Seismic Engineering
Seismic engineering for pallet rack ensures your storage system can survive an earthquake without collapsing. In seismic zones (California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Utah, Nevada, and parts of other states), this isn't optional — it's code-required. The calculations determine base plate sizing, anchor bolt specifications, frame bracing, and overall system configuration to resist lateral seismic forces.
Learn more about seismic engineering ↓Seismic Engineering Providers (19)
Bakersfield Rack & Shelving
Family-owned pallet rack and shelving distributor serving the Southern San Joaquin Valley, offering a large local stock of new and used warehouse racking with in-house CAD design, engineering, and installation. Sister operation to Fresno Rack & Shelving.
Catalina Integrative Solutions
20+ years designing and building warehouse storage solutions in Southern California. Creates compliant racking designs, performs seismic engineering calculations, manages permits, and coordinates with local authorities.
Certified Handling Systems
Full-service material handling distributor established in 1967 offering pallet racking shelving cantilever and conveyor systems with installation and warehouse consultation.
Conesco Storage Systems
Major used warehouse equipment dealer with a 20,000 sq ft warehouse and 5.5-acre yard in Centennial, CO. Buys, sells, and ships used pallet racking, conveyors, and heavy equipment nationwide.
Diversified Rack & Shelving
Diversified Rack & Shelving specializes in new and used pallet rack systems providing cost-effective warehouse storage solutions.
Fresno Rack & Shelving
The largest stocking distributor of warehouse pallet racks in the Western US, offering new and used racking with in-house design, permitting, and installation crews. Family-owned business founded in 1987 with over 30 years of expertise.
Material Handling USA
Comprehensive material handling and storage solutions supplier founded in 1997, offering pallet racking, shelving, mezzanines, and shipping supplies with custom warehouse design services. Serves nationwide across diverse industries.
Next Level Storage Solutions
Manufacturer of mezzanines and cantilever racking with in-house seismic engineering services. Computerized modeling, onsite inspections, and free online seismic analysis tool.
QMH Inc.
QMH provides pallet rack systems warehouse design and installation services from their Southern California facility.
Ridg-U-Rak
Ridg-U-Rak is one of the largest pallet rack and storage rack manufacturers in North America with annual production capacity exceeding 130 million pounds. Family-owned since 1942 they operate over 400000 sq ft of manufacturing space in North East PA.
Seizmic, Inc.
Founded in 1985, Seizmic is the premier specialist in seismic engineering for material handling equipment — storage racks, shelving, mezzanines, conveyors, and anchoring. Offers Seizmic24 preliminary seismic engineering designs in 24 hours. 75+ employees, MHI member.
Speedrack West
Speedrack West distributes pallet rack and warehouse storage solutions across the western United States. They are an authorized Speedrack Products dealer.
Structural Engineering & Design (SCED)
Full-service engineering firm led by Bob Sharifi specializing in seismic engineering for pallet racking. Over 20 years experience in initial design, testing, inspections, permitting submittals, and seismic compliance.
The Rack Depot
The Rack Depot maintains a large inventory of new and used pallet racking, shelving, and warehouse rack systems in the Los Angeles area.
Total Warehouse Inc
Full-service warehouse solutions provider offering pallet racking forklift sales and service automation solutions and 24/7 equipment repair with design and installation.
Warehouse Optimizers
Nashville's leading pallet rack and storage solutions provider. Network of 300+ manufacturers/suppliers. Three TN offices.
Warehouse Rack & Shelf
Warehouse Rack & Shelf provides new and used pallet rack systems shelving and material handling equipment to warehouses across the US.
Warehouse Solutions Inc
Southern California largest warehousing services company offering new and used pallet racking installation rack repair seismic inspections and permit services nationwide.
Ziglift Material Handling
Turnkey warehouse storage solutions provider founded in 2001, offering new and used pallet racking along with design, installation, and relocation services. Operates seven locations across four states.
When You Need Seismic Engineering
- ✓Your facility is in a seismic zone (check your local building code or USGS seismic maps)
- ✓Your building department requires seismic engineering as part of the rack permit
- ✓You're installing rack in California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Utah, or Nevada
- ✓You're adding to or modifying existing rack in a seismic zone
- ✓Your insurance carrier requires seismic compliance documentation
What to Expect
- 1Site-specific seismic parameters determined from USGS data (Ss, S1, site class)
- 2Load analysis accounting for rack weight, stored product weight, and seismic forces
- 3Base plate and anchor bolt calculations per ASCE 7 and ANSI MH16.1 seismic provisions
- 4Frame bracing and cross-aisle tie requirements
- 5Stamped engineering drawings from a PE licensed in your state
- 6Specifications for seismic-rated baseplates, anchors, and connections
- 7Documentation package for the building department permit submission
What Drives Cost
- •Project size (more rack = more calculation sets, but cost per position decreases with scale)
- •Seismic design category (higher seismic risk = more complex calculations)
- •Rack type — selective is most straightforward; high-density systems require more analysis
- •Whether the PE is local or out-of-state (some jurisdictions want a local stamp)
- •Complexity of the building (irregular shapes, multiple floor levels, soft-story structures)
- •Urgency — rush engineering costs more than standard timelines
Safety & Compliance
Seismic rack engineering follows ASCE 7 (Minimum Design Loads for Buildings), ANSI MH16.1 (Specification for the Design, Testing and Utilization of Industrial Steel Storage Racks), and local building code amendments (California Building Code has the most stringent provisions). Base plates must be anchored to resist both overturning and sliding forces. In high seismic zones, back-to-back row ties, cross-aisle bracing, and pallet restraints may be required.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I'm in a seismic zone?
How much does seismic engineering add to rack project cost?
Can existing rack be retrofitted for seismic compliance?
What happens to rack during an earthquake?
Coverage Map
Seismic Engineering by State
Related Products
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