RESPONSE OF NONSTRUCTURAL COMPONENTS IN DUCTILE LOAD-BEARING STRUCTURES SUBJECTED TO ORDINARY GROUND MOTIONS

The dynamic seismic behavior of nonstructural components attached to elastic-plastic load-bearing structures is assessed. The assessment is based on floor spectra of two-degree-of-freedom (2DOF) systems with assigned ductility of the supporting structure. Frame structures are transformed into equivalent single-degree-of-freedom (ESDOF) systems, and thus floor spectra of 2DOF systems become applicable for the prediction of the seismic peak response of vibratory nonstructural components. The utilized floor spectra are the outcome of a parametric study involving a set of 40 ordinary ground motions with strong motion characteristics. Example problems show the capability of this method to predict the seismic response of nonstructural elements with sufficient accuracy.