NEHRP Clearinghouse

Title
Assessment of the 1991 NEHRP Provisions for Nonstructural Components and Recommended Revisions.
File
PB93188639.pdf
Author(s)
Soong, T. T.; Chen, G.; Wu, Z.; Zhang, R. H.; Grigoriu, M.
Source
National Science Foundation, Washington, DC.; New York State Science and Technology Foundation, Albany., March 1, 1993, 128 p.
Identifying Number(s)
NCEER-93-0003
Abstract
Nonstructural components anchored or attached to a building structure are generally considered as those elements that are not a part of the load-bearing structural system. They include mechanical and electrical equipment, architectural elements, and building contents. The importance of nonstructural component issues in seismic design and performance evaluation is now well recognized by researchers as well as practicing engineers. The subject received special attention after the San Fernando earthquake of 1971 when it became clear that nonstructural damage not only can result in major economic loss, but also can pose real threat to life safety. The thrust of the work is to critically assess current design force formulas for nonstructural components as they exist in the 1991 NEHRP provisions, to identify their shortcomings, and to recommend revisions which would bring them more in line with current state-of-the-knowledge in the area. These revisions are recommended within the framework of the equivalent lateral force format for practical applicability.
Keywords
; Seismic design; California; Architecture; Components; Buildings; Earthquake engineering; Hazards; Building codes