What are non-structural components?
Nonstructural components of a building are those systems, parts, elements, or components that are not part of the structural load-bearing system but are subjected to the building dynamic environment caused by, for example, an earthquake. Typical examples of nonstructural components include architectural partitions, piping systems, ceilings, building contents, mechanical and electrical equipment, and exterior cladding. (Definition from the Applied Technology Council)
Why is seismic anchorage of non-structural components important?
The primary reason is that anchorage of nonstructural components is required per the California Building Code. It has been consistently observed in past earthquakes that damage to nonstructural components of a building can result in major economic losses, pose a threat to life safety and lead to buildings and facilities that are no longer functional even if the structural system is undamaged.
NOTE: The 2025 California Building Code will come into effect on January 1, 2026, and reference ASCE 7-22 which includes a major update to the non-structural component seismic force equation. All current OPM’s and any new OPM’s developed per the 2022 CBC and prior editions will require to be updated to incorporate this major change.
What is a seismic anchorage pre-approval?
HCAI has implemented a voluntary program for manufacturers of certain non-structural components to develop pre-approved seismic anchorage details that can be utilized within California Hospitals. The program is titled the OSHPD Preapproval of Manufacturers Certification (OPM) and is based on:
- California Health and Safety Code Section 129895
- Manufacturer’s certification provisions of the CBC 2022 Section 1705A.14.2
- Manufacturer’s certification provisions of ASCE 7-16 Section 13.2.1 Item #2
The program was established to streamline and simplify hospital construction for facility owners, consultants, contractors and the manufactures of nonstructural components’ supports and attachments by providing a program for review and preapproval of details. More information can be found in the HCAI Policy Intent Notice PIN-62: OSHPD Preapproval of Manufacturers Certification (OPM), the HCAI OPM Presentation Handout, and their .
Add a picture of equipment anchorage
What is HCAI/OSHPD?
HCAI stands for the California Department of Health Care Access and Information which is a state government group in charge of safety regulations for hospital buildings, financial assistance to healthcare institutions, collecting healthcare data and more.
HCAI was formerly known as OSHPD which stands for the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development. OSHPD originated in the 1970’s and in 1983 took oversight from local building departments for the design and construction of healthcare facilities.
In 1971 the recently constructed Olive View Hospital collapsed during the Sylmar earthquake which led to the passing of the Alfred E. Alquist Hospital Facilities Seismic Safety Act (HSSA) in 1973. The intent of the act was to ensure healthcare facilities are safe and capable of providing services to the public, before, during and after a seismic event This includes non-structural components!
What does an OPM cover?
An OPM is limited to:
- Seismic design of supports and attachments for nonstructural components
- Seismic bracing of distribution systems
- Interior partition walls and suspended ceilings seismic bracing equivalent to those approved through OSHPD Preapproved Details (OPD)
An OPM is NOT a product/components approval program and does not guarantee a nonstructural component will be functional after an earthquake. HCAI also has a Special Seismic Certification Program which is separate from the OPM program that covers certification of individual components.
The program also does not verify the adequacy of the supporting structure.
Figure from HCAI
HCAI has published their Policy Intent Notice PIN-68: Support and Attachment Requirements for Fixed, Interim, Mobile, Movable, Other and Temporary Equipment which clarifies the equipment which requires engineered anchorage and could utilize the OPM program.
How are OPM’s developed, used and implemented?
OPM’s are developed by a nonstructural component manufacturer and a California Registered Design Professional working together to provide a seismic anchorage design of a component utilizing supports and attachments. An OPM can be developed utilizing two methods:
- based on analysis performed by a Registered Design Professional (RDP) in accordance with the California Administrative Code Section 7-115 or
- through testing provided by an independent approved laboratory/testing agency having accreditation to the ISO 17025 (or equivalent) or shall be under the responsible charge of an independent California licensed engineer in accordance with CBC Section 1703.4 or 1703A.4. Test reports shall be reviewed and accepted by an independent California licensed structural engineer.
There are many different methods to provide seismic anchorage of components and Degenkolb Engineers has many California licensed structural engineers with vast experience developing anchorage details and OPM’s for many different types of components who can perform analysis as a RDP.
Once the design has been developed, the RDP submits the design for review and approval by HCAI. Once approved, the OPM is ready to be used and implemented on projects and is listed on the HCAI OPM .
OPM’s are not able to be utilized as a standalone document by an owner or contractor to install nonstructural components in a hospital. They are required to be included on specific project construction documents submitted to HCAI for approval prior to use. The primary reason for this is that both a RDP and HCAI must review the applicability of an OPM to the specific site conditions of a hospital and existing building. The RDP must verify the adequacy of the existing structure to support the nonstructural component and confirm the existing structure meets the attachment method provided in the OPM. The RDP must also provide project specific testing and inspection requirements per the CBC requirements. The RDP that developed the OPM is often not the same as the project specific RDP although Degenkolb Engineers has the ability to operate in both roles.
If you have any questions or need assistance with developing or implementing a seismic anchorage preapproval please reach out to one of our seismic anchorage experts: