Several significant updates have been added to the new edition of Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures, Standards ASCE/SEI 7-16.
The recently released document helps determine design loads including dead, live, soil, flood, tsunami, snow, rain, atmospheric ice, earthquake, wind, and fire, as well as how to assess load combinations. This new edition of ASCE 7 supersedes ASCE/SEI 7-10.
Significant changes include:
- New seismic maps reflecting the updated National Seismic Hazard Maps
- New wind speed maps, including new Hawaii maps, that result in reduced wind speeds for much of the United States, clarified special wind study zones, and separate Risk Category IV from Category III
- New snow load maps incorporating regional snow data for areas that previously required site-specific case study zones
- Updated rain duration provisions that align design requirements with International Plumbing Code provisions for drainage
- Entirely new chapter covering tsunami design provisions, which are important to Alaska, Hawaii, California, Oregon, and Washington
- New appendix provisions for fire design
Structural engineers, architects, and those engaged in preparing and administering local building codes should consult the updated code. To purchase online, visit the ASCE Bookstore.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Dec 7, 2016
U.S. lumber industry pushes for import duties on Canadian softwood
The industry claims the product is being sold below fair market value.
Codes and Standards | Dec 5, 2016
International Construction Measurement Standards draft released
The goal is to improve consistency for calculating costs and reducing risk.
Codes and Standards | Dec 2, 2016
D.C. Council passes bill to reduce number of blighted properties
The new legislation reduces the amount of time a vacant property can qualify for a lower tax rate.
Codes and Standards | Dec 1, 2016
Passive House standard gaining influence in commercial sector
Some industry watchers predict it will become the base building code.
Codes and Standards | Nov 30, 2016
Researchers finding solutions to bird/building collisions
Glass facades pose a serious risk to birds and cause millions of avian deaths each year.
Codes and Standards | Nov 29, 2016
New OSHA rules to reduce fall and trip hazards
Employers can choose from a variety of fall protection systems.
Codes and Standards | Nov 29, 2016
Seattle imposes new construction regulation to address rat problem
The city ranks first in U.S. in rat population.
Codes and Standards | Nov 28, 2016
Construction groups sue New York City over crane safety regulation
The rule bans cranes from operating when wind exceeds 30 mph.
Codes and Standards | Nov 28, 2016
Marines plan first net zero energy military base
The Albany, Ga., site will have ground source heat pumps and a biomass generator.
Codes and Standards | Nov 18, 2016
Mahesh Ramanujam takes reins as U.S. Green Building Council President and CEO
Ramanujam brings his tech and business consulting background to the post.