MANUAL - DaMPeR MODULE 11 NON-STRUCTURAL HAZARDS Rev2019 0115

Disaster Mitigation Preparedness Response (DMPR)
Structural Safety Evaluators’ Manual
Module 11
. Non-Structural Elements
A building is considered to be safe, only when both of the following can resist earthquake
ground motions occurring at its base without any loss, namely
a. People in the building

b. Contents of buildings, appendages to buildings and services & utilities in the building
Hence, safety of people means no collapse of whole or part of the building that causes
danger to life, and safety of contents of buildings, appendages to buildings and service
and utilities means the contents, appendages, and services and utilities are able to
continue to offer the function the way they are expected to even after the earthquake.
Safety of occupant may be jeopardized by lack of safety in the other items of the building
(falling hazards), namely, the non-structural elements.
Non-structural elements may also be indicators of structural distress
. Distinction between Structural Elements and

Non-Structural Elements
In a construction of a building, first the reinforced concrete or structural steel member are
made (Figure 1) and then the building is finished with contents off the buildings,
appendages to buildings and services and utilities (Figure 2). In most cases, the items in
building related to finishing are rested and/or fastened to the RC or steel members.
Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (ASEP)

Figure 1 – Bare Structure Figure 2 – Finished Structure
Generally, Structural elements (SEs) in buildings carry earthquake-induced inertia forces

generated in the building down to the foundations, there are many items in buildings,
such as contents of buildings, appendages to buildings and services and utilities, which
are supported by SEs, and whose inertia forces are also carried down to foundations by
SEs, such items are called Non-Structural Elements (NSEs). As the mass of the NSEs
increases and as the connection between NSE and the SE become stiffer and stronger, the
earthquake response of the NSE starts affecting that of the SE to which it is connected,
and hence of the whole building.
Physical characteristics of NSEs include:
1. Accelerations imposed on NSEs are higher than those of the buildings, due to the
amplification of the ground along the height of the building
2. NSEs do not possess much ductility to dissipate the energy received during strong
shaking
3. NSEs can undergo resonance, when their natural frequencies are close to the
fundamental and other dominant frequencies of the building
4. NSEs are connected at multiple points to the SEs
5. Responses of NSEs under earthquake shaking are different from those of SEs
The major differences are listed in Table 1 between NSEs and SEs

Item SEs NSEs

Shaking at the base 1. Random, high frequency 1. Predominantly cyclic, low
2. Non-uniform in long buildings frequency
2. Non-uniform in NSEs with
multiple supports
Response to the 1. Depends on characteristics of Depends on characteristics on
shaking at the base earthquake ground motion both earthquake ground motion
2. Low response amplification and building
High response amplification
Interaction between 1. Seismic responses of SEs affect Seismic response of NSEs may
SEs and NSEs that of NSEs affect that of SEs, depending on
mass of NSE and on stiffness and
strength of connection.
Seismic Demand Depends on Depends on location of NSEs
1. Seismic Zone within the building, in addition to
2. Building characteristics (mass, seismic zone, and building
structural system, ductility characteristics, and NSE
characteristics and connection of
NSE to SE
Table 1 – Major differences between NSEs and SEs
.. Classification of Non-Structural Elements

NSEs can be categorized into three (3) groups based on their use and function
A. Contents of Buildings: Items required for functionally enabling the use of spaces, such
as furniture and minor items (storage shelves), facilities and equipment (refrigerators,
washing machines, gas cylinders, TVs, false ceilings generators, etc.), and door or
window panels and frames, large-panel glass panes with frames and other partitions
within the buildings.
B. Appendages to buildings: items projecting out of the buildings or attached to their

exterior surfaces, either horizontally or vertically, such as chimneys projecting out from
buildings, facades and parapets, water tanks, advertisement billboards, communication
antennas. Some are architectural elements, while some are functional
C. Services and utilities: items required for facilitating essential activities in the building,
such as plumbing lines, electrical cables, air-conditioning ducts, elevators, etc.

Some of these NSEs are shown in Figures 3 to 15. These is significant dependence of NSEs
on SEs; well-designed NSEs transfer their earthquake-induced inertia forces to adjoining
SEs and accommodate the relative movement imposed by adjoining SEs between their
ends.
Figure 3 – Example of Non-Structural Elements

Figure 4 – Architectural Components:

Interior and Exterior NSE walls and
partitions

Parapet Walls


Ceilings

Cabinets/Shelves (fixed and movable)

Figure 7 – Architectural Components: Cabinets/Shelves (fixed and movable)
Figure 8 – Architectural Components: Cladding/Appendages/Ornaments


Cladding/Appendages/Ornaments
Figure 9 – Rigid Components

Figure 9 – Rigid Components
Figure 10 – Flexible Components

Figure 11 – General Mechanical
Figure 11 – General Mechanical

Figure 12 – HVAC System Equipment
Figure 13 – Piping system

Figure 14 – Electrical Control Panel
Figure 15 – Electrical Lighting Fixtures

.. NSEs Unintentionally Behaving as SEs

In usual design practice, NSEs are not modeled, because they are assumed to not carry
any forces. However, some elements, assumed to be non-structural could significantly
influence the seismic behavior of the building be inadvertently participating in the lateral
force transfer.
A. Unreinforced Masonry Infill Walls (Concrete Hollow Blocks)
Concrete Hollow blocks (CHB) are the most common item assumed to be NSEs. CHB
are put in place after the structural frame is built. Thus, designers declare them as NSEs.
But, when the building sways under earthquake shaking, the CHB walls come in the
way of the free movement of the frame members of the building in the matter that
they:
• resist the lateral deformation of the frame members;

• become part of the load path along which earthquake-induced inertia forces
generated in the building; and
• contribute significantly to later stiffness and strength of the building
So CHB walls may act as NSEs for resisting vertical loads but are SEs for resisting lateral
loads. Ass a consequence, earthquake behavior of buildings with CHB walls is
completely different from that assumed by designers. It can be both beneficial and
detrimental at the same time.
• Beneficial – when the walls are provided uniformly in the building frame, it adds to
both the strength and stiffness especially in low-rise buildings.
• Detrimental – when walls are provided selectively, they can affect the structural
configuration of the building and may make it behave poorly
Figures 16 and 17 shows an example when CHB walls are provided in all storeys except
the ground floor, it will create a soft-storey effect on the whole building. A building
stiff and strong in the upper storeys and flexible and weak in the ground floor.
Another example is shown in Figures 18 and 19, wherein the columns are restricted
from freely shaking in the lateral direction by the CHB walls when CHB walls of partial
height are provided adjacent to a column to fit a window over the remaining height.

Figure 16 – (a) Analytical Model, (b) Design Structure, and (c) Actual Structure Constructed
Figure 17 – A case of Soft-Storey Structure Failure

Figure 18 – Column behavior when CHB walls restrict partially the movement of the column
Figure 19 – A case of column failure due to partial CHB walls

B. Rooftop Water Tanks
Water tanks placed on rooftops attracts high seismic inertia forces due to the large
mass of water stored. If they are not anchored properly, they can run loose from roof.
Unanchored tanks are threat to life. These tanks may be of small capacity, but their
connections with the roof slab system should be formally conceived, designed, and
constructed. Figure 20 shows such case of a damaged rooftop water tank.
Figure 20 – Failure of small capacity water tank atop RC Building
C. SEs considered as NSEs
Elevator core and/or staircases are made of reinforced concrete. the RC shafts offer
lateral stiffness and strength to the overall lateral load resistance of the building. Hence
the lateral stiffness contribution of the RC shafts should be considered.
Similarly, staircases built integrally with the structural system of the building act as
diagonal braces and attract large lateral forces during earthquake shaking. Hence,
though the staircase is not considered in the structural analysis and design of a
building system, it participates in the load path during strong earthquake and gets
damaged.
Figures 21 to 23 shows examples of SEs considered as NSEs.

Figure 21 – staircase elements participate in load path
Figure 23 – Damage to unreinforced masonry

infill wall and floor tiles around stairwell
Figure 22 – RC elevator core shaft acted as SE,

not NSE

2. Performance of Non-Structural Elements

Damage to NSEs compromises collateral damage to people and other objects/facilities;
and damage and loss of functionality of NSE. In critical structural and lifeline facilities,
performance and functionality of NSE are more critical and should not be compromised.
For instance, in a hospital, oxygen cylinders are toppled, or pipelines broken may lead to
secondary disasters. X-ray machine may be damage during the earthquake and its
components are rendered useless after the earthquake. Thus, earthquake damage or loss
of NSEs can lead to injury or loss of life, loss of function of NSE, and direct or indirect
financial setback.
Figures 23 to 33 shows examples and comparison of well-performing NSE and poorly-

performing NSE.
Figure 23 – Unsecured vs. Secured/Improved Support of Battery Bank

Figure 24 – Unanchored vs.

anchored shelves
Figure 25 – Unsecured ceiling and fixtures


Figure 28 – Unreinforced CHB Parapet Walls

Figure 29 – Unreinforced CHB Parapet Walls
Figure 30 – Unsecured Equipment

Figure 31 – Appendages and Ornaments
Figure 32 – Undamaged SE but damaged NSE

Figure 33 – Undamaged SE but damaged

NSE

3. Hazardous Materials
Hazardous materials can range from a bottle of cleaning fluid that has fallen from a shelf
in a home to damaged tanks and pipes at a major chemical installation. We live in a
civilization where we use a lot of materials that are flammable, explosive, poisonous,
corrosive, or radioactive. These materials may be in damaged tanks or pipes or in
containers on damaged shelves in the buildings being inspected.
Inspectors must also always be watchful for hazardous materials. Report hazardous
material conditions to the jurisdiction so that better trained and equipped personnel can
respond to them.
The most important aspect of inspection of hazardous materials is knowing and

recognizing the presence and classification of hazardous material then acting accordingly
to the situation.
Recognition of the hazardous material can be done during inspection by identifying some
key factors:
• Type of Facility – whether it a chemical factory, industrial facility, refinery, facilities

handling hazardous chemicals, or even ordinary structures such as school or
hospitals with chemical storage facilities.
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) diamond marker (labeling system)
• Noticeable Fumes and/or odor given off by the hazardous material
• Visible spills of the suspected hazardous material
3. Hazardous Material Classification

Hazardous materials are broken down into eight (8) main classes, and the 9th miscellaneous
class covering all other materials that does not fall under the first 8.
A. Class 1 – Explosives
Explosives meet the hazardous materials

classification (Class 1) because of the ability to
produce hazardous amounts of heat, sound, smoke,
gas or light. They are also capable, through
chemical reaction, of producing gases at speeds,
temperatures, and pressures that can cause
disastrous damage.

B. Class 2 – Gases
Gases include compressed, liquefied, dissolved, refrigerated liquefied, aerosols,

and other gases. They are defined by the hazardous materials classification (Class
2) as “substances that have a vapor pressure of 300 kPa or greater at 50°c or are
completely gaseous at 20°c at a standard atmospheric pressure.” Gases are
considered dangerous because they pose an imminent threat as a potential
asphyxiate and because they are often extremely flammable.
C. Class 3 – Flammable Liquids and Combustible Liquids
Flammable liquids or combustible liquids are volatile

and can often give off a flammable vapor. They are
defined by the hazardous materials classification
(Class 3) as “liquids, mixtures of liquids or liquids
containing solids in solution or suspension which give
off a flammable vapor, and have a flash point at
temperatures not more than 60.5°C or 141°F.”
Flammable liquids are capable of posing serious
threats because of their volatility, potential of causing
severe conflagrations and combustibility.
D. Class 4 – Flammable Solids and Spontaneously Combustible Materials
Flammable solids fit within the hazardous materials

classification (Class 4) because they are highly
combustible, are capable of posing serious hazards due
to their volatility, combustibility, potential in causing or
propagating severe conflagrations and can even cause
fire through friction.

Flammable solids are defined as “materials under conditions encountered in

transport, are combustible or may cause or contribute to fire through friction, self-
reactive substances which are liable to undergo a strongly exothermic reaction or
solid desensitized explosives.”
E. Class 5 – Oxidizers and Organic Peroxides
Oxidizers are substances that can produce oxygen. They are within the hazardous
materials classification (Class 5) because right circumstances they can contribute
to the combustion of other hazardous substances, though they are not always
combustible themselves. Oxidizers can be defined as “substances that can cause or
contribute to combustion, typically by producing oxygen as a result of a redox
chemical reaction.” Organic peroxides are considered dangerous goods because
they are thermally unstable and can exude heat while undergoing exothermic auto-
catalytic decomposition. These materials can also undergo explosive
decomposition, burn rapidly, be sensitive to friction, or react dangerously with
other substances.
F. Class 6 – Toxic Materials and Infectious Substances
Toxic materials fall under the hazardous materials classification (Class 6) because
of the ability to cause serious injury or death if swallowed, inhaled or contact is
made with skin. Infectious substances are also classified as a dangerous good for
containing pathogens, which includes bacteria, viruses, parasites and/or other
agents which can cause disease to humans or animals when contact is
made. Dangerous goods regulations define pathogens as “microorganisms, such
as bacteria, viruses, rickets, parasites and fungi, or other agents which can cause
disease in humans or animals.”

G. Class 7 – Radioactive Materials
Radioactive materials are defined by hazardous

materials classification as “any material containing
radionuclides where both the activity
concentration and the total activity exceeds certain
pre-defined values.” While undergoing radioactive
decay, radioactive materials can emit harmful
ionizing radiation.
H. Class 8 – Corrosive Materials
Corrosive are substances which degrade or

disintegrate other materials upon contact through a
chemical reaction if leakage, or damage occurs to
the surrounding materials. It is capable of
destroying materials, such as living tissues. The
department of transportation considers an acid with
a pH <2 or greater than 12.5 to be corrosive.
I. Class 9 – Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods
As the name implies, miscellaneous hazardous

materials classification (Class 9) are substances that
present an imminent threat which is not covered
within the definitions of the other 8 classes. Class 9
miscellaneous dangerous goods present a wide
variety of potentially hazardous threats to human
health and safety, infrastructure and/or their means of
transports. They are defined as but not limited to
“environmentally hazardous substances, substances

that are transported at elevated temperatures, miscellaneous articles and substances,

genetically modified organisms and micro-organisms and magnetized materials and
aviation regulated substances.”
Figure 34 shows examples using the class symbols
Figure 34 – Hazard material class posting
3. NFPA Hazardous Material Classification Sign

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) “Fire Diamond” is used to communicate
the potential dangers of chemical. It is a sign typical posted outside where the hazardous
material is located clearly visible to the public. The NFPA label contains lots of information
in a compact and easy-to-understand format, which is essential in emergency situations.
The diamond is subdivided into smaller color-coded diamonds each representing a
different type of hazard. Within the diamond is a number (except white diamond). The
number corresponds to the level of danger a chemical poses.

• Health Hazard (Blue) – used to alert people

to health hazards. This includes skin reactions,
diseases such as cancer, respiratory issues, or nay
number of other health related issues. The higher
the number the more precautions someone
should take.
• Flammability (Red) – lets people know

whether the chemical being labeled is flammable.
Chemicals that cannot burn will have zero value,
and those that are extremely flammable will have
a four.
• Instability (Yellow) – lets people know how stable the chemical is. Stability refers to
how easily the chemical can change or have some type of reaction. Highly unstable
chemicals can react from something as simple as being exposed to air or being
shaken.
• Special Precautions (White) – it does not contain a number like the other because
it does not list the severity of a particular type of hazard. Instead this diamond
contains symbols that convey special precautions or hazards that exist.
o W – the W symbol indicated that the chemical labeled las strong reaction
to water. (i.e. potassium, magnesium, rubidium, and cesium that will
explode, burn or give off dangerous gases when exposed to water.
o OX – chemical that have a violent reaction if exposed to oxygen. Strong
oxidizers like ammonium nitrate, bromates, and chromates should be
labeled with this symbol, so the container is not opened or punctured.
o SA – asphyxiate gases. Gases that reduce or displace the oxygen in the area,
which can be extremely dangerous for people nearby due to suffocation.
I.e. nitrogen, helium, neon, argon.
o COR, ACID, ALK – used for any chemical that is corrosive, including strong
acids and bases
o BIO – chemicals that present s a biological hazard
o POI – all poisonous chemicals
o RA or RAD – any radioactive chemicals
o CRY or CRYO – cryogenic chemicals
Figures 35 and 36 defines the numbers corresponding to the severity of the hazard and
example posting of the NFPA diamond, respectively.

Figure 35 – NFPA Diamond and description of number criteria
Figure 36 – NFPA Diamond postings

Figure 36 – NFPA Diamond postings
3... Common Failures causing HAZMAT releases

A. Building Structural failures
B. Dislodged asbestos
C. Underground pipeline breaks
D. Short connector pipe breaks
E. Overturning of elevated tanks
F. Falling containers
G. Equipment sliding or overturning
3.2. Dealing with HAZMAT

• Do not enter building if discharge of hazardous materials is found or strongly
suspected
• Cordon off the area and notify appropriate authorities (i.e. local fire department)
• Look for HZAMAT signages, spills, or leaking containers/piping
• Foul odor or hissing sounds of leaking content are strong warnings
Figure 37 shows example of HAZMAT hazards

Figure 37 – HAZMAT Hazards
7. Post-EQ Pointers in Inspecting NSEs

A. Describe condition of the exterior cladding and parapet walls
B. Describe condition of finished materials on walls and attachments to the structure
C. Describe condition of suspended ceiling (if any)
D. Describe condition of movable and fixed partitions (including anchorage)
E. Describe condition of furniture and equipment (including wall hung objects, storage
cabinets, shelving system, and files)
F. Describe condition of decorative ornaments including anchorage (if any)
G. Describe condition of sprinkler system (if any)
H. Describe condition of HVAC equipment
I. Document which mechanical and electrical system remained operation and which did
not
J. Inspect anchorage or bracing of equipment. Was it anchored or braced properly?
K. Identify principal equipment critical to operational use of the building
L. Examine ducts passing through walls
M. Did objects fall on equipment?
N. Examine lighting fixtures
O. Are there auxiliary or alternate power supplies available?
P. Was piping properly braced to resist earthquake forces?

Q. Document locations and breaks in pipes and apparent cause

R. Examine anchorage of NSEs. Did it pull out of concrete? Is the concrete cracked? Did
the bolts stretch of distress in the equipment anchorage? What is the equipment
specifications (weight, dimension, etc.) supported by the anchorage?
S. Did the equipment moved from its footing/support?
T. Document any debris on stairs, landings, and passageways
U. Note performance of emergency lighting system
V. Examine corridors leading to emergency exits
W. Note any debris leading to emergency exits and exterior vicinity of exits that may
impede pedestrian circulation
X. Examine exit doors, were there any operation impairments due to warping, jamming,
or other damage?
9. Protection of NSEs and HazMat

The strategy to ensure safety of NSEs and Hazmats from sliding, rocking, and toppling is
to prevent it from sliding, and increase its restoring moment. However, since most NSEs
and HazMats cannot be tampered with too much, the intervention to increase restoring
moment must be kept to a minimum. One possible intervention is to connect the NSE to
the structural system that carries all loads arising in the structure during earthquake
shaking, along the load path to the foundation. the choice of the intervention depends on
the mass, geometric size, value, aesthetics and extent to which one can tamper with the
NSE.
We should also ensure safety from pulling and shearing hazards by preventing the objects
from fouling with each other by providing a pre-determined separation/slack in them.


Figure 38 – Various interventions to ensure safety of

NSEs and HazMats

:. Conclusion
Protection of non-structural elements and hazardous materials are as important as the
structure itself.
The NSEs and HazMAts, of not addressed properly, can jeopardize safety of the building
occupants, and impede proper operation and intended function of the building.
Proper inspection of NSEs can prevent injury to occupants, speed up restoration of

operation of the building, and indicate possible structural distress in the building.
Protection of NSEs and HazMats are as simple as proper anchorage to the structure..
;. References
Murty, C.V.R. et.al. “Introduction to Earthquake Protection Non-Structural Elements in
Buildings”, Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority, Government of Gujarat
MLi Environmental “Hazardous Material Classification”
www.creativesafetysupply.com
www.graphicproducts.com/articles/hazardous-materials-identification-system-hmis

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Disaster Mitigation Preparedness Response (DMPR)

Structural Safety Evaluators’ Manual

a. People in the building

Non-structural elements may also be indicators of structural distress

. Distinction between Structural Elements and

Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (ASEP)

Figure 1 – Bare Structure Figure 2 – Finished Structure

Generally, Structural elements (SEs) in buildings carry earthquake-induced inertia forces

Physical characteristics of NSEs include:

Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (ASEP)

Item SEs NSEs

Table 1 – Major differences between NSEs and SEs

.. Classification of Non-Structural Elements

B. Appendages to buildings: items projecting out of the buildings or attached to their

Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (ASEP)

Figure 3 – Example of Non-Structural Elements

Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (ASEP)

Figure 4 – Architectural Components:

Figure 5 – Architectural Components:

Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (ASEP)

Figure 6 – Architectural Components:

Figure 7 – Architectural Components:

Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (ASEP)

Figure 7 – Architectural Components: Cabinets/Shelves (fixed and movable)

Figure 8 – Architectural Components: Cladding/Appendages/Ornaments

Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (ASEP)

Figure 8 – Architectural Components:

Figure 9 – Rigid Components

Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (ASEP)

Figure 9 – Rigid Components

Figure 10 – Flexible Components

Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (ASEP)

Figure 11 – General Mechanical

Figure 11 – General Mechanical

Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (ASEP)

Figure 12 – HVAC System Equipment

Figure 13 – Piping system

Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (ASEP)

Figure 14 – Electrical Control Panel

Figure 15 – Electrical Lighting Fixtures

Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (ASEP)

.. NSEs Unintentionally Behaving as SEs

A. Unreinforced Masonry Infill Walls (Concrete Hollow Blocks)

• resist the lateral deformation of the frame members;

Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (ASEP)

Figure 17 – A case of Soft-Storey Structure Failure

Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (ASEP)

Figure 19 – A case of column failure due to partial CHB walls

Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (ASEP)

B. Rooftop Water Tanks

Figure 20 – Failure of small capacity water tank atop RC Building

C. SEs considered as NSEs

Figures 21 to 23 shows examples of SEs considered as NSEs.

Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (ASEP)

Figure 21 – staircase elements participate in load path

Figure 23 – Damage to unreinforced masonry

Figure 22 – RC elevator core shaft acted as SE,

Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (ASEP)

2. Performance of Non-Structural Elements

Figures 23 to 33 shows examples and comparison of well-performing NSE and poorly-

Figure 23 – Unsecured vs. Secured/Improved Support of Battery Bank

Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (ASEP)

Figure 24 – Unanchored vs.