Seismic Ceilings in Australia: Himmel’s Fricker Grid System

Earthquakes: they pose a relatively low risk to Australia, but they do happen. On average, 100 magnitude 3.0 or above earthquakes are recorded each year and a magnitude 6.0 or above earthquake is expected every 10 years.

With this risk comes the regulatory requirement of seismic design – which means structures and their non-structural elements, such as ceilings, need to be able to resist earthquake forces. This is reflected in the National Construction Code (NCC).

Himmel’s Fricker Aluminium Ceiling Grid System offers stylish ceiling solutions that comply with the NCC and its seismic design requirements, being able to withstand both vertical and horizontal seismic forces. We offer a range of systems to suit your environment and seismic risk, including bespoke options.

For additional information, check out Fricker’s latest Seismic Design Guide.

The Impact of Earthquakes on Ceilings

The performance of non-structural building elements during an earthquake can significantly impact the level of risk for building occupants.

In addition to potential injury, unrestrained non-structural elements can rupture pipework (which can result in failure of a fire sprinkler system), short electrical equipment (which can start a fire) and block exit paths. They could also compromise the structural elements of a building, making it un-occupiable and resulting in repair costs and lost productivity.

Specifically, the damage that can occur to suspended ceiling systems during an earthquake includes:

• Grid component failure: Main runners and cross tees can become dislodged or bent, compromising the structural integrity of the entire ceiling system.

• Tile displacement: Ceiling tiles may become dislodged and fall, leading to safety hazards for building occupants below.

• Bracing and clip failure: Failure of bracing elements or seismic clips can cause significant portions of the ceiling grid to collapse.

• Perimeter damage: The perimeter trim may pull away from the walls, especially if seismic joints are not properly installed, causing partial ceiling collapse.

Building Compliance for Earthquakes

NCC Volume One contains a Performance Requirement (BP1.1) for Class 2 to 9 buildings to perform adequately under all reasonably expected design actions, including earthquakes.

Section 3 of the Australian Standard (AS) 1170.4 applies a hazard design factor to all regions of Australia. This requires earthquake loads to be considered in the design of any building irrespective of where it is located.

Compliance with AS 1170.4

For Class 2-9 buildings, Section 8 of AS 1170.4 provides information about the non-structural building parts and components that need to be designed to resist horizontal and vertical earthquake forces.

These parts and components include:

• Walls that are not part of the seismic force resisting system

• Appendages

• Partitions

• Ceilings

• Mechanical and electrical components

To comply with AS 1170.4, the design of these components must be carried out for earthquake actions by one of the methods provided in Section 8 (i.e. using established principles of structural dynamics, or using the general or simplified methods expressed in Clauses 8.2 or 8.3 of Section 8).

Performance goals

The goal of seismic design is to ensure life safety, asset protection and continued building function.

Himmel’s Fricker Aluminium Ceiling Grid Solutions

Himmel’s Fricker Aluminium Ceiling Grids ensure a stable framework for ceiling tiles, with testing showing the grid components withstand both vertical and horizontal seismic forces.

Main runners and cross tees are designed to interlock for stability, and seismic clips ensure the grid remains securely fastened at the perimeter. Perimeter trims provide tile support along the edge. Ceiling braces – required for higher seismic demands – are installed directly from the main runners to the structure above.

The main runners, cross tees, seismic clips and bracing elements have been assessed for their load-bearing capacities, ensuring they meet the thresholds outlined in Australian Standard AS 1170.4.

We offer three customisable solutions:

Perimeter Restrained Systems

The simplest way to restrain a ceiling: seismic clips are used to attach the ceiling grid to structural walls or bulkheads. By anchoring the ceiling grid to perimeter walls, this system minimises the need for internal bracing.

The seismic clips are designed to allow for controlled movement, ensuring the ceiling can accommodate minor shifts without becoming dislodged or damaged. It’s an efficient solution to ceiling safety, suited for smaller spaces and lighter tile configurations.

Braced Systems

Best suited for larger spaces, areas with heavy tile configurations or where the ceiling carries additional loads from integrated services, this system incorporates internal bracing elements for enhanced stability, especially in areas subject to significant seismic activity.

The grid is rigidly attached to the structure above, allowing the ceiling to float on all sides of the grid. This flexibility reduces the risk of damage and helps maintain the ceiling’s structural integrity.

Bespoke Systems

Our bespoke installations offer the flexibility to accommodate complex design elements and your unique needs, whether they be architectural or functional requirements that go beyond the capabilities of our standard systems. For example:

• Custom grid sizes and configurations: Unique grid sizes or non-standard configurations may be necessary to meet your design needs, for example, irregular grid patterns, varied module sizes or even curved grid layouts to align with architectural features.

• Acoustic panels: In environments such as auditoriums or studios, bespoke ceiling installations may include custom acoustic panel configurations. These panels need to be securely integrated into the grid while ensuring their placement optimises sound absorption and meets the acoustic requirements of the space.

Design Excellence

The Fricker Aluminium Ceiling Grid is a premium system designed for high-end commercial applications including offices, education facilities, healthcare facilities, retail and industrial developments.

Proudly Australian made, it is constructed from lightweight but strong aluminium alloys, providing ease of installation and structural resilience.

The profiles, designed to meet the specific load-bearing requirements for seismic compliance, can be manufactured in 1200x1200mm, 1350x1350mm and 1500x1500mm modules (modules can include 2 – 5 tiles). Himmel can deliver a Fricker Aluminium Grid System that is customisable to your project needs.

Fricker Aluminium Ceiling Grid Profiles

Fricker Inverted Slimline Grid

A high-end aluminium ceiling grid system designed to enhance ceiling spaces in A-grade CBD office buildings. This unique grid system creates aesthetically pleasing designs and can be customised to fit tiles of different sizes.

• 14mm face

• Mitred to suit 1200×600mm and 600×600mm tiles

• Extruded aluminium finish

• Fricker White

Fricker 23mm Flush Face Grid System

A simple, yet functional Two-Way Exposed ceiling found in suburban offices, industrial style developments, and healthcare and education facilities. Consisting of only one tile per module, with both the main runner and cross runner exposed, this system offers a cost-effective, yet premium look.

• 23mm face

• Available in 1200x1200mm, 1200x600mm and 600×600mm modules. Contact CSR Himmel for customised modules.

• Extruded aluminium finish

• Fricker White

Fricker Top Hat Aluminium Grid System

A ceiling grid system of choice for premium commercial office developments.

• 33mm face

• Mitred for a clean, streamlined look. Available in 1200×1200mm, 1350x1350mm and 1500x1500mm modules. Contact CSR Himmel for customised modules<

• Extruded aluminium finish

• Fricker White

Teamwork Paramount to Seismic Design Coordination

Collaboration between all stakeholders from the beginning of the project ensures suspended ceilings are expertly integrated into a building for utmost safety and resilience during a seismic event.

Seismic Designer: Coordinates the seismic design of suspended ceilings, and ensures compliance.

Architects: Collaborate on placement and restraint of suspended ceilings.

Structural Engineers: Collaborate on placement and restraint of suspended ceilings.

Building Services Engineers: Integrate suspended ceilings with building services while considering seismic forces.

Contractors & Subcontractors: Implement seismic designs during construction.

How Can We Help?

CSR offers standard and bespoke seismic restraint design services for Himmel Fricker Aluminium Ceiling Grid Systems.

Expert consultation
We provide expert advice on integrating seismic considerations into suspended ceiling designs, ensuring compliance with relevant standards and best practices.

Collaborative design support
We facilitate collaboration among architects, structural engineers and building services engineers to ensure suspended ceilings are properly integrated and meet seismic requirements.

Compliance assurance
We ensure all materials and installation methods comply with AS/NZS 2785:2020 and other relevant standards.

Accredited installation
We work with Fricker-accredited installers to guarantee high-quality workmanship, offering installation certificates or statements upon project completion.

Questions? Get in touch today
Phone: 1800 621 117
Email: designinfo@csr.com.au