During an earthquake, the performance of non-structural building elements may significantly impact the level of risk posed to building occupants, both directly and indirectly.
In addition to potentially causing injury through collapse, poorly or unrestrained non-structural elements can rupture pipework (which may lead to failure of a fire sprinkler system), short electrical equipment (which may start a fire) and block exit paths.
The collapse of non-structural elements may also compromise the structural elements of a building, rendering the building un-occupiable and resulting in significant repair costs and lost productivity.
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