1. IBC Seismic Code Standards and Installation Requirements1

2. 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.
This new code reflects an increase in the risk safety factors. Protecting for that larger event will improve the survivability of our building stock, but will increase the costs associated with installation of suspended ceilings in many areas of the country.

3. 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
                                      

4. 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

5. Today’s Seismic Standards
According to the International Building Code [IBC], a Seismic Design Category must 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. 2

6. Determine Maximum Ground Motion
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

7. Determine [Soil] Site Class
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
Investigation of the site is the second variable. Soil type can have a significant impact on the design and construction of projects, as it could introduce changes in requirements for similar projects built within a geographical area.
Naming of soil types caused some confusion, since the format is the same as the Seismic Design Category.
The default soil type “D” provision also added confusion, leading to a declaration that “all sites in … are D.” Being soil type “D” will not automatically make the Seismic Design Category a “D.”
Building officials can overrule the default to “D” if they feel that Type “E” or “F” soil is likely to be present.

8. Determine Seismic Use Group
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
The third variable is the use of the building. This idea is not new. Building codes have long recognized that some uses are more important than others.
Group I contains normal occupancy structures, Group II is high occupancy, and Group III is essential use facilities.
NOTE – Do not click on the hot text if you are pressed for time [AIA CES presentation]. Most architects should know what these groups are about.

9. Non-Structural Systems Get A Closer Look
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

10. IBC Installation Requirements for Suspended Ceilings
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

11. “Old” and “New” Code Comparison: Seismic Design Category A and B
Seismic Code Compliance
“Old” and “New” Code Comparison: Seismic Design Category A and B
IBC Category
CISCA Zone
Installation Requirement
A, B
0-1
Ceiling installations should conform to basic minimums established in ASTM C 636.
The IBC does not require any special ceiling
installation considerations in these categories

12. “Old” and “New” Code Comparison: Seismic Design Category C
Seismic Code Compliance
“Old” and “New” Code Comparison: Seismic Design Category C
IBC Category
CISCA Zone
Installation Requirement 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
The notion of a free-floating ceiling is new, and will impact the installed cost. Ceilings that cannot touch the walls are more expensive to install, because it is harder to keep them straight and square.
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 unrestrained ceiling.

13. “Old” and “New” Code Comparison: Seismic Design Categories D, E, and F
Seismic Code Compliance
“Old” and “New” Code Comparison: Seismic Design Categories D, E, and F
IBC Category
CISCA Zone
Installation Requirement
D, E, F
3-4
To be installed to CISCA recommendations for areas subject to severe seismic activity. IBC 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 ¾” 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 partitions
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
This practice creates a restrained ceiling.

14. Armstrong has conducted 70 full scale seismic tests.
Alternative Designs and Methods
Code officials may approve other installation designs based upon the following:
IBC Section 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 Tests. Whenever code compliance is questionable … the building official can require tests as evidence of compliance.
Armstrong has conducted 70 full scale seismic tests.

15. IBC Seismic Design Category D, E, F Alternative Installation Test:
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.

16. Total savings with BERC2: 30%, or $ .116/LF.
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.

17. IBC Seismic Design Category C Alternative Installation Test:
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.

18. Total savings with BERC Solution: $ .103/LF.
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.

19. Armstrong BERC2 Solution
BERC2 Cost Savings
Two Approaches to IBC Categories D, E, F
IBC Requirements
Armstrong BERC2 Solution
Solution Benefits
2” molding
7/8” molding
Narrow, sleek aesthetic with standard 7/8” wall molding
Attached grid on two adjacent walls [pop rivets are acceptable]
Attached grid on two adjacent walls with the BERC2. NOTE: Attaching the BERC2 clip to the wall secures the grid and eliminates the need for pop rivets through the visible part of the wall molding
Eliminates installation and aesthetic problems associates with 2” wall molding
¾” clearance at perimeter on unattached ends
BERC2 clip with ¾” clearance on unattached ends
BERC2 eliminates visible
pop rivets through the wall angle
Stabilizer bars to prevent the spread of main beams and cross tees
BERC2 clip on all four walls
Eliminates time and expense to install pop rivets
Eliminates stabilizer bars
Lower cost solution
Better access to the plenum
Heavy-duty grid
Lateral bracing
Perimeter support wire
Meets code requirement
New 2” BERC clip

20. Shake Table Test - Infusions
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]!

21. 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

22. 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

23. Other Seismic Support Tools
For More Seismic Information on the Web:
Latest product and solution news
Seismic Test Summaries
Seismic Design Solution CAD renderings
Seismic FAQs
IBC Guide Specification

24. 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.

25. 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

26. 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.