Earthquake Protection of Non-Structural Elements in Buildings
Kanwal Industrial Corporation - Easyflex
Vibration Control, Pipe Supports, Seismic & Shock Isolation Specialists !
The importance of good earthquake performance of nonstructural components, equipment, and systems required for post-earthquake recovery and facility function/ operation is often overshadowed by the focus on building structural damage. A review of the typical damage sustained in recent earthquakes highlights that the poor performance of nonstructural components, equipment, and systems is the most significant contributor to damage, losses, and business interruption for most facilities.
Measures taken to protect the safety of NSE’s during an earthquake are taken only once it is ensured that the Structural Elements (SE’s) have been secured suf?ciently and are safe under the expected level of the earthquake ground shaking.
NSE’s that are heavy and big in size tend to slide or topple over if they are not seismically restrained/appropriately anchored. For example, a chilled water pump not seismically anchored to the ground using a Seismic Snubber can topple over during an earthquake and its functionality takes a big hit.
Historical Performance of Nonstructural Components
Past earthquakes can teach us valuable lessons regarding the vulnerabilities of nonstructural systems to even moderate levels of ground motion. For example, the 1994 Northridge Earthquake caused signi?cant nonstructural damage to several area hospitals. In these instances, the hospitals remained structurally sound but required closure due to signi?cant damage to nonstructural components—primarily water damage and loss of emergency utility function. The problem lies in treating these commodities in the building design codes.
The damage caused by not securing NSEs can be seen in the pictures
below.
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Pictures above show damage to hanging light ?xtures that were not seismically secured. The picture on the right shows the collapse of a false ceiling.
However, the damage shown in the pictures can be avoided by carefully designing and installing seismic bracing from Easyflex to secure the light ?xtures and the false ceilings.
AN INTRODUCTION TO EASYFLEX SEISMIC BRACING SYSTEMS
Easyflex Seismic Bracing Systems are designed and engineered to brace and secure non-structural equipment and services within a building or structure to minimize earthquake damage to suspended services.
Easyflex Seismic Bracing Systems are ideal for use on non-structural equipment and services requiring seismic support, such as essential facilities required for emergency operations in the aftermath of an earthquake.
Advantages:
Need to know more about our seismic bracing systems and related products? Feel free to drop in your questions at?[email protected]?to know more and get your quote! You can also visit www.easyflex.in for more info.