BROOMFIELD, Colo. (June 13, 2022) – Viega fittings met the highest standards for seismic durability in recent testing at an earthquake simulation facility.
The fittings were tested at 200 psi with compressed gas and at 300 psi with water at the Structural Engineering and Earthquake Simulation Laboratory (SEESL) at the University at Buffalo in December 2021. The fitting assemblies withstood acceleration factors up to SDs 2.0 for at least 30 seconds. The United States Geological Survey considers a 2.0 certification to be the highest level required in the most seismically active areas of North America.
That makes Viega the only fitting manufacturer whose press fittings have met the highest U.S. seismic standards at both 200 psi for gas and 300 psi for water.
“Viega fittings are designed and engineered to perform to the highest levels and that includes during earthquakes,” said Will Dutcher, Sales Strategy Manager, Industrial. “Our customers use our fittings and valves in critical applications which is why we must manufacture them to be the highest quality and extremely durable.”
The lab tested two different assemblies using 7 meter x 7 meter shake tables, which moved the assemblies through six degrees of freedom. The first assembly consisted of ¾" ProPress copper, MegaPress (with EPDM, FKM and HNBR sealing elements), and a mix of MegaPress stainless, ProPress stainless and 4" ProPress copper. The second was 4" MegaPress FKM, MegaPressG, and MegaPress Stainless transitioning to ProPress Stainless.
The Viega fittings were tested in conjunction with:
- International Code Council Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) AC156, the most widely recognized testing procedure referenced in American Society of Civil Engineers 7
- International Building Code
- California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI), formerly the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development
After previous seismic testing in 2016, Viega fittings met the requirements for Special Seismic Certification according to the California Building Code Section 1705.12 and the International Building Code Section 1705.12 for nonstructural components.
About Viega
The Viega Group, with a tradition of innovation for 120 years, has more than 5,000 employees worldwide and is among the leading manufacturers of cold press technology. In metal press systems for industrial, commercial and residential projects, the company is the global market leader. In the U.S., Viega LLC employs over 700 people and offers more than 3,000 products. These include Viega ProPress® fittings for copper and stainless, Viega MegaPress® and MegaPressG® for carbon steel and gas applications, the Viega PureFlow® System including PEX and fittings in high-performance polymer and Zero Lead bronze, as well as MegaPress CuNi and SeaPress® systems for marine applications. Viega also specializes in the design and production of radiant heating and cooling systems. Beyond high-quality products, Viega offers a variety of educational opportunities. Their technical training consultants bring real-world experience, industry knowledge and engagement directly to contractors, engineers and suppliers through in-person and online workshops. In-person training is available at seminar centers in Colorado and New Hampshire. For more information, visit viega.us.