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Disclaimer: The effects, descriptions, recommendations, and suggestions included in this web site are intended to improve earthquake preparedness; however, they do not guarantee the safety of an individual or a structure. The Earthquake Country Alliance (ECA) takes responsibility for the inclusion of materials from various sources on these pages. The State of California, the Seismic Safety Commission, the ECA and all contributors to this document do not assume liability for any injury, death, property damage, loss of revenue, or any other effect of an earthquake.




Ceilings for Concrete and Steel Buildings

Larger imageCeiling Supported by Steel Framing

Source: Noson, Perbix, SSD

Purpose

To brace suspended ceilings in concrete and steel buildings.

Caution

When anchoring to post-tensioned slab, locate and avoid reinforcing.

Recommendation

Provide splay wires and compression struts.

Supplies Required

  • Wire—No. 12 gage
  • Adjustable compression struts
  • Eye-bolts with expansion inserts—3/8" diameter

Larger imageCeiling Supported by Concrete Framing

Source: Noson, Perbix, SSD

Installation

  1. Install splay wires at 12' on center in four directions (See Suspended Ceilings for layout).
  2. Attach adjustable compression struts, placed at the center of the splayed wires, to the structure above.

Note

  • Secure lay-in tiles or boards in ceiling grids, located at exitways and corridors, with clips. See Suspended Ceilings.
  • Provide 1/2" minimum separation between the ceiling system and enclosing walls. See Suspended Ceilings.


Source: School Facilities Manual Nonstructural Protection Guide

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Created in the SCEC system Last modified: May 24 2007 10:19 © 2008 Southern California Earthquake Center @
Alliance