Nonstructural Element Database (NED)

Sat, 15 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The Nonstructural Element Database (NED) aggregates experimental and field performance data for ceilings, piping, façades, elevators, and other systems that govern downtime in modern buildings. Records ingest measurements from experimental programs since 2010s, FEMA P-58 background documentation, and reconnaissance observations so that researchers can compare detailing, demand parameters, and observed limit states within a unified schema.

Key features include:

Component-specific hierarchical information (detail, material, and size classes) tied to experiment measurements.
Open-source, SQL-based relational database.
Fragility functions that feed into resilience frameworks, enabling estimation of functional recovery metrics (repair time and cost).

NED supports development of new fragility functions for wide range of nonstructural elements through a centralized source with traceable knowledge .

Funding: National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

Publications

[Conference Papers]

Conference Papers

(C26)

D. T. Cook , J. Bhatta , A. Singh , M. M. Eladly , A. Zsarnóczay , S. Sattar , B. W. Schafer , M. S. Speicher (2026, July). Development of Nonstructural Fragility Models Using an Expanded Research Database. Proceedings of the 13th National Conference on Earthquake Engineering, Earthquake Engineering Research Institute, Portland, OR.

Source

(C23)

A. Singh , S. Sorosh , X. Zhang , J. Zhang , F. Cyizere Rukundo , M. M. Eladly , R. Ji , D. Rivera , L. Padgett , B. J. Meacham , T. Gernay , R. L. Emberley , B. W. Schafer , T. C. Hutchinson (2026, May). Physical Damage - Measured Response Correlation for Nonstructural Components Tested under Multi-hazard (Earthquake and Fire) Demands in the CFS10 Building. In Structures Congress 2026. Reston, VA: American Society of Civil Engineers.

DOI

(C17)

D. T. Cook , J. Bhatta , A. Singh , M. M. Eladly , A. Zsarnóczay , S. Sattar , B. W. Schafer , M. S. Speicher (2026, March). An Open-Source Nonstructural Element Database to Shorten the Tech Transfer Gap Between Nonstructural Research and Building Design. Proceedings of the 6th International Workshop on Seismic Performance of Non-Structural Elements (SPONSE), Yokohama, Japan.

Source

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Dynamic Characterization of Historic Masonry Structure

Thu, 01 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This research quantified the dynamic properties of the iconic Rumi Darwaza gateway structure in Lucknow, India. Field testing captured ambient and low-level forced vibrations to extract modal parameters, while seismic assessment using detailed finite element models in Abaqus established retrofit strategies compatible with the monument’s heritage value.

Key outcomes:

Developed a dynamic characterization workflow using only two sensors.
Detailed numerical model validated against experimental data.
Provided recommendations for targeted strengthening that preserve the monument’s architecture.

This research was conducted during M.Tech. program at IIT Kanpur.

Publications

[Conference Papers] [Theses]

Conference Papers

(C3)

D. C. Rai , A. Singh , V. Patnana (2019, June). Correlating brick compressive strength to its fundamental transverse natural frequency. In P.B. Dillon & F.S. Fonseca (Eds.), Proceedings of Thirteenth North American Masonry Conference. Paper presented at the 13th North American Masonry Conference, Salt Lake City, Utah (pp. 746-755). Longmont, CO: The Masonry Society.

Source

(C1)

A. Singh , D. C. Rai (2017, June). Dynamic Characterization and Seismic Assessment of Historic Masonry Structure of Rumi Darwaza. Proceedings of 13th Canadian Masonry Symposium, Canada Masonry Design Centre, Halifax, Canada.

Source

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Theses

(T1)

A. Singh (2016). Dynamic Characterization and Seismic Assessment of Historic Masonry Structure of Rumi Darwaza. Master's thesis, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, India.

Source

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Risk Assessment | Singh Research Group

Nonstructural Element Database (NED)

Publications

Conference Papers

Dynamic Characterization of Historic Masonry Structure

Publications

Conference Papers

Theses