New Madrid Fault, which back in 1812, produced the largest earthquake ever recorded in the continental United States. The piping system and all attachments to structure require seismic certification to 1G.
These Mason VFL Stainless Vees are installed in 20″ chiller return & supply lines connecting the central energy plant to the hospital, clinic and administration campuses. The piping crosses a building expansion joint and is subject to approximately 5/8″ thermal contraction and potentially 3″ of seismic motion. Our rated 6″ movement capability ensures that this vital lifeline is not overstressed in normal operation or during an earthquake.
Since the pressure thrust is taken up by the external braid and not imposed on the piping, anchor loading is minimal. The anchor need only resist the small “push back” as the Vee is compressed. As part of our service, our Professional Engineering staff designed the anchors for seismic loading. Guides keep the pipe growth straight into the Vee and act as additional seismic restraints.
Our engineering staff holds licenses in all 50 states. They love a challenge and we would appreciate you making us your first stop for seismic, vibration isolation, expansion joints and custom stainless flex systems. We look forward to working with you.
Raj Prime
Sales Manager