Full-scale experimental facility and loading protocols for seismic performance assessment of nonstructural systems

In order to better understand the seismic performance of nonstructural components, equipment and building contents, and to develop effective mitigation measures, the University at Buffalo has commissioned a dedicated Nonstructural Component Simulator (UB-NCS). The UB-NCS is a two-level modular testing frame capable of simultaneously subjecting displacement and/or acceleration sensitive nonstructural systems to realistic full-scale floor motions expected within multistory buildings. The UB-NCS can subject nonstructural systems up to 3g acceleration, 100 in/s (2.5 m/s) velocity and ±40 in (1 m) displacement amplitudes. An innovative dynamic testing protocol was developed for the seismic performance assessment of nonstructural systems, taking full advantage of the UB-NCS testing capabilities. The testing protocol consists of a pair of displacement histories for the testing platforms that simultaneously match a seismic hazard consistent ground or floor acceleration response spectrum and a target generalized interstory drift. The input parameters for the protocol are a local seismic hazard and the location above grade of the nonstructural system. The protocol motions were applied to assess the seismic performance of a full-scale hospital emergency room containing typical nonstructural components and life support medical equipment.