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 Nonstructural (Ip = 1) Positive Attachment Exception in Category C

  • ASCE Standards
  • ASCE7-22
Naitik Bhatt's profile image
Naitik Bhatt posted 10-03-2024 05:09 PM

For Risk Category II, Importance Factor of 1.0 Nonstructural Component in a Seismic Category C site, ASCE 7 Chapter 13 (Table 13.1-1) requires positive attachment of the component but otherwise is excluded from the requirements of the chapter.

If that nonstructural component is analyzed for stability from overturning and found to be stable under the seismic demand required per Chapter 13 (e.g. Factor of Safety over 1.5 against overturning using ASCE load combination (0.9-0.2Sds)*D / 1.0 E) and is also qualified seismically for the same loading for the structural integrity of the component itself (to prevent life-safety hazard by component failure), is there any commentary or consideration for allowing for the positive attachment to not be required based on engineering analysis?

The Chapter 13 commentary mentions the intent of the code is to ensure performance requirements are met which, for an Importance Factor 1.0 component under a Design level earthquake, are to ensure "significant falling hazards are avoided." (C13.1.3).