GOALS

• To review the risks that exist from non-

structural building elements building
contents and social/user factors.

• To review the principles and practices for

identifying and mitigating these risks.
Review of Non-Structural Mitigation
for Managers • To discuss the involvement of engineers,
designers, maintenance staff and building
users in non-structural mitigation.
Review for Managers 2005

What is NSM? Application of NSM

Non-Structural Elements
Non-Structural
Building Elements
chimney, staircase,
infill walls, partition walls,
suspended ceilings, lighting
HVAC, pipes, parapets,
signage, storage tanks
Non-Structural Building Elements
Building Contents User/Social Factors
Non-Structural
Building Elements
furnishing exits, fire hazard,
equipment NBC hazards chimney, staircase,
hazardous materials infill walls, partition walls,
gas tanks, suspended ceilings, lighting
fire extinguishers HVAC, pipes, parapets,
signage, storage tanks

Non-Structural Risk Mitigation Earthquake in Japan

NON-STRUCTURAL DAMAGE
CAN KILL, INJURE, DESTROY
HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL
QuickTime™ and a
TREASURES, AND CAN CAUSE YUV420 codec decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
HUGE ECONOMIC LOSSES.
Shake Table in Japan Shake Table in Japan

QuickTime™ and a QuickTime™ and a

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are needed to see this pictu are needed to see this picture.

Non-Structural Hazards are Serious!

Shake Table in Japan Chimneys

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YUV420 codec decompressor
are needed to see this picture.

Tunceli 2003 Earthquake, Ali Salkõn

Application of NSM Hazards are Serious!

Chimneys Staircases

California earthquake, Melvyn Green

 Hazards are Serious! Application of NSM
Garden Walls Masonry Walls

1999 Kocaeli Earthquake, Ayhan Irfanoglu, CIT

Hazards are Serious! Application of NSM

Suspended Ceilings Suspended Ceilings

Northridge, U.S.A. Melvyn Green

Application of NSM Hazards are Serious!

Suspended Ceilings Overhead Lighting
 Application of NSM Application of NSM
Overhead Lighting Overhead Lighting

• Attach Lighting to Structural Element

• Secure Florescent Tubes to Casings
• Secure Hanging Lights with Safety Cables
• Secure Heavy Hanging Lights with Locking Hooks

Hazards are Serious! Application of NSM

Pipes and Ducts Pipes & Ducts

Fallen duct, Koceali EQ Golcuk,

Dr. Michel Bruneau, MCEER

Application of NSM Hazards are Serious!

Pipes & Ducts Water Heaters
 Application of NSM Application of NSM
Water Heaters Stoves and Heaters

Second strap 2/3

from top of
cylinder
First strap 50 cm from floor. This will
ensure that the tanks can not pop out
of supports in vertical earthquake
shaking.

Be sure to place the side bars high

enough so that if the stove
bounces up and down in the
earthquake, it will not pop out of
metal brackets holding it in place.

Hazards are Serious!

Large & Sensitive Equipment
Supply Tanks

Kocaeli 1999 Earthquake, Dr. Michel Bruneau, EERI

Hazards are Serious! Hazards are Serious!

Industrial Hazards Industrial Hazards
 Application of NSM Application of NSM
Hazardous Materials Heavy Equipment

Application of NSM Application of NSM

Heavy Equipment Signs, Air Conditioners, Satellite Dishes

Application of NSM Securing Large Items

Emergency Gas Shut-Offs With Engineering Assistance

Some equipment in factories, schools and often found

in the roofs and basements of buildings need to be
examined and secured.

• Water heaters and tanks • Non-structural exteriors

• Stoves and heaters • Elevators, escalators, and
moving walks
• Signs, air conditioners,
and satellite dishes • Large and sensitive equipment
• Suspended ceilings
• Pipes, ducts, and
electrical bus ducts
 Securing Large Items
1. Lateral Support
With Engineering Assistance

While securing this type of equipment, three principles are

important.

1.Side supports in EACH direction

2.Vertical support
EARTHQUAKE

3.Flexible connections

2. Vertical Support Vertical & Lateral Support

EARTHQUAKE

EARTHQUAKE

Attachment to equipment with minimum of two

fasteners per bracket

Straps to restrain equipment from bouncing upward

3. Flexible Pipes 3. Flexible Connections

EARTHQUAKE
EARTHQUAKE
 Application of NSM
Non-Structural Contents Osmaniye 25 June 2001 (5.5 Mw)

Building Contents

furnishing
equipment
hazardous materials
gas tanks,
fire extinguishers

Osmaniye 25 June 2001 (5.5 Mw) Osmaniye 25 June 2001 (5.5 Mw)

Osmaniye, Turkey (2001, 5.5 Mw) Osmaniye, Turkey (2001, 5.5 Mw)

Application of NSM
Osmaniye 25 June 2001 (5.5 Mw)
Home Electronics

Osmaniye, Turkey
 Hazards are Serious! Hazards are Serious!
Furniture Office Furniture

Bingöl, Turkey

Application of NSM Application of NSM

Furniture Furniture

Application of NSM
Northridge 14 January 1994 (7.4 Mw)
Cabinet Latches

Northridge, U.S.A.
Hazards are Serious! Application of NSM
File Cabinets File Cabinets

Hazards are Serious! Application of NSM

Office Contents Workplace Electronics

Application of NSM Application of NSM

Rolling Carts Laboratory
 Application of NSM Application of NSM
School Hospital

Hazards are Serious! Hazards are Serious!

Shelf Contents Shelf Contents

Bingöl, Turkey

Application of NSM Application of NSM

Shelf Contents Shelf Contents
PRIORITIES:

• Chemicals
• Emergency equipment
• Medical supplies
• Cultural/Historic treasures
• Books
• Medical records
•Files
 Application of NSM Hazards are Serious!
Museum Storage Library Shelves

Kobe, Japan

Hazards are Serious! Application of NSM

Supply Shelves Libraries & Storage

Application of NSM Application of NSM

Gas Canisters Tanks

6-10cm

50 cm
 Hazards are Serious! Hazards Can be Serious!
Gas Canisters Tanks

Application of NSM Hazards are Serious!

Fire Extinguishers Hazardous Materials

Application of NSM Hazards are Serious!

Shelf Contents Glass
Glass hazards are found in:
• Windows
• Interior and exterior doors
• Large mirrors
• Glass cabinet doors
• Glass coffee and dining tables
• Glass shelving
• Aquariums

Adapazarõ, Turkey. Dr. Charles Scawthorn,MCEER

 Application of NSM Application of NSM
Glass Protection Social / User factors
• Rearrange Furniture User/Social Factors
and Hang Long Curtains
exits, fire hazard,
• Use Laminated Glass NBC hazards

• Use Tempered Glass

Although security film has worked rather

• Use Safety Film well in past earthquakes, it has failed to
work when installed im properly. It is
important to make sure that you have
security film installed by a reputable
professional.

Hazards are Serious! Application of NSM

Blocked Exits Emergency Exits
• Keep items that may hinder evacuation away
from exit doors

• Install outward opening doors

• Create wide exits

• Ensure that doors open easily

• Install service entrances adjacent to

Osmaniye, Turkey revolving doors

Application of NSM Application of NSM

Emergency Exits Emergency Exits & Lighting
• Use a single secure door instead of an added
security gate

• Keep fire exits unlocked and install panic

bars

• Place strong levers near heavy exit

doors and barred windows

• Install back up systems for electric

automatic doors and gates
 Non-Structural Hazards are Serious!
Museum Exhibits and Storage
Application of NSM
Museum Exhibits and Storage
RESEARCH AND
DEVELOPMENT
• Reports on the performance of secured non-
structural items and earthquake damage.
• Photographs of earthquake damage.
• Research on causes of deaths and injuries.
• Development of solutions and
• Laboratory Testing on shake tables.
Application of NSM
Museum Exhibits and Storage
Application of NSM
Museum Exhibits and Storage
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
The 1999 Kocaeli, Turkey Example
• Approximately 5% of the damaged buildings in the 1999
Izmit and Düzce earthquakes totally pancaked collapsed.
• Of the 1,500,000 people directly affected by these
earthquakes, approximately 1% of them lost their lives.
• While losing these people was an incredible tragedy, the
remaining 99% of residents were left to try to resume
living after the earthquake.
Erdik, Mustafa. Report on 1999 Kocaeli and Düzce (Turkey) Earthquakes.
İstanbul: Boğaziçi University, Dept. Of Earthquake Engineering, 2000.
 RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
The 1999 Kocaeli, Turkey Example Epidemiological Research

• Approximately 50% of the injuries and

3% of the deaths in the İzmit Earthquake
of 1999 were caused solely by non-
structural hazards.

• After the İzmit Earthquake of 1999, survivors estimated that

30% of their economic losses were due to loss of furniture,
equipment and other valuable non-structural objects.

Petal, Marla. Causes of Deaths and Injuries in the August 17th, 1999 3:02 a.m. M=7.4
Kocaeli Earthquake, Research Report, Boğaziçi Üniversitesİ, CENDIM, Istanbul, 2003. M. Petal, 2004: Research findings from 1999 Kocaeli earthquake (weekday, 3:00 a.m.)

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Epidemiological Research Non-Structural Damage Impacts

After the United States Northridge Earthquake

of 1994, ten essential hospitals with little or no
structural damage needed to be evacuated or
closed because of non-structural
damage. As a result, medical response was
severely disrupted.
•
Non-structural damage in earthquakes has
caused businesses, to close, jobs to be lost,
universities and schools to be interrupted, and
students to drop-out.

M. Petal, 2004: Research findings from 1999 Kocaeli earthquake (weekday, 3:00 a.m.)

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

The Indian Perspective Laboratory Tests
Electronic equipment, white
appliances and large furniture
• 2001 Study of Gujarat dagmage by Prof. Amit Bose, items were attached to wall
Design & Development Forum, Delhi. materials on a single degree
freedom shake table using a
variety of fastener types and
• 1967 Roorkee study of building contents - research installation methods.
published in India. Prof. Kreshin Kumar Khurana, IIT
Roorkee.
Effective and ineffective
attachment methods were
learned through hundreds
of tests.
 RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Laboratory Tests Laboratory Tests
Furniture Electronics
and
Electric
Unsecured Unsecured
Equipment

Incorrectly Secured Correctly Secured Incorrectly Secured Correctly Secured

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Laboratory Tests Calculations
White • Calculate earthquake force

Appliances

Incorrectly Secured • Calculate how many fasteners needed

• Calculate how many wall plugs needed

Correctly Secured

Where to Begin?
Do the easiest things first!

PRINCIPLES
OF NSM
Move heavy objects down below the height
of the shortest person in the house.
Move beds and furniture that people
frequently sit in, away from windows.
 First NSM Principle
Earthquake Forces Shake Laterally

Earthquake
Objects can slide and forces push
fall in many objects side
Earthquake Load
directions. to side.

Second NSM Principle Third NSM Principle

Heavier Objects Are Affected More Objects Can Slide and Fall in Any Direction

Heavier objects
are more
After earthquake forces After earthquake forces After earthquake forces
effected by have pushed and pulled have pushed and pulled have pushed and pulled
from side to side. from front to back. in both directions.
earthquakes.
Weight
Earthquake Load =
Up to 1.75 x Weight
It will tip, but not
topple. It will topple. It’s hard to tell.

Sliding and Falling Sliding and Falling

Items That Can Topple Shake Table

Items that can topple easily are:

• Taller than they are wide and/or deep
-or-
• Heavier on the top than they are on the bottom

Unsecured Television Stand, Dinar Mw 6.4

 Sliding and Falling Sliding and Falling
Exercise Objects
IS THE OBJECT TALLER THAN IT
IS DEEP OR WIDE? As a rough
Is the height GREATER than 1½ times Height
170 cm
guideline: Any
the depth?
Yes – It can easily topple forwards and
object that is
backwards. TALLER than it is
2. Is the height MORE than 1½ times the
width? Depth
wide or thick can
Yes – It can easily topple to the side.
50 cm Width
80 cm
topple, even
refrigerators.

Sliding and Falling Sliding and Falling

Items That Can Slide Shake Table

Items that will slide easily:

• Have wheels
-or-
• Are too low to topple
-or-
• Are on slippery floors, like tile or wood
-or-
• Are much heavier on the bottom than on the top

Unsecured Television Stand, Dinar Mw 6.4

FOUNDATIONS OF NSM Prevent Impact
Prevent Impact Secure Items Tightly

Objects should be
secured tightly to
prevent them from
hitting people and
each other.
 Furniture Prevent Impact
Shake Table Shake Table

Unsecured Bookshelf Dinar, Mw 6.4 The Importance of Filler Material, Dinar Mw 6.4

What Can We Use Fasteners

to Secure Non-Structural Items? Metal L Brackets

• All size wood

and metal
shelves and
wardrobes

• Other wood and

metal furniture
that can be
screwed into and
may topple.

Fasteners Fasteners
Plastic Clips and Straps Small Nylon Straps
• Countertop appliances For 0-50 kg.
• Mini refrigerators
• Televisions
• Countertop laboratory • Monitors
equipment
• Small office
• Small and medium equipment
electronics
• Small copy
• Computers, fax machines
machines, printers, and
similar equipment • Small laboratory
equipment
•35 kg. or lighter and
NOT more than counter
top height.
 Fasteners Fasteners
Large Nylon Straps Metal Hooks
For 50-150 kg.
• Appliances that • Household size
may topple or slide framed pictures

• Copy machines
• Workplace • Hanging plants
equipment
• Equipment on • Mirrors
wheels which must
be moved for use or
maintenance. • Wall clocks
• Large screen
televisions

Fasteners Fasteners
Mechanical Latches Child-Proof Safety Latches
• Kitchen drawers

• Kitchen cabinets • Kitchen cabinets

• Wardrobes • Wardrobes

• China cabinets • China cabinets

• Refrigerators

Fasteners Fasteners
Magnetic & Click Latches Earthquake Hold
• Kitchen cabinets
containing light • Bottom edges
objects of household size
framed pictures
and mirrors
• Wardrobes
containing light
objects • Pottery, glass
and other small
breakables
• China cabinets
containing light
objects Microcrystalline (dentistl) wax, poster tack and similar non-permanent adhesives (not gel products)
 Fasteners Fasteners
Rubber Mats Hook and Loop Tape
• Low profile fax
• Contents of machines, printers
cabinets and similar
• China plates equipment

• Telephones
• Small speakers • VCR and DVD
players, and low
• Computer stereos
keyboards

• Telephones,
clocks, and similar
equipment

Steps of Mitigation
STEP 1.
ESTIMATE WEIGHT
STEP 2.

MITIGATION CHOOSE FASTENER TYPE AND NUMBER

TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS

100 kg 1. WALL TYPES

The “How to...” 2. WALL FASTENERS

3. FURNITURE SCREWS

STEPS OF MITIGATION Estimate Weight

Estimate Weight Table
STEP 1. Approximately 200 kg.
ESTIMATE WEIGHT

Approximately 150 kg.

Large office equipment
150-175 kg.

100 kg
Large furniture
100-200 kg.
Large size refrigerators
Approximately 100 kg.
100-150 kg.

135 mm television
100 kg.
Midsize refrigerators
90-120 kg.
Approximately 50 kg.
Washing machine
50-75 kg.
72 mm television
50 kg.
Mini Oven
30-40 kg.
Approximately 25 kg.
Sma ll furniture
25-50 kg.

55 mm television
25 kg. Sma ll e lectronics
20-30 kg.
Sma ll furniture Sma ll office equipme nt
under 25 kg. under 25 kg.
 STEPS OF MITIGATION Fasteners
Fasteners Metal L Brackets
STEP 1.
ESTIMATE WEIGHT
STEP 2. • All size wood
CHOOSE FASTENER TYPE AND NUMBER
and metal
shelves and
wardrobes
100 kg

• Other wood and

metal furniture
that can be
screwed into and
may topple.

Fasteners Fasteners
Choosing L Brackets ?
Standard L brackets:
More than
0-50 kg. – small L brackets one row of “What if I can’t
holes
50-100 kg. – medium L brackets find the right
100-150 kg.– large L brackets
size or shape Nylon webbing:
L bracket?”
Specialty L brackets:

Furniture Furniture
Preparation L Brackets
• Place furniture as snugly as
possible to the wall.

• Brace the backs and sides

of open shelving.

• Attach furniture that is

next to each other together.
STEP ONE STEP ONE STEP TWO

STEP THREE STEP FOUR

 Furniture Furniture
L Brackets L Brackets
Whenever possible, attach large furniture in
four locations:
Two on the side near the top,

Two on the side near the bottom.

“What if my
furniture is in a
corner or a
niche?”

Furniture Furniture
L Brackets Shake Table

To reduce the
visibility of L
brackets, they
can be mounted
to the top of
furniture and
inwardly
mounted at the
bottom.

Incorrectly Secured Bookshelf, Dinar Mw 6.4

Furniture Furniture
Shake Table Shake Table

Bookshelf on Wheels, Dinar Mw 6.4 Correctly Secured Bookshelf, Dinar Mw 6.4

 Furniture Fasteners
Large Library Shelving Plastic Clips and Straps
Large library shelves need to be secured • Countertop
with a metal framing system designed by appliances
an engineer. The tops of • Mini (dorm size)
bookshelves should be
secured to metal
refrigerators and
bracing that is firmly freezers
secured to the wall in
multiple locations. • Countertop
Braced to laboratory equipment
prevent
bookshelves • Small and medium
from swaying electronics
side to side.
• Computers, fax
Bookshelves secured to each machines, printers,
Secured to the floor other or to wall and similar equipment
using expansion bolts.

Fasteners Fasteners
Plastic Clips and Straps Plastic Clips and Straps
Plastic clip and strap fasteners
are strong enough to hold objects
that are:

• 35 kg. or lighter STEP ONE STEP TWO

-and-

• NOT more than counter top height

STEP THREE STEP FOUR

Fasteners Fasteners
Plastic Clips and Straps Plastic Clips and Straps
Equipment up to Equipment up to
• Special surface primer sold by 40 kg.
manufacturers of self-adhesive is 20 kg.
the best possible cleaning solution.
• Isopropyl alcohol found at local
pharmacies is also recommended
by manufacturers.

For light equipment use For heavy equipment

two clips on diagonal use four clips, one on
corners each corners

When items and surfaces are not

cleaned before self adhesive
materials are attached, the Attach stacked
attachment will be much more likely equipment together and
to come undone in an earthquake. then to the table.
 Fasteners Electronic Equipment
Plastic Clips and Straps Shake Table

Be sure to leave about a 2 cm. tail

on each end of the strap so that the
strap cannot easily be pulled out of
2 cm.
the fastener. A 2 cm. tail will also
allow ease of tightening.

2 cm.

Attach the fasteners 1-2 cm.

After tightening the
away from where the
strap until it is snug,
equipment and table meet so
be sure that the clips
that the fasteners do not
are fully closed or strike each other during
locked. shaking.

Electronic Equipment Fasteners

Shake Table Small Nylon Straps

• Televisions
• Monitors
• Small office
equipment
• Small copy
machines
• Small laboratory
equipment

Correctly Secured Electronic Equipment

Dinar Mw 6.4 and a Simulation Earthquake

Fasteners Fasteners
Small Nylon Straps Small Nylon Straps
Equipment up to 35 kg. Equipment up to 60 kg.

STEP ONE STEP TWO

Attach two straps centered on Attach four straps on heavy

each side of light equipment. or important equipment.

For big screen televisions

and other large electronic
Straps must be snug
but not tight in order equipment, the see: white
appliances
to work well.
STEP THREE
 Fasteners Fasteners
Hook and Loop Tape Hook and Loop Tape
• Low fax machines,
printers and similar
equipment
• VCR and DVD
players, and low STEP ONE STEP TWO
stereos
• Telephones,
clocks, and similar
equipment

STEP THREE STEP FOUR

Fasteners Fasteners
Large Nylon Straps Choosing Nylon Straps
0-50 kg. Each strap you use should have at
• All size white Small nylon straps least 25cm2 industrial strength
appliances that may Velcro™ or a similar hook and loop
topple or slide product.

• Large screen
televisions
• Copy machines
• Workplace
50-150 kg. Each strap you use should have at
equipment
Large nylon straps least 50cm2 industrial strength
• Equipment on Velcro™ or a similar hook and loop
wheels which must product.
be moved for use or
maintenance.

Fasteners Fasteners
Large Nylon Straps Large Nylon Straps
Items up to 130 kg. Low items up to 65 kg.
or WITH WHEELS WITHOUT WHEELS

STEP ONE STEP TWO

STEP THREE STEP FOUR

 Fasteners White Appliances
Large Nylon Straps Shake Table
Straps must be wrapped around the backside of the
appliance before being attached to the wall. Otherwise,
the hook and look attachments will release during an
earthquake.

Straps must be snug

but not tight in order Incorrectly Secured Refrigerator, Dinar Mw 6.4 and
to work well. Simulation Earthquake

White Appliances Fasteners

Shake Table Metal L Shaped Angle

• Countertop
ovens

• Mini electric
grills

• Other hot items

that will slide but
not topple

Correctly Secured Refrigerator, Dinar Mw 6.4

White Appliances Fasteners

Metal L Angle Metal Hooks
Attach the L angle to the countertop on all sides of the • Household size
appliance that are free and not butted up against a wall or framed pictures
another unmovable surface.

• Hanging plants

• Mirrors

• Wall clocks
Attaching countertop appliances that may be hot or
that are attached to gas lines can help prevent burns,
gas leakage and fires.
 Fasteners Fasteners
Metal Hooks Metal Hooks

Hanging Items Fasteners

Shake Table Mechanical Latches

• Kitchen cabinets

• Wardrobes

• China cabinets

Incorrectly and Correctly Secured Picture,

Dinar Mw 6.4

Fasteners Fasteners
Child Proof Latches Magnetic & Click Latches
• Kitchen drawers
• Kitchen cabinets
containing light
• Kitchen cabinets objects

• Wardrobes • Wardrobes
containing light
objects
• China cabinets

• China cabinets
• Refrigerators containing light
objects
 Fasteners Fasteners
Magnetic & Click Latches Earthquake Hold

• Bottom edges
of household size
framed pictures
Heavy objects and mirrors

• Pottery, glass
Drawers and cabinets and other small
with magnetic and click breakables
latches will not stay
latched when heavy
objects are sliding
Light objects inside them during an
earthquake.

Fasteners Fasteners
Earthquake Hold Rubber Shelf Mats
By securing lightweight breakables to shelves and display
cabinets with earthquake hold as shown, the risk of them
sliding and toppling during an earthquake can be reduced.
• Contents of
cabinets
• China plates
• Telephones
• Small speakers
• Computer
keyboards

Fasteners Shelf Contents

Rubber Shelf Mats Various Precautions

By securing cabinet contents

with rubber shelf mats as
shown, the risk of them sliding
during an earthquake can be
reduced.
• A removable wooden or metal bar can be placed
across each shelf at mid-height.
• A metal, plexi-glass, or wood “lip” can be
screwed to each shelf.
An elastic band or wire can be added as
well.

Be sure that unsecured heavy

objects are placed below the height
of the lowest person in your
household.
 Shelf Contents Shelf Contents
Shake Table High Priority Items
Some items on shelving are more important to secure than others. Here
are some items that may be irreplaceable, cause harm, be hard to reorganize
or be needed immediately following an earthquake:

• Stored museum collections

• Chemicals

• Files

• Large collections of books

• Emergency equipment

Insufficiently and Sufficiently Secured Shelf • Medical supplies

Items, Simulation Earthquake and Dinar Mw 6.4

Fasteners Technical Considerations

Molded Plastic Holders Where to Fasten
STEP 1.
ESTIMATE WEIGHT
• Objects of all STEP 2.
sizes on display CHOOSE FASTENER TYPE AND NUMBER
in museums or
private TECHNICAL CONSIDERATION
collections
100 kg 1. WALL TYPES

Sadberk Hanõm Museum 2003

Where to Fasten Where to Fasten

Surfaces Masonry Walls
Walls Wall Bridges
Brick

Columns, Beams, and Floors Desktops, Tables

and Workspaces
 Where to Fasten Where to Fasten
? Infill Wall Collapse

“If I attach my During a large

earthquake hollow clay
furniture to a tile infill walls can
masonry wall, won’t collapse.

it just make the wall However, this collapse

is usually NOT
fall down?” because of furniture
attached to it.

Where to Fasten Where to Fasten

Aircrete Wall Bridges

Aircrete

Where to Fasten Where to Fasten

Traditional and Gypsum Wall Bridges
Timber in Traditional Houses
Metal or Wooden
Stud

Gypsum Board
 Where to Fasten
Weak Wall Types
Weak Wall Types
• Gypsum board
• Traditional infill walls
(bağdadi and hõmõş)
• Aircrete
• Very weak masonry walls
(the mortar easily turns
to sand when you rub it
between your fingers)
Where to Fasten
Walls, Columns, Beams
Solution
Concrete
Make a wall bridge between
the metal or wood studs or
between timber framing
members.
Make a wall bridge between
columns also attaching the
wall bridge to the wall at 15cm
spacing. Alternatively secure
items to structural elements.

• Adobe Place concrete anchor bolts where then will not interfere
• Rubble stone Attach to wood structural
members in the floor and with reinforcing steel within concrete beams, columns
ceiling. and walls.

Where to Fasten
Floors and Ceilings
Column Beam connections
have a large amount of
reinforcing steel

The The centers of columns and

concrete at beams, away from column beam
the edges of connections is a good place for
beams and placing expansion bolts.
columns
can spall off When securing to the floor, ensure that expansion bolts
are placed in concrete, not in masonry tiles.

BEFORE MITIGATION Choosing Hardware

Choosing Hardware Table
STEP 1.
ESTIMATE WEIGHT What is your wall or structural ele ment type?
STEP 2. Brick Masonry
Concrete Aircrete Gypsum Board Tim ber
CHOOSE FASTENER TYPE AND NUMBER

How heav y is Plastic Plastic and Metal

TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS Masonry Wall Standard Steel Expansion Aircrete Wall
Winged
your furniture? Wall Plugs
Gypsum Wall Wood Lag
Plugs Bolts Plugs Plugs Screws
100 kg 1. WALL TYPES Size 2
0- 5 kg. For light objects use Size 6 Size 10 4 mm. x
Standard Wall Plug Size 3 60 mm.

2. WALL FASTENERS 4 mm. x

5 -50 kg. Size 6 Size 7 Size 6 For items this
60 mm.
heavy, attach
directly to studs or
6 mm. x
50 -150 kg. Size 8 Size 8 Size 8 use a wall bridge.
80 mm.

150 kg. + To secure very heavy items, consult a engineer or professional for proper installation.
It is best if plastic masonry wall Leave a 16 cm. Leave a 15 cm. Size 2:
NOTES: plugs are long enough to pass space between space between 10 mm. board
through 2 holes in the clay tile in expansion bolts aircrete wall plugs Size 3:
order to hold more securely. 12 mm. board
 Choosing Hardware Choosing Hardware
Sizing Drilling Holes
(Concrete) (Wood) (Masonry)
Expansion Bolt Lag Screw Wall Plug and It is important to check for wires and pipes inside walls, floors
Screw and ceilings before drilling.
Diameter
Wall Plug Diameter
Diameter

Length Length
Screw
Length

Choosing Hardware Choosing Hardware

Drilling Holes Drilling Holes
junction box

sw itch
circuit breaker Drill into the wall Blow out any dust
using an and debris from
appropriate size the hole.
drill bit.
Use a drill bit that is the
outlet
same size as the
hardware diameter
when drilling into:
• Thickly plastered
hollow clay brick
• Solid brick
In order to discover where wires and pipes are • Gypsum board
located an electronic searching device can be used.
• Concrete
Completely insert Position the fastener
the wall plug and tighten screw
using a hammer. using a screwdriver.
Use a drill bit that is
one size smaller
than the hardware
diameter when drilling
into:
• Thinly plastered
hollow clay brick
• Aircrete

BEFORE MITIGATION Non-Structural Mitigation

Choosing Hardware Engaging Users & Daily Decision-
STEP 1. Makers
ESTIMATE WEIGHT
STEP 2.
CHOOSE FASTENER TYPE AND NUMBER

TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS

100 kg 1. WALL TYPES

2. WALL FASTENERS

3. FURNITURE SCREWS
 Non-Structural Hazards Non-Structural Hazards
in the Home At Work

Secure tall and heavy
furniture.
Hand pictures, mirrors and
clocks on curved or closed
hooks.
Replace kitchen cabinet EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHINGS
latches with ones which will
not open during an
earthquake. SECURE ANYTHING HEAVY AT OR ABOVE DESKTOP LEVEL
Store hazardous and OVERHEAD OBJECTS
flammable materials safely.

Move heavy objects below ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

the height of the shortest Secure your refrigerator to
person in the home the wall.
PLANT EQUIPMENT

Secure bookshelves. Secure gas appliances.

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

Place beds away from FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS

windows.

Application of NSM
Earthquake Hazard Hunt Earthquake Hazard Hunt

SAMPLE
As you tackle what needs to be done.
ITEM FOUND DATE FIXED
Prioritize the items as follows:
Fasten wardrobe to the wall 01.11.2001

1. Secure life threatening items first (eg. wardrobe 05.11.2001

Secure Kitchen cabinets
15.10.2001
in bedroom or things blocking exit) Secure Television set

01.10.2001
Askjl;dgunenfk,kekng
2. Secure those things that have significant Adkienkgelsikntek,d 13.10.2001

economic value (eg. computer, a/v equipment) Eijfnkse fkjnuhtem 01.11.2001

-
-
3. Secure those items that will let you live more
comfortably (eg. family heirlooms, breakables.

Problem-Solving
Your Partner in NSM
Delhi
 Problem-Solving Problem-Solving
Delhi Delhi

Problem-Solving Problem-Solving
Delhi Delhi

A Challenge A Challenge
Engaging Everyone in NSM Engaging Everyone in NSM
 A Challenge A Challenge
Creating Low-Cost Models Creating Low-Cost Models

A Challenge
Creating Low-Cost Models

• NSM is a relatively new area and we learn new things

every day. Applying NSM is an act of imagination, and
caring.

• In order for NSM to be successful, everyone must be

educated and part of the process and NSM needs to
become part of our lives.

• Learning about NSM is a shared responsibility.

authors: Rebekah Green, MSCE, Project Coordinator

Ömer Çalõşkan, Trade School Teacher
Marla Petal, Director, Disaster Preparedness Education Program
Bilgen Sungay, Architect
Zara Pac i, Educ ator

advisors:
Prof. Dr. Özal Yüzügüllü, B.U. Prof. of Earthquake Engr.
Utku Celep, MSEE
Cüneyt Tuzun, MSCE
This project was funded by American Red Cross with generous support from Boğaziçi
University, Disaster Preparedness Education Project, Kandilli Observatory and
Earthquake Research Institute, the Boğaziçi University Center for Disaster Management,
and Turkish Red Crescent. The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and
do not necessarily reflect the views of the American Red Cross.