Seismic Fragility of Suspended Ceiling Systems

Abstract

Full-scale dynamic testing of suspended ceiling systems was performed to obtain fragility data suitable for performance-based assessment and design. On the basis of the fragility data derived from testing, (1) the use of retainer clips improves the performance of ceiling systems in terms of loss of tiles, (2) including recycled cross tees in the suspension grid increases the vulnerability of the ceiling systems, (3) undersized (poorly fitting) tiles are substantially more vulnerable than properly fitted tiles, and (4) the use of compression posts improves the seismic performance of ceiling systems for the limit states of minor and moderate damage. Fragility curves are provided for four damage states.