Tests of integrated ceilings and the construction of simulation models

This paper proposes a new approach to model the screw joints of integrated ceilings via the finite element method (FEM). The simulation models consist of the beam elements. The screw joints used in the main bars and cross bars and in the W bars and cross bars are assumed to be rotation springs. The stiffness of the rotation springs is defined according to the technical standards proposed by the National Institute for Land and Infrastructure Management of Japan. By comparing the results of the sheer tests and the simulation models, the effectiveness and efficiency of the simulation models proposed in this paper are verified. This paper indicates the possibility that the seismic performance of suspended ceilings can be confirmed directly via beam element models using FEM if the stiffnesses of the screw joints of the ceiling substrates are appropriately defined. Because cross-sectional shapes, physical properties, and other variables of the ceiling substrates can be easily changed in the models, it is expected that suspended ceiling manufactures will be able to design and confirm the seismic performance of suspended ceilings with different cross-sectional shapes or materials via computers, instead of spending large amounts of time and money on shake table tests.