Exterior Suspended Ceiling Code Requirements

[jim57]

Looking at a 2' x 4' suspended ceiling panel system placed as a soffit on the exterior of a building. Ceiling failed in high winds. It was obvious there were no uplift struts. Going to court and need to cite all codes discussing the requirements. I found ASTM c-635. i have the 2003 version. Has this changed? Also, need additional codes if any as well as manufacturer's requirements.
Thanks

 

[JAE]

ASCE 7 would provide the loads required on buildings. It has overhang uplift forces (for Components & Cladding wind).


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[jim57]

Hoping to find something more specific on the drop ceiling to address up-lift.

 

[JAE]

Well then read ASCE 7 - it is all in there. What do you want me to do, calculate it for you?



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[JAE]

Sorry for the snippy reply - been that kind of Monday...

The building code in the area (I'm assuming the IBC) will reference out to ASCE 7 which outlines all the required wind loads to be applied to buildings.

ASCE 7 has specific guidance on wind uplift for both open buildings and for overhangs of roofs. The Components and Cladding forces given in ASCE 7 would be used as the basis for the required uplift pressures on your ceiling. That is all there is to the wind uplift provisions.

If the ceiling failed by getting blow up into the roof (as you suggest - no uplift clips) then the system was obviously not designed properly to account for the wind.

I'm not aware of any other ASTM type documents that would apply here - you have a wind uplift pressure, you have a ceiling, the ceiling needs to account for the uplift.



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[jim57]

Well aware of ASCE 7, use it all the time. Looking for something more such as ASTM C 635 Standard for Metal Suspension Systems. I found some stuff in FEMA Being harassed by lawyers and need to bury them in references.