Seismic

Seismic

Introduction

Seismic compliance refers to the use of approved systems and designs that meet the seismic design requirements of a building project to provide life safety to occupants and maintain building function during and after an earthquake. Non-structural components often represent a high percentage of a project’s capital investment. Failure of these components in an earthquake has the potential to cause harm, block egress and impede rescue efforts, and can disrupt the building’s function. The basic objectives of seismic design for non-structural components are to provide life safety, minimise the property loss and prevent functional loss.

In most cases, the following factors are required to establish the earthquake load and subsequent design:

  • Soil condition/class
  • Building construction materials
  • Building usage
  • Building importance
  • Geographic location
  • Location to fault lines (known) and hazard Z factor
  • Weight of the ceiling
  • Height of the ceiling from ground level
  • Size of the ceiling
  • Seismic Drift

By analysing these criteria for a construction project in conjunction with Australian standards, the seismic force is established, and from that the design requirements for the interior walls and suspended ceiling(s). This is typically done by the project's structural engineer, but may require the involvement of qualified engineers more familiar with seismic design.

USG Boral commonly works with design and engineering professionals to establish project specific, cost effective seismic solutions for wall and ceilings.

USG Boral products that aid seismic design

- DONN® Centricitee™ DXT Acoustical Suspension System

- DONN® DX®/DXL™ Acoustical Suspension System

- Fineline™ DXF™ Acoustical Suspension System

Want to learn more about seismic design for wall and ceilings?  Read our white paper on Suspended Ceilings and stay tuned for an upcoming CPD on seismic design. 

    1. Solutions
    2. Science
    3. Seismic
 
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