Our web-based trade calculator, Engineer's Tools, makes it easier than ever to fill out the NFPA-13 Seismic Bracing Calculation form by guiding users through the process with step-by-step instructions. The program makes it easy to create and save designs for multiple projects all in one place, and the completed forms are available for printing so they may be submitted to the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) in your area. If you have not yet created an account, here are five reasons to use Engineers’ Tools for your seismic bracing installation.
1. Utilizes the most current seismic data
We recently updated the UL listed load ratings for our seismic cable to reflect current data. Our GO3-CBL Gold cable is now rated for 418 lbs., OR4-CBL Orange cable for 770 lbs., GR6-CBL Green cable for 1900 lbs., and BL8-CBL Black cable for 3180 lbs. Engineer’s Tools has also been updated to include these changes, which means your calculations will always derive from accurate values.

2. Optimizes your design specifications
Engineers’ Tools always flag errors or discrepancies within a seismic installation design. If you enter information that is out of spec, the calculator will automatically render a popup menu that recommends ways to adjust the design. This may include options such as increasing cable size or decreasing the distance between bracing structures. If there are no issues, the calculator will display a green icon underneath your document name to confirm that you are eligible to move to the next step.   

3. Accessible directly from the web with a mobile friendly interface
Engineers’ Tools does not rely on a software download or mobile app. Instead, it can be accessed anywhere with an internet connection by visiting https://tools.loosseismicbracing.com/. The program also has a mobile friendly interface, which means you can create new designs, or access existing files in the field with your cellphone or tablet.  

FELCO cable cutters are recognized worldwide for their high quality and precision cutting capabilities. As the industry standard cable cutting tool, FELCO tools feature a unique design that cuts cable from all sides at the same time. Not only does this prevent unintended crushing of the cable strands, but it also eliminates the frayed ends that normally make swaging difficult. The C7 and C9 models are both staples in workshops and manufacturing facilities across the world, which is why we wanted to take a moment to outline their individual features and characteristics.

If you are getting ready to install a large seismic cable system, you may want to consider choosing a battery-powered swaging tool over a manual swaging tool. Battery swaging tools help increase efficiency, and reduce strenuous manual labor during seismic bracing installations, especially in cramped corners or overhead workspaces. As an upgrade from traditional swaging tools, our battery operated Locoloc swagers perform accurate, repetitive motions with ease, allowing you to save time by quickly moving from cable to cable. They are also compatible with all of our seismic bracing cable, which means you can complete all swaging functions with just one tool.

Loos and Company manufactures four different load ratings of seismic bracing cable. Used to defend building structures against earthquake activity, they can be installed in new or existing buildings with the addition of attachment hardware. They are powder coated according to their rating, making it easy to ensure you are using the correct product throughout your entire installation process. Options include: #G03-CBL (gold), #OR4-CBL (orange), #GR6-CBL (green), and #BL8-CBL (black).

We have discussed in our past blogs the importance of properly installing seismic bracing cable. From calculating the design and selecting the proper cable, to operating swaging tools and implementing the final installation, each stage is equally critical. Though it may seem that the cable is the most important part of the bracing system, the hardware has also has a significant impact on the way the total cable bracing system performs. That is why, in addition to retrofit hardware, we also manufacture traditional seismic anchoring fittings. Here are a few key differences between our SAF and SAF2 fittings.

When properly installed, fittings maintain the break strength of their respective cables without the need for a thimble. This allows installers to use smaller cables and cable kits instead of bulkier, oversized cables that require hand-tightened fittings. With the correct tools and guides from our website, you can easily cut, swage, and install seismic cable that has the capacity to protect infrastructure from destructive earthquake activity.

Have you visited the Design Guides page on our website? This web page includes free downloadable copies of our NFPA-13 2016 and NFPA-13 2010 Seismic Design Guides, which are available in both English and Spanish. These guides were authored by our engineers to assist you through every stage of your seismic bracing building project, from hardware selection to product installation. Ideal for use with our Engineers’ Tools Seismic Calculator, these resources help generate mistake-free NFPA forms and planning solutions. Here is an overview of the valuable information included in our guides.

It may seem intimidating to retrofit new seismic bracing to existing building structures, especially where there is little to no space for these modifications. As an added challenge, many modern building codes work retroactively, which means they require older facilities to install new structural supports in accordance with updated policies. This can seem like an expensive and difficult process if you are not equipped with the correct hardware to make appropriate upgrades. Luckily, Loos offers two different hardware fittings to assist with the retrofitting process: SAFR (Seismic Anchoring Fitting Retrofit) and SAF2R (Seismic Anchoring Fitting – 2-Way – Retrofit).

The Loos & Co. web-based trade calculator, Engineer's Tools, makes it easier than ever to fill out the NFPA-13 Seismic Bracing Calculation form by guiding users through the process with step-by-step instructions. The program also makes it easy to create and save designs for multiple projects all in one place, and the completed forms are available for printing so they may be submitted to the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). If your project conditions change, the calculator allows you to easily edit your design, and it warns you of any errors or discrepancies before finalizing the document. Along with the ability to print submittal documentation, our Seismic Calculator will generate a complete bill of materials to be submitted to your local Loos distributor for quoting. 

Did you know that most of the destruction generated inside of buildings during an earthquake is not actually caused by the quake itself? The damage is actually triggered by improperly supported gas lines, sprinkler systems, and electrical trays that rupture and arc, producing floods, fires, or other hazards. These situations can be costly and dangerous, creating headaches for business owners long after the ground stops shaking. That is why it is important to employ code-compliant seismic bracing from Loos & Co. to defend against system failures before they happen. So how does this bracing actually work to avert accidents, and where is it used?