The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) released a document to assist structural designers in meeting building code requirements for low seismic-hazard regions.
The FEMA NEHRP document provides design guidance for ordinary SDC B buildings as denoted in ASCE/SEI 7. FEMA says its document will help designers to meet the code “without wading through the full, complex seismic design process in ASCE/SEI 7.”
Even in areas where seismic activity is low—Seismic Design Category (SDC) B—structural engineers must still complete a full seismic design process to meet building code requirements. Even in these regions, the risk of building damage or collapse is real.
A case in point is the 2011 Mineral, Va., earthquake that shook much of the East Coast and caused significant damage in areas close to the tremor’s origin.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jul 29, 2019
ASCE group unveils structural safety database
Confidential reporting on structural failures, near misses, and other incidents.
Codes and Standards | Jul 26, 2019
Floating landscape infrastructure wins top ASCE innovation prize
Climate resiliency a key theme of entrants.
Codes and Standards | Jul 24, 2019
New York making slow progress on resiliency seven years after Hurricane Sandy
Property owners face many challenges; coastal defense project plans are complex and need more time to plan.
Codes and Standards | Jul 23, 2019
Berkeley, Calif. passes nation’s first ordinance to make new buildings all-electric
No gas hook-ups will be allowed in new houses, apartments, and commercial buildings.
Codes and Standards | Jul 22, 2019
San Francisco office building is city’s first structure certified by BREEAM USA for existing buildings
The Landmark @ One Market is one of San Francisco’s most architecturally distinctive buildings.
Codes and Standards | Jul 16, 2019
ASCE seeks comments on update to Calculation Methods for Structural Fire Protection standard
Pertains to fire resistance rating times.
Codes and Standards | Jul 15, 2019
USGBC calls for proposals for feedback, concepts for next LEED version
The move follows successful public input on LEED 4.1.
AEC Tech | Jul 15, 2019
Lack of standards hampers development of exoskeleton industry
Guidelines, common terminology, and testing methodology are needed, says expert.
Concrete | Jul 8, 2019
Concrete repair code requirements released
American Concrete Institute offers guidance on assessment, repair, rehab of existing concrete structures.
K-12 Schools | Jul 8, 2019
Collaborative for High Performance Schools releases 2019 Core Criteria Version 3.0 Update
The update adds credits to lower carbon footprints and to promote climate change resiliency.