Siniat recently invested in the comprehensive testing of their suspended ceiling systems at the Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research (PEER) Centre at the University of California at Berkeley, USA.
This testing facility allows for the rigorous testing in real-world, large-scale conditions. "The results have given us a better understanding of how our seismic ceiling systems perform under seismic loads," said Ben Wright, national technical services manager at Siniat.
The tests enabled the team to further improve the way Siniat's systems perform and gave them the confidence to offer solutions that have been proven to be able to withstand severe seismic loads.
What are the standards?
Seismic design is a regulatory requirement in Australia.
During a moderate to severe earthquake, collapsing buildings and debris cause most of the injuries and deaths, and we need to design buildings that will withstand the effects of an earthquake.
It is important that both the structural and non-structural components of a building remain stable in the event of an earthquake as it significantly reduces the number of injuries or fatalities.
It has long been a misconception that only the primary structural frame needs to be considered for seismic activity. The truth is that non-structural components and fastenings, including suspended ceilings, also need to be designed for earthquake forces as required by the relevant standards.
AS 1170.4 Structural design actions (Earthquake actions in Australia) govern the seismic design of ceilings, and are referenced in the National Construction Code.
The NCC Volume One contains a Performance Requirement (BP1.1) that requires Class 2 to 9 buildings to perform adequately under all reasonably expected design actions, including earthquake actions. The corresponding Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS) Provision for earthquake actions is B1.2, which references AS 1170.4.
In terms of B1.2a, buildings are assessed according to their "Level of Importance". The Level of Importance determines the seismic design requirements of that particular building.
A new suspended ceilings standard, AS/NZS 2785 Suspended ceilings – Design and installation, was released in 2020 and provides the minimum specifications covering the manufacture and performance of suspended ceilings systems for use in residential, commercial and industrial applications.
To find out more about Siniat's seismic solutions for suspended and steel stud ceilings, click here.
