Seismic action for non-structural elements (appendages)

Eurocode 8 Seismic action for non-structural elements (appendages)

Description:

Simplified estimation of seismic action on non-structural elements (appendages) on buildings according to Eurocode 8, such as parapets, partitions, railings, Mechanical-Electrical-Plumbing (MEP) equipment

According to:

EN 1998-1:2004 Section 4.3.3.2.2

Applicable for:

Non-structural elements (appendages) of buildings (e.g. parapets, gables, antennae, Mechanical-Electrical-Plumbing (MEP) equipment, walls, partitions, railings) that may cause risks to persons or affect the main structure of the building

Supported National Annexes:

The values of a_g⋅S (design ground acceleration including soil factor) must be provided manually. No other NDPs are used in this calculation.

Design ground acceleration including soil factor

α_g⋅S

In accordance with EN1998-1 §3.2.1(2), 3.2.1(3) and the National Annex

Ratio of height of non-structural element to the height of the building

z/H

Both z and H are measured from the level of application of the seismic action i.e. from the foundation level or from the top of a rigid basement. Value of z/H = 1.0 corresponds to elements fixed on the roof.

Ratio of the fundamental period of the non-structural element to the fundamental period of the building in the examined direction

T_a/T₁

The most unfavorable result is produced for equal fundamental periods, i.e. Ta/T1 = 1.0. A value of Ta/T1 = 0.0 would be appropriate for very stiff non-structural components as compared to the building. For a rough estimate of T1 see Approximate estimation of building period.

Importance class of the non-structural element

According to EN 1998-1 Section 4.3.5.3

Custom importance factor

γ_a

According to EN 1998-1 Section 4.3.5.3

Behavior factor class of the non-structural element

According to EN 1998-1 Section 4.3.5.4, Table 4.4

Custom behavior factor

q_a

According to EN 1998-1 Section 4.3.5.4, Table 4.4