Overturning of Non-Structural Components in Low-Moderate Seismicity Regions

The objective of this paper is to review key issues concerned with the proper engineering of non-structural components in buildings for their safe and satisfactory performances in projected seismic conditions in regions of low and moderate seismicity. Initially, the paper provides an overview of the conventional force-based provisions for the calculation of the required strengths for full restraints of non-structural components. Given the relatively small displacement demand of the ground in conditions of low and moderate seismicity, provisions for protection of non-structural components should only target at items which have been identified to be vulnerable to overturning and their failure can have serious consequences. In this context, the displacement-based (DB) model for overturning and its linearisation is presented. The DB model can potentially become very useful as technical reference when it comes to identifying potentially hazardous items which risk overturning if unrestrained. The paper concludes with a discussion on engineering for earthquake safety in buildings in a broader context than merely regulating the structural design of the building.