can anyone give me a brief synopsis of how this is applicable to suspended ceilings?
You can find the information on any ASTM standard by going to their website, to the document search page (http://www.astm.org/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/STORE/standardsearch.shtml?L+mystore+winb8366+1034211202)
I use it all the time to check unfamiliar reference standards. If there are important details or options, I’ll get a full copy to make informed choices.
Anyway, From the document summary on ASTM’s Website, E 580-02e1 - Standard Practice for Application of Ceiling Suspension Systems for Acoustical Tile and Lay-in Panels in Areas Requiring Seismic Restraint, the summary reads:
- Scope
1.1 This practice covers acoustical ceiling suspension systems and their additional requirements for application in areas subject to light to moderate seismic disturbance such as Uniform Building Code Seismic Zone 2, the BOCA Basic National Building Code where Av is less than 0.20 but greater than 0.10, and the Standard Building Code (SBC) where Av is less than 0.20 but greater than 0.05. This practice also covers areas subject to moderate to severe seismic disturbance such as Uniform Building Code Seismic Zones 3 and 4, the BOCA Basic National Building Code where Av is greater than 0.20, and the SBC where Av is greater than 0.20. The application of this practice is to be determined by local authorities. Current seismic maps published by recognized authorities such as those previously mentioned, should be consulted. Related material such as Open File 82-1033 and MS-812 Seismicity Map may also be consulted.
1.2 Specification C 635 and Practice C 636 cover suspension systems and their application without special regard to seismic restraint needs. They remain applicable and should be followed when this practice is specified.
1.3 This practice is not intended to stifle research and development of new products or methods which may simplify this specified application method. A variation, however, must be substantiated by verifiable engineering data.
1.4 A ceiling area of 144 ft2 (13.4 m 2) or less, surrounded by walls that connect directly to the structure above shall be exempt from this practice.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
ASTM E580-02e1 Standard Practice for Application of Ceiling Suspension Systems for Acoustical Tile and Lay-in Panels in Areas Requiring Seismic Restraint
The title seems somewhat self-explanatory.
Have you considered reading the standard?
Mitch-
How very odd… I just got finished spending the morning looking at ASTM E 580. We specified it as our seismic design standard on a project, and wanted to confirm that it was in compliance with 2003 IBC Seismic Design Category (SDC) C requirements.
The answer is, yes, it is pretty close. There are some minor differences. I am guessing that what will eventually happen is that IBC will reference E 580; they don’t now. When you get to requirements of SDC-D and greater, throw E 580 out.
If you want, I’d be happy to email you the memo I put together for our Project Architect this morning.
thanks George…please email it to me
mmiller@usaarchitects.com
George, I’d be interested in seeing that:
George, I’d be interested in seeing that too!
Thanks, Linda Stansen
stanspecs@comcast.net
Emails sent to the above.
Point of clarification:
ASTM E 580 talks about “Light to Moderate Seismic Disturbance” in Part 3 and “Severe Seismic Disturbance” in Part 4. It is Part 3 of the standard that correlates to SDC-C. Part 4 would apply to SDC-D and above, and in a cursory review of that Part 4, there seems to be far less correlation than discussed above in Part 3.
George, please send me a copy, too - ljavoroski@hga.com
Thanks.
George when you have a chance I would also like to have a copy.
Thanks
jroot@gonzalezgoodale.com
Me too! hollyrob@earthlink.net
Off the top of my head, I THINK that Armstrong has a publication on ASTM E 580.
Thanks, Holly, great resource. I just was on Armstrong’s website and they have a number of items that help to clarify seismic issues:
http://www.armstrong.com/commceilingsna/article9759.html
I think I have caught up sending to all who asked above. If not, let me know.
George, please add me to the list. lawrey@granaryassoc.com
George
Please sent me a copy
usconsulting@earthlink.net