C2A-KS13

Question 1

Nonstructural elements are those elements that …

Answer 1

• Are not part of the structural system, either for resisting gravity loads or part of the seismic resisting system.
• Must be seismically restrained to resist both horizontal forces and uplift (vertical movement).

Question 2

What are the 6 Broad Categories of nonstructural elements found in a building?

Answer 2

1. Architectural
2. Electrical
3. Mechanical
4. Plumbing
5. Communications
6. Furniture, Furnishings, and Equipment

Question 3

Architectural Components

Answer 3

1. Interior nonstructural walls and partitions
   - full height partitions — utilize slip track to isolate from structure
   - partial height partitions attached to ceiling grid — must be braced to the structure above
2. Exterior nonstructural wall assemblies

• Light wall elements (metal insulated panels)
• Heavy wall elements (precast concrete)

3. Ceilings
   - Suspended
   - Attached to rigid subframe
   - DSA — requires horizontal restraint points to be placed not more than 12’ x 12’ on center for DSA structural enforcement projects (Section 1614A.1.12-6b).
   - OSHPD — requires horizontal restraint points to be placed not more than 8’ x 12’ on center for OSHPD enforcement projects (Section 1614A.1.12-6a).
4. Cabinets
   • Storage cabinets and laboratory equipment
5. Access Floors
6. Appendages and ornamentation
7. Signs and billboards
8. Other rigid and flexible components

Question 4

Mechanical and Electrical Components

Answer 4

1. General mechanical
   - Boilers and furnaces
   - Large chimneys
2. HVAC system
   - vibration isolated
   - nonvibration isolated
3. Piping system
   - water supply
   - water waste
   - fire sprinklers
4. Elevator components
5. Escalator components
6. General electrical
   - distributed systems
   - equipment
7. Lighting Fixtures
   - Surface mounted to structure
   - Suspended from structure
   - Supported by suspended ceiling grid, surface mounted, or hung from suspended ceiling

-All recessed or drop-in light fixtures shall be supported directly from the structure above with a minimum of two 12 gauge wires located diagonally at opposite corners.
Support wires may be slightly loose to allow the fixture to seat in the grid system (Section 1614A.1.12-7).

-Lighting fixtures weighing more than 56 pounds shall be supported directly above by approved hangers (Section 1614A.1.12-9).

Notes: If bracing of non-structural elements comes up on the Exam, it will most likely be during the Project Scenario part of the Exam. Make sure you are paying attention to your specific project type assigned for the Project Scenario

Question 5

Concerns for specific Building Types

Answer 5

1. Library — book stacks need to be properly anchored together as well as secured to floor and structural deck above.
2. Church — the cross needs to be properly secured and braced
3. Gas Station — signage needs to be properly secured and braced
4. Auditorium — bleachers need diagonal bracing