Current Seismic Code Development and Adoption Purpose of 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 For the latest seismic ceiling installation information, visit: armstrong.com/seismic Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Seismic performance during recent large California earthquakes prompted FEMA to address several concerns including suspended ceiling performance during a seismic event. Research and tests demonstrated that current industry seismic standards (UC Standard 25-2) were not adequate. To support individual panels around the perimeter, FEMA determined that the key to good seismic performance is a wider wall molding on all sides. This led to the International uilding Code requirement for 2 wall molding on all sides. Source: FEMA 302 NEHRP Recommended Provisions for Seismic Regulations for New uildings and Other Structures 4-1
uilding Code Installation Requirements IC Category CISCA Zone Installation Requirement A, 0-1 Ceiling installation should conform to basic minimums established in ASTM C 636. C 2 To be installed to CISCA recommendations for areas subject to light to moderate seismic activity. Minimum 7/8 wall molding Grid must not be attached to the wall molding 3/8 clearance on all sides 3/8 overlap of the grid on the wall molding Ends of main beams and cross tees must be tied together to prevent their spreading No perimeter wires D, E, F 3-4 Installation must conform to CISCA recommendations for areas subject to severe seismic activity. IC categories D, E and F must also meet these additional requirements: Minimum 2 wall molding Grid must be attached to two adjacent walls opposite walls must have a 3/4 clearance Ends of main beams and cross tees must be tied together to prevent their spreading Perimeter support wires Heavy-duty grid system Ceiling areas over 1,000 SF must have horizontal restraint wire or rigid bracing Ceiling areas over 2,500 SF must have seismic separation joints or full height partitions Ceilings without rigid bracing must have 2 oversized trim rings for sprinklers and other penetrations Changes in ceiling plane must have positive bracing Cable trays and electrical conduits must be independently supported and braced Suspended ceilings will be subject to special inspection NOTE: Consult your local code professional for information specific to your region. 4-2
International uilding Code Allowance For Alternative Designs And Construction Methods Code officials may approve other installation designs based upon the following: Section 104.11 Alternative materials, design and methods of construction and equipment. The provisions of this code are not intended to prevent the installation of any material or to prohibit any design or method of construction not specifically prescribed by this code, provided that any such alternative has been approved. Section 104.11.1 Tests. Whenever there is insufficient evidence of compliance with the provisions of this code, or evidence that a material or method does not conform to the requirements of this code, or in order to substantiate claims for alternative materials or methods, the building official shall have the authority to require tests as evidence of compliance to be made at no expense to the jurisdiction. Source: International uilding Code 2000 4-3
Alternative Installation Using ERC Category C IC Requirements 7/8 molding 3/8 clearance on all sides 3/8 overlap of the grid on the wall molding Prevent the spread of mains/cross tees with stabilizer bars Perimeter wires are not needed Intermediate-duty grid Armstrong ERC Solution 7/8 molding Grid can be tight on two adjoining walls less than 1/4-3/8 clearance on other two walls ERC Clip on all cut cross tees Perimeter wires are not needed Intermediate-duty grid Solution enefits Meets code requirements Easy to square up the system Faster, tighter grid installation etter overall visual Eliminates stabilizer bars Lower cost solution etter access to the plenum Meets code requirements ERC Clip NOTE: Requirements for essential use facilities may be different. Contact TechLine for details. 4-4
IC Requirements Category C (all four sides) 2 o.c. Hanger Wire Stabilizer ars 4-5
Alternative Installation Using ERC Category C Tight Wall 1/4" - 3/8" Clearance Wall Tight Wall Tight Wall 2 o.c. Hanger Wire 1/4" - 3/8" Clearance Wall ERC Clip 4-6
Alternative Installation Using ERC2 Category D, E, F IC Requirements 2 molding Attached grid on two adjacent walls Pop rivets acceptable 3/4 clearance at perimeter on unattached ends Stabilizer bars to prevent the spread of main beams and cross tees Armstrong ERC2 Solution 7/8 molding Attached grid on two adjacent walls with the ERC2 NOTE: Attaching the ERC2 clip to the wall secures the grid and eliminates the need for pop rivets through the visible part of the wall molding ERC2 clip with 1/2-3/4 clearance on unattached ends ERC2 clip on all four walls Solution enefits Narrow, sleek aesthetic with standard 7/8 wall molding Eliminates installation and aesthetic problems associated with 2 wall molding ERC2 eliminates visible pop rivets through the wall angle Eliminates stabilizer bars Lower cost solution etter access to the plenum Heavy-duty grid Heavy-duty grid Meets code requirement ERC2 Clip 4-7
IC Requirements Category D, E, F Attached Wall 2" 3/4" Attached Wall 2" 2 o.c. Hanger Wire Stabilizer ars 4-8
Alternative Installation Using ERC2 Category D, E, F Attached Wall 1/2" - 3/4" Attached Wall 2 o.c. Hanger Wire ERC Clip 4-9