Seismic considerations for suspended ceiling systems

Since Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is engaged in sophisticated research and development activities and its geographic location makes the laboratory subject to the effect of earthquakes, in October 1984, ED2 International Architects and Planners were commissioned by LLNL to provide a Survey of commercially available suspended ceiling systems. The Survey was to include all ceilings types, their relative costs, and recommendations for seismic design. This Survey is in the format of a handbook with seven major headings: generic types of suspended ceiling systems; functional comparative analysis of the various systems; relative costs of various ceiling systems; seismic considerations and recommendations; detailed drawings and suggested methods of assembly; code references; listing of material suppliers, representatives, and available product lines and selection check lists. This Survey of ceiling systems was intended to be used as a guide and a working document for the comparison of available systems. In addition, it was meant to serve as a valuable tool in establishing a definitive code with applicable standards and design criteria for suspended ceiling systems at the laboratory. The work in progress also has replication value to other DOE facilities