Non Structural Element its Behaviour during an Earthquake

Abstract

Non structural elements in a building are those members which come in to the path of earthquake force affected by it but do not take part in the dissipation of energy produced during an earthquake. Failure of these members during an earthquake causes not only economic losses but human life too. The building will remain safe after an earthquake but may become unserviceable for the purpose for which it has been constructed. For the earthquake resistant design of building study of behavior of these members is necessary. It has been found that seismic design of structure is given much attention but very little attention has been given to protecting non structural member of the buildings 1. This article has been prepared after studying codes and articles published in various journals. The main objective of this article is to make design people aware of the importance of non structural element in the earthquake resistant design of buildings.