Mason Z-1011 Snubber
We developed our Z-1011 snubber way back in 1971 following the San Fernando earthquake that hit in February of that year. The engineering community was shocked at the resulting damage to building systems and equipment despite the relatively low seismic forces. It was obvious that the static approach to the problem was inadequate and we saw the need to develop a new snubber that was designed from the ground up to endure the severe dynamic, cyclic loading, and limit the force to the equipment to a maximum of 3G. 3 G was selected as normal transport goes above this level.
We incorporated an all directional 3/4″ thick rubber bushing into our design to minimize the shock to the equipment and attachments. Thick steel plate construction contains the the rubber snubber in all directions. We worked with CalTech to develop a computer program capable of simulating an earthquake and its effects on equipment, based on the earthquakes response spectra and the mounted systems response frequencies.
The codes now require dynamic shaker table testing of equipment for critical facilities like hospitals. This new approach puts systems under physical testing rather than design analysis. We have assisted numerous equipment manufacturers in designing the proper systems to help them obtain their seismic certifications. Since dynamic loading was always part of our thought process, it is no surprise that our Z-1011s have survived numerous severe shake table tests without so much as a scratch, and Z-1011 systems and orders have increased dramatically.
Please take advantage of our 53 years of seismic design experience and contact us when you need help with seismic design and certification. We look forward to working with you.
Snubbers in final assembly.Notice the huge restraining sleeves and rubber cushions
Grinding burrs off completed housings
Full welds unitize massive steel housing
