Fluor Daniel Training R. M.

Drake

SEISMIC DESIGN PROVISIONS

1997 UNIFORM BUILDING CODE

These lecture notes are to increase the understanding of the seismic design provisions of the 1997
UBC. They are intended to be reviewed with a copy of the 1997 UBC in-hand. The notes include
selected text from the UBC with annotated comments to the side. The notes do not include the UBC
tables and figures, although annotations are provided for them.
UBC sections, tables and figures are not presented in numerical order as they appear in the UBC. They
are presented in the order that is deemed best for understanding the provisions.

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Table Of Contents
1997 UBC ORGANIZATION................................................................................................................................................. 4
SECTION 1626 – GENERAL................................................................................................................................................ 5
SECTION 1629.1 – BASIS FOR DESIGN............................................................................................................................ 6
SECTION 1629.2 – OCCUPANCY CATEGORIES .............................................................................................................. 7
TABLE 16-K – OCCUPANCY CATEGORY.......................................................................................................................... 7
SECTION 1629.3 – SITE GEOLOGY AND SOIL CHARACTERISTICS .............................................................................. 7
SECTION 1629.3.1 – SOIL PROFILE TYPES...................................................................................................................... 8
TABLE 16-J – SOIL PROFILE TYPES ................................................................................................................................. 8
SECTION 1629.4 – SITE SEISMIC HAZARDS CHARACTERISTICS ................................................................................. 9
TABLE 16-U – SEISMIC SOURCE TYPE ............................................................................................................................ 9
CDMG MAPS ....................................................................................................................................................................... 9
FIGURE 16-2 – SEISMIC ZONE MAP OF THE UNITED STATES .................................................................................... 10
TABLE 16-I – SEISMIC ZONE FACTOR Z ........................................................................................................................ 10
SECTION 1629.4.1 – SEISMIC ZONE 4 NEAR-SOURCE FACTOR ................................................................................. 11
TABLE 16-S – NEAR SOURCE FACTOR NA..................................................................................................................... 11
TABLE 16-T – NEAR SOURCE FACTOR NV ..................................................................................................................... 11
SECTION 1629.4.3 - SEISMIC RESPONSE COEFFICIENTS........................................................................................... 12
TABLE 16-Q – SEISMIC COEFFICIENT CA ...................................................................................................................... 12
TABLE 16-R – SEISMIC COEFFICIENT CV ....................................................................................................................... 12
SECTION 1629.5 – CONFIGURATION REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................................ 13
TABLE 16-L – VERTICAL STRUCTURAL IRREGULARITIES........................................................................................... 14

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TABLE 16-M – PLAN STRUCTURAL IRREGULARITIES .................................................................................................. 18

SECTION 1629.6 – STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS.................................................................................................................. 22
SECTION 1629.9.3 – IRREGULAR FEATURES................................................................................................................ 25
SECTION 1629.8 - SELECTION OF LATERAL-FORCE PROCEDURE............................................................................ 26
SECTION 1630.1.1 - EARTHQUAKE LOADS.................................................................................................................... 29
SECTION 1630.1.2 - MODELING REQUIREMENTS......................................................................................................... 33
FIGURE 16-3 – DESIGN RESPONSE SPECTRA ............................................................................................................. 34
SECTION 1630.2.1 – DESIGN BASE SHEAR ................................................................................................................... 35
SECTION 1630.2.2 - STRUCTURE PERIOD..................................................................................................................... 37
SECTION 1630.5 - VERTICAL DISTRIBUTION OF FORCE ............................................................................................. 39
SECTION 1630.2.3 SIMPLIFIED DESIGN BASE SHEAR ................................................................................................. 40
SECTION 1630.6 - HORIZONTAL DISTRIBUTION OF SHEAR ........................................................................................ 43
SECTION 1630.7 - HORIZONTAL TORSIONAL MOMENTS............................................................................................. 45
SECTION 1630.8 – OVERTURNING ................................................................................................................................. 46
SECTION 1612 – COMBINATIONS OF LOADS ................................................................................................................ 47
SECTION 1612.2 - LOAD COMBINATIONS USING STRENGTH DESIGN OR LOAD AND RESISTANCE FACTOR
DESIGN.............................................................................................................................................................................. 48
SECTION 1612.3 - LOAD COMBINATIONS USING ALLOWABLE STRESS DESIGN ..................................................... 49
SECTION 1612.4 – SPECIAL SEISMIC LOAD COMBINATIONS...................................................................................... 52
SECTION 1631 – DYNAMIC ANALYSIS PROCEDURES ................................................................................................. 53
SECTION 1632 – LATERAL FORCE ON ELEMENTS OF STRUCTURES, NONSTRUCTURAL COMPONENTS, AND
EQUIPMENT SUPPORTED BY STRUCTURES................................................................................................................ 56
SECTION 1634 – NONBUILDING STRUCTURES ............................................................................................................ 59
CLASSIFICATION .............................................................................................................................................................. 64

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1997 UBC ORGANIZATION

• Chapter 16 – Part IV – Earthquake Design
• Chapter 17 – Structural Tests And Inspections
• Chapter 18 – Foundations And Retaining Walls
• Chapter 19 – Concrete
• Chapter 20 – Lightweight Metals
• Chapter 21 – Masonry
• Chapter 22 – Steel
• Chapter 23 – Wood

Earthquake Design Procedure

• Select basic structural system
• Identify lateral-force resisting system
• Identify structural irregularities and any framing system limitations
• Select lateral force procedure
• Calculate total design base shear and distribute over the height of the structure
• Elastically analyze building, including torsional effects. Include P-∆ effects if necessary
• Check story drift limitations
• Calculate redundancy (ρ) of lateral-force-resisting system and increase earthquake forces as necessary
• Design elements of lateral-force-resisting system for required strength and do special detailing
• Confirm complete load path to resist earthquake forces.

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SECTION 1626 – GENERAL

1626.1 Purpose. The purpose of the earthquake provisions herein • Resist minor ground motion without damage
is primarily to safeguard against major structural failures and loss
of life, not to limit damage or maintain function. • Resist moderate ground motion without structural
damage but with some nonstructural damage
• Resist major ground motion without collapse, but with
possible structural and nonstructural damage
• Will not prevent damage from earth faulting, landslides,
or liquefaction
1626.2 Minimum Seismic Design. Structures and portions thereof
shall, as a minimum, be designed and constructed to resist the
effects of seismic ground motions as provided in this division.
1626.3 Seismic and Wind Design. When the code-prescribed wind • Design for larger of code-prescribed earthquake or
design produces greater effects, the wind design shall govern, but wind forces
detailing requirements and limitations prescribed in this section
• Wind forces relate to exposed area
and referenced sections shall be followed
• Earthquake forces relate to mass
• Provide seismic detailing

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SECTION 1629.1 – BASIS FOR DESIGN

1629.1 Basis for Design. The procedures and the limitations for the • Seismic Zoning – Section 1629.4.1
design of structures shall be determined considering seismic
zoning, site characteristics, occupancy, configuration, structural • Site Characteristics – Section 1629.4
system and height in accordance with this section. • Occupancy – Section 1629.2
• Configuration – Section 1629.5
• Structural System – Section 1629.6
• Height – Section 1629.7
Structures shall be designed with adequate strength to withstand • Adequate strength to resist induced ground motions
the lateral displacements induced by the Design Basis Ground
Motion, considering the inelastic response of the structure and the • Consider inelastic response of structure and the
inherent redundancy, overstrength and ductility of the
inherent redundancy, overstrength and ductility of the lateral-
lateral-force- resisting system
force- resisting system.
The minimum design strength shall be based on the Design • Section 1630 – Design Seismic Forces
Seismic Forces determined in accordance with the static lateral
force procedure of Section 1630, except as modified by Section • Section 1631.5.4 – Reduction Of Elastic Response
Parameters For Design
1631.5.4.
Where strength design is used, the load combinations of Section • Section 1612.2 – Load combinations Using Strength
1612.2 shall apply. Where Allowable Stress Design is used, the Design Or Load And Resistance Factor Design
load combinations of Section 1612.3 shall apply.
• Section 1612.3 – Load combinations Using Allowable
Stress Design
Allowable Stress Design may be used to evaluate sliding or • Current methods for foundation design are based on
overturning at the soil-structure interface regardless of the design allowable stress approaches
approach used in the design of the structure, provided load
combinations of Section 1612.3 are utilized.

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SECTION 1629.2 – OCCUPANCY CATEGORIES

Section 1629.2 Occupancy Categories. For purposes of
earthquake-resistant design, each structure shall be placed in one
of the occupancy categories listed in Table 16-K. Table 16-K
assigns importance factors I and Ip, and structural observation
requirements for each category.

TABLE 16-K – OCCUPANCY CATEGORY

• I = 1.25 for Essential Facilities and Hazardous Facilities

• I = 1.00 for all other facilities

SECTION 1629.3 – SITE GEOLOGY AND SOIL CHARACTERISTICS

1629.3 Site Geology and Soil Characteristics. Each site shall be • Section 1636 – Site Categorization Procedure
assigned a soil profile type based on properly substantiated {Geotechnical}
geotechnical data using the site categorization procedure set forth
• Table 16-J – Soil Profile Types
in Division VI, Section 1636 and Table 16-J.
EXCEPTION: When the soil properties are not known in sufficient • When Soil Profile Type is not known, use SD
detail to determine the soil profile type, Type SD shall be used. Soil
Profile Type SE or SF need not be assumed unless the building
official determines that Type SE or SF may be present at the site or
in the event that Type SE or SF is established by geotechnical data.

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SECTION 1629.3.1 – SOIL PROFILE TYPES

1629.3.1 Soil profile type. Soil Profile Types SA, SB, SC, SD and SE
are defined in Table 16-J and Soil Profile Type SF is defined as
soils requiring site-specific evaluation as follows:
1. Soils vulnerable to potential failure or collapse under seismic
loading, such as liquefiable soils, quick and highly sensitive clays,
and collapsible weakly cemented soils.
2. Peats and/or highly organic clays, where the thickness of peat
or highly organic clay exceeds 10 feet (3048 mm).
3. Very high plasticity clays with a plasticity index, PI > 75, where
the depth of clay exceeds 25 feet (7620 mm).
4. Very thick soft/medium stiff clays, where the depth of clay
exceeds 120 feet (36 576 mm).

TABLE 16-J – SOIL PROFILE TYPES

• Based on quantitative geological parameters and more

recent data
• Ground motion can be amplified by soil profile type

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SECTION 1629.4 – SITE SEISMIC HAZARDS CHARACTERISTICS

1629.4 Site Seismic Hazard Characteristics. Seismic hazard
characteristics for the site shall be established based on the
seismic zone and proximity of the site to active seismic sources,
site soil profile characteristics and the structure’s importance
factor.
1629.4.1 Seismic zone. Each site shall be assigned a seismic zone
in accordance with Figure 16-2. Each structure shall be assigned
a seismic zone factor Z, in accordance with Table 16-I.

TABLE 16-U – SEISMIC SOURCE TYPE

• Type A Fault – active fault capable of producing large

magnitude events, such as the San Andreas Fault
• Type B Fault – most other California faults
• Type C Fault – most outside of California

CDMG MAPS
• Prepared by CDMG and published (sold) by ICBO
• Major faults shown
• Source Types And B are shaded
• 1:150,000 scale
• Shows major highways and streets

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FIGURE 16-2 – SEISMIC ZONE MAP OF THE UNITED STATES

• Estimates effective peak horizontal acceleration on

rock with a 10 percent probability of being exceeded in
a 50-year period
• Based on historical records
• Sometimes modified by local politics

TABLE 16-I – SEISMIC ZONE FACTOR Z

• Accounts for geographic variation in expected levels of

earthquake ground shaking

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SECTION 1629.4.1 – SEISMIC ZONE 4 NEAR-SOURCE FACTOR

1629.4.2 Seismic Zone 4 near-source factor. In Seismic Zone 4, • Data from recent earthquakes has indicated that well-
each site shall be assigned a near-source factor in accordance conceived regular structures designed to current force
with Table 16-S and the Seismic Source Type set forth in Table 16- levels have an inherent capacity to accommodate near-
U. source force levels.

TABLE 16-S – NEAR SOURCE FACTOR NA

• Historical records indicate that structures located very

near to a major fault experience greater input motion
• Only zone 4 has major faults
• Factor is a function of Seismic Source Type
• Factor is a function of distance from known seismic
source
• Factor affects shorter period structures

TABLE 16-T – NEAR SOURCE FACTOR NV

• Factor affects longer period structures

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SECTION 1629.4.3 - SEISMIC RESPONSE COEFFICIENTS

1629.4.3 Seismic response coefficients. Each structure shall be
assigned a seismic coefficient, Ca, in accordance with Table 16-Q
and a seismic coefficient, Cv, in accordance with Table 16-R.

TABLE 16-Q – SEISMIC COEFFICIENT CA

• Function of Seismic Zone and Soil Profile Type

• Represents site-specific effective peak acceleration at
grade
• Is a function of Na In Seismic Zone 4

TABLE 16-R – SEISMIC COEFFICIENT CV

• Function of Seismic Zone and Soil Profile Type

• Represents site-specific acceleration response at one
second
• Is a function of Nv In Seismic Zone 4

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SECTION 1629.5 – CONFIGURATION REQUIREMENTS

1629.5.1 General. Each structure shall be designated as being
structurally regular or irregular in accordance with sections
1629.5.2 and 1629.5.3.
1629.5.2 Regular structures. Regular structures have no
significant physical discontinuities in plan or vertical
configuration or in their lateral-force-resisting systems such as
irregular features described in Section 1629.5.3.
1629.5.3 Irregular structures.
1. Irregular structures have significant physical discontinuities in
configuration or in their lateral-force-resisting systems. Irregular
features include those described in Tables 16-L and 16-M.

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TABLE 16-L – VERTICAL STRUCTURAL IRREGULARITIES

1. Stiffness irregularity-soft story A soft story is one in which the
lateral stiffness is less than 70 percent of that in the story above or
less than 80 percent of the average stiffness of the three stories
above.

• Soft story lateral stiffness is less than 70% of the lateral

stiffness of the story above, or
• Soft story lateral stiffness is less than 80% of the average
lateral stiffness of the 3 stories above
• Section 1629.8.4, Item 2, requires dynamic analysis of
structure in Seismic Zones 2, 3, and 4

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TABLE 16-L – VERTICAL STRUCTURAL IRREGULARITIES

2. Weight (mass) irregularity Mass irregularity shall be considered
to exist where the effective mass of any story is more than 150
percent of the effective mass of an adjacent story. A roof that is
lighter than the floor below need not be considered.

• Effective story mass is more than 150% of the adjacent

story mass
• Roof masses not considered
• Section 1629.8.4, Item 2, requires dynamic analysis of
structure in Seismic Zones 2, 3, and 4

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TABLE 16-L – VERTICAL STRUCTURAL IRREGULARITIES

3. Vertical geometric irregularity Vertical geometric irregularity
shall be considered to exist where the horizontal dimension of the
lateral- force-resisting system in any story is more than 130
percent of that in an adjacent story. One-story penthouses need
not be considered.

• Story horizontal dimension is more than 130% greater

than adjacent story horizontal dimension
• Penthouses not considered
• Section 1629.8.4, Item 2, requires dynamic analysis of
structure in Seismic Zones 2, 3, and 4

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TABLE 16-L – VERTICAL STRUCTURAL IRREGULARITIES

4. In-plane discontinuity in vertical lateral-force-resisting element
An in-plane offset of the lateral-load-resisting elements greater
than the length of those elements.

• Shear walls or braced frames that are discontinuous

impose additional vertical loads on support system
below
• Section 1630.8.2.1 requires vertical support system
below to be designed for special load combinations of
Section 1612.4
• Section 1630.8.2.2 requires special detailing
requirements for reinforced concrete, masonry, steel,
and timber structures.
5. Discontinuity in capacity-weak story A weak story is one in • Weak story strength is less than 80% of the strength of
which the story strength is less than 80 percent of that in the story the story above
above. The story strength is the total strength of all seismic-
resisting elements sharing the story shear for the direction under • Section 1629.9.1 precludes for buildings greater than
consideration. two stories or 30 feet in height if story strength is less
than 65% of the strength of the story above

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TABLE 16-M – PLAN STRUCTURAL IRREGULARITIES

1. Torsional irregularity-to be considered when diaphragms are
not flexible Torsional irregularity shall be considered to exist when
the maximum story drift, computed including accidental torsion, at
one end of the structure transverse to an axis is more than 1.2
times the average of the story drifts of the two ends of the
structure.

• Torsional irregularity exists when:

 ∆ + ∆2 
∆ 2 > 1.2 1 
 2 
• Sections 1630.6 and 1630.7 requires design for accidental
torsion for rigid diaphragms
• Section 1633.1 requires consideration of earthquake forces
from any direction when torsional irregularity exists for both
major axes, for Seismic Zones 2, 3, and 4

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TABLE 16-M – PLAN STRUCTURAL IRREGULARITIES

2. Re-entrant corners Plan configurations of a structure and its
lateral-force-resisting system contain re-entrant corners, where
both projections of the structure beyond a re-entrant corner are
greater than 15 percent of the plan dimension of the structure in
the given direction.

• In Seismic Zones 2, 3, and 4, Section 1633.2.9, Item 7,

requires that design of diaphragm chords and drag
members consider independent movement of projecting
structure wings.

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TABLE 16-M – PLAN STRUCTURAL IRREGULARITIES

3. Diaphragm discontinuity Diaphragms with abrupt
discontinuities or variations in stiffness, including those having
cutout or open areas greater than 50 percent of the gross
enclosed area of the diaphragm, or changes in effective
diaphragm stiffness of more than 50 percent from one story to the
next.

• Diaphragm discontinuity exists when the opening area

exceeds 50% of the floor plan area
• Diaphragm discontinuity exists when the diaphragm
stiffness changes by more than 50% from one story to
the next

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TABLE 16-M – PLAN STRUCTURAL IRREGULARITIES

4. Out-of-plane offsets Discontinuities in a lateral force path, such
as out-of-plane offsets of the vertical elements.

• Section 1630.8.2.1 requires vertical support system

below to be designed for special load combinations of
Section 1612.4
• Section 1630.8.2.2 requires special detailing
requirements for reinforced concrete, masonry, steel,
and timber structures.
5. Nonparallel systems The vertical lateral-load-resisting elements • Nonparallel systems exist when the vertical and lateral
are not parallel to or symmetric about the major orthogonal axes systems are not orthogonal with each other
of the lateral-force-resisting system.
• Section 1633.1 requires consideration of earthquake
forces from any direction when torsional irregularity
exists for both major axes, for Seismic Zones 2, 3, and
4

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SECTION 1629.6 – STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS
1629.6.1 General. Structural systems shall be classified as one of
the types listed in Table 16-N and defined in this section.
Table 16-N – Structural Systems
1629.6.2 Bearing wall system. A structural system without a
complete vertical load-carrying space frame. Bearing walls or
bracing systems provide support for all or most gravity loads.
Resistance to lateral load is provided by shear walls or braced
frames.
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• R values range from 8.5 (best) to 2.2 (worst)
• R = RoRd
• Ro = overstrength factor (actual strength is larger than
design strength)
• Rd = global ductility factor (ability of structure to absorb
energy by inelastic deformations)
• Ωo = 1.1Ro = seismic force amplification factor (used to
estimate maximum member forces
• Footnotes 3 and 5 prohibit certain structural systems in
Seismic Zones 3 and 4 to preclude systems that have
not performed well in past earthquakes
• Height limitations are given for Seismic Zones 3 and 4
to preclude combinations of structural systems and
structural heights that have not performed well in past
earthquakes.
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SECTION 1629.6 – STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS

1629.6.3 Building frame system. A structural system with an
essentially complete space frame providing support for gravity
loads. Resistance to lateral load is provided by shear walls or
braced frames.

1629.6.4 Moment-resisting frame system. A structural system with

an essentially complete space frame providing support for gravity
loads. Moment-resisting frames provide resistance to lateral load
primarily by flexural action of members.

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SECTION 1629.6 – STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS

1629.6.5 Dual system. A structural system with the following
features:
1. An essentially complete space frame that provides support for
gravity loads.
2. Resistance to lateral load is provided by shear walls or braced
frames and moment-resisting frames (SMRF, IMRF, MMRWF or
steel OMRF). The moment-resisting frames shall be designed to
independently resist at least 25 percent of the design base shear.
3. The two systems shall be designed to resist the total design
base shear in proportion to their relative rigidities considering the
interaction of the dual system at all levels.
1629.6.6 Cantilevered column system. A structural system relying • Cantilevered-columns resist lateral forces
on cantilevered column elements for lateral resistance.
• Columns fixed at base
• Columns with no moment restraint at top
• Limited redundancy / energy dissipation … R = 2.2
1629.6.7 Undefined structural system. A structural system not • R = unknown
listed in Table 16-N.
• Dynamic characteristics, lateral force resistance,
overstrength, strength and stiffness degradation,
energy dissipation capacity, system ductility, and
redundancy must be substantiated by technical and
test data
1629.6.8 Nonbuilding structural system. A structural system
conforming to Section 1634

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SECTION 1629.9.3 – IRREGULAR FEATURES

1629.9.3 Irregular features. All structures having irregular features • Static force procedure is based on assumptions
described in Table 16-L or 16-M shall be designed to meet the characteristic of a regular structure
additional requirements of those sections referenced in the tables.
• Irregularities are cause for stress concentrations
leading to damage and poor performance
• If structure has irregularities, it must comply with
additional code requirements
• Additional code requirements are tied to specific
irregularity types as defined in Tables 16-L and 16-M

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SECTION 1629.8 - SELECTION OF LATERAL-FORCE PROCEDURE

1629.8.1 General. Any structure may be, and certain structures • Section 1631 – Dynamic Analysis Procedures
defined below shall be, designed using the dynamic lateral-force
procedures of Section 1631.
1629.8.2 Simplified static. The simplified static lateral-force • Section 1630.2.3 – Simplified Design Base Shear
procedure set forth in Section 1630.2.3 may be used for the
following structures of Occupancy Category 4 or 5: • Table 16-K - Occupancy Category 4 – Standard
Occupancy Structures
1. Buildings of any occupancy (including single-family dwellings)
not more than three stories in height excluding basements, that • Table 16-K - Occupancy Category 5 – Miscellaneous
use light-frame construction. Structures

2. Other buildings not more than two stories in height excluding

basements.
1629.8.3 Static. The static lateral force procedure of Section 1630 • Section 1630 – Minimum design Lateral Forces And
may be used for the following structures: Related Effects
1. All structures, regular or irregular, in Seismic Zone 1 and in
Occupancy Categories 4 and 5 in Seismic Zone 2.
2. Regular structures under 240 feet (73 152 mm) in height with
lateral force resistance provided by systems listed in Table 16-N,
except where Section 1629.8.4, Item 4, applies.
3. Irregular structures not more than five stories or 65 feet (19 812
mm) in height.
4. Structures having a flexible upper portion supported on a rigid
lower portion where both portions of the structure considered
separately can be classified as being regular, the average story
stiffness of the lower portion is at least 10 times the average story
stiffness of the upper portion and the period of the entire structure
is not greater than 1.1 times the period of the upper portion
considered as a separate structure fixed at the base.

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SECTION 1629.8 - SELECTION OF LATERAL-FORCE PROCEDURE

1629.8.4 Dynamic. The dynamic lateral-force procedure of Section • Section 1631 – Dynamic Analysis Procedure
1631 shall be used for all other structures, including the following:
1. Structures 240 feet (73 152 mm) or more in height, except as
permitted by Section 1629.8.3, Item 1.
2. Structures having a stiffness, weight or geometric vertical • Required for Stiffness Irregularity – Soft Story
irregularity of Type 1, 2 or 3, as defined in Table 16-L, or structures
having irregular features not described in Table 16-L or 16-M, • Required for Weight (mass) Irregularity
except as permitted by Section 1630.4.2. • Required for Vertical Geometric Irregularity
• Section 1630.4.2 – Vertical Combinations
3. Structures over five stories or 65 feet (19 812 mm) in height in • Section 1630.4.2 – Vertical Combinations
Seismic Zones 3 and 4 not having the same structural system
throughout their height except as permitted by Section 1631.2
1630.4.2.
4. Structures, regular or irregular, located on Soil Profile Type SF, • Section 1631.2 – Ground Motions
that have a period greater than 0.7 second. The analysis shall
include the effects of the soils at the site and shall conform to
Section 1631.2, Item 4.

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SECTION 1629.8 - SELECTION OF LATERAL-FORCE PROCEDURE

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SECTION 1630.1.1 - EARTHQUAKE LOADS

1630.1.1 Earthquake loads. Structures shall be designed for • Section 1630.2 – Static Force Procedure
ground motion producing structural response and seismic forces
in any horizontal direction. The following earthquake loads shall • Section 1632 – Lateral Force On Elements Of
be used in the load combinations set forth in Section 1612: Structures, Nonstructural Components, And Equipment
Supported By Structures
E = ρE h + E v (30-1)
• Note that the effects of the horizontal earthquake load
E m = Ω 0 E h (30-2) can result in loads in diagonal or vertical directions,
e.g., braced frames
WHERE:
E = the earthquake load on an element of the structure resulting
from the combination of the horizontal component, Eh, and the
vertical component, Ev.
Eh = the earthquake load due to the base shear, V, as set forth in
Section 1630.2 or the design lateral force, Fp, as set forth in
Section 1632.
Em = the estimated maximum earthquake force that can be • Section 1630.1.1 – Earthquake Load
developed in the structure as set forth in Section 1630.1.1.
Ev = the load effect resulting from the vertical component of the • Represents the amount of vertical acceleration
earthquake ground motion and is equal to an addition of 0.5CaID to response likely to occur concurrently with the maximum
the dead load effect, D, for Strength Design, and may be taken as horizontal acceleration response
zero for Allowable Stress Design.
• May be taken as zero for allowable stress designs
• Note that the effects of the vertical earthquake load can
result in loads in horizontal or vertical directions, e.g.,
braced frames
Ωo = the seismic force amplification factor that is required to
account for structural overstrength, as set forth in Section
1630.3.1.

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SECTION 1630.1.1 - EARTHQUAKE LOADS

ρ = Reliability/Redundancy Factor as given by the following • AB =ground floor area of structure, including areas
formula: covered by overhangs and projections, ft2 or m2
20 • Characteristic of a system with multiple paths of
ρ = 2− (30-3)
rmax AB resistance to earthquake forces
• More redundancy results in lower ρ value
6.1
For SI: ρ = 2 −
rmax AB • Equations are empirical, based on judgement and
experience of code writers

WHERE: • ri = element-story shear ratio

rmax = the maximum element-story shear ratio. For a given direction rmax = largest value of ri at any level at or below the 2/3 building
of loading, the element-story shear ratio is the ratio of the design height level
story shear in the most heavily loaded single element divided by
the total design story shear. For any given Story Level i, the
element-story shear ratio is denoted as ri. The maximum element-
story shear ratio rmax is defined as the largest of the element story
shear ratios, ri, which occurs in any of the story levels at or below
the two-thirds height level of the building.
For braced frames, the value of ri is equal to the maximum
horizontal force component in a single brace element divided by
the total story shear.
greatest horizontal force component in brace
ri =
total story shear

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SECTION 1630.1.1 - EARTHQUAKE LOADS

For moment frames, ri shall be taken as the maximum of the sum
of the shears in any two adjacent columns in a moment frame bay
divided by the story shear. For columns common to two bays with
moment-resisting connections on opposite sides at Level i in the
direction under consideration, 70 percent of the shear in that
column may be used in the column shear summation.
max imum sum of shears of two adjacent columns
ri =
total story shear

For shear walls, ri shall be taken as the maximum value of the • ri is defined per 10 foot length of wall
product of the wall shear multiplied by 10/lw (For SI: 3.05/lw) and
divided by the total story shear, where lw is the length of the wall max imum wall shear  10 
ri =  
in feet (m). total wall shear  l w 
For dual systems, ri shall be taken as the maximum value of ri as • for SMRF strength: 1.0 ≤ ρ ≤ 1.25
defined above considering all lateral-load-resisting elements. The
lateral loads shall be distributed to elements based on relative • for all others strength: 1.0 ≤ ρ ≤ 1.5
rigidities considering the interaction of the dual system. For dual
systems, the value of ρ need not exceed 80 percent of the value
calculated above.
ρ shall not be taken less than 1.0 and need not be greater than 1.5,
and AB is the ground floor area of the structure in square feet
(m2). For special moment-resisting frames, except when used in
dual systems, ρ shall not exceed 1.25. The number of bays of
special moment-resisting frames shall be increased to reduce r,
such that ρ is less than or equal to 1.25.

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SECTION 1630.1.1 - EARTHQUAKE LOADS

EXCEPTION: AB may be taken as the average floor area in the • In Seismic Zones 0, 1, or 2: ρ = 1.0
upper setback portion of the building where a larger base area
exists at the ground floor. • When calculating drift: ρ = 1.0
When calculating drift, or when the structure is located in Seismic
Zone 0, 1 or 2, ρ shall be taken equal to 1.
Seismic Dead Load W
Seismic dead load, W, is the total dead load and applicable
portions of other loads listed below.
1. In storage and warehouse occupancies, a minimum of 25
percent of the floor live load shall be applicable.
2. Where a partition load is used in the floor design, a load of not
less than 10 psf (0.48 kN/m2) shall be included.
3. Design snow loads of 30 psf (1.44 kN/m2) or less need not be
included. Where design snow loads exceed 30 psf (1.44 kN/m2), the
design snow load shall be included, but may be reduced up to 75
percent where consideration of siting, configuration and load
duration warrant when approved by the building official.
4. Total weight of permanent equipment shall be included.

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SECTION 1630.1.2 - MODELING REQUIREMENTS

1630.1.2 Modeling requirements. The mathematical model of the • Structural modeling is complex and requires
physical structure shall include all elements of the lateral- force- considerable judgement to properly reflect the
resisting system. The model shall also include the stiffness and structure’s expected performance.
strength of elements, which are significant to the distribution of
forces, and shall represent the spatial distribution of the mass and
stiffness of the structure. In addition, the model shall comply with
the following:
1. Stiffness properties of reinforced concrete and masonry • Restrictions are an attempt to force calculation of
elements shall consider the effects of cracked sections. structural period by rational analysis to be reasonably
2. For steel moment frame systems, the contribution of panel zone accurate
deformations to overall story drift shall be included. • Mathematical model of physical structure must include:

1) All elements of lateral-force-resisting system

2) Accurate representation of spatial distribution of

structure’s mass and stiffness

3) Effects of “cracked section” for concrete and

masonry

4) Effects of panel zone deformation

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FIGURE 16-3 – DESIGN RESPONSE SPECTRA

• Cv and Ca are site-dependant seismic response

(ground motion) coefficients
IW
• Spectral accelerations are reduced by to give
R
values for use in design, called base shears, V.
• The response of long period structures, periods greater
than Ts, is velocity-controlled.
Cv
Sa =
T
• The response of short period structures, periods less
than Ts are acceleration-controlled.
S a = 2.5C a

• Ts is the period T at the intersection of the two curves,

found by setting the two equations equal to each other.
Cv Cv
Sa = = 2.5C a Ts = T =
T 2.5C a
• Design base shear could be defined as the velocity-
controlled equation with a maximum of the
acceleration-controlled equation.

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SECTION 1630.2.1 – DESIGN BASE SHEAR

1630.2.1 Design base shear. The total design base shear in a • Applies in all Seismic Zones
given direction shall be determined from the following formula:
• V = base shear = total design lateral force at the
Cv I structure base, pounds
V = W (30-4)
RT • Cv = seismic response coefficient, unitless {Table 16-
R}
• I = importance factor, unitless
• R = numerical coefficient representative of the inherent
overstrength and global ductility of the lateral-force
resisting system, unitless {Table 16-N}
• T = elastic fundamental period of vibration of structure
in direction under consideration, seconds
• W = total seismic dead load, pounds

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SECTION 1630.2.1 – DESIGN BASE SHEAR

The total design base shear need not exceed the following: • Applies in all Seismic Zones
2.5C a I • Ca = seismic response coefficient, unitless {Table 16-
V = W (30-5)
R Q}
The total design base shear shall not be less than the following: • Applies in all Seismic Zones
V = 0.11C a IW (30-6) • Prudent to put a minimum on equation
• Affects very long period structures
In addition, for Seismic Zone 4, the total base shear shall also not • Applies in Seismic Zone 4 only
be less than the following:
• Z = seismic zone factor, unitless {Table 16-I}
0.8ZN v I
V = W (30-7) • Nv = near-source (geotechnical) factor, unitless {Table
R 16-T}

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SECTION 1630.2.2 - STRUCTURE PERIOD

1630.2.2 Structure period. The value of T shall be determined from • Approximate formula
one of the following methods:
1. Method A: For all buildings, the value T may be approximated
from the following formula:

T = Ct (hn )
3 4
(30-8)
WHERE:
Ct = 0.035 (0.0853) for steel moment-resisting frames.
Ct = 0.030 (0.0731) for reinforced concrete moment-resisting
frames and eccentrically braced frames.
Ct = 0.020 (0.0488) for all other buildings.
Alternatively, the value of Ct for structures with concrete or
masonry shear walls may be taken as 0.1 (For SI:
Ac
0.0743 for Ac in m2).
Ac
The value of Ac shall be determined from the following formula:
  De  
2
Ac = ∑ Ae 0.2 +    (30-9)
  hn  

De
The value of used in Formula (30-9) shall not exceed 0.9.
hn

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SECTION 1630.2.2 - STRUCTURE PERIOD

2. Method B: The fundamental period T may be calculated using • Section 1630.1.2 – Modeling Requirements
the structural properties and deformational characteristics of the
resisting elements in a properly substantiated analysis. The • Rational analysis
analysis shall be in accordance with the requirements of Section • For Seismic Zones 1, 2, and 3:
1630.1.2. The value of T from Method B shall not exceed a value 30
TMethod B ≤ 1.4TMethod A
percent greater than the value of T obtained from Method A in
Seismic Zone 4, and 40 percent in Seismic Zones 1, 2 and 3. • For Seismic Zone 4:
TMethod B ≤ 1.3TMethod A

• Restrictive comparisons of Method B structural period

calculations with Method A period calculations apply for
member capacity calculations only.
The fundamental period T may be computed by using the • Rayleigh formula
following formula:

n 2  n 
T = 2π  ∑ wi δ i  ÷  g ∑ f1δ 1  (30-10)
 i =1   i =1 
The values of fi represent any lateral force distributed • Drift calculations may be based on structural period
approximately in accordance with the principles of Formulas (30- calculated from Method B, neglecting restrictive
13), (30-14) and (30-15) or any other rational distribution. The comparisons with Method A period calculations.
elastic deflections, δi, shall be calculated using the applied lateral
forces, fi.
1630.10.3 Limitations. The design lateral forces used to determine
the calculated drift may disregard the limitations of Formula (30-6)
and may be based on the period determined from Formula (30-10)
neglecting the 30 or 40 percent limitations of Section 1630.2.2,
Item 2.

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SECTION 1630.5 - VERTICAL DISTRIBUTION OF FORCE

1630.5 Vertical Distribution of Force. The total force shall be
distributed over the height of the structure in conformance with
Formulas (30-13), (30-14) and (30-15) in the absence of a more
rigorous procedure.
n
V = Ft + ∑ Fi (30-13)
i −1

The concentrated force Ft at the top, which is in addition to Fn,

shall be determined from the formula: • Ft represents the effects of higher vibration modes
Ft = 0.07TV (30-14)
The value of T used for the purpose of calculating Ft shall be the • Fx represents the effects of the 1st vibration mode
period that corresponds with the design base shear as computed
using Formula (30-4). Ft need not exceed 0.25V and may be • If T ≤ 0.7 seconds: Ft = 0
considered as zero where T is 0.7 second or less. The remaining • If T > 0.7 seconds: Ft = 0.7TV ≤ 0.25V
portion of the base shear shall be distributed over the height of
the structure, including Level n, according to the following
formula:
(V − Ft )wx hx
Fx = n
(30-15)
∑ wi hi
i =1

At each level designated as x, the force Fx shall be applied over

the area of the building in accordance with the mass distribution
at that level. Structural displacements and design seismic forces
shall be calculated as the effect of forces Fx and Ft applied at the
appropriate levels above the base.

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SECTION 1630.2.3 SIMPLIFIED DESIGN BASE SHEAR
1630.2.3.1 General. Structures conforming to the requirements of •
Section 1629.8.2 may be designed using this procedure.
1630.2.3.2 Base shear. The total design base shear in a given
direction shall be determined from the following formula:
3.0C a
V = W (30-11)
R
where the value of Ca shall be based on Table 16-Q for the soil •
profile type. When the soil properties are not known in sufficient •
detail to determine the soil profile type, Type SD shall be used in
Seismic Zones 3 and 4, and Type SE shall be used in Seismic
Zones 1, 2A and 2B. In Seismic Zone 4, the Near-Source Factor, Na, •
need not be greater than 1.3 if none of the following structural
irregularities are present: Type 1, 4 or 5 of Table 16-L, or Type 1 or
4 of Table 16-M.
Uniform Building Code-40
R. M. Drake
Section 1629.8.2 – Simplified Static
Table 16-Q – Seismic Coefficient Ca
In Seismic Zones 0,1, and 2, if Soil Profile Type is not
known, use Type SE. In Seismic Zones 3 and 4, if Soil
Profile Type is not known, use Type SD
In Seismic Zone 4, Na maximum is 1.3 for “regular”
structures, having none of these structural
irregularities:
⇒ Table 16-L Type 1 – Stiffness Irregularity – Soft Story
⇒ Table 16-L Type 4 – In-Plane Discontinuity In Vertical
Lateral-Force-Resisting Element
⇒ Table 16-L Type 5 – Discontinuity In Capacity – Weak
Story
⇒ Table 16-M Type 1 – Torsional Irregularity – To Be
Considered When Diaphragms Are Not Flexible
⇒ Table 16-M Type 4 – Out-Of-Plane Offsets
November, 2001
Fluor Daniel Training R. M. Drake

SECTION 1630.2.3 SIMPLIFIED DESIGN BASE SHEAR

1630.2.3.3 Vertical distribution. The forces at each level shall be
calculated using the following formula:
3.0C a
Fx = wi (30-12)
R
where the value of Ca shall be determined in Section 1630.2.3.2.
• Section 1630.2.3.2 – Base Shear
• Base shear and overturning moment are both higher
1630.2.3.4 Applicability. Sections 1630.1.2, 1630.1.3, 1630.2.1, • Section 1630.1.2 – Modeling Requirements
1630.2.2, 1630.5, 1630.9, 1630.10 and 1631 shall not apply when
using the simplified procedure. • Section 1630.1.3 - P∆ Effects
• Section 1630.2.1 – Design Base Shear
• Section 1630.2.2 – Structure Period
• Section 1630.5 – Vertical Distribution Of Force
• Section 1630.9 - Drift
• Section 1630.10 – Story Drift Limitations
• Section 1631 – Dynamic Analysis Procedures

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SECTION 1630.2.3 SIMPLIFIED DESIGN BASE SHEAR

EXCEPTION: For buildings with relatively flexible structural • Section 1630.2.3.2 – Base Shear
systems, the building official may require consideration of P∆
effects and drift in accordance with Sections 1630.1.3, 1630.9 and
1630.10. ∆s shall be prepared using design seismic forces from
Section 1630.2.3.2.

Where used, ∆M shall be taken equal to 0.01 times the story height • Section 1633.2.9 – Diaphragms
of all stories. In Section 1633.2.9, Formula (33-1) shall read
• Table 16-N – Structural Systems
3.0C a
F px = W px and need not exceed 1.0 Cawpx, but shall not be
R
less than 0.5Cawpx . R and Ωo shall be taken from Table 16-N.

Why Is Method So Simple?

• No period calculations necessary
• No P-∆ requirements
• No drift check
• Simplified vertical distribution

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SECTION 1630.6 - HORIZONTAL DISTRIBUTION OF SHEAR

1630.6 Horizontal Distribution of Shear. The design story shear, Vx,
in any story is the sum of the forces Ft and Fx above that story. Vx
shall be distributed to the various elements of the vertical lateral-
force-resisting system in proportion to their rigidities, considering
the rigidity of the diaphragm. See Section 1633.2.4 for rigid
elements that are not intended to be part of the lateral-force-
resisting systems.

• M horizontal = Weight x eccentricity

• Distribute horizontal shear forces considering stiffness

of lateral-force-resisting elements
• Distribute horizontal shear forces considering stiffness
of diaphragm
• Section 1633.2.4 – Deformation Compatibility
Where diaphragms are not flexible, the mass at each level shall be • For rigid diaphragms, an accidental torsional of 5% of
assumed to be displaced from the calculated center of mass in the building dimension should be applied
each direction a distance equal to 5 percent of the building
dimension at that level perpendicular to the direction of the force • M torsion = Weight x 0.05 L perpendicular
under consideration. The effect of this displacement on the story
shear distribution shall be considered.

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SECTION 1630.6 - HORIZONTAL DISTRIBUTION OF SHEAR

Diaphragms shall be considered flexible for the purposes of
distribution of story shear and torsional moment when the
maximum lateral deformation of the diaphragm is more than two
times the average story drift of the associated story. This may be
determined by comparing the computed midpoint in-plane
deflection of the diaphragm itself under lateral load with the story
drift of adjoining vertical-resisting elements under equivalent
tributary lateral load.

• Diaphragm is considered flexible if:

• ∆ diaphragm > 2 x Story Drift

• Compare midspan diaphragm deflection with average

story drift of adjoining vertical resisting elements
• In practice, wood floor and roof systems are considered
flexible
• In practice, steel deck systems without concrete fill are
considered flexible
• In practice, concrete floor and roof systems are
considered rigid

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SECTION 1630.7 - HORIZONTAL TORSIONAL MOMENTS

1630.7 Horizontal Torsional Moments. Provisions shall be made • Applies only to not flexible (rigid) diaphragms
for the increased shears resulting from horizontal torsion where
diaphragms are not flexible. The most severe load combination for
each element shall be considered for design.
The torsional design moment at a given story shall be the moment • M horizontal = Weight x eccentricity
resulting from eccentricities between applied design lateral forces
at levels above that story and the vertical-resisting elements in
that story plus an accidental torsion.
The accidental torsional moment shall be determined by assuming • Section 1630.6 – Horizontal Distribution Of shear
the mass is displaced as required by Section 1630.6.
• M torsion = Weight x 0.05 L perpendicular

Where torsional irregularity exists, as defined in Table 16-M, the • M total = Weight x [e + Ax (0.05 L )]
effects shall be accounted for by increasing the accidental torsion
at each level by an amplification factor, Ax, determined from the
following formula:
 δ 
Ax =  max  (30-16)
1.2δ avg. 
WHERE:
δavg = the average of the displacements at the extreme points of the
structure at Level x.
δmax = the maximum displacement at Level x.
The value of Ax need not exceed 3.0
 δ 
Ax =  max  ≤ 3.0
1.2δ avg . 

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SECTION 1630.8 – OVERTURNING

1630.8 Overturning. • OTM = ∑ Fx hx + Ft hn
1630.8.1 General. Every structure shall be designed to resist the • Section 1630.5 - Vertical Distribution Of Force
overturning effects caused by earthquake forces specified in
Section 1630.5. At any level, the overturning moments to be • Section 1630.6 - Horizontal Distribution Of Shear
resisted shall be determined using those seismic forces (Ft and Fx) • Section 1615 - General
that act on levels above the level under consideration. At any
level, the incremental changes of the design overturning moment • Section 1633 - Detailed System Design Requirements
shall be distributed to the various resisting elements in the
manner prescribed in Section 1630.6. Overturning effects on every
element shall be carried down to the foundation. See Sections
1615 and 1633 for combining gravity and seismic forces.

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SECTION 1612 – COMBINATIONS OF LOADS

1612.1 General. Buildings and other structures and all portions • Acceptable to follow Section 1612.2 – Load
thereof shall be designed to resist the load combinations specified combinations using Strength Design Or Load And
in Section 1612.2 or 1612.3 and, where required by Chapter 16, Resistance Factor Design
Division IV, or Chapters 18 through 23, the special seismic load
combinations of Section 1612.4. • Acceptable to follow Section 1612.3 – Load
combinations Using Allowable Stress Design
The most critical effect can occur when one or more of the
contributing loads are not acting. All applicable loads shall be • Sometimes specifically required to follow Section
considered, including both earthquake and wind, in accordance 1612.2 – Special Seismic Load Combinations
with the specified load combinations. • Basic load combinations are based on ASCE 7,
developed using first-order probabilistic analysis and
broad survey of reliabilities inherent in contemporary
design practice
• Chapter 18 – Foundations And Retaining Walls
• Chapter 19 – Concrete
• Chapter 20 – Lightweight Metals
• Chapter 21 – Masonry
• Chapter 22 – Steel
• Chapter 23 – Wood

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SECTION 1612.2 - LOAD COMBINATIONS USING STRENGTH DESIGN OR

LOAD AND RESISTANCE FACTOR DESIGN
1612.2.1 Basic load combinations. Where Load and Resistance • Concrete Chapter 19 and Masonry Chapter 21 provide
Factor Design (Strength Design) is used, structures and all alternate load combinations which should be used with
portions thereof shall resist the most critical effects from the those materials
following combinations of factored loads:
1.4D (12-1)
1.2D + 1.6L + 0.5 (Lr or S) (12-2)
1.2D + 1.6 (Lr or S) + (f1L or 0.8W) (12-3)
1.2D + 1.3W + f1L + 0.5 (Lr or S) (12-4)
1.2D + 1.0E + (f1L + f2S) (12-5)
0.9D ± (1.0E or 1.3W) (12-6)
WHERE:
f1 = 1.0 for floors in places of public assembly, for live loads in
excess of 100 psf (4.9 kN/m2), and for garage live load.
= 0.5 for other live loads.
f2 = 0.7 for roof configurations (such as saw tooth) that do not
shed snow off the structure.
= 0.2 for other roof configurations.
EXCEPTIONS: 1. Factored load combinations for concrete per
Section 1909.2 where load combinations do not include seismic
forces.
2. Factored load combinations of this section multiplied by 1.1 for
concrete and masonry where load combinations include seismic
forces.
3. Where other factored load combinations are specifically
required by the provisions of this code.

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SECTION 1612.3 - LOAD COMBINATIONS USING ALLOWABLE STRESS

DESIGN
1612.3.1 Basic load combinations. Where allowable stress design • Consistent with ASCE 7-98, the 1/3 stress increase
(working stress design) is used, structures and all portions thereof factor has been deleted if 2 or less loads are combined.
shall resist the most critical effects resulting from the following
• Consistent with ASCE 7-98, the 1/3 stress increase
combinations of loads:
factor has been replaced with load reduction factor of
D (12-7) 0.75 if 3 or more loads are combined.
D + L + (Lr or S) (12-8)
 E 
D + W or  (12-9)
 1 .4 
E
0 .9 D ± (12-10)
1 .4
  E 
D + 0.75 L + (Lr or S ) + W or  (12-11)
  1.4 
No increase in allowable stresses shall be used with these load • Because of load reduction factor, stress increase
combinations except as specifically permitted by Section 1809.2. factors are not allowed with this set of load
combinations

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SECTION 1612.3 - LOAD COMBINATIONS USING ALLOWABLE STRESS

DESIGN
1612.3.2 Alternate basic load combinations. In lieu of the basic • Stress increase factors are allowed with this set of load
load combinations specified in Section 1612.3.1, structures and combinations
portions thereof shall be permitted to be designed for the most
critical effects resulting from the following load combinations.
When using these alternate basic load combinations, a one-third
increase shall be permitted in allowable stresses for all
combinations including W or E.
D + L + (Lr or S ) (12-12)
 E 
D + L + W or 
 1.4  (12-13)

S
D + L +W +
2 (12-14)
W
D+L+S +
2 (12-15)
E
D+L+S +
1.4 (12-16)

0 .9 D ±
E EEE {Note: Errata}
1.4 (12-16-1)

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SECTION 1612.3 - LOAD COMBINATIONS USING ALLOWABLE STRESS

DESIGN
EXCEPTIONS: 1. Crane hook loads need not be combined with
roof live load or with more than three fourths of the snow load or
one half of the wind load.
2. Design snow loads of 30 psf (1.44 kN/m2) or less need not be
combined with seismic loads. Where design snow loads exceed 30
psf (1.44 kN/m2), the design snow load shall be included with
seismic loads, but may be reduced up to 75 percent where
consideration of siting, configuration and load duration warrant
when approved by the building official.
1612.3.3 Other loads. Where F, H, P or T are to be considered in
design, each applicable load shall be added to the combinations
specified in Sections 1612.3.1 and 1612.3.2. When using the
alternate load combinations specified in Section 1612.3.2, a one-
third increase shall be permitted in allowable stresses for all
combinations including W or E.

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SECTION 1612.4 – SPECIAL SEISMIC LOAD COMBINATIONS

1612.4 Special Seismic Load Combinations. For both Allowable • Em = estimated maximum earthquake force that can be
Stress Design and Strength Design, the following special load developed in structure
combinations for seismic design shall be used as specifically
required by Chapter 16, Division IV, or by Chapters 18 through 23: • Subscript m stands for maximum

1.2 D + f1 L + 1.0 E m (12-17) E m = Ω o E h (30-2)

0.9 D ± 1.0 E m (12-18) • Ω0 = the seismic force amplification factor that is

required to account for structural overstrength. {Table
16-N}
• Subscript o stands for overstrength
WHERE: • These load combinations apply to both Strength Design
f1 = 1.0 for floors in places of public assembly, for live loads in and Allowable Stress Design
excess of 100 psf (4.79 kN/m2), and for garage live load. • Required by Section 1630.8.2 – Elements Supporting
= 0.5 for other live loads. Discontinuous systems
• Required by Section 1633.2.6 – Collector Elements
• Also See Section 2210 - Steel

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SECTION 1631 – DYNAMIC ANALYSIS PROCEDURES

1631.1 General. Dynamic analyses procedures, when used, shall •
conform to the criteria established in this section. The analysis
shall be based on an appropriate ground motion representation
and shall be performed using accepted principles of dynamics. •
Structures that are designed in accordance with this section shall
comply with all other applicable requirements of these provisions.
Any structure can be designed using dynamic analysis
procedures
Section 1629.8 – Selection Of Lateral-Force Procedure
requires that certain structures must be analyzed using
dynamic analysis procedures

1631.2 Ground Motion. The ground motion representation shall, as • Acceptable to use Figure 16-3 – Design Response
a minimum, be one having a 10-percent probability of being Spectra
exceeded in 50 years, shall not be reduced by the quantity R and
may be one of the following:
1. An elastic design response spectrum constructed in
accordance with Figure 16-3, using the values of Ca and Cv
consistent with the specific site. The design acceleration ordinates
shall be multiplied by the acceleration of gravity, 386.4 in./sec2
(9.815 m/sec2).
2. A site-specific elastic design response spectrum based on the • Acceptable to use site-specific elastic design response
geologic, tectonic, seismologic and soil characteristics associated spectra developed by geotechnical consultant
with the specific site. The spectrum shall be developed for a
damping ratio of 0.05, unless a different value is shown to be
consistent with the anticipated structural behavior at the intensity
of shaking established for the site.
3. Ground motion time histories developed for the specific site • Acceptable to use site-specific time-histories developed
shall be representative of actual earthquake motions. Response by geotechnical consultant
spectra from time histories, either individually or in combination,
shall approximate the site design spectrum conforming to Section
1631.2, Item 2.

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SECTION 1631 – DYNAMIC ANALYSIS PROCEDURES

4. For structures on Soil Profile Type SF, the following • Section 1629.8.4 - Dynamic
requirements shall apply when required by Section 1629.8.4, Item
4:
4.1 The ground motion representation shall be developed in
accordance with Items 2 and 3.
4.2 Possible amplification of building response due to the effects
of soil-structure interaction and lengthening of building period
caused by inelastic behavior shall be considered.
5. The vertical component of ground motion may be defined by
scaling corresponding horizontal accelerations by a factor of two-
thirds. Alternative factors may be used when substantiated by
site-specific data. Where the Near Source Factor, Na, is greater
than 1.0, site-specific vertical response spectra shall be used in
lieu of the factor of two-thirds.

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SECTION 1631 – DYNAMIC ANALYSIS PROCEDURES

1631.4 - Description of Analysis Procedures
1631.4.1 Response spectrum analysis. An elastic dynamic
analysis of a structure utilizing the peak dynamic response of all
modes having a significant contribution to total structural
response. Peak modal responses are calculated using the
ordinates of the appropriate response spectrum curve which
correspond to the modal periods. Maximum modal contributions
are combined in a statistical manner to obtain an approximate
total structural response.
1631.4.2 Time-history analysis. An analysis of the dynamic
response of a structure at each increment of time when the base is
subjected to a specific ground motion time history.
1631.5 - Response Spectrum Analysis
1631.5.1 Response spectrum representation and interpretation of
results
1631.5.2 Number of modes
1631.5.3 Combining modes
1631.5.4 Reduction of Elastic Response Parameters for design
1631.5.5 Directional effects
1631.5.6 Torsion
1631.5.7 Dual systems
1631.6 - Time-history Analysis.
1631.6.1 Time history
1631.6.2 Elastic time-history analysis
1631.6.3 Nonlinear time-history analysis.
1631.6.3.1 Nonlinear time history
1631.6.3.2 Design review

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SECTION 1632 – LATERAL FORCE ON ELEMENTS OF STRUCTURES,

NONSTRUCTURAL COMPONENTS, AND EQUIPMENT SUPPORTED BY
STRUCTURES
1632.2 Design for Total Lateral Force. The total design lateral • Simple, conservative, easy-to-use formulation
seismic force, Fp , shall be determined from the following formula:
• Considers only geotechnical and importance factors.
F p = 4.0C a I pW p (32-1)
• Doesn’t consider component location in building or
component dynamics
Alternatively, Fp may be calculated using the following formula: • Fp is the design force at the component attachment to
the supporting structure.
a pCa I p  h 
Fp = 1 + 3 x W p (32-2) • Ca is the same geotechnical input that the supporting
Rp  hr  building is designed for.
 h 
• 1 + 3 x  represents the amplification of the
 hr 
geotechnical input with height in the supporting
structure, varies from 1.0 at structure base to 4.0 at
structure roof. Based on extensive study or recorded
earthquake motion.
Ip
• represents the reduction of the design force due to
Rp
overstrength and ductility of the component and its
anchorage.
• ap represents the dynamic amplification of the flexible
components supported by the flexible structure.
• Wp is the component weight

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SECTION 1632 – LATERAL FORCE ON ELEMENTS OF STRUCTURES,

NONSTRUCTURAL COMPONENTS, AND EQUIPMENT SUPPORTED BY
STRUCTURES
Except that: • Minimum and maximum values assure reasonable
Fp shall not be less than 0.7CaIpWp and answers, especially with respect to previous codes

Need not be more than 4CaIpWp (32-3)

WHERE: • Basements have same value as grade
hx is the element or component attachment elevation with respect
to grade. hx shall not be taken less than 0.0.
hr is the structure roof elevation with respect to grade. • Penthouses have same value as roof.
ap is the in-structure Component Amplification Factor that varies • Table 16-O – Horizontal Force Factors, ap and Rp
from 1.0 to 2.5.
• Classical dynamics can be used that considers the
A value for ap shall be selected from Table 16-O. Alternatively, this “tuning factor”, a function of component frequency,
factor may be determined based on the dynamic properties or support frequency, and system damping ratio
empirical data of the component and the structure that supports it.
The value shall not be taken less than 1.0.
Rp is the Component Response Modification Factor that shall be • Table 16-O – Horizontal Force Factors, ap and Rp
taken from Table 16-O, except that Rp for anchorages shall equal
1.5 for shallow expansion anchor bolts, shallow chemical anchors • Restrictive values for post-installed and shallow
or shallow cast-in-place anchors. Shallow anchors are those with anchors reflects poor performance of these types in
an embedment length-to-diameter ratio of less than 8. When past earthquakes
anchorage is constructed of nonductile materials, or by the use of
adhesive, Rp shall equal 1.0.
The design lateral forces determined using Formula (32-1) or (32-2) • Consider Fp to be a component “base shear” that must
shall be distributed in proportion with the mass distribution of the be distributed back up the “structure”
element or component.

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SECTION 1632 – LATERAL FORCE ON ELEMENTS OF STRUCTURES,

NONSTRUCTURAL COMPONENTS, AND EQUIPMENT SUPPORTED BY
STRUCTURES
Forces determined using Formula (32-1) or (32-2) shall be used to • Section 1612.2 – Load Combinations Using Strength
design members and connections that transfer these forces to the Design or Load And Resistance Factor Design
seismic-resisting systems. Members and connection design shall
use the load combinations and factors specified in Section 1612.2 • Section 1612.3 – Load combinations Using Allowable
Stress Design
or 1612.3. The Reliability/Redundancy Factor, ρ , may be taken
equal to 1.0. • No increase required for E or Eh
For applicable forces and Component Response Modification • Section 1633.2.4 - Deformation Compatibility
Factors in connectors for exterior panels and diaphragms, refer to
• Section 1633.2.8 - Anchorage Of Concrete Or Masonry
Section 1633.2.4, 1633.2.8, and 1633.2.9.
Walls
• Section 1633.2.9 - Diaphragms
Forces shall be applied in the horizontal directions, which result in
the most critical loadings for design.

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SECTION 1634 – NONBUILDING STRUCTURES

1634.1 General.
1634.1.1 Scope. Nonbuilding structures include all self-supporting •
structures other than buildings that carry gravity loads and resist
the effects of earthquakes. Nonbuilding structures shall be
designed to provide the strength required to resist the
displacements induced by the minimum lateral forces specified in
this section. Design shall conform to the applicable provisions of
other sections as modified by the provisions contained in Section
1634.
1634.1.2 Criteria. The minimum design seismic forces prescribed •
in this section are at a level that produce displacements in a fixed
base, elastic model of the structure, comparable to those expected
of the real structure when responding to the Design Basis Ground •
Motion. Reductions in these forces using the coefficient R is
permitted where the design of nonbuilding structures provides •
sufficient strength and ductility, consistent with the provisions
specified herein for buildings, to resist the effects of seismic
ground motions as represented by these design forces.
When applicable, design strengths and other detailed design
criteria shall be obtained from other sections or their referenced
standards. The design of nonbuilding structures shall use the •
load combinations or factors specified in Sections 1612.2 or •
1612.3. For nonbuilding structures designed using Sections
1634.3, 1634.4, or 1634.5, the Reliability/Redundancy Factor, ρ ,
may be taken as 1.0.
• Section 1634 – Nonbuilding Structures
Self supporting – supported at grade and receives
geotechnical input directly
Section 1612.2 – Load Combinations Using Strength
Design or Load And Resistance Factor Design
Section 1612.3 – Load combinations Using Allowable
Stress Design
Non building structures must be designed to Section
1634.1 and one of Sections 1634.2, 1634.3, 1634.4, or
1634.5.
• Section 1634.2 – Lateral Force, “Building-Like
Structural Systems”: ρ is determined as for buildings
Section 1634.3 – Rigid Structures: ρ = 1.0
Section 1634.4 – Tanks With Supported Bottoms: ρ =
1.0
• Section 1634.5 – Other Nonbuilding Structures: ρ = 1.0

When applicable design strengths and other design criteria are not
contained in or referenced by this code, such criteria shall be
obtained from approved national standards.

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SECTION 1634 – NONBUILDING STRUCTURES

1634.1.3 Weight W. The weight, W, for nonbuilding structures shall • Section 1630.1.1 – Earthquake loads
include all dead loads as defined for buildings in Section 1630.1.1.
For purposes of calculating design seismic forces in nonbuilding
structures, W shall also include all normal operating contents for
items such as tanks, vessels, bins and piping.
1634.1.4 Period. The fundamental period of the structure shall be • Acceptable to use Section 1630.2.2 – Structure Period
determined by rational methods such as by using Method B in
• Acceptable to use finite element analysis programs that
Section 1630.2.2.
accurately model mass and stiffness
1634.1.5 Drift. The drift limitations of Section 1630.10 need not • Section 1630.1.3 - P∆ Effects
apply to nonbuilding structures. Drift limitations shall be
established for structural or nonstructural elements whose failure • Section 1630.10 – Story Drift Limitations
would cause life hazards. P∆ effects shall be considered for
structures whose calculated drifts exceed the values in Section
1630.1.3.
1634.1.6 Interaction effects. In Seismic Zones 3 and 4, structures • Essentially requires use of use finite element analysis
that support flexible nonstructural elements whose combined programs that accurately model mass and stiffness
weight exceeds 25 percent of the weight of the structure shall be
designed considering interaction effects between the structure
and the supported elements.
1634.2 Lateral Force. Lateral-force procedures for nonbuilding • Table 16-N – Structural Systems
structures with structural systems similar to buildings (those with • Section 1629 – Criteria Selection
structural systems which are listed in Table 16-N) shall be selected
in accordance with the provisions of Section 1629.
EXCEPTION: Intermediate moment-resisting frames (IMRF) may be • Table 16-K Occupancy Category 3 – Special
used in Seismic Zones 3 and 4 for nonbuilding structures in Occupancy Structures
Occupancy Categories 3 and 4 if (1) the structure is less than 50
feet (15,240 mm) in height and (2) the value R used in reducing • Table 16-K Occupancy Category 4 – Standard
calculated member forces and moments does not exceed 2.8. Occupancy Structures

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SECTION 1634 – NONBUILDING STRUCTURES

1634.3 Rigid Structures. Rigid structures (those with period T less
than 0.06 seconds) and their anchorages shall be designed for the
lateral force obtained from Formula (34-1).
V = 0.7C a IW (34-1)
The force V shall be distributed according to the distribution of
mass and shall be assumed to act in any horizontal direction.
1634.4 Tanks With Supported Bottoms. Flat bottom tanks or other • Note the Errata.
tanks with supported bottoms, founded at or below grade, shall be
designed to resist the seismic forces calculated using the • Section 1634 – Nonbuilding Structures
procedures in Section 1632 1634 for rigid structures considering • Does not apply to elevated tanks supported on legs
the entire weight of the tank and its contents. Alternatively, such
tanks may be designed using one of the two procedures described • Does not apply to elevated tanks supported by building
below: structure
1. A response spectrum analysis that includes consideration of • Section 1629.2 – Occupancy Categories
the actual ground motion anticipated at the site and the inertial
effects of the contained fluid. • Section 1629.4 – Site Seismic Hazard Characteristics
2. A design basis prescribed for the particular type of tank by an • Tanks are usually designed to national standards such
approved national standard, provided that the seismic zones and as AWWA D100 or API 650
occupancy categories shall be in conformance with the provisions
of Sections 1629.4 and 1629.2, respectively.

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SECTION 1634 – NONBUILDING STRUCTURES

1634.5 Other Nonbuilding Structures. Nonbuilding structures that • Section 1634.3 – Rigid Structures
are not covered by Sections 1634.3 and 1634.4 shall be designed
to resist design seismic forces not less than those determined in • Section 1634.4 – Tanks With Supported Bottoms
accordance with the provisions in Section 1630 with the following • Section 1630 – Minimum Design Lateral Forces And
additions and exceptions: Related Effects
Cv I
Basic: V = W (30-4)
RT
2.5C a I
Maximum: V = W (30-5)
R
1. The factors R and ΩO shall be as set forth in Table 16-P. The • Eq. 34-2 is 5 times Eq. 30-6.
total design base shear determined in accordance with Section
• Minimum base shear for these structures is higher than
1645.2 1630.2 shall not be less than the following:
for buildings
V = 0.56 Ca I W (34-2)
• Table 16-P – R and Ωo Factors For Nonbuilding
Structures
• Section 1630.2 – Static Force Procedure
Additionally, for Seismic Zone 4, the total base shear shall also not • Eq. 34-2 is 2 times Eq. 30-7.
be less than the following:
• Minimum Zone 4 base shear for these structures is
1 .6 Z N v I higher than for buildings
V= W (34-3)
R

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SECTION 1634 – NONBUILDING STRUCTURES

2. The vertical distribution of the design seismic forces in • Section 1630.5 – Vertical Distribution Of Forces
structures covered by this section may be determined by using
the provisions of Section 1630.5 or by using the procedures of • Section 1631 – Dynamic Analysis Procedures
Section 1631.
EXCEPTION: For irregular structures assigned to Occupancy • Table 16-K Occupancy Category 1 – Essential
Categories 1 and 2 that cannot be modeled as a single mass, the Facilities
procedures of Section 1631 shall be used.
• Table 16-K Occupancy Category 2 – Hazardous
Facilities
• Section 1631 – Dynamic Analysis Procedures
3. Where an approved national standard provides a basis for the • Section 1629.2 – Occupancy Categories
earthquake-resistant design of a particular type of nonbuilding
structure covered by this section, such a standard may be used, • Section 1629.4 – Site Seismic Hazard Characteristics
subject to the limitations in this section:
The seismic zones and occupancy categories shall be in
conformance with the provisions of Sections 1629.4 and 1629.2,
respectively.
The values for total lateral force and total base overturning
moment used in design shall not be less than 80 percent of the
values that would be obtained using these provisions.

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CLASSIFICATION
In order to determine the design earthquake forces for an item, it is first necessary to classify the item in terms of the 1997
UBC and its corresponding design base shear or force equations.

Uniform Building Code-64 November, 2001