The current building code (2018 International Building Code) adopted the ASCE 7‐16 Standard from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) for calculating the horizontal seismic load effects for nonstructural components. As a result, the analytical method for horizontal seismic demand determination must be validated in accordance with chapter 13 of ASCE 7‐16. Click to …
Seismic and wind design loads in the International Building Code and ASCE-7 are driven by project-specific parameters. Depending on a building’s use and location, these parameters can differ significantly from those of neighboring structures. Most of these parameters can be found in the basis of design in the structural drawing package, generally on the first …
Factors that Drive Seismic and Wind Design Loads in the IBC Read More »
The computation of wind forces when using the National Building Code of Canada differ from those used by the IBC in that they are wind pressure based, rather than wind speed based. Also, to those of us used to working in I-P units, the input data, which is provided in S-I units, needs to be …
The determination of the design forces used to evaluate restraint capacity in the 2015 CNBC is quite different from the methods used in the IBC Based, U.S. Codes. For people who need to work with the Canadian code, in particular those who might also work with the IBC, these differences can cause confusion. Click to …
Studies of past earthquakes have shown injuries or fatalities, cause costly property damage to buildings and their contents; and force the closure of residential, medical, manufacturing facilities, businesses, and government offices until appropriate repairs are completed. This paper addresses New Equipment Systems and their relationships to Existing Building Structures, New Additions and Change in Occupancy. …
Seismic Code Requirements for New Equipment Systems in Existing Buildings Read More »
Hot piping, whether it is steam or domestic hot water, presents certain problems for the people laying out and installing seismic restraints. In particular, the piping grows in length as it heats up; the higher the temperature, the greater the growth in length. This paper will discuss the basics of dealing with seismic restraints for hot piping.
This paper addresses recommendations for selecting and installing restraints on flexible or flexibly connected piping systems. These systems have the ability to flex significantly when exposed to lateral forces such as those generated by a seismic event. In addition, they can also be pulled apart if subjected to a significant axial load. Because these types …
On the rare occasions that a mechanical engineer asks for advice on roof‐mounted ductwork during the design phase, the first piece of advice might be: don’t do it. Just don’t put the ductwork on the roof. Duct is relatively lightweight with a large face area, especially on main duct lines coming off rooftop equipment. It …
When designing seismic restraints for mechanical and electrical distribution systems, there are exceptions that permit the system to be unrestrained. One of the exceptions that is commonly utilized by designers is what is known as “The 12” Rule”. Click to download
Non‐structural components such as HVAC equipment, pipe, duct, electrical systems, fire protection, etc., are essential for a building to operate as needed during and after an event such as an earthquake or storm. If building equipment or systems fail, the cost in public safety,and economic loss can be beyond the value of the building. To …
Manage Your Risk in Seismic and Wind Design – Use a Qualified Professional Engineer Read More »
