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 13, 2015
Los Angeles launches ‘Drop 100′ campaign to reduce water use in commercial buildings
Goal is to save 100 million gallons annually.
Codes and Standards | Dec 1, 2015
More than 50 design, construction, and real estate firms urge action on climate change
Call for policymakers to move on one of the ‘greatest economic opportunities of the 21st Century’
Codes and Standards | Oct 26, 2015
Chicago suburb considers bird collision deterrent requirement on all new buildings
The rule would mandate that new commercial, multifamily structures comply with LEED pilot program.
Codes and Standards | Oct 16, 2015
Anchorage may raise building height restrictions that would block precious winter sunlight
Controversial measure is part of plan to spur development.
Codes and Standards | Oct 16, 2015
Appellate court enacts nationwide stay on controversial expansion of Clean Water Act
New EPA rule suspended until court cases settled.
Codes and Standards | Oct 9, 2015
New California law means commercial building benchmarking program will be implemented
Multifamily housing to be included, a first for a U.S. state.
Codes and Standards | Oct 2, 2015
New ASHRAE guideline for commissioning existing systems and assemblies
Focuses on optimum facility and system operation.
Codes and Standards | Sep 18, 2015
New RELi standard addresses disaster resilience
Based on LEED model, may help lower insurance rates
Building Materials | Aug 28, 2015
Structural steel buildings specification available for second public review
Next year's specification open for comments until Sept. 21
Energy Efficiency | Aug 28, 2015
North American Passive House Network e-book explains Passivhaus, net-zero techniques
Free guide includes spotlight on individual projects