Capacity Evaluation of Suspended Ceiling-Perimeter Attachments
Publication: Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 142, Issue 2
Abstract
Reported frequently in recent earthquakes, failure of the ceiling perimeters in suspended ceiling systems leads to propagation of damage to the rest of the system. Therefore, the need to understand how ceiling systems perform around their perimeters during an earthquake is becoming increasingly important. In this study, a series of component-level experiments was designed at the University of Nevada, Reno to estimate the ceiling-perimeter capacities. Test specimens were constructed from cross tees and main runners, which were then connected to a portion of gypsum–stud partition wall using either pop rivets or seismic clips. The test specimens were subjected to monotonic and cyclic loading to obtain their failure capacities. Then, several fragility curves were developed for ceiling joints based on available experimental data. In addition to the experimental studies, a series of analytical models for ceiling-perimeter joints was developed and calibrated using component experimental data.
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Acknowledgments
This material is based on the work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0721399. This Grand Challenge project to study the seismic response of nonstructural systems is under the direction of M. Maragakis from the University of Nevada, Reno and co-principal investigators T. Hutchinson (UCSD), A. Filiatrault (UB), S. French (G. Tech), and B. Reitherman (CUREE). Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this document are those of the investigators and do not necessarily reflect the views of the sponsors. The input provided by the Practice Committee of the NEES Nonstructural Project, composed of W. Holmes (Chair), D. Allen, D. Alvarez, and R. Fleming; by the Advisory Board, composed of R. Bachman (Chair), S. Eder, R. Kirchner, E. Miranda, W. Petak, S. Rose, and C. Tokas, has been crucial for the completion of this research. Assistance from M. Lattin of the University of Nevada, Reno Material Laboratory during the assembly and testing is appreciated.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 142 • Issue 2 • February 2016
Copyright
© 2015 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jun 6, 2014
Accepted: May 8, 2015
Published online: Sep 1, 2015
Published in print: Feb 1, 2016
Discussion open until: Feb 1, 2016
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