Methods of Achieving Improved Seismic Performance of Communications Systems

This committee report contains information on seismic exposure, design and installation practices that may be used to improve the seismic performance of communication systems.

The suggested practices are born of years of design, analysis, equipment testing and installation, inspection trips, and post-earthquake reconnaissance surveys.

While communication systems have been shown to be robust in comparison to other lifeline systems, such as electric power and gas, a number of significant earthquakes have affected them since the San Fernando earthquake of 1971.

The information in this report can be used to identify these vulnerabilities.

It reviews methods for determining seismic hazards in different parts of the country; describes central office facilities and equipment, outside plants, and wireless systems; identifies each of the major elements that make up the facilities; and, finally, reviews the earthquake performance of these elements and recommended practices. With the coverage of these technical areas, this document can serve as a practical introduction to seismic engineering of communication systems or as a checklist by facility managers to assess the earthquake readiness of an installation.