Comprehensive Guide to AC156 Non-Structural Seismic Testing: Key Technical Insights
Non-structural seismic testing plays a crucial role in ensuring that building components, such as HVAC systems, piping, electrical infrastructure, and essential fixtures, are capable of withstanding seismic events. The widely adopted AC156 standard (Acceptance Criteria for Seismic Certification by Shake-Table Testing of Nonstructural Components) sets forth a technical framework for qualifying non-structural components to ensure their seismic resilience.
This guide aims to provide a deep dive into the technical details of AC156 testing, the steps for generating seismic profiles, and considerations for creating a test plan.
Technical Overview of AC156 Testing
The AC156 standard, developed by the International Code Council Evaluation Service (ICC-ES), outlines the required procedures for assessing non-structural components using shake tables to replicate earthquake ground motion. This ensures that critical building elements remain functional during and after an earthquake, minimizing the potential for failure or dislodgement that could cause hazards.
Key Components of AC156 Testing
Scope of Testing:
- AC156 covers components that are affixed to buildings and critical infrastructures, such as:
- Mechanical systems (e.g., HVAC units, piping systems).
- Electrical systems (e.g., emergency power supplies, control panels, lighting fixtures).
- Safety and medical equipment (e.g., elevators, emergency medical devices).
- These components are tested to verify that they either maintain functionality or remain securely fastened after exposure to seismic forces.
Shake Table Testing Methodology:
- The shake table test is at the heart of AC156, where components are subjected to controlled seismic motion. The shake table simulates the ground motions of an earthquake, applying forces along multiple axes to reproduce real-world earthquake dynamics.
- Biaxial shaking (testing along two orthogonal axes simultaneously) is the preferred method, as it better simulates real-world conditions. However, uniaxial testing is also acceptable for simpler cases, depending on the component’s design.
- Shake table inputs are derived from response spectra, ensuring that ground motions are generated based on regional seismic risks and building codes.
- Seismic Profile Generation:
- A critical part of the test is the generation of a seismic profile, which reflects the seismic demand based on the design response spectrum. The response spectrum is defined by the ASCE 7-22 standard or the International Building Code (IBC) (or California Building Code) for the region where the component will be installed.
- Seismic profile generation can be performed using specialized software tools, which allow for matching a time-history record to the target response spectrum either amplitude scaling or spectral matching. The generated time history ensures that the shake table replicates realistic ground motion for the location.
Testing Criteria:
- Components must meet specific performance criteria based on three key objectives:
- Functional Testing: Verifying that equipment continues to function under and after seismic motion. For example, an HVAC system must maintain operation to avoid disruption to the building’s climate control.
- Structural Integrity: Ensuring that components do not suffer from catastrophic structural failures, which could result in dislodgment, overturning, or breakage.
- Safety: Preventing components from becoming hazards. Even if a component ceases to function, it should not pose additional risks (e.g., falling debris or electrical shock).
Data Collection and Instrumentation
Instrumentation plays a vital role in seismic testing, providing precise data to evaluate the performance of the tested components. Commonly used instruments in AC156 testing include:
- Accelerometers: These measure the acceleration response of the component, capturing how it reacts to seismic forces.
- Displacement Sensors: These measure the movement of the component relative to its original position, essential for assessing whether components remain securely anchored.
- Load Cells: These can be used to measure the forces exerted on the mounting system during the seismic event.
The data from these instruments allow engineers to identify potential failure modes and provide insights into how to improve component design.
Steps for Creating a Test Plan for Shaker-Based Seismic Testing
To ensure comprehensive seismic testing, a well-structured test plan must be developed, accounting for all variables in the testing process:
Component Identification: Begin by identifying the component(s) to be tested, including the type, size, weight, and any specific features that might influence seismic performance.
- Example: A 500-pound HVAC unit mounted on a rooftop requires different testing parameters than a lightweight lighting fixture mounted on a ceiling.
Seismic Profile Development: Utilize the design response spectrum for the region in which the component will be installed. The spectrum provides the basis for generating the seismic profile.
- Example: If testing for installation in a high-seismicity region like California, the profile should replicate severe earthquake conditions, as outlined in ASCE 7-22.
Test Objectives:
- Functional Testing: Determine if the equipment needs to maintain continuous operation after seismic motion. For life-critical systems (e.g., emergency power supplies), functionality is the primary test objective.
- Safety and Integrity: For non-operational components, confirm that they remain safely fastened without causing hazards (e.g., medical gas lines in hospitals).
Testing:
- Instrumentation Setup: Plan the placement of accelerometers, displacement sensors, and load cells to capture detailed data during the test. Data from these instruments will help assess compliance with AC156 standards.
- Execution: Execute the test, applying the seismic profile to the shake table. Ensure proper monitoring throughout the test to capture all relevant performance data.
- Data Analysis: After the test, analyze the collected data to verify that the component meets the performance criteria. If necessary, adjust the design or mounting configurations to ensure compliance.
Applications and Importance of AC156 Testing
AC156 seismic testing is crucial across multiple industries, including:
- Commercial Buildings: HVAC systems, lighting, and electrical panels.
- Healthcare: Seismic compliance for medical equipment, life-support systems, and emergency infrastructure.
- Data Centers: Server racks and backup systems that require uninterrupted functionality during and after seismic events.
- Telecommunication: Ensuring the operational continuity of communication networks during a disaster.
About QuakeLogic
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Last reviewed: 2026-07-04
Executive Summary
Shake table testing helps engineers reproduce controlled motion so components, assemblies, models, and equipment can be evaluated under defined seismic or vibration inputs. This article is maintained as a QuakeLogic engineering resource for readers evaluating terminology, applications, instrumentation, and practical implementation considerations. The content is educational and should be reviewed against project-specific requirements, applicable standards, manufacturer documentation, and qualified engineering judgment.
Key Takeaways
- Start with the engineering objective, operating environment, required measurements, and decision workflow.
- Use calibrated instrumentation, documented configuration, appropriate sampling, and traceable data handling where results support engineering decisions.
- Interpret results in context; boundary conditions, installation quality, noise, bandwidth, and site conditions can materially affect conclusions.
- Use standards and references as guidance, not as substitutes for project-specific engineering review.
Technical Explanation
A credible engineering workflow links the physical system, the measurement chain, data acquisition, processing, interpretation, and reporting. For testing, that means documenting the input, payload, fixture, limits, safety controls, and acceptance criteria. For monitoring, that means documenting sensor type, placement, orientation, coupling, timing, communications, maintenance, alarm logic, and review procedures.
Engineering Applications
| Use Case | Primary Question | Useful Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| Research or education | What behavior can be measured, demonstrated, or repeated? | Test plan, configuration notes, input data, calibration records, and observations. |
| Infrastructure or facility monitoring | Is response normal, changing, or outside expected limits? | Baseline data, event records, thresholds, inspection notes, and engineering review. |
| Product or system selection | Which specifications matter for the application? | Measurement range, bandwidth, accuracy, environment, integration needs, and deliverables. |
People Also Ask
What information should be gathered before selecting equipment?
Define the measurement objective, expected amplitude and frequency range, installation environment, data format, timing requirements, communications, reporting needs, and applicable standards.
How can data quality be protected?
Use appropriate sensor mounting, calibration, channel naming, time synchronization, clipping checks, noise review, and documented maintenance procedures.
When is human engineering review required?
Human review is required when results affect safety, compliance, operations, procurement, structural assessment, or emergency response decisions.
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- Related QuakeLogic products and technologies
- QuakeLogic Engineering Blog resources
References
Recommended Media
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Discuss an Application with QuakeLogic
QuakeLogic supports seismic monitoring, earthquake early warning, structural health monitoring, infrasound monitoring, vibration monitoring, data acquisition, robotics education, and shake table testing workflows. For project-specific guidance, contact QuakeLogic with the application, measurement objective, environment, and required deliverables.
