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IBC Seismic Code Standards and Installation Requirements. Today’s Seismic Standards. What Is The IBC ?. It is the first model building code to specifically address the differences in seismic hazard based on soil type.
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Today’s Seismic Standards What Is The IBC? • It is the first model building code to specifically address the differences in seismic hazard based on soil type. • It can significantly impact the cost of installing suspended ceilings in areas that have not historically required seismic installations.
Today’s Seismic Standards How Big Is The Risk? • Currently 45 states use the International Building Code • 66% of the U.S. is now at some level of risk • 25 – 40% chance for a major quake in the Midwest
Today’s Seismic Standards This is a complicated issue ! • Three variables determine a Seismic Design Category • Interpretation of installation practices by code officials and architects • Integration of seismic information into plans and specifications
Today’s Seismic Standards • According to the International Building Code [IBC], a Seismic Design Categorymust be established for each construction project based on three variables: • anticipated ground motion • type of soil in a specific geographic area • seismic [building] use group designation In the former CISCA zone classification, an entire geographical area determined construction methods. The IBC ‘project by project’ analysis is a major change! The design team is responsible for the analysis required to assign a Seismic Design Category to a project.
Seismic Design Category – Variable 1 Determine Maximum Ground Motion • Ground acceleration is evaluated by location on hazards maps • Two maps are used to list ground motion at 0.2 and 1 second periods • Ground motion is presented as a percentage of the acceleration of gravity
Seismic Design Category – Variable 2 Determine [Soil] Site Class • Soil type is evaluated to a depth of 100' • The “Site Class” is rated A through F, where A is hard rock, and F is more unstable soil types • Site Class D is used when specific data is not available unless class E or F soil types are likely
Seismic Design Category – Variable 3 Determine Seismic Use Group A risk factor is assigned based on the occupancy of the structure and how critical the operability of the facility is in the event of a disaster, such as an earthquake. • Seismic Use Group I– normal occupancy Examples: everything not assigned to another group • Seismic Use Group II– high occupancy Examples: schools, large office buildings and utilities • Seismic Use Group III – essential use Examples: police and fire stations; medical facilities
Today’s Seismic Standards Non-Structural Systems Get A Closer Look • Before IBC: Suspended ceilings could fail and render a space unusable • After IBC: Suspended ceilings – designed and installed to meet IBC Seismic Design Categories – can survive intact
Today’s Seismic Standards IBC Installation Requirements for Suspended Ceilings • Provide a suspension system strong enough to resist lateral forces imposed upon it without failing • Prevent border panels from falling from the ceiling plane Perimeter Wires – Categories D, E, and F
Seismic Code Compliance “Old” and “New” Code Comparison:Seismic Design Category A and B The IBC does not require any special ceiling installation considerations in these categories
Seismic Code Compliance “Old” and “New” Code Comparison:Seismic Design Category C The IBC installation requirements for Seismic Design Category [SDC] C exempts ceilings in most one and two story buildings unless they are Seismic Use Group III [essential facilities]. The objective of this standard is to create an unrestrainedceiling.
Seismic Code Compliance “Old” and “New” Code Comparison:Seismic Design Categories D, E, and F This practice creates a restrained ceiling.
Alternative Designs and Methods Code officials may approve other installation designs based upon the following: • IBC Section 104.11 Alternative materials, design and methods of construction and equipment. The provisions are not intended to prevent the installation of any material … providing that alternatives are approved. • IBC Section 101.11.1 Tests. Whenever code compliance is questionable … the building official can require tests as evidence of compliance. Armstrong has conducted 70 full scale seismic tests.
Alternative Designs and Methods IBC Seismic Design Category D, E, F Alternative Installation Test: • Tested Prelude XL with heavy-duty main beams [7301] and cross tees [XL7348 and XL7328]. The system was installed according to CISCA guidelines for seismic restraint, and the IBC, with the following exceptions: • Used 7/8” wall molding [7800] instead of 2” wall molding • Used 2” BERC clips [BERC2] and eliminated the need for stabilizer bars • This test verified that the system meets code performance requirements. The result: a more efficient installation – labor saving benefits.
BERC2 Cost Savings The BERC2 eliminates the expense of stabilizer bars on the two unattached walls. The #7800 is substituted for the more expensive 2” molding. This comparison is based on a Prelude 2’ x 2’ installation. Cost reflects April 1, 2004 pricing. Total savings with BERC2: 30%, or $ .116/LF.
Alternative Designs and Methods IBC Seismic Design Category C Alternative Installation Test: • Tested Prelude XL intermediate-duty main beams [7300] and cross tees [XL7342 and XL7328] and 7/8” wall molding. The system was installed according to the IBC Category C with the following exceptions: • Used BERC clip to eliminate stabilizer bars. • Installed grid tight to two adjacent walls - and less than ¼” clearance on the opposite walls. • Verified that the system meets required code performance. The result: a ceiling that is easier to square at the perimeter.
BERC Cost Savings The BERC creates a tighter overall grid installation, more efficient squaring of grid, and easier plenum access at the perimeter. Savings calculation: BERC2 only placed at cut cross tees [3/4 of the perimeter] = $ .098 x ¾ = $ .074 This comparison is based on a Prelude 2’ x 2’ installation. Cost reflects April 1, 2004 pricing. Total savings with BERC Solution: $ .103/LF.
BERC2 Cost Savings Two Approaches to IBC Categories D, E, F New 2” BERC clip
Additional Armstrong Testing We’ve also tested “specialty” and “floating” systems! • Performed extensive testing on standard, specialty and floating ceiling solutions • Testing was performed at the State University of New York at Buffalo – Armstrong a premier Multidisciplinary Center for Earthquake Engineering Research [MCEER] partner Shake Table Test - Infusions • Architects can specify and code officials approve non-standard ceilings confident that they have been tested to meet IBC requirements [Serpentina, Infusions, Axiom, WoodWorks and MetalWorks]!
New Seismic Sales Aids CS-3543 “Seismic Installations: What You Need to Know” Key brochure messages: • Rationale for the development of the new IBC code • Reference to sections of the code that allow “alternative methods” • Side-by-side comparison between IBC requirements and BERC2 solution
New Seismic Sales Aids CS-3559 “Seismic Ceiling Installations” Key brochure messages: • Don’t compromise your design intent [architect] with the use of 2” wall molding • Armstrong has demonstrated seismic performance with extensive testing on many systems • We provide specs, drawings, and continued education on the web
Other Seismic Support Tools For More Seismic Information on the Web: www.armstrong.com/seismic • Latest product and solution news • Seismic Test Summaries • Seismic Design Solution CAD renderings • Seismic FAQs • IBC Guide Specification
Seismic National Advertising You’ll see ads in industry periodicals such as Walls & Ceilings and AWCI’s Construction Dimensions this Spring.Note reference to the web address specifically dedicated to Seismic information.
What About Specifications? Seismic Information in Construction Documents Here’s what you need to look for: • A Seismic Design Category [SDC] tells the construction team what level of performance the building and its systems must achieve • SDC is to be listed in the construction documents • While exact location in the CDs might vary by jurisdiction, most likely it will be in the general conditions section of the specification, and in general notes on the first page of structural drawings
Additional Resources and References TechLine Can Provide Assistance! • The 2004 catalog references Seismic performance [note the new icons]. • Need guide specs, samples, or additional technical assistance? We can help you and your customers meet Seismic code requirements. Call TechLine for all your Seismic needs.