FOR REFERENCE BLD2024-1065+ATTACHMENT+8.13.2024_10.50.34_AM+4437145CHAPTER 13
SEISMIC DESIGN REQUIREMENTS FOR NONSTRUCTURAL COMPONENTS
13.1 GENERAL
13.1.1 Scope. This chapter establishes minimum design criteria
for nonstructural components that are permanently attached to
structures and for their supports and attachments. Where the
weight of a nonstructural component is greater than or equal to
25% of the effective seismic weight, W, of the structure as
defined in Section 12.7.2. the component shall be classified as a
nonbuilding structure and shall be designed in accordance with
Section 15.3.2.
13.1.2 Seismic Design Category. For the purposes of this
chapter. nonstructural components shall be assigned to the
same Seismic Design Category as the structure that they
occupy or to which they arc attached.
13.1.3 Component Importance Factor. All component.% shall
he assigned a component importance Factor as indicated in this
section. The component Importance Factor, Iy, shall he taken as
1.5 if any of the following conditions apply:
1. The component is required to function for life -safety
purposes after an earthquake, including fire protection
sprinkler systems and egress stairways.
'__ The component conveys, supports, or otherwise contains
toxic, highly toxic, or explosive substances where the
quantity of the material exceeds a threshold quantity
established by the Authority Having Jurisdiction and is
sufficient to pose a threat to the public if released.
3. The component is in or attached to a Risk Category 1V
structure, and it is needed for continued operation of the
facility or its failure could impair the continued operation
of the facility.
4_ The component conveys, supports, or otherwise contains
hazardous substances and is attached to a structure or
portion thereof classified by the Authority Having Juris-
diction as a hazardous occupancy.
All other components shall he assigned a component Impor-
tance Factor, 1,,, equal to 1.0.
13.1.4 Exemptions. The following nonstructural components
arc exempt from the requirements of this chapter:
1. Furniture except storage cabinets. as noted in Table 13.5-1;
2. Temporary or movable oquipmcnt;
3. Architectural components in Seismic Design Category B.
other than parapets, provided that the component hnpor-
lance Factor. I., is equal to 1.0;
4. Mechanical and electrical components in Seismic Design
Category B;
5. Mechanical and electrical components in Seismic Design
Category C provided that either
a. The component Importance Factor, Ir, is equal to 1.0
and the component is positively attached to the struc-
ture; or
b. The component weighs 20 lb (99 N) or less or, in the
case of a distributed system, 5 Ib/ft (73 N/m) or less.
6. Discrete mechanical and electrical components in Seismic
Design Categories D, E, or F that are positively attached to
the structure, provided that either
a. The component weighs 400 lb (1,779 N) or less, the
center of mass is located 4 ft (1.22 m) or less above the
adjacent floor level, flexible connections are provided
between the component and associated ductwork, pip-
ing, and conduit, and the component Importance Factor,
1,,, is equal to 1.0; or
b. The component weighs 20lb (89 N) or less or, in the case
of a distributed system, 5 Ib/ft (73 N/m) or less; and.
7. Distribution systems in Seismic Design Categories D. E, or
F included in the exceptions for conduit, cable tray, and
raceways in Section 13.6.5, duct systems in 13.6.6 and
piping and tubing systems in 13.6.7.3. Where in -line
components, such as valves, in -line suspended pumps, and
mixing boxes require independent support, they shall be
addressed as discrete components and shall be braced
considering the tributary contribution of die attached dis-
tribution system.
13.15 Premanufactured Modular Mechanical and Electrical
Systems. Premanufactured mechanical and electrical modules
6 tt (1.8 m) high and taller that are not otherwise prequalificd in
accordance with Chapter 13 and that contain or support
mechanical and electrical components shall be designed in
accordance with the provisions for nonbuilding structures
similar to buildings in Chapter 15. Nonstructural components
contained or supported within modular systems shall be designed
in accordance with Chapter 13.
13.1.6 Application of Nonstructural Component Require-
ments to Nonbuillding Structures. Nonbuilding structures
(including storage rucks and tanks) that are supported by other
structures shall be designed in accordance with Chapter 15.
Where Section 15.3 requires that seismic forces be determined
in accordance with Chapter 13 and values for Rp are not provided
in Table 13.5-1 or 13.6-1, Rp shall be taken as equal to the value
of R listed in Chapter 15. The value of a,, shall be determined in
accordance with footnote a of Table 13.5- l or 13.6-1.
13.1.7 Reference Documents. Where a reference document
provides a basis for the earthquake -resistant design of a
particular type of nonstructural component, that document is
permitted to be used, subject to the approval of the Authority
Having Jurisdiction and the following conditions:
Minimum Desian Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildinas and Other Structures 121