How FEA optimises the seismic performance of mechanical plant and simplifies the certification

How FEA optimises the seismic performance of mechanical plant, and simplifies the certification

Seismic Analysis of UPS

Seismic Analysis of UPS - Cabinet Courtesy of EATON Industries Ltd.

Motovated has always done a significant amount of analysis, including FEA, for seismic certification.  Since we’ve brought Joe Bain onboard however his experience analyzing the seismic performance of mechanical plant has kept our phones ringing, and has turned into quite a number of mechanical plant certification projects.  These projects generally require producer statements to the building code.  Since Joe is a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) we’ve been able to do the equipment review, redesign, analysis and certification, all in house.

It has been an interesting shift because Limit State Design is something mechanical engineers do not take to inherently, as allowing steel to go into the plastic range and permanently deform is something mechanical engineers instinctively aim to avoid entirely.  However, for seismic performance using design standards such as AS/NZS 1170, with Ultimate Limit State (ULS) and Serviceability State (SLS1 & SLS2) design criteria, local yielding can be considered.  As long as it can be inferred from the analysis that the mechanical plant will not fail and collapse during a particular seismic event for a particular location, then a producer statement can state the fact, local council regulations are met and the construction projects can continue.

What this has meant for clients is a one stop shop that can get your mechanical plant safely secured against seismic events, and provide the appropriate compliance certificates, including Producer Statements (PS1s and PS4s etc.), for construction sign off.

Not only is FEA a great tool for mechanical product design, but it is also a brilliant tool to establish the seismic performance of a mechanical structures.  We see FEA playing a key role in the decisions being made by the CPEng engineers of the future.  Check out our 'Health & Safety and Compliance Services' webpage.

Stuart Jackson

General Manager

Stuart has grown up around motorcycles, has in-depth knowledge of engines and has a great passion for mechanical engineering in general with its many challenges; he has great practical fabrication and construction skills which supplement his mathematical and theoretical skills. He also has a great ability to work with others in intense fast-paced environments and enjoys getting the most out of people.


Stuart has come to us from the operations sector of the concrete industry and has vast knowledge of mechanical plant in regards to manufacturing industries, as well as in-depth knowledge of heavy vehicles.