Effective Peak Ground Acceleration (EPGA)

𝑆𝑀𝑆𝑔
𝐸𝑃𝐺𝐴 = 2.5
where,
SMS = Site class modified Maximum Considered Earthquake (MCER) response acceleration
parameter for short periods

Energy Release
𝐸 = 11. 8 + (1. 5𝑀)
where,
E = earthquake energy radiated (ergs)
M = Earthquake magnitude
1 erg = 10-7 J

Angular Frequency
𝐾 𝐾×𝑔
ω= 𝑚
= 𝑊
where,
W = weight = m*g
ω = angular natural frequency (rad/s)
g = 32.2 ft/s2 = 386.4 in/s2

Linear Natural Frequency (f)

ω
𝑓= 2π
where,
f = linear frequency (Hz – cycles/sec)

Natural Period (T)

1 2π 𝑊
𝑇= 𝑓
= ω
= 2π 𝐾×𝑔

Damping Ratio
𝐵
β= 𝐵𝑐𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙

where,
β = damping ratio (2% for flexible steel frame and 15% for light wood frame) – 0% for SDOF
B = Damping

Page 1
Risk Category
Risk Category I – Ie = 1.0
● Low hazard to human life in the event of failure as there is a probability of fewer
occupants
● Lower and/or smaller
● e.g., agricultural facilities, certain temporary facilities, minor storage facilities
Risk Category II – Ie = 1.0
● Majority of buildings
Risk Category III – Ie = 1.25
● Substantial hazard to human life in the event of failure
● Large number of occupants and/or those where occupants’ ability to exit is restrained
● Potential high density of public assembly
● E.g., prisons, Group 1-2 occupancy mental hospitals/nursing homes/etc. with >50
resident patients, detention centers, jails, prisons
● Power generating facilities, water treatment facilities for potable water, wastewater
treatment facilities
Risk Category IV – Ie = 1.5
● Essential facilities
● Hospitals with surgery or emergency treatment facilities
● Fire, rescue, ambulance, police stations, and emergency vehicle garages
● Designated earthquake, hurricane, or other emergency shelters
● Power-generating facilities & other public utility facilities required as emergency backup
facilities for Risk Category IV facilities
● Designated emergency preparedness, communication, and operation centers
● Buildings containing highly toxic materials
● Aviation control towers, air traffic control centers, and emergency aircraft hangers
● Critical national defense structures
● Water storage facilities and pump stations required to maintain water pressure for fire
suppression

Base Shear (V)

𝑊
𝑉 = 𝑚×𝑆𝑎 = 𝑔
𝑆𝑎
𝑆𝑣 = ω
𝑆𝑣 𝑆𝑎
𝑆𝑑 = ω
= 2
ω
where,
V = base shear
m = mass
W = weight
Sa = Spectral Acceleration
Sv = Spectral Velocity
Sd = Spectral Displacement

Site Class Adjusted MCE R Acceleration Parameters

𝑆𝑀𝑆 = 𝐹𝑎𝑆𝑠

Page 2
𝑆𝑀1 = 𝐹𝑣𝑆1
Where,
SMS, SM1 = site class adjusted MCER acceleration parameters
Fa, Fv = site coefficients
Ss = determined from the 0.2-second (short period) mapped MCER spectral response
accelerations
S1 = determined from the 1-second mapped MCER spectral response accelerations
**Ss and S1 – 1% probability of collapse in 50 years

Design Spectral Response Acceleration Parameters

2
𝑆𝐷𝑆 = 3
𝑆𝑀𝑆 🡪Table 3.2
2
𝑆𝐷1 = 3
𝑆𝑀1 🡪 Table 3.3
where
SDS & SD1 = 5% damped design spectral response acceleration parameters at short periods and
1-second periods, respectively

Seismic Factors – R, Ω0, Cd

𝑉𝐸
𝑅= 𝑉𝑆

𝑉𝑀
Ω0 = 𝑉𝑆
∆𝑀
𝐶𝑑 = ∆∆𝑆

where,
R = response modification coefficient
VE = elastic base shear
VM = maximum base shear
Vs = design base shear
∆ = lateral drift
Cd = deflection amplification factor

Seismic Base Shear, V

𝑉 = 𝐶𝑠𝑊
where,
W = seismic weight (lb)
Cs = seismic response coefficient

Seismic Response Coefficient, Cs

This equation governs when T<Ts which typically occurs with low rise and/or short period
structures (i.e., < 3 stories)
𝑆𝐷𝑆
𝐶𝑠 =
() 𝑅
𝐼𝑒

This equation typically governs for longer period structures when Ts < T < TL but Cs minimum
per ASCE 7 (12.8-5) and (12.8-6) needs to be considered

Page 3
 𝑆𝐷1
𝐶𝑠 = 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑇 < 𝑇𝐿
𝑇 ()
𝑅
𝐼𝑒

This equation can apply for very long periods (i.e., very tall) structures, when T>TL but Cs
minimum per ASCE 7 (12.8-5) and (12.8-6) will typically govern over ASCE 7 (12.8-4)
𝑆𝐷1𝑇𝐿
𝐶𝑠 = 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑇 > 𝑇𝐿
2 𝑅
𝑇 𝐼𝑒()
Minimum Cs
𝐶𝑆 = 0. 044𝑆𝐷𝑆𝐼𝑒≥0. 1 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚

For structures where S1 > 0.6, Cs shall not be less than:

0.5𝑆1
𝐶𝑠 ≥ 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚
()
𝑅
𝐼𝑒

𝑆𝐷1
𝑇𝑠 = 𝑆𝐷𝑆
𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑇𝐿 𝑑𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝐴𝑆𝐶𝐸 − 𝐹𝑖𝑔𝑢𝑟𝑒 22 − 12

Period Determination, T
T < 1.4Ta, where SD1>0.3
T < 1.5Ta, where SD1=0.2
T < 1.6Ta, where SD1=0.15
T < 1.7Ta, where SD1<0.1

Approximate Fundamental Period, Ta

See Appendix C
𝑥
𝑇𝑎 = 𝐶𝑡ℎ𝑛
where,
Ct and x are determined from ASCE 7 – Table 12.8-2
hn = height in feet from base to the uppermost level of the structure
Steel Moment-Resisting Frames (SMF, IMF & OMF)
0.8
𝑇𝑎 = 0. 028ℎ𝑛
Or alternatively (for Steel MRF structures < 12 stories and average story height > 10 feet
𝑇𝑎 = 0. 1𝑁
where,
N = number of stories (i.e., levels) above the base
Concrete Moment-Resisting Frames (SMF, IMF & OMF)
0.9
𝑇𝑎 = 0. 016ℎ𝑛
Or alternatively (for Concrete MRF structures < stories and average story height > 10 feet)
𝑇𝑎 = 0. 1𝑁
Steel EBF, Steel BRBF, or Dual Systems with EBF & SMF –
0.75
𝑇𝑎 = 0. 03ℎ𝑛
All Other Structural Systems (e.g., shear walls, CBF, Dual Systems)
0.75
𝑇𝑎 = 0. 02ℎ𝑛

Page 4
Ts
𝑆𝐷1
𝑇𝑆 = 𝑆𝐷𝑆

Seismic Base Shear Spectra

Elastic Curve
𝑉𝐸 = () 𝑅
𝐼𝑒
𝐶𝑆𝑊

Inelastic (Actual) Curve

𝑉𝑀 = Ω0𝐶𝑆𝑊
IBC/ASCE 7 (ELF) Design Curve
𝑉 = 𝐶𝑠𝑊

Vertical Distribution of Seismic Forces, Fx

𝐹𝑥 = 𝐶𝑣𝑥𝑉
𝑘
𝑤𝑥ℎ𝑥
𝐶𝑣𝑥 =
𝑘
∑𝑤𝑖ℎ𝑖

where,
Cvx = vertical distribution factor
V = seismic base shear
k = 1 🡪 for T < 0.5 seconds
k = 2 🡪 for T > 2.5 seconds
= 2 🡪 0.5 second < T < 2.5 seconds…or determine k by linear interpolation using k=0.75+0.5T
For T < 0.5 seconds
𝑤𝑥ℎ𝑥
𝐶𝑣𝑥 =
∑𝑤𝑖ℎ𝑖

For T > 2.5 seconds

2
𝑤𝑥ℎ𝑥
𝐶𝑣𝑥 =
2
∑𝑤𝑖ℎ𝑖

Story Shear
Story Shear (Vx) in any story is the sum of the Fx forces acting above the story

𝑉𝑥 = ∑ 𝐹𝑖

Calculated Deflection of a Level

𝐶𝑑δ𝑥𝑒
δ𝑥 = 𝐼𝑒

where,
Cd = deflection amplification factor per ASCE 7 – Table 12.2-1
δxe = deflection determined from an elastic analysis due to Fx forces

Page 5
Ie = seismic importance factor

Calculated Story Drift, Δx

∆𝑥 = δ𝑥 − δ𝑥−1
where,
Δx = maximum inelastic story drift
δx = the amplified deflection at top of story x (i.e., Level x)
δx-1 = the amplified deflection at bottom of story x (i.e., Level x-1)

Allowable Story Drift (Δax)

Structures < 4 Stories
∆𝑎𝑥 = 0. 025ℎ𝑠𝑥 🡪 Risk Category I or II
∆𝑎𝑥 = 0. 020ℎ𝑠𝑥 🡪 Risk Category III
∆𝑎𝑥 = 0. 015ℎ𝑠𝑥 🡪 Risk Category IV
Masonry Cantilever Shear Wall Structures
∆𝑎𝑥 = 0. 010ℎ𝑠𝑥 🡪 Risk Category I, II, III, or IV
Other Masonry Shear Wall Structures
∆𝑎𝑥 = 0. 007ℎ𝑠𝑥 🡪 Risk Category I, II, III, or IV
All Other Structures
∆𝑎𝑥 = 0. 020ℎ𝑠𝑥 🡪 Risk Category I or II
∆𝑎𝑥 = 0. 015ℎ𝑠𝑥 🡪 Risk Category III
∆𝑎𝑥 = 0. 010ℎ𝑠𝑥 🡪 Risk Category IV
where,
hsx = the story height below Level x
Moment Frames Assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or F
∆𝑎𝑥
∆𝑥 ≤ ρ
for any story

P-Delta Effects
𝑃∆𝑥𝐼𝑒
θ= 𝑉𝑥ℎ𝑠𝑥𝐶𝑑

where,
Px = total vertical design load (and above) Level x
Δx = design story drift occurring simultaneously the story shear Vx
Ie = Importance Factor
Vx = Seismic shear force acting between Level x and x-1
hsx = story height below Level x
Cd = deflection amplification factor
Θ = stability coefficient
Stability Coefficient
0.5
θ= β𝐶𝑑
≤0. 25
where,

Page 6
β = ratio of shear demand to shear capacity for the story between Levels x and x-1. This ratio is
permitted to be conservatively taken as 1.0
*When θ is greater than θmax, the structure is potentially unstable and shall be redesigned

Maximum Inelastic Response Displacement (δM)

𝐶𝑑δ𝑚𝑎𝑥
δ𝑀 = 𝐼𝑒

where,
Cd = the deflection amplification factor
δmax = maximum displacement
Ie = importance factor

Adjacent Structures on the Same Property Separation (δMT)

δ𝑀𝑇 = (δ𝑀1)2 + (δ𝑀2)2

where,
δM1 = maximum inelastic displacement of adjacent structure 1
δM2 = maximum inelastic displacement of adjacent structure 2

Horizontal Cantilevers for SDC D,E, or F

Horizontal cantilever structural members shall be designed for a minimum net upward force of
0.2 times the dead load in addition to applicable load combinations

Orthogonal Combinations Procedure

100% of the forces for one direction plus 30% of the forces for the perpendicular direction
(i.e., 100% of VN-S concurrently with 30% VE-W or VN-S concurrently with 100% VE-W

Simplified Design Procedure

2
𝑆𝐷𝑆 = 3
𝐹𝑎𝑆𝑆
where,
Fa = 1.0 for rock sites, which may be assumed if there is < 10 ft of soil between the rock surface
and the bottom of spread footings or mat foundation. 1.4 for soil sites
Ss = mapped MCER short-period spectral acceleration but Ss need not exceed 1.5
Seismic Base Shear, V 🡪 Strength Design Force Level
𝐹𝑆𝐷𝑆
𝑉= 𝑅
𝑊
where,
F = 1.0 for one-story buildings (above grade plane)
= 1.1 for two-story buildings (above grade plane)
= 1.2 for three-story buildings (above grade plane)
R = Response modification factor
W = effective seismic weight
One-Story Building Two-Story Building Three-Story Building
1.0𝑆𝐷𝑆 1.1𝑆𝐷𝑆 1.2𝑆𝐷𝑆
𝑉= 𝑅
𝑊 𝑉= 𝑅
𝑊 𝑉= 𝑅
𝑊

Page 7
Vertical Distribution, Fx
𝑤𝑥
𝐹𝑥 = 𝑊
𝑉
Or
𝐹𝑥 = ( 𝐹×𝑆𝐷𝑆
𝑅 )𝑤 𝑥

Diaphragms, Fpx
𝐹𝑝𝑥 =
𝑤𝑝𝑥
𝑊
𝑉= ( 𝐹×𝑆𝐷𝑆
𝑅 )𝑤
𝑝𝑥

Horizontal Distribution of Shear, Vx

𝑉𝑥 = ∑ 𝐹𝑖

Drift Limits and Building Separation (Simplified Design Procedure)

δ𝑥 = 0. 01ℎ𝑥
∆𝑥 = 0. 01ℎ𝑥𝑥
where,
hx = the height above the base to Level x
hxx = the story height below Level x

Seismic Load Effects

𝐸 = 𝐸ℎ + 𝐸𝑣 or 𝐸 = 𝐸ℎ − 𝐸𝑣
𝐸 = ρ𝑄𝐸 + 0. 2𝑆𝐷𝑆𝐷 or 𝐸 =− ρ𝑄𝐸 − 0. 2𝑆𝐷𝑆𝐷
where,
E = seismic load effect
Eh = effect of horizontal seismic forces (due to horizontal ground motions)
Ev = effect of vertical seismic forces (due to vertical ground motions)
Horizontal Seismic Load Effect, Eh
𝐸ℎ = ±ρ𝑄𝐸
where,
QE = effects of horizontal seismic forces from the seismic base shear V
ρ = redundancy factor
Vertical Seismic Load Effect, Ev
𝐸𝑣 = ±0. 2𝑆𝐷𝑆𝐷
Exceptions: It is permitted to use Ev = 0 for either of the following conditions:
1. In ASCE 7. Where SDS < 0.125
2. In ASCE 7 (12.4-2) where determining demands on the soil-structure interface of foundation
Seismic Load Effect Including Overstrength Factor, Ω0
𝐸𝑚 = 𝐸𝑚ℎ + 𝐸𝑣 or 𝐸𝑚 = 𝐸𝑚ℎ − 𝐸𝑣
𝐸𝑚 = Ω0𝑄𝐸 + 0. 2𝑆𝐷𝑆𝐷 or 𝐸𝑚 =− Ω0𝑄𝐸 − 0. 2𝑆𝐷𝑆𝐷
where,
Em = seismic load effect including overstrength factor estimated maximum earthquake force that
can be developed in the structure

Page 8
Emh = effect of horizontal seismic forces including structural overstrength (Ω0) as defined in
ASCE 7-12.4.3.1. Emh can be positive or negative due to the cyclic nature of horizontal
seismic ground motions.

Strength Design Load Combinations

𝐿𝐶1 = 1. 4𝐷
𝐿𝐶2 = 1. 2𝐷 + 1. 6𝐿 + 0. 5(𝐿𝑟 𝑜𝑟 𝑆 𝑜𝑟 𝑅)
( )
𝐿𝐶3 = 1. 2(𝐷) + 1. 6 𝐿𝑟 𝑜𝑟 𝑆 𝑜𝑟 𝑅 + (1. 0𝐿 𝑜𝑟 0. 5𝑊)
𝐿𝐶4 = 1. 2(𝐷) + 1. 0𝑊 + 1. 0𝐿 + 0. 5(𝐿𝑟 𝑜𝑟 𝑆 𝑜𝑟 𝑅)
𝐿𝐶5 = 1. 2(𝐷) + 1. 0𝐸 + 1. 0𝐿 + 0. 2𝑆
( )
𝐿𝐶5 = 1. 2(𝐷) + 1. 0 𝐸ℎ + 𝐸𝑣 + 1. 0𝐿 + 0. 2𝑆
𝐿𝐶5 = (1. 2 + 0. 2𝑆𝐷𝑆)𝐷 + ρ𝑄𝐸 + 1. 0𝐿 + 0. 2𝑆
𝐿𝐶6 = 0. 9(𝐷) + 1. 0𝑊
𝐿𝐶7 = 0. 9𝐷 + 1. 0𝐸
where,
D = dead load
L = live load
Lr = roof live load
S = snow load
R = rain load
W = wind load
E = earthquake load

Allowable Stress Design Load Combinations

𝐿𝐶1 = 𝐷
𝐿𝐶2 = 𝐿 + 𝐷
𝐿𝐶3 = 𝐷 + (𝐿𝑟 𝑜𝑟 𝑆 𝑜𝑟 𝑅)
𝐿𝐶4 = 𝐷 + 0. 75𝐿 + 0. 75(𝐿𝑟 𝑜𝑟 𝑆 𝑜𝑟 𝑅)
𝐿𝐶5 = 𝐷 + (0. 6𝑊 𝑜𝑟 0. 7𝐸)
( )
𝐿𝐶5 = 1. 0 + 0. 14𝑆𝐷𝑆 𝐷 + 0. 7ρ𝑄𝐸
𝐿𝐶6 = (1. 0 + 0. 10𝑆𝐷𝑆)𝐷 + 0. 525ρ𝑄𝐸 + 0. 75𝐿 + 0. 75𝑆
𝐿𝐶6𝑎 = 𝐷 + 0. 75𝐿 + 0. 75(0. 6𝑊) + 0. 75(𝐿𝑟 𝑜𝑟 𝑆 𝑜𝑟 𝑅)
𝐿𝐶𝑏 = 𝐷 + 0. 75𝐿 + 0. 75(0. 6𝐸) + 0. 75𝑆
𝐿𝐶7 = 0. 6𝐷 + 0. 6𝑊
𝐿𝐶8 = 0. 6𝐷 + 0. 7𝐸
𝐿𝐶8 = ( )
0. 6 − 0. 14𝑆𝐷𝑆 𝐷 + 0. 7ρ𝑄𝐸

Load Combination with Overstrength Factor

( )
𝐿𝐶5 = 1. 2 + 0. 2𝑆𝐷𝑆 𝐷 + Ω0𝑄𝐸 + 1. 0𝐿 + 0. 2𝑆
𝐿𝐶7 = (0. 9 − 0. 2𝑆𝐷𝑆)𝐷 + Ω0𝑄𝐸 + 𝐻
where,

Page 9
H = load effects from lateral earth pressures

Inelastic Story Drifts

𝐶𝑑δ𝑥𝑒
δ𝑥 = 𝐼𝑒

where,
δ𝑥𝑒 = 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑛 𝑜𝑏𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑎𝑛 𝑒𝑙𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑐 𝑎𝑛𝑎𝑙𝑦𝑠𝑖𝑠
Cd = deflection amplification factor
Ie = importance factor

Seismic Design Force, Fp for Nonstructural Components – Strength Design

0.4𝑎𝑝𝑆𝐷𝑆𝑊𝑝
𝐹𝑝 =
( )
𝑅𝑝(1 + 2 ) 𝑧
ℎ
𝐹𝑝≤1. 6𝑆𝐷𝑆𝐼𝑝𝑊𝑝 𝐹𝑝≥0. 3𝑆𝐷𝑆𝐼𝑝𝑊𝑝
𝐼𝑝

where,
Fp = horizontal seismic design force
ap = component amplification factor (1.0<ap<2.5) – (ASCE 7 – Table 13.5-1 or 13.6-1)
Ip = component importance factor
Wp = component operating weight
Rp = component response factor (ASCE 7 – Table 13.5-1 or 13.6-1)
z = component point of attachment elevation
h = supporting structure average roof height relative to the base

Design for Out-of-Plane Forces on Structural Walls

𝐹𝑝 = 0. 4𝑆𝐷𝑆𝐼𝑒𝑊𝑤 ≥0. 10𝑊𝑤 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚

Wall Anchorage Forces

The anchorage of structural walls to supporting construction (e.g., roof or floor diaphragm)
𝐹𝑝 = 0. 4𝑆𝐷𝑆𝐾𝑎𝐼𝑒𝑊𝑝
≥0. 2𝐾𝑎𝐼𝑒𝑊𝑝 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚
where,
𝐿𝑓
𝐾𝑎 = 1. 0 + 100
≤2. 0 𝑚𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚
Fp = design force in individual anchors
Lf = flexible diaphragm span (feet), use 0 for rigid diaphragm
Wp = weight of masonry or concrete wall tributary to anchor
Weight of Wall Tributary to Anchor
𝑊𝑝 = 𝑊𝑤𝑎𝑙𝑙 ( + ℎ ) 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑜𝑛𝑒 − 𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑦 𝑤𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑠 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑎 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑝𝑒𝑡
ℎ𝑤
2 𝑝

𝑊𝑝 = 𝑊𝑤𝑎𝑙𝑙 ( ) 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑜𝑛𝑒 − 𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑦 𝑤𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑠 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑎 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑝𝑒𝑡

ℎ𝑤
2

Page 10
Fundamental Period, T of Nonbuilding Structure

2
∑𝑤𝑖δ𝑖
𝑇 = 2π
𝑔∑𝑓𝑖δ𝑖

where,
wi = effective seismic weight of Level i
fi = lateral force at Level i
δi = elastic deflection at Level I, relative to the base
g = acceleration due to gravity (32.2 ft/sec2 or 386.4 in/sec2)
Single Degree of Freedom (SDOF) Nonbuilding Structure
𝑊
𝑇 = 2π 𝐾×𝑔
Where,
W = effective seismic weight (i.e., operating weight)
K = stiffness of the nonbuilding structure
g = acceleration due to gravity (32.2 ft/sec2 or 386.4 in/sec2)

Seismic Base Shear for Nonbuilding Structures

𝑉 = 0. 3

Page 11