ICC-ES AC156 • IBC/CBC • HCAI/OSHPD
Seismic Shake Table Testing
End-to-end shake table qualification programs for nonstructural components, non-building structures, and Designated Seismic Systems. Test plan design, fixture engineering, instrumentation, witness testing, and PE/SE stamped Certificates of Compliance — all under one roof.
Why shake table testing?
ASCE 7 Section 13.2.2 requires active mechanical and electrical equipment assigned an importance factor Ip = 1.5 to be certified exclusively by approved shake table testing or qualified experience data — analysis alone is not sufficient. This applies to any component that must remain operable after the design earthquake: fire pumps, emergency gensets, life-safety switchgear, and equipment in Risk Category IV facilities.
Equipment with hazardous substances (Ip = 1.5) must be certified to maintain containment by analysis, shake table testing, or experience data. PANACHE ENGINEERING INC delivers all three pathways and selects the most cost-effective route for each project.
California hospital project? Shake table testing is the required pathway for OSHPD OSP pre-approval of active equipment. Read our complete OSHPD OSP certification guide for process, cost, and timeline details.
What we deliver
A complete, single-source shake table qualification program — from RRS development to a stamped Certificate of Compliance.
Required Response Spectrum (RRS) generated per ICC-ES AC156 from project-specific ASCE 7 seismic demand. Triaxial, biaxial, and uniaxial test plans tailored to component performance objectives.
Custom test fixtures, mounting frames, and instrumentation rigs designed to replicate field installation. Strain gauges, accelerometers, and high-speed cameras placed for full performance capture.
On-site engineering presence at independent test labs (CalDyn, Wyle, etc.). Functional verification before, during, and after seismic input — operational, structural, and leak-tight performance.
Stamped Certificates of Compliance accepted by Authorities Having Jurisdiction including HCAI/OSHPD, IBC/CBC code officials, and federal facility reviewers.
Isolator Design Validation and Testing
We maintain a comprehensive testing program for both fully assembled SSI-Series isolators and their critical components. These evaluations cover dynamic and static loading representative of installation, shipping, and seismic events. The results confirm the isolator system meets and exceeds all required mechanical and functional performance criteria.
Equipment we qualify
Active and non-active components across mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
- Emergency power generators (gensets)
- Switchgear, switchboards & MCCs
- Transformers & UPS systems
- Chillers, AHUs & cooling towers
- Pumps, compressors & blowers
- Vibration isolators (SSI-Series)
- Modular & containerized equipment
- Battery racks & energy storage
Codes & standards
Test programs designed and certified to the current edition of every governing standard.
- ICC-ES AC156
- Acceptance criteria for seismic qualification by shake table testing
- ASCE 7 Ch. 13
- Seismic design requirements for nonstructural components
- ASCE 7 Ch. 15
- Seismic design for non-building structures
- IBC / CBC
- International & California Building Code special seismic certification
- HCAI/OSHPD
- OSP & OPM preapproval for California hospital projects
- IEEE-693
- Recommended practices for seismic qualification of substation equipment
Frequently asked questions
Common questions on AC156 shake table testing, OSP certification, and project timing.
- What is ICC-ES AC156 shake table testing?
- ICC-ES AC156 is the Acceptance Criteria for the Seismic Qualification of Nonstructural Components by Shake Table Testing. It defines a Required Response Spectrum (RRS) derived from ASCE 7 seismic demand and the testing protocol used to qualify equipment such as generators, switchgear, chillers, and air handlers for IBC, CBC, and HCAI/OSHPD projects.
- How long does an AC156 shake table test take?
- From kickoff to a stamped certification report, most projects complete in 8–12 weeks. This includes RRS generation (1–2 weeks), fixture engineering and fabrication (3–6 weeks), shake table availability (1–3 weeks queue), the test event itself (1–2 days), and post-test reporting and PE/SE stamping (1–2 weeks).
- How much does shake table testing cost?
- Typical AC156 qualification programs range from $35,000 to $120,000 depending on equipment size, configuration count, fixture complexity, and whether the unit must remain operational post-test. Larger gensets, multi-cabinet switchgear, or active equipment requiring functional verification are at the higher end.
- What is the difference between AC156 testing and an OSP certification?
- AC156 is the test method; OSP (OSHPD Special Seismic Certification Pre-approval) is the HCAI program that uses AC156 results to issue a pre-approval number for use on California hospital projects. AC156 satisfies IBC §13.2.2 nationwide, while OSP is required only for designated active equipment on HCAI/OSHPD facilities.
- Do I need shake table testing or is analysis enough?
- ASCE 7-22 §13.2.2 allows three certification paths: analysis, experience data, or testing. Active equipment with Ip = 1.5 (life-safety, hazardous-material containment, or post-earthquake operability) typically requires shake table testing. Passive equipment can usually be qualified by analysis. HCAI/OSHPD active equipment always requires testing.
Plan your shake table qualification with us
Send drawings, weights, and project location — we'll return an AC156 Required Response Spectrum and a fixed-fee proposal within days.