Earthquake Simulator Testing and Evaluation of Suspended Ceilings: Standard and Alternate Perimeter Installations

Nonstructural components comprise an integral part of the buildings. Due to their high inventory cost and effect on loss of operation, they are often critical to a buildings’ seismic performance. Suspended ceilings are one of the most widely used nonstructural components. They are a standard feature of modern office building. Past earthquakes have demonstrated the susceptibility of suspended ceilings to failure during seismic events. To address this vulnerability, design codes have developed specific installation criteria for suspended ceilings. However, these units are very difficult to analyze. Thus, there is limited data available to assess the efficacy of such installation. Furthermore, ceiling manufacturers have been investigating and have developed alternate and more time-efficient installation techniques. In lieu of analysis, earthquake simulation testing can be employed to assess the seismic performance of ceilings and to qualify comparatively the alternate perimeter installation.