ISO 13033:2013

Overview

ISO 13033:2013 - "Bases for design of structures - Seismic actions on nonstructural components for building applications" - provides a systematic framework to derive seismic actions on nonstructural components and systems (NSCS) and to verify their seismic capacity. It covers architectural elements, mechanical and electrical systems, and building contents supported by or attached to buildings. ISO 13033:2013 is a guidance standard (not a legally binding code) intended for use by regional and national standards committees, designers and regulators and complements ISO 3010 (seismic actions on structures).

Key topics and requirements

• Scope and applicability
  • Defines NSCS that require evaluation (e.g., falling hazards, evacuation impediments, hazardous materials, essential post‑earthquake functions, major financial loss).
  • Exclusions include typical furnishings, temporary/relocatable items and some low-hazard situations.
• Seismic demand mechanisms
  • Inertial demand (mass-induced forces), relative displacement demand (drift-induced movements), and impact demand (component collisions).
  • Relation of NSCS demands to building response and assumptions when NSCS do or do not influence global structural response.
• Quantification methods
  • Procedures for dynamic and equivalent static analyses to obtain elastic seismic demands and floor response spectra.
  • Guidance on amplification factors (floor response/height factor, component resonance), response modification and overstrength considerations.
• Verification of NSCS
  • Multiple verification routes: design analysis, seismic qualification testing (including shake-table testing), documented post-earthquake performance (experience data), or combinations.
  • Requirements for verifying seismic load paths and anchorage between NSCS and the building structural system.
• Quality assurance
  • Procedures for QA in design and construction, including annex guidance on identification, anchorage principles, testing methods and inspection.

Practical applications

• Specifying seismic loads and verification criteria for HVAC equipment, suspended ceilings, piping, electrical switchgear, cladding, laboratory equipment and building contents.
• Developing or updating national/regional codes and technical regulations for nonstructural seismic performance.
• Designing anchors, restraints and bracing systems to meet seismic capacity and post-earthquake functionality goals.
• Preparing procurement, test and inspection requirements for seismic qualification of components.

Who uses ISO 13033:2013

• Structural and MEP engineers, architects, seismic specialists
• Standards committees and code developers
• Manufacturers and test laboratories performing seismic qualification
• Facility managers planning mitigation/retrofit of NSCS
• Building inspectors and quality assurance teams

Related standards

• ISO 3010:2001 - Basis for design of structures - Seismic actions on structures (companion document)

Keywords: ISO 13033:2013, seismic actions, nonstructural components, NSCS, seismic design, seismic verification, floor response spectra, seismic qualification testing, anchorage, relative displacement.