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 | Feb 22, 2021
Preservation of Affordable Housing develops climate resilience strategy
Includes backup power for resident and staff “area of refuge”.
Codes and Standards | Feb 18, 2021
Construction industry moves toward comprehensive U.S. BIM standard
NIBS hosts roundtable to create coordinated program to advance collaboration.
Codes and Standards | Feb 17, 2021
Construction on international sports venues is ripe for corruption
Poor planning, complex contracting, a lack of accountability and high levels of collusion to blame.
Codes and Standards | Feb 16, 2021
Feds may fund removal of some urban highways
Senate bill proposes pilot program to reknit communities.
Codes and Standards | Feb 16, 2021
Bechtel joins international heat resilience organization
Experience designing resilience standards to aid effort to protect communities from extreme heat.
Codes and Standards | Feb 10, 2021
More than two-thirds of construction companies say COVID-19 has not impacted their ESOP
Half of survey respondents say 2020 project profitability decreased due to pandemic.
Codes and Standards | Feb 9, 2021
New Jersey approves new electric vehicle-ready home requirement
Homebuyers must be given option for charging station on new construction.
Codes and Standards | Feb 9, 2021
New California law removes barriers to residential development
Measure removes restrictions for ADUs in urban areas and master planned communities.
Codes and Standards | Feb 8, 2021
Alliance yields more accurate data for rating and certifying systems of construction materials
Crosswalk API offers trusted format to specify and procure healthier products.
Codes and Standards | Feb 4, 2021
2021 IBC requires automatic doors for entrances to public buildings
One door must be either a full power-operated door or a low-energy power-operated door.