ASCE 7-22 Ch. 13 • ICC-ES AC156 • IEEE 693 • HCAI OSP / OPM / PCS
Nonstructural Component Certification
PE/SE-stamped nonstructural component certification for mechanical, electrical, and architectural components — ASCE 7-22 Chapter 13 design forces, AC156 shake-table qualification support, and full HCAI / DSA submittal packages.
What is nonstructural component certification?
Nonstructural component certification is the PE/SE-stamped demonstration that architectural, mechanical, and electrical components — and their anchorage — meet ASCE 7-22 Chapter 13. Certification has two halves: the component itself (usually via ICC-ES AC156 shake-table test, analysis per §13.2.2, or experience data) and the anchorage that ties it to the structure (ACI 318-19 Chapter 17 with Ω0 amplification).
For Risk Category IV facilities and life-safety components, Ip = 1.5raises Fp by 50% and requires operability — not just survival — after the design earthquake. In California, HCAI adds the OSP, OPM, and PCS pathways that leverage pre-approved test data and details.
Common certification mistakes we fix
- • AC156 RRS built for the wrong z/h — mounting height not accounted for
- • Component test passes, anchorage never checked for project Sds
- • Ip = 1.0 assumed on life-safety or Risk Category IV components
- • Ω0 amplification skipped on concrete-controlled anchors
- • OSP number applied to a variant not covered by the certified configuration
- • Test data used past its 3-year validity window without recertification
Certification services
Full-stack certification from RRS generation to HCAI back-check response.
AC156 Shake-Table Qualification Support
Required Response Spectrum (RRS) generation, test-lab coordination, and PE-stamped test report review for OSP / ICC-ES listing.
Chapter 13 Analytical Certification
ASCE 7-22 §13.2.2 analytical certification for components not shake-table tested — including operability verification for Ip = 1.5.
Anchorage & Bracing Design
Per-component Fp derivation with anchor design to ACI 318-19 Ch. 17, weld design to AISC 360-22 / AWS D1.1, and snubber sizing per §13.6.4.
HCAI / DSA / AHJ Submittals
OSP / OPM / PCS selection or project-specific PE calc packages with full submittal cover sheets and back-check response support.
Codes & standards
Nonstructural component seismic design (Fp, Fpv, Ip, permitted materials)
Ip = 1.5 assignment for life-safety and Risk Category IV components
Component certification pathways (test, analysis, experience data)
Shake-table qualification protocol and Required Response Spectrum (RRS)
Anchorage to concrete — tension, shear, breakout, pry-out, Ω0
Recommended practice for seismic qualification of electrical substation equipment
California hospital preapproval pathways
Reducing risks of nonstructural earthquake damage — guidance and typical details
Deliverables
- PE/SE-stamped Chapter 13 certification report
- Fp / Fpv derivation with project Sds, ap, Rp, Ω0, Ip
- AC156 Required Response Spectrum (RRS) envelope check when applicable
- Component qualification basis — AC156 test, analysis, or experience data
- Anchor and weld design to ACI 318-19 Ch. 17 and AISC 360-22
- Snubber and vibration-isolator restraint check per §13.6.4
- Installation inspection checklist for the IOR / special inspector
- HCAI / DSA submittal cover sheet with OSP / OPM / PCS references and back-check response
Component certification — FAQ
What is a nonstructural component?
Per ASCE 7-22 §11.2, a nonstructural component is any architectural, mechanical, or electrical item permanently attached to a structure but not part of the seismic force-resisting system — HVAC units, piping, ductwork, ceilings, partitions, cladding, generators, switchgear, medical equipment, IT racks, and their anchorage, bracing, and interconnections. Chapter 13 sets the design forces (Fp, Fpv), permitted materials, and certification requirements.
What does 'certification' mean for a nonstructural component?
Two things: (1) demonstrating the component itself is qualified to remain intact or operational after the design earthquake, usually by shake-table test to ICC-ES AC156, analysis to ASCE 7-22 §13.2.2, or experience data; and (2) demonstrating the anchorage / bracing that ties it to the structure is designed and installed per Chapter 13, ACI 318-19 Ch. 17, and any local pathway (HCAI OSP / OPM / PCS in California, DSA / DGS, FEMA E-74).
When is Ip = 1.5 required?
ASCE 7-22 §13.1.3 sets Ip = 1.5 when the component (a) is required to function for life-safety after an earthquake (fire sprinklers, egress lighting, smoke control), (b) contains hazardous material above threshold quantities, (c) is a Risk Category IV structure attachment (hospitals, emergency operations, essential communication), or (d) is required for continued operation of a Risk Category IV facility. Ip = 1.5 raises Fp by 50% and — for components mounted above grade — triggers §13.2.2 certification requirements.
What is ICC-ES AC156?
AC156 is the ICC Evaluation Service acceptance criteria for shake-table qualification of nonstructural components. It defines a required response spectrum (RRS) derived from the project Sds, Ip, and mounting height (z/h), plus a triaxial test protocol on a shake table. Components that pass are listed in ICC-ES ESR reports and — in California — often carry an HCAI OSP number.
What is the difference between component certification and anchorage certification?
Component certification (via AC156 shake-table test, analysis, or experience data) confirms the equipment itself survives and — when Ip = 1.5 — remains operational. Anchorage certification confirms the bolts / welds / snubbers that tie the equipment to the structure survive the design Fp with correct edge distances, embedment, and Ω0 amplification. AHJs typically require both.
How do the HCAI OSP, OPM, and PCS pathways relate to Chapter 13 certification?
For OSHPD-jurisdiction California hospitals: OSP (Special Seismic Certification Preapproval) is HCAI's implementation of the AC156 component certification pathway. OPM (Pre-Approved Details) is a library of pre-engineered anchorage details. PCS covers preapproved prefabricated systems (headwalls, modular MEP racks). All three shortcut the project submittal — but the project engineer still owes a PE-stamped calc verifying the selection applies to the project Sds, Ip, and installation conditions.
What deliverables come with a component certification package?
PE/SE-stamped certification report (Fp derivation, component qualification basis — AC156 test / analysis / experience, anchorage per ACI 318-19 Ch. 17 with Ω0), AC156 RRS envelope check when applicable, anchor layout and schedule, IOR installation checklist, and — for California hospitals — the HCAI submittal cover sheet with OSP / OPM / PCS references and back-check response support.
Ready to certify your component?
Send the cut sheet, test report (if any), and project Sds / Ip / z/h. Fixed-fee quote in 48 hours.