ICC-ES AC156

Full Name

ICC-ES AC156 – Acceptance Criteria for Seismic Certification by Shake-table Testing of Nonstructural Components

Scope

ICC-ES AC156 outlines the acceptance criteria for the seismic certification of nonstructural components through shake-table testing.

Key points regarding the scope:

  • Purpose: the criteria establish the minimum requirements for shake-table testing to certify nonstructural components for seismic performance. These tests serve as an alternative to code-prescribed requirements and are recognized in ICC-ES evaluation reports, based on IBC Section 104.11.
  • Applicability: the criteria apply to shake-table testing of nonstructural components with fundamental frequencies greater than or equal to 1.3 Hz, as permitted by Section 13.2.
  • Testing Procedures: AC156 details specific procedures for testing, including how to simulate seismic events, measure component responses, and evaluate the results. The goal is to verify that the component can withstand seismic forces without compromising its functionality or posing a safety risk.

Examples of nonstructural components that may be tested under AC156 include:

  • HVAC equipment
  • Electrical panels
  • Lighting fixtures
  • Piping systems
  • Suspended ceilings
  • Data center equipment

Resources

Keywords

shake-table testing; seismic certification; nonstructural components; acceptance criteria; fundamental frequency; operational; functionality; anchorage; response spectrum; time history; rigid; flexible; displacement; acceleration; spectral acceleration; performance; safety; evaluation; resonance; damping; fragility; failure; spectral; modal; dynamic; qualification; verification; seismic design category; maximum considered earthquake; spectrum matching; response reduction; amplification factor; multi-frequency; multi-axis; concurrent; single-frequency; independent support motion; multiple support excitation; combined qualification; anchorage configuration; in-structure response spectrum; seismic zone factor; occupancy category; spectral response acceleration; seismic force-resisting system; spectral demand; seismic design load; equivalent static; peak ground acceleration; response spectrum analysis; design response spectrum; inelastic response spectrum; spectral displacement; effective peak acceleration; effective peak velocity-related acceleration

Need more info?