Internationally, the seismic resistance of large industrial boilers appears to be addressed by the most simple application of relatively low equivalent static lateral forces which are resisted elastically. This paper describes measures taken to ensure a predictable
and controlled seismic performance of such a boiler
during a major earthquake. Inelastic time-history methods of analysis were used to confirm that the desired performance would be achieved. As a result the client was able to purchase a relatively standard boiler in the international marketplace and still achieve a level of seismic resistance consistent with the best NZ practices.