Special considerations for suspended ceilings
Most suspended ceilings in commercial buildings in New Zealand consist of panels supported on a grid of aluminium or steel beams that are hung from metal cables anchored to the underside of the floor above.
A typical suspended ceiling, using a suspended steel grid to support the ceiling panels.
Many commercial buildings in Christchurch suffered damage to their suspended ceiling systems. Observers saw a range of problems, including dislodged and broken ceiling tiles, separated grid members and broken connections, failed perimeter angles. Interaction between ceiling components and adjacent services caused damage to both systems.
In this section:
- Design pathways for suspended ceilings
- Design criteria for suspended ceilings
- Restraining suspended ceilings
Damage to a suspended ceiling and ducting service caused by lack of seismic restraint in the ceiling space. (Association of Wall and Ceiling Industries of New Zealand)