The main approach to piping a building to accommodate seismic activity is to use a rigid piping system that will minimize overall piping movement. Typically, more than 95 percent of the grooved couplings used in a piping system will be rigid, while the remainder will be flexible couplings. Why is that important? Because too much swing could affect other pipes and equipment, despite being within the capability of the grooved coupling. The key to effectively accommodating movement in a building is to allow controlled movement and that can be done with grooved technology.