Available at: http://www.fema.

gov/earthquake-publications/fema-e-74-reducing-risks-nonstructural-earthquake-damage
Last Modified: December 2012

2. Behavior of Nonstructural Components

Effective seismic risk reduction strategies for
nonstructural component damage begins by clearly A picture is worth a thousand words.
understanding the scope and nature of nonstructural
The Hyogo Earthquake Engineering
components in buildings, their behavior in Research Center in Japan has posted
earthquakes, and the consequences of damage. The video footage of shake table testing
of nonstructural components during
next section will address the following key questions:
a simulated earthquake. Two of
these video clips speak volumes
 What are nonstructural components?
about the hazards of nonstructural
components during an earthquake.
 What are the primary causes of damage to
The video clips focus on the behavior
nonstructural components during earthquakes? of furniture, contents, and some
architectural components.
 What is the significance of nonstructural
component damage?

 Which nonstructural components are most

vulnerable in an earthquake?

 What are the consequences of damage to

nonstructural components?
Figure 2-1 Result of shaking table test on
room contents (from 01, 2008
test)

Click on the link below and select

one of the following video clips:

-Shaking table tests on room safety

issue of a high-rise building (01,
2008)

-Shaking table tests on non-

structure furniture in a high-rise
building (03, 2007)

http://www.bosai.go.jp/hyogo/movie.htm
l - click on English and then click on
Movies. Scroll down to Office Space in
High Rise Jan 2008 - Click on Video

FEMA E-74 2: Behavior of Nonstructural Components Page 2-1