11) Building Code of Pakistan

BCP
SP-2007 Dedication
This Code is dedicated to the memory of thousands of

children, women and men lost in the earthquake of
October 2005
BCP
SP-2007
Preface
PREFACE
Introduction
The devastating earthquake of October 08, 2005 made it abundantly clear that earthquake
provisions of the Pakistan Building Code 1986 need to be comprehensively bolstered so that public Formatted: Font color: Black, Highlight
health and safety for all communities are ensured. This has been encapsulated in these “Seismic Formatted: Font color: Yellow
Provisions”. The thrustobjective of these provisions is to establish minimum regulations for
earthquake considerations in building systems.
These Seismic Provisions in the Pakistan Building Code are founded on broad-based principles
that make possible the use of new materials and new construction systems possible.
The Seismic Provisions are compatible with the Uniform Building Code 1997 (of USA), the
American Concrete Institute ACI 318–05, American Institute of Steel Construction ANSI/AISC
341–05, American Society of Civil Engineers SEI/ASCE 7–05 and ANSI/ASCE 7–93. Revisions
to these provisions will be madedone every three years, which will allow updating the provisions
of this code continually. This will ensure a debate to make the provisions of the code continuously
relevant.
Development
Like the Pakistan Building Code 1986, tThe Ministry of Housing & Works (MOHW) Government
of Pakistan (GOP) assigned the task of developing the Seismic Provisions to the National
Engineering Services Pakistan (Pvt.) Limited (NESPAK). NESPAK submitted variousdifferent
drafts for scrutiny to an Experts Committee formed by the MOHW. NESPAK worked in close
collaboration with International Code Council (ICC), USA. The final draft was sent to the Pakistan
Engineering Council (PEC) for vetting. NESPAK worked in close collaboration with International
Code Council (ICC), USA. PEC formed a “Core Group” of individuals drawn from across the
country, representing various stakeholders. It was this Core Group that held intimate deliberations
with experts from NESPAK and gave final shape to the document.
While these code provisions protect public health, safety and welfare, it has been ensured that Formatted: Highlight
these do not unnecessarily increase costs or restrict the use of new materials and technology.
Maintenance
The Seismic Provisions of the code shall be kept updated to date with the revisions suggested by a
standing committee working under the aegis of the MOHW. This committee will hold
discussionsinteract with representatives from industry, engineering professionals and other
stakeholders in an open code development process before any change is suggested.
Waiver
While utmost care was taken by members that contributed in developing these provisions of the
code, the individuals and their organizations accept no liability resulting from the compliance or
noncompliance by practitioners. The power to ensure compliance vests only with the Government
of Pakistan.
i
BCP
SP-2007
Acknowledgements
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
A document as important and detailed as code has input from many individuals. While it is not
possible to acknowledge everyone’s effort here, it is important to list those whose input was
critical.
A. Ministry of Housing & Works Experts Committee
1. Mr. Abdur Rauf Chaudhry

Secretary
2. Mr. Dildar Ahmad Bhatti

Joint Engineering Advisor
3. Mr. Shahid Hameed

Director General
4. Mr. Muzaffar Hussain Manjai

Chief Engineer, Pak PWD
B. PEC’s Core Group
1. Engr. Imtiaz Hussain Gillani (Convenor)

Vice Chancellor
NWFP University of Engineering and Technology, Peshawar
2. Engr. Dr. Sahibzada Farooq Ahmad Rafeeqi

Dean of Civil Engineering & Architecture,
NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi
3. Engr. Brig. (R) Dr. Khaliq-ur-Rashid Kayani

National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Islamabad
4. Engr. Dr. Qaisar Ali

NWFP University of Engineering and Technology, Peshawar
5. Engr. Brig Dr. Khaliq ur Rehman Shad

National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Islamabad
6. Prof. Dr. Sarosh H. Lodi

Chairman Department of Civil Engineering
NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi
7. Engr. Dr. Syed Abul Khair Masroor

Consultant, Karachi
8. Dr. M. Asif Khan

Director, Centre of Excellence in Geology
University of Peshawar
9. Dr. Muhammad Qaiser

Director Micro Seismic Studies Programme
Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, Islamabad
ii
BCP
SP-2007
Acknowledgements
C. NESPAK Team of Experts
1. Engr. Jahangir Akhtar

Vice President
2. Engg. Geol. Muhammad Ilyas

Vice President
3. Engr. Mumtaz Javed Shabbir

General Manager/Head
4. Mr. Muhammad Javed

Chief Geophysicist
5. Engg. Geol. Basit Masud

Chief Geologist
6. Engr. Sohail Kibriya

Chief Engineer
7. Engr. Ijaz Shafi

General Manager
8. Engr. Shaukat Qadeer

Principal Engineer
9. Engr. Asher Sharif

Principal Engineer
D. International Code Council (ICC) Team
1. Dr. S. K. Ghosh
Structural Engineer/Code Expert
2. Dr. E. V. Leyendecker
Seismology Expert
3. Ms. Sylvana Ricciarini

Coordinator/ Director International Operations
E. American Concrete Institute
1. Dr. Shuaib Ahmad
iii
BCP
SP-2007 Source Documents
SOURCE DOCUMENTS
a) CHAPTER 4 Soils and Foundations
Based on UBC (1997), Uniform Building Code, copyrighted

material owned by International Code Council.
Portions copyrighted © 1997-2007 International Code
Council. All rights reserved.
b) CHAPTER 5 Structural Design Requirements

c) CHAPTER 6 Structural Tests and Inspections

d) CHAPTER 7 Reinforced Concrete
ACI (2005), Building Code Requirements for Structural

Concrete, ACI 318-05, American Concrete Institute,
Farmington Hills, MI.
Portions copyrighted © American Concrete Institute. All
rights reserved.
e) CHAPTER 8 Structural Steel
ANSI/AISC 341-05, Seismic Provisions for Structural Steel

Buildings, American Institute of Steel Construction, Inc.,
Chicago, IL.
Portions copyrighted © American Institute of Steel
Construction. All rights reserved.
f) CHAPTER 9 Masonry
- Based on UBC (1997), Uniform Building Code,

copyrighted material owned by International Code
Council.
iv
BCP
SP-2007 Source Documents

- IAEE (1986), Guidelines for earthquake resistant non-

engineered construction, International Association for
Earthquake Engineering, Japan.
g) CHAPTER 10 Architectural Elements
- ASCE (1993), Minimum Design Loads for Building and

Other Structures, ANSI/ASCE 7-93, American Society of
Civil Engineers, Reston, VA.

Other Structures, ASCE/SEI 7-05, American Society of
h) CHAPTER 11 Mechanical and Electrical Systems

Other Structures, ANSI/ASCE 7-93, American Society of

Other Structures, ASCE/SEI 7-05, American Society of
v
BCP
SP-2007 Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREFACE i
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ii
SOURCE DOCUMENTS iv
CHAPTER 1: SCOPE
1.1 Objective and General Principles 1-1

1.2 Scope 1-1
CHAPTER 2: SEISMIC HAZARD
2.1 Scope 2-1

2.2 Design Basis Ground Motion 2-1
2.3 Seismic Zones 2-1
2.4 Site-specific Hazard Analysis 2-1
2.5 Modeling of Ground Motion 2-1
CHAPTER 3: SITE CONSIDERATIONS
3.1 Scope 3-1

3.2 Potential Fault Rupture Hazard 3-1
3.3 Potential Liquefaction 3-1
3.4 Potential Landslide and Slope Instability 3-1
3.5 Sensitive Clays 3-1
CHAPTER 4: SOILS AND FOUNDATIONS
4.1 Symbols and Notations 4-1

4.2 Scope 4-1
4.3 Determination of Soil Conditions 4-1
4.3.1 Site Geology and Soil Characteristics 4-1
4.4 Soil Profile types 4-1
4.4.1 Scope 4-1
4.4.2 Definitions 4-1
4.5 Foundations Construction in Seismic Zones 3 and 4 4-3
4.5.1 General 4-3
4.5.2 Soil Capacity 4-3
4.5.3 Superstructure to Foundation Connection 4-4
4.5.4 Foundation Soil Interface 4-4
4.5.5 Special Requirements for Piles and Caissons 4-4
CHAPTER 5: STRUCTURAL DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
DIVISION-I General Design Requirements

5.2 Scope 5-1
5.3 Definitions 5-1
5.4 Standards 5-2
5.5 Design 5-2
vi
BCP
5.5.1 General 5-2

5.5.2 Rationality 5-2
5.5.3 Erection of Structural Framing 5-3
5.6 Dead Loads 5-3
5.6.1 General 5-3
5.6.2 Partition Loads 5-3
5.7 Live Loads 5-3
5.7.1 General 5-3
5.7.2 Critical Distribution of Live Loads 5-3
5.7.3 Floor Live Loads 5-3
5.7.4 Roof Live Loads 5-4
5.7.5 Reduction of Live Loads 5-5
5.7.6 Alternate Floor Live Load Reduction 5-6
5.8 Snow Loads 5-6
5.9 Wind Loads 5-6
5.10 Earthquake Loads 5-6
5.11 Other Minimum Loads 5-6
5.11.1 General 5-6
5.11.2 Other Loads 5-6
5.11.3 Impact Loads 5-7
5.11.4 Anchorage of Concrete and Masonry Walls 5-7
5.11.5 Interior Wall Loads 5-7
5.11.6 Retaining Walls 5-7
5.11.7 Water Accumulation 5-7
5.11.8 Hydrostatic Uplift 5-7
5.11.9 Flood-resistant Construction 5-7
5.11.10 Heliport and Helistop Landing Areas 5-7
5.11.11 Prefabricated Construction 5-8
5.12 Combinations of Loads 5-8
5.12.1 General 5-8
5.12.2 Load Combinations Using Strength Design or Load and 5-8
Resistance Factor Design
5.12.3 Load Combinations Using Allowable Stress Design 5-9
5.12.4 Special Seismic Load Combinations 5-9
5.13 Deflection 5-9
DIVISION-II Snow Loads
5.14 Snow Loads 5-10
DIVISION-III Wind Design

5.16 General 5-11
5.17 Definitions 5-11
5.18 Basic Wind Speed 5-12
5.19 Exposure 5-12
5.20 Design Wind Pressures 5-12
5.21 Primary Frames and Systems 5-12
5.21.1 General 5-12
5.21.2 Method 1 (Normal Force Method) 5-12
5.21.3 Method 2 (Projected Area Method) 5-13
5.22 Elements and Components of Structure 5-13
5.23 Open Frame Towers 5-13
5.24 Miscellaneous Structures 5-13
vii
BCP
5.25 Occupancy Categories 5-13
DIVISION-IV Earthquake Design

5.27 General 5-15
5.27.1 Purpose 5-15
5.27.2 Minimum Seismic Design 5-15
5.27.3 Seismic and Wind Design 5-15
5.28 Definitions 5-15
5.29 Criteria Selection 5-18
5.29.1 Basis for Design 5-18
5.29.2 Occupancy Categories 5-19
5.29.3 Site Geology and Soil Characteristics 5-19
5.29.4 Site Seismic Hazard Characteristics 5-19
5.29.5 Configuration Requirements 5-20
5.29.6 Structural Systems 5-20
5.29.7 Height Limits 5-21
5.29.8 Selection of Lateral-Force Procedure 5-21
5.29.9 System Limitations 5-22
5.29.10 Alternative Procedures 5-22
5.30 Minimum Design Lateral Forces and Related Effects 5-22
5.30.1 Earthquake Loads and Modeling Requirements 5-22
5.30.2 Static Force Procedure 5-24
5.30.3 Determination of Seismic Factors 5-26
5.30.4 Combinations of Structural Systems 5-26
5.30.5 Vertical Distribution of Force 5-27
5.30.6 Horizontal Distribution of Shear 5-28
5.30.7 Horizontal Torsional Moments 5-28
5.30.8 Overturning 5-29
5.30.9 Drift 5-29
5.30.10 Storey Drift Limitation 5-30
5.30.11 Vertical Component 5-30
5.31 Dynamic Analysis Procedure 5-31
5.31.1 General 5-31
5.31.2 Ground Motion 5-31
5.31.3 Mathematical Model 5-31
5.31.4 Description of Analysis Procedures 5-32
5.31.5 Response Spectrum Analysis 5-32
5.31.6 Time-history Analysis 5-33
5.32 Lateral Force on Elements of Structures, Nonstructural Components
and Equipment Supported by Structures 5-34
5.32.1 General 5-34
5.32.2 Design for Total Lateral Force 5-34
5.32.3 Specifying Lateral Forces 5-35
5.32.4 Relative Motion of Equipment Attachments 5-35
5.32.5 Alternative Designs 5-35
5.33 Detailed Systems Design Requirements 5-35
5.33.1 General 5-35
5.33.2 Structural Framing Systems 5-36
5.34 Nonbuilding Structures 5-40
5.34.1 General 5-40
5.34.2 Lateral Force 5-41
5.34.3 Rigid Structures 5-41
5.34.4 Tanks with Supported Bottoms 5-41
viii
BCP
5.34.5 Other Nonbuilding Structures 5-41

5.35 Earthquake-Recording Instrumentations 5-42
5.35.1 General 5-42
5.35.2 Location 5-42
5.35.3 Maintenance 5-42
5.35.4 Instrumentation of Existing Buildings 5-42
CHAPTER 6: STRUCTURAL TESTS AND INSPECTIONS
6.1 Special Inspections 6-1

6.1.1 General 6-1
6.1.2 Special Inspector 6-1
6.1.3 Duties and Responsibilities of the Special Inspector 6-1
6.1.4 Standards of Quality 6-1
6.1.5 Types of Work 6-2
6.1.6 Continuous and Periodic Special Inspection 6-5
6.1.7 Approved Fabricators 6-5
6.2 Structural Observation 6-5
6.3 Nondestructive Testing 6-6
6.4 Prefabricated Construction 6-7
6.4.1 General 6-7
6.4.2 Tests of Materials 6-7
6.4.3 Tests of Assemblies 6-7
6.4.4 Connections 6-7
6.4.5 Pipes and Conduits 6-7
6.4.6 Certificate and Inspection 6-8
CHAPTER 7: STRUCTURAL CONCRETE

7.2 Definitions 7-3
7.3 General Requirements 7-5
7.3.1 Scope 7-5
7.3.2 Analysis and Proportioning of Structural Members 7-5
7.3.3 Strength Reduction Factors 7-6
7.3.4 Concrete in Members Resisting Earthquake Induced Forces 7-6
7.3.5 Reinforcement in Members Resisting Earthquake-
Induced Forces 7-6
7.3.6 Welded Splices 7-6
7.3.7 Anchoring to Concrete 7-6
7.4 Flexural Members of Special Moment Frames 7-6
7.4.1 Scope 7-6
7.4.2 Longitudinal Reinforcement 7-7
7.4.3 Transverse Reinforcement 7-7
7.4.4 Shear Strength Requirements 7-8
7.5 Special Moment Frame Members Subjected to Bending and Axial Load 7-8
7.5.1 Scope 7-8
7.5.2 Minimum Flexural Strength of Columns 7-8
7.5.3 Longitudinal Reinforcement 7-9
7.5.5 Shear Strength Requirements 7-11
7.6 Joints of Special Moment Frames 7-11
7.6.1 General Requirements 7-11
ix
BCP
7.6.3 Shear Strength 7-12

7.6.4 Development Length of Bars in Tension 7-12
7.7 Special Moment Frames constructed using Precast Concrete 7-13
7.8 Special Reinforced Concrete Structural Walls and Coupling Beams 7-13
7.8.1 Scope 7-13
7.8.2 Reinforcement 7-14
7.8.3 Design Forces 7-14
7.8.5 Design for Flexure and Axial Loads 7-15
7.8.6 Boundary Elements of Special Reinforced Concrete 7-15
Structural Walls
7.8.7 Coupling Beams 7-16
7.8.8 Construction Joints 7-17
7.8.9 Discontinuous Walls 7-17
7.9 Special Structural Walls Constructed using Precast Concrete 7-17
7.9.1 Cast-in-place Composite-topping Slab Diaphragms 7-17
7.10 Structural Diaphragms and Trusses 7-17
7.10.1 Scope 7-17
7.10.2 Cast-in-place Composite-topping Slab Diaphragms 7-17
7.10.3 Cast-in-place Topping Slab Diaphragms 7-17
7.10.4 Minimum Thickness of Diaphragms 7-17
7.10.5 Reinforcement 7-18
7.10.6 Design Forces 7-18
7.10.8 Boundary Elements of Structural Diaphragms 7-19
7.11 Foundations 7-19
7.11.1 Scope 7-19
7.11.2 Footings, Foundation Mats, and Pile Caps 7-19
7.11.3 Grade Beams and Slabs on Grade 7-20
7.11.4 Piles, Piers and Caissons 7-20
7.12 Members not Designated as Part of the Lateral-force-resisting System 7-20
7.13 Requirements for Intermediate Moment Frames 7-21
7.14 Intermediate Precast Structural Walls 7-23
CHAPTER 8: STRUCTURAL STEEL
8.1 Symbols & Notations 8-1
DIVISION-I Structural Steel Buildings
8.2 Definitions 8-5

8.3. Scope 8-9
8.4. Loads, Load Combinations, and Nominal Strengths 8-9
8.4.1. Loads and Load Combinations 8-9
8.4.2. Nominal Strength 8-9
8.5. Structural Design Drawings and Specifications, Shop Drawings,
and Erection Drawings 8-10
8.5.1. Structural Design Drawings and Specifications 8-10
8.5.2. Shop Drawings 8-10
8.5.3. Erection Drawings 8-10
8.6. Materials 8-10
8.6.1. Material Specifications 8-10
8.6.2. Material Properties for Determination of Required
Strength of Members and Connections 8-11
8.6.3. Heavy Section CVN Requirements 8-11
x
BCP
8.7. Connections, Joints, and Fasteners 8-12

8.7.1. Scope 8-12
8.7.2. Bolted Joints 8-12
8.7.3. Welded Joints 8-12
8.7.4. Protected Zone 8-13
8.7.5. Continuity Plates and Stiffeners 8-13
8.8. Members 8-14
8.8.1. Scope 8-14
8.8.2. Classification of Sections for Local Buckling 8-14
8.8.3. Column Strength 8-14
8.8.4. Column Splices 8-14
8.8.5. Column Bases 8-15
8.8.6. H-Piles 8-16
8.9. Special Moment Frames (SMF) 8-17
8.9.1. Scope 8-17
8.9.2. Beam-to-Column Connections 8-17
8.9.3. Panel Zone of Beam-to-Column Connections
(beam web parallel to column web) 8-18
8.9.4. Beam and Column Limitations 8-19
8.9.5. Continuity Plates 8-19
8.9.6. Column-Beam Moment Ratio 8-19
8.9.7. Lateral Bracing at Beam-to-Column Connections 8-21
8.9.8. Lateral Bracing of Beams 8-21
8.10. Intermediate Moment Frames (IMF) 8-22
8.10.1. Scope 8-22

8.11. Ordinary Moment Frames (OMF) 8-24
8.11.1. Scope 8-24
8.12. Special Truss Moment Frames (STMF) 8-27
8.12.1. Scope 8-27
8.12.2. Special Segment 8-27
8.12.3. Strength of Special Segment Members 8-27
8.12.4. Strength of Non-Special Segment Members 8-28
8.12.5. Width-Thickness Limitations 8-28
8.12.6. Lateral Bracing 8-28
8.13. Special Concentrically Braced Frames (SCBF) 8-28
xi
BCP
8.13.1. Scope 8-28

8.13.2. Members 8-29
8.13.3. Required Strength of Bracing Connections 8-30
8.13.4. Special Bracing Configuration Requirements 8-30
8.14. Ordinary Concentrically Braced Frames (OCBF) 8-31
8.14.1. Scope 8-31
8.14.2. Bracing Members 8-31
8.14.3. Special Bracing Configuration Requirements 8-31
8.14.4. Bracing Connections 8-32
8.14.5. OCBF above Seismic Isolation Systems 8-32
8.15. Eccentrically Braced Frames (EBF) 8-32
8.15.1. Scope 8-32
8.15.2. Links 8-32
8.15.3. Link Stiffeners 8-34
8.15.4. Link-to-Column Connections 8-34
8.15.5. Lateral Bracing of Link 8-35
8.15.6. Diagonal Brace and Beam Outside of Link 8-35
8.15.8. Required Strength of Columns 8-36
8.15.10. Demand Critical Welds 8-36
8.16. Buckling-Restrained Braced Frames (BRBF) 8-36
8.16.1. Scope 8-36
8.16.2. Bracing Members 8-36
8.16.3. Bracing Connections 8-38
8.16.4. Special Requirements Related to Bracing Configuration 8-38
8.16.5. Beams and Columns 8-39
8.17. Special Plate Shear Walls (SPSW) 8-39
8.17.1. Scope 8-39
8.17.2. Webs 8-39
8.17.3. Connections of Webs to Boundary Elements 8-40
8.17.4. Horizontal and Vertical Boundary Elements 8-40
8.18. Quality Assurance Plan 8-41
8.18.1. Scope 8-41
DIVISION-II Composite Structural Steel and

Reinforced Concrete Buildings
8.19. Definitions 8-42

8.20. Scope 8-43
8.21. General Seismic Design Requirements 8-44
8.22. Loads, Load Combinations, and Nominal Strengths 8-44
8.22.1. Loads and Load Combinations 8-44
8.22.2. Nominal Strength 8-44
8.23. Materials 8-45
8.23.1. Structural Steel 8-45
8.23.2. Concrete and Steel Reinforcement 8-45
8.24. Composite Members 8-45
8.24.1. Scope 8-45
8.24.2. Composite Floor and Roof Slabs 8-45
8.24.3. Composite Beams 8-45
xii
BCP
8.24.4. Encased Composite Columns 8-45

8.24.5. Filled Composite Columns 8-48
8.25. Composite Connections 8-49
8.25.1. Scope 8-49
8.25.2. General Requirements 8-49
8.25.3. Nominal Strength of Connections 8-49
8.26. Composite Partially Restrained (PR) Moment Frames (C-PRMF) 8-51
8.26.1. Scope 8-51
8.26.2. Columns 8-51
8.26.3. Composite Beams 8-51
8.26.4. Moment Connections 8-51
8.27 Composite Special Moment Frames (C-SMF) 8-51
8.27.1. Scope 8-51
8.27.2. Columns 8-51
8.27.3. Beams 8-51
8.28. Composite Intermediate Moment Frames (C-IMF) 8-53
8.28.1. Scope 8-53
8.28.2. Columns 8-53
8.28.3. Beams 8-53
8.29. Composite Ordinary Moment Frames (C-OMF) 8-53
8.29.1. Scope 8-53
8.29.2. Columns 8-53
8.29.3. Beams 8-53
8.30. Composite Special Concentrically Braced Frames (C-CBF) 8-54
8.30.1. Scope 8-54
8.30.2. Columns 8-54
8.30.3. Beams 8-54
8.30.4. Braces 8-54
8.30.5. Connections 8-54
8.31. Composite Ordinary Braced Frames (C-OBF) 8-54
8.31.1. Scope 8-54
8.31.2. Columns 8-54
8.31.3. Beams 8-55
8.31.4. Braces 8-55
8.32. Composite Eccentrically Braced Frames (C-EBF) 8-55
8.32.1. Scope 8-55
8.32.2. Columns 8-55
8.32.3. Links 8-55
8.32.4. Braces 8-56
8.33. Ordinary Reinforced Concrete Shear Walls Composite with
Structural Steel Elements (C-ORCW) 8-56
8.33.1. Scope 8-56
8.33.2. Boundary Members 8-56
8.33.3. Steel Coupling Beams 8-56
8.33.4. Encased Composite Coupling Beams 8-57
8.34. Special Reinforced Concrete Shear Walls Composite with
Structural Steel Elements (C-SRCW) 8-57
8.34.1. Scope 8-57
xiii
BCP
8.34.3. Steel Coupling Beams 8-58

8.34.4. Encased Composite Coupling Beams 8-58
8.35. Composite Steel Plate Shear Walls (C-SPW) 8-58
8.35.1. Scope 8-58
8.35.2. Wall Elements 8-58
8.35.4. Openings 8-59
8.36. Structural Design Drawings and Specifications, Shop Drawings,
and Erection Drawings 8-59
8.37. Quality Assurance Plan 8-59
CHAPTER 9: MASONRY

9.2 Scope 9-3
9.2.1 Design Methods 9-3
9.3 Definitions 9-4
9.4 Material Standards 9-6
9.4.1 Quality 9-6
9.4.2 Standards of Quality 9-6
9.4.3 Mortar and Grout 9-8
9.4.4 Mortar 9-8
9.4.5 Grout 9-8
9.4.6 Additives and Admixtures 9-8
9.4.7 Construction 9-9
9.4.8 Cold-weather Construction 9-9
9.4.9 Placing Masonry Units 9-10
9.4.10 Reinforcement Placing 9-11
9.4.11 Grouted Masonry 9-11
9.4.12 Aluminum Equipment 9-12
9.4.13 Joint Reinforcement 9-12
9.5 Quality Assurance 9-12
9.5.1 General 9-12
9.5.2 Scope 9-12
9.5.3 Compliance with f 'm 9-13
9.5.4 Mortar Testing 9-15
9.5.5 Grout Testing 9-15
9.6 General Design Requirements 9-15
9.6.1 General. 9-15
9.6.2 Working Stress Design and Strength Design
Requirements for Unreinforced and Reinforced Masonry. 9-19
9.6.3 Working Stress Design and Strength Design
Requirements for Reinforced Masonry 9-22
9.7 Working Stress Design of Masonry 9-24
9.7.1 General. 9-24
9.7.2 Design of Reinforced Masonry 9-26
9.7.3 Design of Unreinforced Masonry 9-32
9.8 Strength Design of Masonry 9-34
9.8.1 General 9-34
9.8.2 Reinforced Masonry 9-37
9.9 Empirical Design 9-50
9.9.1 Scope 9-50
9.9.2 Materials 9-50
9.9.3 Masonry with Seismic Bands 9-52
9.9.4 Confined Masonry 9-53
xiv
BCP
9.9.5 Reinforced Masonry 9-57
CHAPTER 10: ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS

10.2 Seismic Loads Applied to Architectural Components 10-1
10.2.1 Component Force Application 10-1
10.2.2 Component Force Transfer 10-1
10.2.3 Architectural Component Deformation 10-1
10.2.4 Out-of-Plane Bending 10-1
10.3 Suspended Ceilings 10-2
10.3.1 Seismic Forces 10-2
10.3.2 Integral Construction 10-2
10.3.3 Access Floors 10-2
10.4 Partitions 10-3
10.4.1 General 10-3
10.4.2 Glass in Glazed Curtain Walls, Glazed Storefronts and 10-3
Glazed Partitions
CHAPTER 11: MECHANICAL & ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

11.2 Seismic Loads applied to Mechanical and Electrical Components 11-1
11.2.1 Component Force Application 11-1
11.2.2 Component Force Transfer 11-2
11.2.3 Component Period 11-2
11.2.4 Component Attachment 11-2
11.3 Elevator Design Requirements 11-2
REFERENCES
APPENDIX-A BACKGROUND FOR SEISMIC ZONING MAP
A.1 Symbols and Notations A-1

A.2 Overview A-1
A.2.1 General A-1
A.2.2 Major Faults of Pakistan A-1
A.2.3 Seismicity A-2
A.3 Seismic Hazard Evaluation Procedure A-3
A.3.1 PSHA Methodology A-3
A.3.2 Source Modeling – Area and Fault Seismic Sources A-3
A.3.3 Earthquake Recurrence Model A-4
A.3.4 Maximum Magnitude A-5
A.3.5 Attenuation Equations A-5
A.3.6 Results of PSHA A-5
xv
BCP
SP-2007 CH-01
CHAPTER 1
SCOPE
1.1 Objective and General Principles
The objective of the provisions described in this code is to prescribe the minimum
requirements for the earthquake design and construction of buildings and building-like structures
and/or their components subjected to earthquake ground motions.
1.2 Scope
1.2.1 Requirements of these provisions shall be applicable to reinforced concrete, steel and
masonry buildings and building-like structures.
1.2.2 In addition to the buildings and building-like structures, non-building structures permitted to
be designed in accordance with the requirements of these provisions are limited to those specified in
Chapter 5.
In this context bridges, dams, harbor structures, tunnels, pipelines, power transmission lines, power
generation plants including hydro, thermal and nuclear power plants, gas storage facilities, special
defense installations, underground structures and other structures designed with analysis and safety
requirements that are different than those for buildings are outside the scope of this code.
1.2.3 Requirements of these provisions shall not be applied to the buildings equipped with special
systems and equipment between foundation and soil for the purpose of isolation of building structural
system from the earthquake motion, and to the buildings incorporating other active or passive control
systems.
1.2.4 Provisions to be applied to structures which are outside the scope of these provisions, shall be
specifically determined by the Departments/Autonomous Organizations supervising the construction
of such structures.
4-1
BCP
SP-2007 CH-02
CHAPTER 2
SEISMIC HAZARD
2.1 Scope
This Chapter defines the minimum seismic hazard that has to be considered for the design of buildings.
2.2 Design Basis Ground Motion
Unless otherwise required, buildings shall be designed for a level of earthquake ground motion that has
a 10% probability of exceedance in 50 years.
2.3 Seismic Zones
For the purpose of seismic design of buildings, Pakistan has been divided into five zones. These zones
are based on the peak ground acceleration ranges summarized in Table 2.1.
The seismic zoning map of Pakistan is given in Figure 2.1. The province/area-wise enlargements of the
seismic zoning map of Pakistan are shown in Figures 2.2 to 2.5.
Table 2.2 lists the seismic zones for all tehsils of the country.
The background for development of seismic zoning map of Pakistan is given in Appendix A.
2.4 Site-specific Hazard Analysis
The requirements of the seismic zoning map shall be superseded if a site-specific hazard analysis,
probabilistic, deterministic or both, is carried out for a building or structure.
2.5 Modeling of Ground Motion
The results of site-specific seismic hazard analysis may be represented by response spectra and
acceleration-time histories. The pertinent details are included in Chapter 5.
2- 1
BCP
SP-2007 CH-02
Table 2.1 - Seismic Zones
Seismic Zone Peak Horizontal

Ground Acceleration
1 0.05 to 0.08g
2A 0.08 to 0.16g
2B 0.16 to 0.24g
3 0.24 to 0.32g
4 > 0.32g
Where “g” is the acceleration due to gravity.
The acceleration values are for rock site condition with shear wave velocity of
760 m/sec (Soil profile type SB).
For seismic zone factors, refer Table 5.9.
2-2
BCP
SP-2007 CH-02
Table 2.2 - Seismic Zones of Tehsils of Pakistan
Tehsil Seismic Tehsil Seismic Tehsil Seismic

Zone Zone Zone
Balochistan
Awaran 2B Kachhi/Gandawa 2B Loralai/Bori 3
Jhal Jao 3 Jhal Magsi 2B Duki 3
Mshki (S/T) 3 Mirpur (S/T) 2B Mekhtar (S/T) 3
Barkhan 3 Kalat 3 Mastung 3
Bela 2B Gazg (S/T) 3 Dasht 3
Dureji 2B Johan (S/T) 3 Khad Koocha (S/T) 3
Gadani (S/T) 2B Mangochar (S/T) 3 Kirdgap (S/T) 3
Hub 2B Surab 2B Musakhel 3
Kanraj 2B Kech 2B Kingri (S/T) 3
Lakhra 2B Balnigor (S/T) 2B Nasirabad/Chattar 3
Liari (S/T) 2B Buleda (S/T) 2B D.M. Jamali 2B
Sonmiani/Winder 2B Dasht (S/T) 3 Tamboo 3
Uthal 2B Hoshab (S/T) 2B Panjgur 2B
Bolan/Dhadar 3 Mand (S/T) 2B Gichk (S/T) 2B
Balanari (S/T) 3 Tump 2B Gowargo 2A
Bhag 3 Zamuran (S/T) 2B Parome (S/T) 2B
Khattan (S/T) 3 Kharan 3 Pishin 4
Mach 3 Besima (S/T) 2B Barshore (S/T) 3
Sani (S/T) 3 Mashkhel (S/T) 2A Bostan (S/T) 4
Chagai (S/T) 2A Nag (S/T) 2B Hurramzai (S/T) 4
Dalbandin 2A Wasuk (S/T) 2B Karezat (S/T) 4
Nokundi (S/T) 2A Khuzdar 2B Quetta 3
Nushki 4 Aranji (S/T) 2B Panjpai (S/T) 3
Taftan 2A Karakh (S/T) 2B Sibi 3
Dera Bugti 3 Moola (S/T) 2B Kutmandai (S/T) 3
Baiker (S/T) 3 Nal (S/T) 3 Lehri 3
Loti 3 Ornach (S/T) 3 Sangan (S/T) 3
Malam (S/T) 3 Saroona (S/T) 2B Ziarat 4
Phelawagh 3 Wadh (S/T) 2B Harnai 3
Pir Koh (S/T) 3 Zehri 2B Sinjawi (S/T) 4
Sangsillah (S/T) 3 Killa Abdullah 3 Zhob 3
Sui 3 Chaman 3 Ashwat (S/T) 2B
Gwadar 3 Dobandi (S/T) 3 Qamar Din Karez 2B
Jiwani 2B Gulistan (S/T) 3 Sambaza (S/T) 3
Ormara 3 Killa Saifullah 3 Sherani (S/T) 3
Pasni 3 Baddini (S/T) 3
Suntsar (S/T) 2B Loiband (S/T) 3
Jaffarabad/Jhat Pat 2B Muslim Bagh 4
Gandaka (S/T) 2B Kohlu 3
Panhwar (S/T) 2B Kahan 3
Usta Mohammad 2B Mawand 3
2-3
BCP
SP-2007 CH-02

Zone Zone Zone
NWFP / FATA
Abbottabad 3 Hangu 2B Mir Ali 2B
Bajaur Haripur 2B Miran Shah 2B
Barang 3 Ghazi 2B Razmak 2B
Charmang 3 Karak 2B Shewa 2B
Khar Bajaur 3 Banda Daud Shah 2B Spinwam 2B
Mamund 3 Takht-e-Nasrati 2B Nowshera 2B
Nawagai 3 Khyber Orakzai
Salarzai 3 Bara 2B Central Orakzai 2B
Utmankhel (Qzafi) 3 Jamrud 2B Ismailzai 2B
Bannu 2B Landi Kotal 3 Lower Orakzai 2B
Batagram 3 Mula Ghori 3 Upper Orakzai 2B
Allai 3 Kohat 2B Peshawar 2B
Buner/Daggar 2B Lachi 2B Shangla/Alpuri 3
Charsadda 2B Kurram Besham 3
Tangi 3 Kurram F.R. 2B Chakesar 3
Chitral 4 Lower Kurram 2B Martung 3
Drosh 3 Upper Kurram 2B Puran 2B
Lutkoh 3 Lakki Marwat 2B South Waziristan
Malakand/Swat
Mastuj 3 3 Birmal 2B
Ranizai
Mulkoh 3 Sam Ranizai 2B Ladha 2B
Turkoh 3 Mansehra 3 Makin (Charlai) 2B
Dassu 3 Balakot 4 Sararogha 2B
Palas 3 Oghi 2B Sarwekai 2B
T.A.Adj. Mansehra
Pattan 3 3 Tiarza 2B
Distt
Dera Ismail Khan 2A Mardan 2B Toi Khullah 2B
Daraban 3 Takht Bhai 2B Wana 2B
Kulachi 2B Mohmand Swabi 2B
Paharpur 2B Halimzai 3 Lahore 2B
Dir 3 Pindiali 3 Swat
Adenzai 3 Pringhar 3 Matta 3
Balambat 3 Safi 3 Tank 2B
Barawal 3 Upper Mohmand 3
Utman Khel
Khall 3 3
(Ambar)
Kohistan 3 Yake Ghund 3
Lalqila 3 North Waziristan
Munda 3 Datta Khel 2B
Samarbagh (Barwa) 3 Dossali 2B
Temergara 3 Garyum 2B
Wari 3 Ghulam Khan 2B
2-4
BCP
SP-2007 CH-02

Zone Zone Zone
Punjab
Attock 2B Chiniot 2A Pakpattan 2A
Fateh Jang 2B Shorkot 2A Arifwala 2A
Hassan Abdal 2B Jhelum 2B Rahim Yar Khan 2A
Jand 2B Dina 2B Khanpur 2A
Pindi Gheb 2B Pind Dadan Khan 2B Liaquatpur 2A
Bahawalnagar 2A Sohawa 2B Sadiqabad 2A
Chishtian 2A Kasur 2A Rajanpur 2A
De-Ex. Area of
Fort Abbas 1 Chunian 2A 2B
Rajanpur
Haroonabad 2A Pattoki 2A Jampur 2A
Minchinabad 2A Khanewal 2A Rojhan 2A
Bahawalpur 2A Jehanian 2A Rawalpindi 2B
Ahmadpur East 2A Kabirwala 2A Gujar Khan 2B
Hasilpur 2A Mian Channu 2A Kahuta 2B
Khairpur Tamewali 2A Khushab 2B Kotli Sattian 3
Yazman 2A Nurpur 2A Murree 3
Bhakkar 2A Lahore City 2A Taxila 2B
Darya Khan 2A Lahore Cantt 2A Sahiwal 2A
Kalur Kot 2B Leiah 2A Chichawatni 2A
Mankera 2A Chaubara 2A Sargodha 2A
Chakwal 2B Karor Lal Esan 2A Bhalwal 2A
Choa Saidan Shah 2B Lodhran 2A Kot Momin 2A
Talagang 2B Dunyapur 2A Sahiwal 2A
Dera Ghazi Khan 2A Kahror Pacca 2A Shahpur 2B
De-Ex.Area of
2B Mandi Bahauddin 2B Sillanwali 2A
D.G.Khan
Taunsa 2B Malikwal 2B Sheikhupura 2A
Faisalabad City 2A Phalia 2A Ferozwala 2A
Chak Jhumra 2A Mianwalai 2B Muridke 2A
Faisalabad Saddar 2A Isa Khel 2B Nankana Sahib 2A
Jaranwala 2A Piplan 2B Safdarabad 2A
Sammundri 2A Multan City 2A Sangla Hill 2A
Tandlianwala 2A Jalalpur Pirwala 2A Shahkot 2A
Gujranwala City 2A Multan Saddar 2A Sialkot 2B
Gujranwala Saddar 2A Shujabad 2A Daska 2B
Kamoki 2B Muzaffargarh 2A Pasrur 2B
Nowshera Virkan 2A Alipur 2A Toba Tek Singh 2A
Wazirabad 2A Jatoi 2A Gojra 2A
Gujrat 2B Kot Addu 2A Kamalia 2A
Kharian 2B Narowal 2B Vehari 2A
Sarai Alamgir 2B Shakargarh 2B Burewala 2A
Hafizabad 2A Okara 2A Mailsi 2A
Pindi Bhattian 2A Depalpur 2A
Jhang 2A Renala Khurd 2A
2-5
BCP
SP-2007 CH-02

Zone Zone Zone
Sindh
Badin 2B Dokri 2A Shah Bunder 2A
Golarchi 2A Kambar 2B Sujawal 2A
Matli 2A Miro Khan 2A Umerkot 2A
Talhar 2B Rato Dero 2A Kunri 2A
Tando Bagho 2B Shahdadkot 2B Pithoro 2A
Dadu 2A Warah 2A Samaro 2A
Johi 2B Malir 2B
Khairpur Nathan
2B Mirpur Khas 2A FEDERAL AREA
Shah
Kotri 2A Digri 2A Islamabad 2B
Mehar 2A Kot Ghulam Moh 2A
Sehwan 2A Naushahro Feroze 2A AJK
Ghotki 2A Bhiria 2A Bagh 4
Dharaki 2A Kandioro 2A Bhimbar 2B
Khangarh 2A Moro 2A Hajira 4
Mirpur Mathelo 2A Nawab Shah 2A Kotli 3
Ubauro 2A Daulatpur 2A Muzaffarabad 4
Hyderabad City 2A Skrand 2A New Mirpur 2B
Hala 2A Sanghar 2A Palandri 3
Hyderabad 2A Jam Nawaz Ali 2A Rawalakot 3
Latifabad 2A Khipro 2A
Matiari 2A Shahdadpur 2A
Qasimabad 2A Sinjhoro 2A
Tando Allahyar NORTHERN
2A Tando Adam 2A
AREAS
Tando Chilas
2A Shikarpur 2A 3
Mohammad Khan
Jacobabad 2A Garhi Yasin 2A Dasu 3
Garhi Khairo 2A Khanpur 2A Gakuch 3
Kandhkot 2A Lakhi 2A Gilgit 3
Kashmor 2A Sukkur 2A Ishkuman 2B
Thul 2A Pano Aqil 2A Skardu 3
Karachi Central 2B Rohri 2A Yasin 3
Karachi East 2B Salehpat 2A
Karachi South 2B Tharparkar/Chachro 2A
Karachi West 2B Diplo 3
Khairpur 2A Mithi 2B
Faiz Ganj 2A Nagar Parkar 2B
Gambat 2A Thatta 2A
Kingri 2A Ghorabari 2A
Kot Diji 2A Jati 2A
Mirwah 2A Keti Bunder 2A
Nara 2A Kharo Chan 2A
Sobhodero 2A Mirpur Bathoro 2A
Larkana 2A Mirpur Sakro 2A
2-6
BCP
SP-2007 CH-02
2-7
BCP
SP-2007 CH-03
CHAPTER 3
SITE CONSIDERATIONS
3.1 Scope
The selection of suitable building sites shall be carried out based upon their geology/stratigraphy,
distance from the causative fault, the liquefaction potential of site, earthquake induced landsliding,
presence of sensitive clays and any other relevant geotechnical aspects, as provided in this chapter.
3.2 Potential Fault Rupture Hazard
An important building shall not be located within 200 meters (may vary with the earthquake
magnitude) on either side of an active fault. However, areas closer than 200 meters to the trace of an
active fault could be used for activities unlikely to be severely affected by surface faulting. These
include use of such areas as grassland, forest, gardens, parks, small single storey specially designed
dwellings etc.
3.3 Potential Liquefaction
The site selection for an important engineered building on potentially liquefiable soils shall be
preceded by evaluation of liquefaction potential of the sub-surface through detailed geotechnical
investigations and established analytical techniques. Necessary mitigation measures shall be taken to
minimize the potential risk.
3.4 Potential Landslide and Slope Instability
Before deciding about placing a building on or adjacent to sloping ground in mountainous terrain, an
examination of the hill slope stability conditions shall be made. The stability of sloping ground shall
be evaluated and improvements, if required, shall be designed through an established analytical
method.
On or adjacent to a sloping ground, the location of all buildings shall meet the requirements shown on
Figure 3.1, unless special slope stability measures are taken.
3.5 Sensitive Clays
The selection of site for a building on such soils shall be made on the basis of the detailed
geotechnical investigations and adopting necessary mitigating measures in the structure and/or
bearing ground.
4-1
BCP
SP-2007 CH-04
CHAPTER 4
SOILS AND FOUNDATIONS
4.1 Symbols and Notations

dc = Total thickness (30 - ds) of cohesive soil layers in the top 30 m (100 ft)
di = Thickness of Layer i, m (ft)
ds = Total thickness of cohesionless soil layers in the top 30 m (100 ft)
Ni = Standard penetration resistance of soil layer in accordance with ASTM D 1586
N = Average field standard penetration resistance.
NCH = Average standard penetration resistance for cohesion-less soil layers
SE and SF
su = Undrained shear strength, kPa (psf).
sui = Undrained shear strength in accordance with approved nationally recognized
standards, not to exceed 250 kPa (5,220 psf).
vs = Measured shear wave velocity m/s (ft./sec)
vsi = Shear wave velocity in Layer i, m/sec (ft/sec)
wmc = Moisture Content (%)
4.2 Scope
Determination of soil conditions of buildings to be constructed in seismic areas shall be performed,

along with the applicable codes and standards, primarily in accordance with the rules and
requirements of this section.
4.3 Determination of Soil Conditions
4.3.1 Site Geology and Soil Characteristics
4.3.1.1 Each site shall be assigned a soil profile type based on properly substantiated soil engineering
characteristics using the site categorization procedure described in Section 4.4.
4.3.1.2 Soil Profile Types SA, SB, SC, SD and SE are classified in Table 4.1. Soil Profile Type SF is
defined as soils requiring site specific evaluation.
4.4 Soil Profile types
4.4.1 Scope
This section describes the procedure for determining Soil Profile Types SA through SF in accordance
with Table 4.1.
4.4.2 Definitions
Soil profile types are defined as follows:

SA Hard rock with measured shear wave velocity, vs > 1500 m/s (4,920 ft./sec.).
SB Medium hard rock with 750 m/s < vs < 1500 m/s (2,460 ft./sec. < vs < 4,920 ft./sec.).
SC Very dense soil and soft rock with 350 m/s < vs < 750 m/s (1,150 ft./sec. < vs < 2,460 ft./sec.)
or with either N > 50 or su > 100 kPa (2,088 psf).
SD Stiff soil with 175 m/s < vs < 350 m/s (575 ft./sec. < vs < 1,150 ft./sec.) or with 15 < N < 50
or 50 kPa < su < 100 kPa (1,044 psf < su < 2,088 psf).
4-1
BCP
SP-2007 CH-04
SE A soil profile with vs < 175 m/s (575 ft./sec.) or with N<15 or with Su<50 kPa (1,044 psf) or
any profile with more than 3 m (10 ft.) of soft clay defined as soil with PI > 20, wmc > 40
percent and su < 25 kPa (522 psf).
SF Soils requiring site-specific evaluation:
1. Soils vulnerable to potential failure or collapse under seismic loading such as

liquefiable soils, quick and highly sensitive clays, collapsible weakly cemented soils
2. Peats and/or highly organic clays [H > 3 m (10 ft.) of peat and/or highly organic clay
where H = thickness of soil]
3. Very high plasticity clays [H > 7.5 m (25 ft.) with PI > 75]
4. Very thick soft/medium stiff clays [H > 37 m (120 ft.)]
Exception: When the soil properties are not known in sufficient detail to determine the soil
profile type, generally Type SD shall be used. Soil Profile Type SE need not be assumed for all
situations unless the engineer determines that Soil Profile Type SE may be present at the site
or in the event that Type SE is established by geotechnical data.
The criteria set forth in the definition for Soil Profile Type SF requiring site-specific evaluation shall
be considered, where applicable. If the site corresponds to these criteria, the site shall be classified as
Soil Profile Type SF and a site-specific evaluation shall be conducted.
4.4.2.1 vs Method Average shear wave velocity, vs shall be determined in accordance with the
following formula:
n
∑ di
i =1
υs = n d (4.4-1)
∑
i
i =1 v si
4.4.2.2 N Method Average field standard penetration resistance (N) and average standard
penetration resistance for cohesionless soil layers (NCH). N and NCH shall be determined in accordance
with the following formulae:
n
∑ di
i =1
N = n d (4.4-2)
∑ i
i =1 N i
and
ds
N CH = n (4.4-3)
d
∑ i
i =1 N i
4.4.2.3 su Method Average undrained shear strength su, shall be determined in accordance
with the following formula:
4-2
BCP
SP-2007 CH-04
∑ dC
su = i =1
n (4.4-4)
di
∑
i =1 s ui
4.4.2.4 Soft clay profile, SE. The existence of a total thickness of soft clay greater than 3 m (10 ft)
shall be investigated where a soft clay layer is defined by su < 25 kPa (522 psf), wmc > 40 percent and
PI > 20. If these criteria are met, the site shall be classified as Soil Profile Type SE.
4.4.2.5 Soil profiles SC, SD and SE. Sites with Soil Profile Types SC, SD and SE shall be classified by
using one of the following three methods with vs , N and su computed in all cases as specified in
Section 4.4.2.
1. vs for the top 30 m (100 ft) (vs method).
2. N for the top 30 m (100 ft) (N method).
3. NCH for cohesionless soil layers (PI < 20) in the top 30 m (100 ft) and average su for cohesive
soil layers (PI>20) in top 30 m (100 ft) (su method).
4.4.2.6 Rock profiles, SA and SB. The shear wave velocity for medium rock, Soil Profile Type SB,
shall be either measured on site or estimated by a geotechnical engineer, engineering geologist or
seismologist for competent rock with moderate fracturing and weathering. Softer and more highly
fractured and weathered rock shall either be measured on site for shear wave velocity or classified as
Soil Profile Type SC.
The hard rock, Soil Profile Type SA, category shall be supported by shear wave velocity
measurement either on site or on profiles of the same rock type in the same formation with an equal or
greater degree of weathering and fracturing. Where hard rock conditions are known to be continuous
to a depth of 30 m (100 ft), surficial shear wave velocity measurements may be extrapolated to assess
vs. The rock categories, Soil Profile Types SA and SB, shall not be used if there is more than 3 m (10
ft) of soil between the rock surface and the bottom of the spread footing or mat foundation.
The definitions presented herein shall apply to the upper 30 m (100 ft) of the site profile.
Profiles containing distinctly different soil layers shall be subdivided into those layers designated by a
number from 1 to ‘n’ at the bottom, where there are a total of n distinct layers in the upper 30 m (100
ft). The symbol ‘i’ ‘then refers to any one of the layers between 1 and n.
4.5 Foundation Construction in Seismic Zones 3 and 4
4.5.1 General
In Seismic Zones 3 and 4, requirements of this section in addition to other general requirements of
Chapter 18, UBC 1997 shall apply to the design and construction of foundations, foundation
components and the connection of superstructure elements thereto.
4.5.2 Soil Capacity
The foundation shall be capable of transmitting the design base shear and overturning forces
prescribed in Section 5.30 from the structure into the supporting soil. The short-term dynamic nature
of the loads may be taken into account in establishing the soil properties.
4-3
BCP
SP-2007 CH-04
4.5.3 Superstructure-to-Foundation Connection
The connection of superstructure elements to the foundation shall be adequate to transmit to the
foundation the forces for which the elements were required to be designed.
4.5.4 Foundation-Soil Interface
For regular buildings, the force Ft as provided in Section 5.30.5 may be omitted when determining the
overturning moment to be resisted at the foundation-soil interface.
4.5.5 Special Requirements for Piles and Caissons
4.5.5.1 General
Piles, caissons and caps shall be designed according to the provisions of Section 5.30, including the
effects of lateral displacements. Special detailing requirements as described in Section 4.5.5.2 shall
apply for a length of piles equal to 120 percent of the flexural length. Flexural length shall be
considered as a length of pile from the first point of zero lateral deflection to the underside of the pile
cap or grade beam.
4.5.5.2 Nonprestressed concrete piles and prestressed concrete piles
4.5.5.2.1 Nonprestressed concrete piles. Piles shall have transverse reinforcement meeting the
requirements of Section 7.5.
Exception: Transverse reinforcement need not exceed the amount determined by Formula
(7.5-2) in Section 7.5.4.1 for spiral or circular hoop reinforcement or by Formula (7.5-5) in
Section 7.5.4.1 for rectangular hoop reinforcement.
4.5.5.2.2 Prestressed concrete piles Piles shall have a minimum volumetric ratio of spiral
reinforcement no less than 0.021 for 350 mm (14-inch) square and smaller piles, and 0.012 for 600
mm (24-inch) square and larger piles unless a smaller value can be justified by rational analysis.
Interpolation may be used between the specified ratios for intermediate sizes.
4-4
BCP
SP-2007 CH-04
Table 4.1-Soil Profile Types
Average Properties for Top 30 M (100 ft) of Soil Profile

Soil Profile Soil Profile Name/ Shear Wave Velocity, Standard Penetration Tests, Undrained Shear Strength, su
Type Generic Description vs N [or NCH for cohesionless kPa
m/sec (ft/sec) soil layers] (blows/foot) (psf)
>1,500
SA Hard Rock
(>4,920)
750 to 1,500
SB Rock (2,460 to 4,920) − −
350 to 750 >100

Very Dense Soil and
SC (1,150 to 2,460) >50 (>2,088)
Soft Rock
175 to 350 50 to 100
SD Stiff Soil Profile (575 to 1,150) 15 to 50 (1,044 to 2,088)
<50
<175
SE1 Soft Soil Profile
(<575)
<15 (<1,044)
SF Soil requiring Site-specific Evaluation. See 4.4.2
1 Soil Profile Type SE also includes any soil profile with more than 3 m (10 ft) of soft clay defined as a soil with a plasticity index, PI > 20,
wmc ≥ 40 percent and su < 25 kPa (522 psf). The Plasticity Index, PI, and the moisture content, wmc, shall be determined in accordance with
the latest ASTM procedures.
4-5
BCP
SP-2007 CH-05
CHAPTER 5
STRUCTURAL DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

Division I — General Design Requirements
D = dead load, kN/m2 (psf)

E = earthquake load set forth in Section 5.30.1, kN (lb)
Em = estimated maximum earthquake force that can be developed in the structure as
set forth in Section 5.30.1.1, kN (lb)
F = load due to fluids, kN (lb)
H = load due to lateral pressure of soil and water in soil, kN (lb)
L = live load, except roof live load, including any permitted live load reduction,
kN/m2 (psf)
Lr = roof live load, including any permitted live load reduction, kN/m2 (psf)
P = ponding load, kN/m2 (psf)
S = snow load, kN/m2 (psf)
T = self-straining force and effects arising from contraction or expansion resulting
from temperature change, shrinkage, moisture change, creep in component
materials, movement due to differential settlement, or combinations thereof, kN
(lb)
W = load due to wind pressure, kN (lb)
5.2 Scope
This chapter prescribes general design requirements applicable to all structures regulated by this
code.
5.3 Definitions
The following terms are defined for use in this code:
Allowable Stress Design is a method of proportioning structural elements such that computed
stresses produced in the elements by the allowable stress load combinations do not exceed
specified allowable stress (also called working stress design).
Balcony, Exterior is an exterior floor system projecting from a structure and supported by that
structure, with no additional independent supports.
Dead Loads consist of the weight of all materials and fixed equipment incorporated into the
building or other structure.
Deck is an exterior floor system supported on at least two opposing sides by an adjoining structure
and/or posts, piers, or other independent supports.
Factored Load is the product of a load specified in Sections 5.6 through 5.11 and a load factor.
See Section 5.12.2 for combinations of factored loads.
Limit State is a condition in which a structure or component is judged either to be no longer useful
for its intended function (serviceability limit state) or to be unsafe (strength limit state).
5-1
BCP
SP-2007 CH-05
Live Loads are those loads produced by the use and occupancy of the building or other structure
and do not include dead load, construction load, or environmental loads such as wind load, snow
load, rain load, earthquake load or flood load.
Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) is a method of proportioning structural elements
using load and resistance factors such that no applicable limit state is reached when the structure is
subjected to all appropriate load combinations.
Strength Design is a method of proportioning structural elements such that the computed forces
produced in the elements by the factored load combinations do not exceed the factored element
strength.
5.4 Standards
The standards listed below are recognized standards and shall be referred where required.
1. Wind Design
1.1 ASCE 7, Chapter 6, Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures.
1.2 ANSI EIA/TIA 222-E, Structural Standards for Steel Antenna Towers and
Antenna Supporting Structures.
1.3 ANSI/NAAMM FP1001, Guide Specifications for the Design Loads of Metal
Flagpoles.
5.5 Design
5.5.1 General
Buildings and other structures and all portions thereof shall be designed and constructed to sustain,
within the limitations specified in this code, all loads set forth in Chapter 5 and elsewhere in this
code, combined in accordance with Section 5.12. Design shall be in accordance with Strength
Design, Load and Resistance Factor Design or Allowable Stress Design methods, as permitted by
the applicable materials chapters.
5.5.2 Rationality
Any system or method of construction to be used shall be based on a rational analysis in

accordance with well established principles of mechanics. Such analysis shall result in a system
that provides a complete load path capable of transferring all loads and forces from their point of
origin to the load-resisting elements. The analysis shall include, but not be limited to, the
provisions of Sections 5.5.2.1 through 5.5.2.3.
5.5.2.1 Distribution of horizontal shear. The total lateral force shall be distributed to the
various vertical elements of the lateral-force-resisting system in proportion to their rigidities
considering the rigidity of the horizontal bracing system or diaphragm. Rigid elements that are
assumed not to be part of the lateral-force-resisting system may be incorporated into buildings,
provided that their effect on the action of the system is considered and provided for in the design.
Provision shall be made for the increased forces induced on resisting elements of the structural
system resulting from torsion due to eccentricity between the center of application of the lateral
forces and the center of rigidity of the lateral-force-resisting system. For accidental torsion
requirements for seismic design, see Section 5.30.6.
5-2
BCP
SP-2007 CH-05
5.5.2.2 Stability against Overturning. Every structure shall be designed to resist the
overturning effects caused by the lateral forces specified in this chapter. See Section 5.11.6 for
retaining walls, Section 5.16 for wind and Section 5.27 for seismic.
5.5.2.3 Anchorage. Anchorage of the roof to walls and columns, and of walls and columns to
foundations, shall be provided to resist the uplift and sliding forces that result from the application
of the prescribed forces.
Concrete and masonry walls shall be anchored to all floors, roofs and other structural elements
that provide lateral support for the wall. Such anchorage shall provide a positive direct connection
capable of resisting the horizontal forces specified in this chapter but not less than the minimum
forces in Section 5.11.4. In addition, in Seismic Zones 3 and 4, diaphragm to wall anchorage using
embedded straps shall have the straps attached to or hooked around the reinforcing steel or
otherwise terminated so as to effectively transfer forces to the reinforcing steel. Walls shall be
designed to resist bending between anchors where the anchor spacing exceeds 1.2 meter (4 feet).
Required anchors in masonry walls of hollow units or cavity walls shall be embedded in a
reinforced grouted structural element of the wall. See Sections 5.32, 5.33.2.8 and 5.33.2.9 for
earthquake design requirements.
5.5.3 Erection of Structural Framing
Walls and structural framing shall be erected true and plumb in accordance with the design.
5.6 Dead Loads
5.6.1 General
Dead loads shall be as defined in Section 5.3 and in this section.
5.6.2 Partition Loads

Floors in office buildings and other buildings where partition locations are subject to change shall
be designed to support, in addition to all other loads, a uniformly distributed dead load equal to 1.0
kilo-Newton per meter square (21 psf) of floor area.
Exception: Access floor systems shall be designed to support, in addition to all other
loads, a uniformly distributed dead load not less than 0.5 kilo-Newton per meter
square (10.5 psf) of floor area.
5.7 Live Loads
5.7.1 General
Live loads shall be the maximum loads expected by the intended use or occupancy but in no case
shall be less than the loads required by this section.
5.7.2 Critical Distribution of Live Loads

Where structural members are arranged to create continuity, members shall be designed using the
loading conditions, which would cause maximum shear and bending moments. This requirement
may be satisfied in accordance with the provisions of Section 5.7.3.2 or 5.7.4.2, where applicable.
5.7.3 Floor Live Loads
5-3
BCP
SP-2007 CH-05
5.7.3.1 General. Floors shall be designed for the unit live loads as set forth in Table 5.1.
These loads shall be taken as the minimum live loads in kilo-Newton per square meter (pounds per
square foot) of horizontal projection to be used in the design of buildings for the occupancies
listed, and loads at least equal shall be assumed for uses not listed in this section but that creates or
accommodates similar loadings. Where it can be determined in designing floors that the actual live
load will be greater than the value shown in Table 5.1, the actual live load shall be used in the
design of such buildings or portions thereof. Special provisions shall be made for machine and
apparatus loads.
5.7.3.2 Distribution of uniform floor loads. Where uniform floor loads are involved,
consideration may be limited to full dead load on all spans in combination with full live load on
adjacent spans and alternate spans.
5.7.3.3 Concentrated loads. Provision shall be made in designing floors for a concentrated
load, L, as set forth in Table 5.1 placed upon any space 0.80 meter (2.63 feet) square, wherever this
load upon an otherwise unloaded floor would produce stresses greater than those caused by the
uniform load required thereof.
Provision shall be made in areas where vehicles are used or stored for concentrated loads, L,
consisting of two or more loads spaced 1.50 meters (5 feet) nominally on center without uniform
live loads. Each load shall be 40 percent of the gross weight of the maximum-size vehicle to be
accommodated. Parking garages for the storage of private or pleasure-type motor vehicles with no
repair or refueling shall have a floor system designed for a concentrated load of not less than 9
kilo-Newton (2,000 lbs) acting on an area of 0.015 meter square (23 in2) without uniform live
loads. The condition of concentrated or uniform live load, combined in accordance with Section
5.12.2 or 5.12.3 as appropriate, producing the greatest stresses shall govern.
5.7.3.4 Special loads. Provision shall be made for the special vertical and lateral loads as set
forth in Table 5.2.
5.7.3.5 Live loads posted. The live loads for which each floor or portion thereof of a
commercial or industrial building is or has been designed shall have such design live loads
conspicuously posted by the owner in that part of each storey in which they apply, using durable
metal signs, and it shall be unlawful to remove or deface such notices. The occupant of the
building shall be responsible for keeping the actual load below the allowable limits.
5.7.4 Roof Live Loads
5.7.4.1 General. Roofs shall be designed for the unit live loads, Lr, set forth in Table 5.3. The
live loads shall be assumed to act vertically upon the area projected on a horizontal plane.
5.7.4.2 Distribution of loads. Where uniform roof loads are involved in the design of
structural members arranged to create continuity, consideration may be limited to full dead loads
on all spans in combination with full roof live loads on adjacent spans and on alternate spans.
Exception: Alternate span loading need not be considered where the uniform roof live
load is 1.0 kilo-Newton per meter square (21 psf) or more or where load
combinations, including snow load, result in larger members or connections.
For those conditions where light-gauge metal preformed structural sheets serve as the support
and finish of roofs, roof structural members arranged to create continuity shall be considered
adequate if designed for full dead loads on all spans in combination with the most critical one of
the following superimposed loads:
5-4
BCP
SP-2007 CH-05
1. Snow load in accordance with Section 5.14.
2. The uniform roof live load, Lr, set forth in Table 5.3 on all spans.
3. A concentrated gravity load, Lr, of 9.0 kilo-Newton (2,000 lbs) placed on any span
supporting a tributary area greater than 18.5 meter square (200 ft2) to create maximum
stresses in the member, whenever this loading creates greater stresses than those caused by
the uniform live load. The concentrated load shall be placed on the member over a length
of 0.75 meter (2.5 feet) along the span. The concentrated load need not be applied to more
than one span simultaneously.
4. Water accumulation as prescribed in Section 5.11.7.
5.7.4.3 Unbalanced loading. Unbalanced loads shall be used where such loading will result in
larger members or connections. Trusses and arches shall be designed to resist the stresses caused
by unit live loads on one half of the span if such loading results in reverse stresses, or stresses
greater in any portion than the stresses produced by the required unit live load on the entire span.
For roofs whose structures are composed of a stressed shell, framed or solid, wherein stresses
caused by any point loading are distributed throughout the area of the shell, the requirements for
unbalanced unit live load design may be reduced by 50 percent.
5.7.4.4 Special roof loads. Roofs to be used for special purposes shall be designed for
appropriate loads.
Greenhouse roof bars, purlins and rafters shall be designed to carry a 450 Newton (100
pounds) minimum concentrated load, Lr, in addition to the uniform live load.
5.7.5 Reduction of Live Loads

The design live load determined using the unit live loads as set forth in Table 5.1 for floors and
Table 5.3, Method 2, for roofs may be reduced on any member supporting more than 14.0 meter
square (150 ft2), including flat slabs, except for floors in places of public assembly and for live
loads greater than 5.0 kilo-Newton per meter square (100 psf), in accordance with the following
formula:
R = r (A – 13.94) (5.7-1)
For FPS:
R = r (A – 150)
The reduction shall not exceed 40 percent for members receiving load from one level only, 60
percent for other members or R, as determined by the following formula:
R = 23.1 (1 + D/L) (5.7-2)

Where:
A = area of floor or roof supported by the member, meter square (ft2).

D = dead load per meter square (ft2) of area supported by the member.
L = unit live load per meter square (ft2) of area supported by the member.
R = reduction in percentage.
r = rate of reduction equal to 0.08 percent for floors. See Table 5.3 for roofs.
For storage loads exceeding 5.0 kilo-Newton per square meter (100 psf), no reduction shall be
made, except that design live loads on columns may be reduced by 20 percent. The live load
reduction shall not exceed 40 percent in garages for the storage of private cars having a capacity of
not more than nine passengers per vehicle.
5-5
BCP
SP-2007 CH-05
5.7.6 Alternate Floor Live Load Reduction
As an alternate to Formula (5.7-1), the unit live loads set forth in Table 5.1 may be reduced in
accordance with Formula (5.7-3) on any member, including flat slabs, having an influence area of
37.0 square meter (400 ft2) or more.
⎛ 4.57 ⎞⎟
L = Lo ⎜ 0.25 + (5.7-3)
⎜ AI ⎟⎠
⎝
For FPS:
⎛ 15 ⎞⎟
L = Lo ⎜ 0.25 +
⎜ AI ⎟⎠
⎝
Where:
AI = influence area, in meter square (ft2). The influence area AI is four times the
tributary area for a column, two times the tributary area for a beam, equal to the
panel area for a two-way slab, and equal to the product of the span and the full
flange width for a precast T-beam.
L = reduced design live load per meter square (ft2) of area supported by the member.
Lo = unreduced design live load per meter square (ft2) of area supported by the member
(Table 5.1). The reduced live load shall not be less than 50 percent of the unit live
load Lo for members receiving load from one level only, nor less than 40 percent
of the unit live load Lo for other members.
5.8 Snow Loads
Snow loads shall be determined in accordance with Division II.
5.9 Wind Loads
Wind loads shall be determined in accordance with Division III.
5.10 Earthquake Loads
Earthquake loads shall be determined in accordance with Division IV.
5.11 Other Minimum Loads
5.11.1 General
In addition to the other design loads specified in this chapter, structures shall be designed to resist
the loads specified in this section and the special loads set forth in Table 5.2.
5.11.2 Other Loads
5-6
BCP
SP-2007 CH-05
Buildings and other structures and portions thereof shall be designed to resist all loads due to
applicable fluid pressures, F, lateral soil pressures, H, ponding loads, P, and self-straining forces,
T. See Section 5.11.7 for ponding loads for roofs.
5.11.3 Impact Loads

Impact loads shall be included in the design of any structure where impact loads occur.
5.11.4 Anchorage of Concrete and Masonry Walls
Concrete and masonry walls shall be anchored as required by Section 5.5.2.3. Such anchorage
shall be capable of resisting the load combinations of Section 5.12.2 or 5.12.3 using the greater of
the wind or earthquake loads required by this chapter or a minimum horizontal force of 4.1 kilo-
Newton per linear meter (280.84 lb/ft) of wall, substituted for E.
5.11.5 Interior Wall Loads
Interior walls, permanent partitions and temporary partitions that exceed 1.85 meter (6.0 feet) in
height shall be designed to resist all loads to which they are subjected but not less than a load, L, of
0.25 kilo-Newton per meter square (5.25 psf) applied perpendicular to the walls. The 0.25 kilo-
Newton per meter square (5.25 psf) load need not be applied simultaneously with wind or seismic
loads. The deflection of such walls under a load of 0.25 kilo-Newton per meter square (5.25 psf)
shall not exceed 1/240 of the span for walls with brittle finishes and 1/120 of the span for walls
with flexible finishes. See Table 5.14 for earthquake design requirements where such requirements
are more restrictive.
Exception: Flexible, folding or portable partitions are not required to meet the load
and deflection criteria but must be anchored to the supporting structure to meet the
provisions of this code.
5.11.6 Retaining Walls
Retaining walls shall be designed to resist loads due to the lateral pressure of retained material in
accordance with accepted engineering practice. Walls retaining drained soil, where the surface of
the retained soil is level, shall be designed for a load, H, equivalent to that exerted by a fluid
weighing not less than 4.75 kN/m2/m (30.25 psf per foot of depth) and having depth equal to that
of the retained soil. Any surcharge shall be in addition to the equivalent fluid pressure.
Retaining walls shall be designed to resist sliding by at least 1.5 times the lateral force and
overturning by at least 1.5 times the overturning moment, using allowable stress design loads.
5.11.7 Water Accumulation
All roofs shall be designed with sufficient slope or camber to ensure adequate drainage after the
long-term deflection from dead load or shall be designed to resist ponding load, P, combined in
accordance with Section 5.12.2 or 5.12.3. Ponding load shall include water accumulation from any
source, including snow, due to deflection. See Section 1506 of UBC 1997 and Table 5.3, Footnote
3 of this chapter, for drainage slope. See Section 5.13 for deflection criteria.
5.11.8 Hydrostatic Uplift
All foundations, slabs and other footings subjected to water pressure shall be designed to resist a
uniformly distributed uplift load, F, equal to the full hydrostatic pressure.
5-7
BCP
SP-2007 CH-05
5.11.9 Flood-resistant Construction. For flood-resistant construction requirements, where

specifically adopted, the relevant standard codes may be consulted.
5.11.10 Heliport and Helistop Landing Areas

In addition to other design requirements of this chapter, heliport and helistop landing or
touchdown areas shall be designed for the following loads, combined in accordance with Section
5.12.2 or 5.12.3:
1. Dead load plus actual weight of the helicopter.

2. Dead load plus a single concentrated impact load, L, covering 0.1 square meters (1.00 ft2)
of 0.75 times the fully loaded weight of the helicopter if it is equipped with hydraulic-type
shock absorbers, or 1.5 times the fully loaded weight of the helicopter if it is equipped
with a rigid or skid-type landing gear.
3. The dead load plus a uniform live load, L, of 5.0 kilo-Newton per square meter (100 psf).
The required live load may be reduced in accordance with Section 5.7.5 or 5.7.6.
5.11.11 Prefabricated Construction
5.11.11.1 Connections. Every device used to connect prefabricated assemblies shall be designed
as required by this code and shall be capable of developing the strength of the members connected,
except in the case of members forming part of a structural frame designed as specified in this
chapter. Connections shall be capable of withstanding uplift forces as specified in this chapter.
5.11.11.2 Pipes and conduit. In structural design, due allowance shall be made for any material
to be removed for the installation of pipes, conduits or other equipment.
5.11.11.3 Tests and inspections. See Section 6.4 for requirements for tests and inspections of
prefabricated construction.
5.12 Combinations of Loads
5.12.1 General
Buildings and other structures and all portions thereof shall be designed to resist the load
combinations specified in Section 5.12.2 or 5.12.3 and, where required by Division IV, the special
seismic load combinations of Section 5.12.4. The most critical effect can occur when one or more
of the contributing loads are not acting. All applicable loads shall be considered, including both
earthquake and wind, in accordance with the specified load combinations.
5.12.2 Load Combinations Using Strength Design or Load and Resistance Factor Design
5.12.2.1 Basic load combinations. Where Load and Resistance Factor Design or Strength
Design is used, structures and all portions thereof shall resist the most critical effects from the
following combinations of factored loads:
1.4 D (5.12-1)
1.2 D + 1.6 L + 0.5 (Lr or S) (5.12-2)
1.2 D + 1.6 (Lr or S) + (f1 L or 0.8 W) (5.12-3)
1.2 D + 1.3 W + f1 L + 0.5 (Lr or S) (5.12-4)
1.2 D + 1.0 E + (f1 L + f2 S) (5.12-5)
0.9 D + (1.0 E or 1.3 W) (5.12-6)
Where:
5-8
BCP
SP-2007 CH-05
f1 = 1.0 for floors in places of public assembly, for live loads in excess of 5.0 kilo-
Newton per square meter (100 psf), and for garage live load.
= 0.5 for other live loads.
f2 = 0.7 for roof configurations (such as saw tooth) that do not shed snow off the
structure.
= 0.2 for other roof configurations.
Exceptions:
1. Factored load combinations of this section multiplied by 1.1 for concrete and
masonry where load combinations include seismic forces.
2. Where other factored load combinations are specifically required by the provisions
of this code.
5.12.2.2 Other loads. Where F, H, P or T is to be considered in design, each applicable load

shall be added to the above combinations factored as follows: 1.3 F, 1.6 H, 1.2 P and 1.2 T.
5.12.3 Load Combinations Using Allowable Stress Design
5.12.3.1 Basic load combinations. Where allowable stress design (working stress design) is
used, structures and all portions thereof shall resist the most critical effects resulting from the
following combinations of loads:
D (5.12-7)
D + L + (Lr or S) (5.12-8)
D + (W or E / 1.4) (5.12-9)
0.9 D ± E / 1.4 (5.12-10)
D + 0.75 [L+ (Lr or S) + (W or E / 1.4)] (5.12-11)
Additional combinations for steel structures only:
0.6 D + W (5.12-12)
0.6 D + 0.7 E (5.12-13)
No increase in allowable stresses shall be used with these load combinations except as
specifically permitted elsewhere in this code.
5.12.3.2 Other loads. Where F, H, P or T is to be considered in design, each applicable load

shall be added to the combinations specified in Sections 5.12.3.1.
5.12.4 Special Seismic Load Combinations
For both Allowable Stress Design and Strength Design, the following special load combinations
for seismic design shall be used as specifically required by Chapter 5, Division IV.
1.2 D + f1 L+ 1.0 Em (5.12-17)

0.9 D + 1.0 Em (5.12-18)
Where:
f1 = 1.0 for floors in places of public assembly, for live loads in excess of 5.0 kilo-
Newton per square meter (100 psf), and for garage live load.
= 0.5 for other live loads.
5-9
BCP
SP-2007 CH-05
5.13 Deflection
The deflection of any structural member shall not exceed the values set forth in Table 5.4, based
on the factors set forth in Table 5.5. The deflection criteria representing the most restrictive
condition shall apply. Deflection criteria for materials not specified shall be developed in a manner
consistent with the provisions of this section. See Section 5.11.7 for camber requirements.
5-10
BCP
SP-2007 CH-05
Division II — Snow Loads
5.14 Snow loads
Buildings and other structures and all portions thereof that are subject to snow loading shall be
designed to resist the snow loads, in accordance with the load combinations set forth in Section
5.12.2 or 5.12.3.
Potential unbalanced accumulation of snow at valleys, parapets, roof structures and offsets in
roofs of uneven configuration shall be considered. Snow loads in excess of 1.0 kilo-Newton per
square meter (21 psf) may be reduced for each degree of pitch over 20 degrees by Rs as
determined by the formula:
Rs= S/40-0.024 (5.14-1)

For FPS:
Rs= S/40-1/2
Where:
Rs = snow load reduction in kilo-Newton per square meter (pounds per square foot)
per degree of pitch over 20 degrees.
S = total snow load in kilo-Newton per square meter (pounds per square foot).
5-11
BCP
SP-2007 CH-05
Division III—Wind Design
The following symbols and notations apply to the provisions of this division:
Ce = combined height, exposure and gust factor coefficient as given in Table 5.7.
Cq = pressure coefficient for the structure or portion of structure under consideration as
given in Table 5.8.
Iw = importance factor as set forth in Table 5.10.
P = design wind pressure, kN/m2 (psf)
qs = wind stagnation pressure at the standard height of 10 meters (33 feet) as set forth
in Table 5.6, kN/m2 (psf)
5.16 General
Every building or structure and every portion thereof shall be designed and constructed to resist
the wind effects determined in accordance with the requirements of this division where applicable
or any other internationally recognized building code. Wind shall be assumed to come from any
horizontal direction. No reduction in wind pressure shall be taken for the shielding effect of
adjacent structures.
Structures sensitive to dynamic effects, such as buildings with a height-to-width ratio greater
than five, structures sensitive to wind-excited oscillations, such as vortex shedding or icing, and
buildings over 125 meters (410 feet) in height, shall be, and any structure may be, designed in
accordance with approved international standards.
The provisions of this section do not apply to building and foundation systems in those areas
subject to scour and water pressure by wind and wave action. Buildings and foundations subject
to such loads shall be designed in accordance with approved international standards.
5.17 Definitions
The following definitions apply only to this division:
Basic Wind Speed is the fastest-mile wind speed associated with an annual probability of 0.02
measured at a point 10 meters (33 feet) above the ground for an area having exposure category C.
Exposure B has terrain with buildings, forest or surface irregularities, covering at least 20 percent
of the ground level area extending 1.60 km (1 mile) or more from the site.
Exposure C has terrain that is flat and generally open, extending 0.80 km (1/2 mile) or more from
the site in any full quadrant.
Exposure D represents the most severe exposure in areas with basic wind speeds of 130 km/h
(80 mph) or greater and has terrain that is flat and unobstructed facing large bodies of water over
1.60 km (1 mile) or more in width relative to any quadrant of the building site. Exposure D
extends inland from the shoreline 0.40 km (1/4 mile) or 10 times the building height, whichever is
greater.
Fastest-Mile Wind Speed is the wind speed obtained from wind velocity maps prepared by the
concerned authorities or from local meteorological data and is the highest sustained average wind
speed based on the time required for a mile-long sample of air to pass a fixed point.
5-12
BCP
SP-2007 CH-05
Openings are apertures or holes in the exterior wall boundary of the structure. All windows or
doors or other openings shall be considered as openings unless such openings and their frames are
specifically detailed and designed to resist the loads on elements and components in accordance
with the provisions of this section.
Partially Enclosed Structure or Storey is a structure or storey that has more than 15 percent of
any windward projected area open and the area of opening on all other projected areas is less than
half of that on the windward projection.
Unenclosed Structure or Storey is a structure that has 85 percent or more openings on all sides.
5.18 Basic Wind Speed
The minimum basic wind speed at any site shall not be less than as specified by the local
regulatory authority. Until detailed wind data is available, all the structures inland shall be
designed to resist a minimum wind velocity of not less than 120 km per hour (75 mph) at a height
of 10 meters (33 ft) and all the structures along the coast shall be designed to resist a wind
velocity of not less than 130 km per hour (80 mph) at a height of 10 meters (33 ft).
5.19 Exposure
An exposure shall be assigned at each site for which a building or structure is to be designed.
5.20 Design Wind Pressures
Design wind pressures for buildings and structures and elements therein shall be determined for
any height in accordance with the following formula:
P = Ce Cq qs Iw (5.20-1)
5.21 Primary Frames and Systems
5.21.1 General
The primary frames or load-resisting system of every structure shall be designed for the pressures
calculated using Formula (5.20-1) and the pressure coefficients, Cq, of either Method 1 or Method
2. In addition, design of the overall structure and its primary load-resisting system shall conform
to Section 5.5.
The base overturning moment for the entire structure, or for any one of its individual primary
lateral-resisting elements, shall not exceed two thirds of the dead-load-resisting moment. For an
entire structure with a height-to-width ratio of 0.5 or less in the wind direction and a maximum
height of 18.30 meters (60 feet), the combination of the effects of uplift and overturning may be
reduced by one third. The weight of earth superimposed over footings may be used to calculate
the dead-load-resisting moment.
5.21.2 Method 1 (Normal Force Method)
Method 1 shall be used for the design of gabled rigid frames and may be used for any structure. In
the Normal Force Method, the wind pressures shall be assumed to act simultaneously normal to
all exterior surfaces. For pressures on roofs and leeward walls, Ce shall be evaluated at the mean
roof height.
5-13
BCP
SP-2007 CH-05
5.21.3 Method 2 (Projected Area Method)
Method 2 may be used for any structure less than 60 meters (196.80 feet) in height except those
using gabled rigid frames. This method may be used in stability determinations for any structure
less than 60 meters (196.8 feet) high. In the Projected Area Method, horizontal pressures shall be
assumed to act upon the full vertical projected area of the structure, and the vertical pressures
shall be assumed to act simultaneously upon the full horizontal projected area.
5.22 Elements and Components of Structures
Design wind pressures for each element or component of a structure shall be determined from
Formula (5.20-1) and Cq values from Table 5.8, and shall be applied perpendicular to the surface.
For outward acting forces the value of Ce shall be obtained from Table 5.7 based on the mean roof
height and applied for the entire height of the structure. Each element or component shall be
designed for the more severe of the following loadings:
1. The pressures determined using Cq values for elements and components acting over the
entire tributary area of the element.
2. The pressures determined using Cq values for local areas at discontinuities such as
corners, ridges and eaves. These local pressures shall be applied over a distance from a
discontinuity of 3.0 meters (10 feet) or 0.1 times the least width of the structure,
whichever is less.
The wind pressures from Sections 5.21 and 5.22 need not be combined.
5.23 Open-Frame Towers
Radio towers and other towers of trussed construction shall be designed and constructed to
withstand wind pressures specified in this section, multiplied by the shape factors set forth in
Table 5.8.
5.24 Miscellaneous Structures
Greenhouses, lath houses, agricultural buildings or fences 3.60 meters (12 feet) or less in height
shall be designed in accordance with Division III. However, three fourths of qs, but not less than
0.50 kilo-Newton per square meter (10.44 psf), may be substituted for qs in Formula (5.20-1).
Pressures on local areas at discontinuities need not be considered.
5.25 Occupancy Categories
For the purpose of wind-resistant design, each structure shall be placed in one of the occupancy
categories listed in Table 5.10. Table 5.10 lists importance factors, Iw, for each category.
5-14
BCP
SP-2007 CH-05
Division IV—Earthquake Design
The following symbols and notations apply to the provisions of this division:
AB = ground floor area of structure in square meter (ft2) to include area covered by all
overhangs and projections.
Ac = the combined effective area, in square meter (ft2), of the shear walls in the first
storey of the structure.
Ae = the minimum cross-sectional area in any horizontal plane in the first storey, in
square meter (ft2) of a shear wall.
Ax = the torsional amplification factor at Level x.
ap = numerical coefficient specified in Section 5.32 and set forth in Table 5.14.
Ca = seismic coefficient, as set forth in Table 5.16.
Ct = numerical coefficient given in Section 5.30.2.2.
Cv = seismic coefficient, as set forth in Table 5.17.
D = dead load on a structural element.
De = the length, in meter (ft), of a shear wall in the first storey in the direction parallel
to the applied forces
E, Eh
Em, Ev = earthquake loads set forth in Section 5.30.1.
Fi,
Fn, Fx = Design Seismic Force applied to Level i, n or x, respectively.
Fp = Design Seismic Forces on a part of the structure.
Fpx = Design Seismic Force on a diaphragm.
Ft = that portion of the base shear, V, considered concentrated at the top of the
structure in addition to Fn.
fi = lateral force at Level i for use in Formula (5.30-10).
g = acceleration due to gravity.
hi,
hn , hx = height in meter (ft) above the base to Level i, n or x, respectively.
I = importance factor given in Table 5.10.
Ip = importance factor specified in Table 5.10.
L = live load on a structural element.
Level i = level of the structure referred to by the subscript i. “i = 1” designates the first
level above the base.
Level n = that level that is uppermost in the main portion of the structure.
Level x = that level that is under design consideration. “x = 1” designates the first level
above the base.
M = maximum moment magnitude.
Na = near-source factor used in the determination of Ca in Seismic Zone 4 related to
both the proximity of the building or structure to known faults with magnitudes
and slip rates as set forth in Tables 5.18 and 5.20.
Nv = near-source factor used in the determination of Cv in Seismic Zone 4 related to
both the proximity of the building or structure to known faults with magnitudes
and slip rates as set forth in Tables 5.19 and 5.20.
PI = plasticity index of soil determined in accordance with approved international
standards.
R = numerical coefficient representative of the inherent over strength and global
ductility capacity of lateral force-resisting systems, as set forth in Table 5.13 or
5.15.
r = a ratio used in determining ρ. See Section 5.30.1.
5-15
BCP
SP-2007 CH-05
SA, SB, SC,

SD, SE, SF = soil profile types as set forth in Table 4.1.
T = elastic fundamental period of vibration, in seconds, of the structure in the
direction under consideration.
V = the total design lateral force or shear at the base given by Formula (5.30-4), (5.30-
5), (5.30-6), (5.30-7) or (5.30-11).
Vx = the design storey shear in Storey x.
W = the total seismic dead load defined in Section 5.30.1.1.
wi , wx = that portion of W located at or assigned to Level i or x, respectively.
Wp = the weight of an element or component.
wpx = the weight of the diaphragm and the element tributary thereto at Level x,
including applicable portions of other loads defined in Section 5.30.1.1.
Z = seismic zone factor as given in Table 5.9.
ΔM = Maximum Inelastic Response Displacement, which is the total drift or total storey
drift that occurs when the structure is subjected to the Design Basis Ground
Motion, including estimated elastic and inelastic contributions to the total
deformation defined in Section 5.30.9.
ΔS = Design Level Response Displacement, which is the total drift or total storey drift
that occurs when the structure is subjected to the design seismic forces.
δi = horizontal displacement at Level i relative to the base due to applied lateral
forces, f, for use in Formula (5.30-10).
ρ = Redundancy/Reliability Factor given by Formula (5.30-3).
Ωo = Seismic Force Amplification Factor, which is required to account for structural
overstrength and set forth in Table 5.13.
5.27 General
5.27.1 Purpose
The purpose of the earthquake provisions herein is primarily to safeguard against major structural
failures and loss of life, not to limit damage or maintain function.
5.27.2 Minimum Seismic Design

Structures and portions thereof shall, as a minimum, be designed and constructed to resist the
effects of seismic ground motions as provided in this division.
5.27.3 Seismic and Wind Design

When wind design produces greater effects, the wind design shall govern, but detailing
requirements and limitations prescribed in this section and referenced sections shall be followed.
5.28 Definitions
For the purposes of this division, certain terms are defined as follows:
Base is the level at which the earthquake motions are considered to be imparted to the structure or
the level at which the structure as a dynamic vibrator is supported.
Base Shear, V, is the total design lateral force or shear at the base of a structure.
Bearing Wall System is a structural system without a complete vertical load-carrying space
frame. See Section 5.29.6.2.
Boundary Element is an element at edges of openings or at perimeters of shear walls or

diaphragms.
5-16
BCP
SP-2007 CH-05
Braced Frame is an essentially vertical truss system of the concentric or eccentric type that is
provided to resist lateral forces.
Building Frame System is an essentially complete space frame that provides support for gravity
loads. See Section 5.29.6.3.
Cantilevered Column Element is a column element in a lateral-force-resisting system that

cantilevers from a fixed base and has minimal moment capacity at the top, with lateral forces
applied essentially at the top.
Collector is a member or element provided to transfer lateral forces from a portion of a structure
to vertical elements of the lateral-force-resisting system.
Component is a part or element of an architectural, electrical, mechanical or structural system.
Component, Equipment, is a mechanical or electrical component or element that is part of a

mechanical and/or electrical system.
Component, Flexible, is a component, including its attachments, having a fundamental period

greater than 0.06 second.
Component, Rigid, is a component, including its attachments, having a fundamental period less
than or equal to 0.06 second.
Concentrically Braced Frame is a braced frame in which the members are subjected primarily to
axial forces.
Design Basis Ground Motion is that ground motion that has a 10 percent chance of being
exceeded in 50 years as determined by a site-specific hazard analysis or may be determined from
a hazard map. A suite of ground motion time historeys with dynamic properties representative of
the site characteristics shall be used to represent this ground motion. The dynamic effects of the
Design Basis Ground Motion may be represented by the Design Response Spectrum. See Section
5.31.2.
Design Response Spectrum is an elastic response spectrum for 5 percent equivalent viscous
damping used to represent the dynamic effects of the Design Basis Ground Motion for the design
of structures in accordance with Sections 5.30 and 5.31. This response spectrum may be either a
site-specific spectrum based on geologic, tectonic, seismological and soil characteristics
associated with a specific site or may be a spectrum constructed in accordance with the spectral
shape in Figure 5-1 using the site-specific values of Ca and Cv and multiplied by the acceleration
of gravity, 9.815 m/sec2 (386.4 in./sec2). See Section 5.31.2.
Design Seismic Force is the minimum total strength design base shear, factored and distributed in
accordance with Section 5.30.
Diaphragm is a horizontal or nearly horizontal system acting to transmit lateral forces to the
vertical-resisting elements. The term “diaphragm” includes horizontal bracing systems.
Diaphragm or Shear Wall Chord is the boundary element of a diaphragm or shear wall that is
assumed to take axial stresses analogous to the flanges of a beam.
Diaphragm Strut (drag strut, tie, and collector) is the element of a diaphragm parallel to the
applied load that collects and transfers diaphragm shear to the vertical-resisting elements or
distributes loads within the diaphragm. Such members may take axial tension or compression.
5-17
BCP
SP-2007 CH-05
Drift See “storey drift.”
Dual System is a combination of moment-resisting frames and shear walls or braced frames
designed in accordance with the criteria of Section 5.29.6.5.
Eccentrically Braced Frame (EBF) is a steel braced frame designed in conformance with Section
8.15, Chapter 8.
Elastic Response Parameters are forces and deformations determined from an elastic dynamic
analysis using an unreduced ground motion representation, in accordance with Section 5.30.
Essential Facilities are those structures that are necessary for emergency operations subsequent to
a natural disaster.
Flexible Element or system is one whose deformation under lateral load is significantly larger
than adjoining parts of the system. Limiting ratios for defining specific flexible elements are set
forth in Section 5.30.6.
Horizontal Bracing System is a horizontal truss system that serves the same function as a
diaphragm.
Intermediate Moment-Resisting Frame (IMRF) is a concrete frame designed in accordance with

Section 7.13, Chapter 7.
Lateral-Force-Resisting System is that part of the structural system designed to resist the Design
Seismic Forces.
Moment – Resisting Frame is a frame in which members and joints are capable of resisting
forces primarily by flexure.
Ordinary Braced Frame (OBF) is a steel-braced frame designed in accordance with the
provisions of Section 8.14, Chapter 8.
Ordinary Moment – Resisting Frame (OMRF) is a moment-resisting frame not meeting special
detailing requirements for ductile behavior.
Orthogonal Effects are the earthquake load effects on structural elements common to the lateral-
force-resisting systems along two orthogonal axes.
Overstrength is a characteristic of structures where the actual strength is larger than the design
strength. The degree of over strength is material and system dependent.
P-Δ Effect is the secondary effect on shears, axial forces and moments of frame members induced
by the vertical loads acting on the laterally displaced building system.
Shear Wall is a wall designed to resist lateral forces parallel to the plane of the wall (sometimes
referred to as vertical diaphragm or structural wall).
Shear wall – Frame Interactive System uses combinations of shear walls and frames designed to
resist lateral forces in proportion to their relative rigidities, considering interaction between shear
walls and frames on all levels.
5-18
BCP
SP-2007 CH-05
Soft Storey is one in which the lateral stiffness is less than 70 percent of the stiffness of the storey
above. See Table 5.11.
Space Frame is a three-dimensional structural system, without bearing walls, composed of

members interconnected so as to function as a complete self-contained unit with or without the
aid of horizontal diaphragms or floor-bracing systems.
Special Concentrically Braced Frame (SCBF) is a steel-braced frame designed in conformance

with the provisions of Section 8.13, Chapter 8.
Special Moment – Resisting Frame (SMRF) is a moment-resisting frame specially detailed to

provide ductile behavior and comply with the requirements given in Chapters 7 and 8.
Special Truss Moment Frame (STMF) is a moment-resisting frame specially detailed to provide
ductile behavior and comply with the provisions of Section 8.12, Chapter 8.
Storey is the space between levels. Storey x is the storey below Level x.
Storey Drift is the lateral displacement of one level relative to the level above or below.
Storey Drift Ratio is the storey drift divided by the storey height.
Storey Shear, Vx, is the summation of design lateral forces above the storey under consideration.
Strength is the capacity of an element or a member to resist factored load as specified in

Chapter 5.
Structure is an assemblage of framing members designed to support gravity loads and resist
lateral forces. Structures may be categorized as building structures or non-building structures.
Subdiaphragm is a portion of a larger wood diaphragm designed to anchor and transfer local
forces to primary diaphragm struts and the main diaphragm.
Vertical Load – Carrying Frame is a space frame designed to carry vertical gravity loads.
Wall Anchorage System is the system of elements anchoring the wall to the diaphragm and those
elements within the diaphragm required to develop the anchorage forces, including sub-
diaphragms and continuous ties, as specified in Sections 5.33.2.8 and 5.33.2.9.
Weak Storey is one in which the storey strength is less than 80 percent of the storey above. See
Table 5.11.
5.29 Criteria Selection
5.29.1 Basis for Design

The procedures and the limitations for the design of structures shall be determined considering
seismic zoning, site characteristics, occupancy, configuration, structural system and height in
accordance with this section. Structures shall be designed with adequate strength to withstand the
lateral displacements induced by the Design Basis Ground Motion, considering the inelastic
response of the structure and the inherent redundancy, overstrength and ductility of the lateral-
force-resisting system. The minimum design strength shall be based on the Design Seismic Forces
determined in accordance with the static lateral force procedure of Section 5.30, except as
modified by Section 5.31.5.4. Where strength design is used, the load combinations of Section
5.12.2 shall apply. Where Allowable Stress Design is used, the load combinations of Section
5-19
BCP
SP-2007 CH-05
5.12.3 shall apply. Allowable Stress Design may be used to evaluate sliding or overturning at the
soil-structure interface regardless of the design approach used in the design of the structure,
provided load combinations of Section 5.12.3 are utilized. One- and two-family dwellings in
Seismic Zone 1 need not conform to the provisions of this section.
5.29.2 Occupancy Categories

For purposes of earthquake resistant design, each structure shall be placed in one of the
occupancy categories listed in Table 5.10. Table 5.10 assigns importance factors, I and Ip, and
structural observation requirements for each category.
5.29.3 Site Geology and Soil Characteristics

Each site shall be assigned a soil profile type based on properly substantiated geotechnical data
using the site categorization procedure set forth in Chapter 4 and Table 4.1.
Exception: When the soil properties are not known in sufficient detail to determine
the soil profile type, generally Type SD shall be used. Soil Profile Type SE need not be
assumed for all situations unless the engineer determines that Soil Profile Type SE
may be present at the site or in the event that Type SE is established by geotechnical
data.
5.29.3.1 Soil profile type. Soil Profile Types SA, SB, SC, SD and SE are defined in Table 4.1 and
Soil Profile Type SF is defined as soils requiring site-specific evaluation as follows:
1. Soils vulnerable to potential failure or collapse under seismic loading such as liquefiable
soils, quick and highly sensitive clays, collapsible weakly cemented soils.
2. Peats and/or highly organic clays [H > 3 m (10 ft.) of peat and/or highly organic clay
where H = thickness of soil].
3. Very high plasticity clays [H > 7.5 m (25 ft.) with PI > 75]
4. Very thick soft/medium stiff clays [H > 37 m (120 ft.]
5.29.4 Site Seismic Hazard Characteristics

Seismic hazard characteristics for the site shall be established based on the seismic zone and
proximity of the site to active seismic sources, site soil profile characteristics and the structure’s
importance factor.
5.29.4.1 Seismic Zone. Each site shall be assigned a seismic zone in accordance with Chapter
2, Figure 2.1. Each structure shall be assigned a seismic zone factor Z, in accordance with Table
5.9.
5.29.4.2 Seismic Zone 4 near-source factor. In Seismic Zone 4, each site shall be assigned a
near-source factor in accordance with Table 5.18 and the Seismic Source Type set forth in Table
5.20. The value of Na used to determine Ca need not exceed 1.1 for structures complying with all
the following conditions:
1. The soil profile type is SA, SB, SC or SD.

2. ρ = 1.0.
3. Except in single-storey structures, Group R, Division 3 and Group U, Division 1
Occupancies, moment frame systems designated as part of the lateral-force-resisting
system shall be special moment-resisting frames.
4. None of the following structural irregularities is present: Type 1, 4 or 5 of Table 5.11, and
Type 1 or 4 of Table 5.12.
5.29.4.3 Seismic response coefficients. Each structure shall be assigned a seismic coefficient,
Ca , in accordance with Table 5.16 and a seismic coefficient, Cv , in accordance with Table 5.17.
5-20
BCP
SP-2007 CH-05
5.29.5 Configuration Requirements
5.29.5.1 General. Each structure shall be designated as being structurally regular or irregular
in accordance with Sections 5.29.5.2 and 5.29.5.3.
5.29.5.2 Regular structures. Regular structures have no significant physical discontinuities in

plan or vertical configuration or in their lateral-force-resisting systems such as the irregular
features described in Section 5.29.5.3.
5.29.5.3 Irregular structures
1. Irregular structures have significant physical discontinuities in configuration or in their

lateral-force-resisting systems. Irregular features include, but are not limited to, those
described in Tables 5.11 and 5.12. All structures in Seismic Zone 1 and Occupancy
Categories 4 and 5 in Seismic Zone 2 need to be evaluated only for vertical irregularities
of Type 5 (Table 5.11) and horizontal irregularities of Type 1 (Table 5.12).
2. Structures having any of the features listed in Table 5.11 shall be designated as if having a
vertical irregularity.
Exception: Where no storey drift ratio under design lateral forces is greater than 1.3
times the storey drift ratio of the storey above, the structure may be deemed to not
have the structural irregularities of Type 1 or 2 in Table 5.11. The storey drift ratio for
the top two storeys need not be considered. The storey drifts for this determination
may be calculated neglecting torsional effects.
3. Structures having any of the features listed in Table 5.12 shall be designated as having a
plan irregularity.
5.29.6 Structural Systems
5.29.6.1 General. Structural systems shall be classified as one of the types listed in Table 5.13
and defined in this section.
5.29.6.2 Bearing wall system. A structural system without a complete vertical load-carrying
space frame. Bearing walls or bracing systems provide support for all or most gravity loads.
Resistance to lateral load is provided by shear walls or braced frames.
5.29.6.3 Building frame system. A structural system with an essentially complete space frame
providing support for gravity loads. Resistance to lateral load is provided by shear walls or braced
frames.
5.29.6.4 Moment-resisting frame system. A structural system with an essentially complete

space frame providing support for gravity loads. Moment-resisting frames provide resistance to
lateral load primarily by flexural action of members.
5.29.6.5 Dual system. A structural system with the following features:
1. An essentially complete space frame that provides support for gravity loads.
2. Resistance to lateral load is provided by shear walls or braced frames and moment-
resisting frames (SMRF, IMRF, MMRWF or steel OMRF). The moment-resisting frames
shall be designed to independently resist at least 25 percent of the design base shear.
3. The two systems shall be designed to resist the total design base shear in proportion to
their relative rigidities considering the interaction of the dual system at all levels.
5-21
BCP
SP-2007 CH-05
5.29.6.6 Cantilevered column system. A structural system relying on cantilevered column

elements for lateral resistance.
5.29.6.7 Undefined structural system. A structural system not listed in Table 5.13.
5.29.6.8 Nonbuilding structural system. A structural system conforming to Section 5.34.
5.29.7 Height Limits

Height limits for the various structural systems in Seismic Zones 3 and 4 are given in Table 5.13.
Exception: Regular structures may exceed these limits by not more than 50 percent
for unoccupied structures, which are not accessible to the general public.
5.29.8 Selection of Lateral-force Procedure
5.29.8.1 General. Any structure may be, and certain structures defined below shall be,
designed using the dynamic lateral-force procedures of Section 5.31.
5.29.8.2 Simplified static. The simplified static lateral-force procedure set forth in Section
5.30.2.3 may be used for the following structures of Occupancy Category 4 or 5:
1. Buildings of any occupancy (including single-family dwellings) not more than three
storeys in height excluding basements that use light-frame construction.
2. Other buildings not more than two storeys in height excluding basements.
5.29.8.3 Static. The static lateral force procedure of Section 5.30 may be used for the
following structures:
1. All structures, regular or irregular, in Seismic Zone 1 and in Occupancy Categories 4 and
5 in Seismic Zone 2.
2. Regular structures below 73 meters (240 feet) in height with lateral force resistance
provided by systems listed in Table 5.13, except where Section 5.29.8.4, Item 4, applies.
3. Irregular structures not more than five storeys or 20 meters (65 feet) in height.
4. Structures having a flexible upper portion supported on a rigid lower portion where both
portions of the structure considered separately can be classified as being regular, the
average storey stiffness of the lower portion is at least 10 times the average storey
stiffness of the upper portion and the period of the entire structure is not greater than 1.1
times the period of the upper portion considered as a separate structure fixed at the base.
5.29.8.4 Dynamic. The dynamic lateral-force procedure of Section 5.31 shall be used for all
other structures, including the following:
1. Structures 73 meters (240 feet) or more in height, except as permitted by Section 5.29.8.3,
Item 1.
2. Structures having a stiffness, weight or geometric vertical irregularity of Type 1, 2 or 3,
as defined in Table 5.11, or structures having irregular features not described in Table
5.11 or 5.12, except as permitted by Section 5.30.4.2.
3. Structures over five storeys or 20 meters (65 feet) in height in Seismic Zones 3 and 4 not
having the same structural system throughout their height except as permitted by Section
5.30.4.2.
4. Structures, regular or irregular, located on Soil Profile Type SF that has a period greater
than 0.7 second. The analysis shall include the effects of the soils at the site and shall
conform to Section 5.31.2, Item 4.
5-22
BCP
SP-2007 CH-05
5.29.9 System Limitations
5.29.9.1 Discontinuity. Structures with a discontinuity in capacity, vertical irregularity Type 5

as defined in Table 5.11, shall not be over two storeys or 9 meters (30 feet) in height where the
weak storey has a calculated strength of less than 65 percent of the storey above.
Exception: Where the weak storey is capable of resisting a total lateral seismic force
of Ωo times the design force prescribed in Section 5.30.
5.29.9.2 Undefined structural systems. For undefined structural systems not listed in Table
5.13, the coefficient R shall be substantiated by approved cyclic test data and analyses. The
following items shall be addressed when establishing R:
1. Dynamic response characteristics,

2. Lateral force resistance,
3. Overstrength and strain hardening or softening,
4. Strength and stiffness degradation,
5. Energy dissipation characteristics,
6. System ductility, and
7. Redundancy.
5.29.9.3 Irregular features. All structures having irregular features described in Table 5.11 or
5.12 shall be designed to meet the additional requirements of those sections referenced in the
tables.
5.29.10 Alternative Procedures
5.29.10.1 General. Alternative lateral-force procedures using rational analyses based on well-
established principles of mechanics may be used in lieu of those prescribed in these provisions.
5.29.10.2 Seismic isolation. Seismic isolation, energy dissipation and damping systems may be
used in the design of structures when approved by the building official and when special detailing
is used to provide results equivalent to those obtained by the use of conventional structural
systems.
5.30 Minimum Design Lateral Forces and Related Effects
5.30.1 Earthquake Loads and Modeling Requirements
5.30.1.1 Earthquake loads. Structures shall be designed for ground motion producing
structural response and seismic forces in any horizontal direction. The following earthquake loads
shall be used in the load combinations set forth in Section 5.12.
E = ρ Eh + Ev (5.30-1)
Em = Ωo Eh (5.30-2)
Where:
E = the earthquake load on an element of the structure resulting from the combination
of the horizontal component, Eh, and the vertical component, Ev.
Eh = the earthquake load due to the base shear, V, as set forth in Section 5.30.2 or the
design lateral force, Fp, as set forth in Section 5.32.
5-23
BCP
SP-2007 CH-05
Em = the estimated maximum earthquake force that can be developed in the structure as
set forth in Section 5.30.1.1.
Ev = the load effect resulting from the vertical component of the earthquake ground
motion and is equal to an addition of 0.5 Ca I D to the dead load effect, D, for
Strength Design, and may be taken as zero for Allowable Stress Design.
Ωo = the seismic force amplification factor that is required to account for structural
over strength, as set forth in Section 5.30.3.1.
ρ = Reliability/Redundancy Factor as given by the following formula:
6.1
ρ = 2− (5.30-3)
r max AB
In FPS:
20
ρ = 2−
r max AB
Where:
rmax = the maximum element-storey shear ratio. For a given direction of loading, the
element-storey shear ratio is the ratio of the design storey shear in the most
heavily loaded single element divided by the total design storey shear. For any
given Storey Level i, the element-storey shear ratio is denoted as ri. The
maximum element-storey shear ratio rmax is defined as the largest of the element
storey shear ratios, ri, which occurs in any of the storey levels at or below the
two-thirds height level of the building.
For braced frames, the value of ri is equal to the maximum horizontal force component in a
single brace element divided by the total storey shear.
For moment frames, ri shall be taken as the maximum of the sum of the shears in any two
adjacent columns in a moment frame bay divided by the storey shear. For columns common to
two bays with moment-resisting-connections on opposite sides at Level i in the direction under
consideration, 70 percent of the shear in that column may be used in the column shear summation.
For shear walls, ri shall be taken as the maximum value of the product of the wall shear
multiplied by 3.05/lw (For FPS: 10/lw) and divided by the total storey shear, where lw is the length
of the wall in meter (ft).
For dual systems, ri shall be taken as the maximum value of ri as defined above considering
all lateral-load-resisting elements. The lateral loads shall be distributed to elements based on
relative rigidities considering the interaction of the dual system. For dual systems, the value of ρ
need not exceed 80 percent of the value calculated above.
ρ shall not be taken less than 1.0 and need not be greater than 1.5, and AB is the ground floor
area of the structure in square meter (ft2). For special moment-resisting frames, except when used
in dual systems, ρ shall not exceed 1.25. The number of bays of special moment-resisting frames
shall be increased to reduce r, such that ρ is less than or equal to 1.25.
Exception: AB may be taken as the average floor area in the upper setback portion of
the building where a larger base area exists at the ground floor. When calculating
drift, or when the structure is located in Seismic Zones 0, 1 or 2, ρ shall be taken
equal to 1.
5-24
BCP
SP-2007 CH-05
The ground motion producing lateral response and design seismic forces may be assumed to
act nonconcurrently in the direction of each principal axis of the structure, except as required by
Section 5.33.1.
Seismic dead load, W, is the total dead load and applicable portions of other loads listed below.
1. In storage and warehouse occupancies, a minimum of 25 percent of the floor live load
shall be applicable.
2. Where a partition load is used in the floor design, a load of not less than 0.50 kN/m2 (10
psf) shall be included.
3. Design snow loads of 1.50 kN/m2 (30 psf) or less need not be included. Where design
snow loads exceed 1.50 kN/m2 (30 psf), the design snow load shall be included, but may
be reduced up to 75 percent where consideration of siting, configuration and load duration
warrant when approved by the building official.
4. Total weight of permanent equipment shall be included.
5.30.1.2 Modeling requirements. The mathematical model of the physical structure shall
include all elements of the lateral-force-resisting system. The model shall also include the
stiffness and strength of elements, which are significant to the distribution of forces, and shall
represent the spatial distribution of the mass and stiffness of the structure. In addition, the model
shall comply with the following:
1. Stiffness properties of reinforced concrete and masonry elements shall consider the
effects of cracked sections.
2. For steel moment frame systems, the contribution of panel zone deformations to overall
storey drift shall be included.
5.30.1.3 P-Δ effects. The resulting member forces and moments and the storey drifts induced
by P-Δ effects shall be considered in the evaluation of overall structural frame stability and shall
be evaluated using the forces producing the displacements of ΔS. P-Δ need not be considered
when the ratio of secondary moment to primary moment does not exceed 0.10; the ratio may be
evaluated for any storey as the product of the total dead, floor live and snow load, as required in
Section 5.12, above the storey times the seismic drift in that storey divided by the product of the
seismic shear in that storey times the height of that storey. In Seismic Zones 3 and 4, P-Δ need not
be considered when the storey drift ratio does not exceed 0.02/R.
5.30.2 Static Force Procedure
5.30.2.1 Design base shear. The total design base shear in a given direction shall be
determined from the following formula:
Cv I
V = W (5.30-4)
RT
The total design base shear need not exceed the following:
2.5C a I
V = W (5.30-5)
R
The total design base shear shall not be less than the following:
5-25
BCP
SP-2007 CH-05
V = 0.11C a IW (5.30-6)
In addition, for Seismic Zone 4, the total base shear shall also not be less than the following:
0.8ZN v I
V = W (5.30-7)
R
5.30.2.2 Structure period. The value of T shall be determined from one of the following
methods:
1. Method A: For all buildings, the value T may be approximated from the following
formula:
3
T = C t (hn ) 4 (5.30-8)
Where:
Ct = 0.0853 (0.035) for steel moment-resisting frames.

Ct = 0.0731 (0.030) for reinforced concrete moment-resisting frames and eccentrically
braced frames.
Ct = 0.0488 (0.020) for all other buildings.
Alternatively, the value of Ct for structures with concrete or masonry shear walls may be taken as
0.0743 0.1
(For FPS: for Ac in ft2). The value of Ac shall be determined from the following
Ac Ac
formula:
⎡ ⎛ De ⎞ ⎤
2
AC = ∑ Ae ⎢0.2 + ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ ⎥ (5.30-9)
⎢⎣ ⎝ hn ⎠ ⎥⎦
The value of De /hn used in Formula (5.30-9) shall not exceed 0.9.
2. Method B: The fundamental period T may be calculated using the structural properties
and deformational characteristics of the resisting elements in a properly substantiated analysis.
The analysis shall be in accordance with the requirements of Section 5.30.1.2. The value of T
from Method B shall not exceed a value 30 percent greater than the value of T obtained from
Method A in Seismic Zone 4, and 40 percent in Seismic Zones 1, 2 and 3.
The fundamental period T may be computed by using the following formula:
⎛ n 2⎞ ⎛
n
⎞
T = 2π ⎜ ∑ wiδ i ⎟ ÷ ⎜ g ∑ f iδ i ⎟ (5.30-10)
⎝ i =1 ⎠ ⎝ i =1 ⎠
The values of fi represent any lateral force distributed approximately in accordance with the
principles of Formulas (5.30-13), (5.30-14) and (5.30-15) or any other rational distribution. The
elastic deflections, δ i , shall be calculated using the applied lateral forces, fi.
5-26
BCP
SP-2007 CH-05
5.30.2.3 Simplified design base shear
5.30.2.3.1 General. Structures conforming to the requirements of Section 5.29.8.2 may be

designed using this procedure.
5.30.2.3.2 Base shear. The total design base shear in a given direction shall be determined from
the following formula:
3.0C a
V = W (5.30-11)
R
Where the value of Ca shall be based on Table 5.16 for the soil profile type. When the soil
properties are not known in sufficient detail to determine the soil profile type, Type SD shall be
used in Seismic Zones 3 and 4, and Type SE shall be used in Seismic Zones 1, 2A and 2B. In
Seismic Zone 4, the Near-Source Factor, Na, need not be greater than 1.3 if none of the following
structural irregularities are present: Type 1, 4 or 5 of Table 5.11, or Type 1 or 4 of Table 5.12.
5.30.2.3.3 Vertical distribution. The forces at each level shall be calculated using the following
formula:
3.0C a
Fx = wi (5.30-12)
R
Where the value of Ca shall be determined in Section 5.30.2.3.2.
5.30.2.3.4 Applicability. Sections 5.30.1.2, 5.30.1.3, 5.30.2.1, 5.30.2.2, 5.30.5, 5.30.9, 5.30.10
and 5.31 shall not apply when using the simplified procedure.
Exception: For buildings with relatively flexible structural systems, the building
official may require consideration of P-Δ effects and drift in accordance with
Sections 5.30.1.3, 5.30.9 and 5.30.10. Δs shall be prepared using design seismic
forces from Section 5.30.2.3.2.
Where used, ΔM shall be taken equal to 0.01 times the storey height of all storeys. In Section
3 .0C a
5.33.2.9, Formula (5.33-1) shall read F px = w px and need not exceed 1.0 Ca wpx, but shall
R
not be less than 0.5 Ca wpx.. R and Ωo shall be taken from Table 5.13.
5.30.3 Determination of Seismic Factors
5.30.3.1 Determination of Ωo. For specific elements of the structure, as specifically identified
in this code, the minimum design strength shall be the product of the seismic force overstrength
factor Ωo and the design seismic forces set forth in Section 5.30. For both Allowable Stress
Design and Strength Design, the Seismic Force Overstrength Factor, Ωo, shall be taken from
Table 5.13.
5.30.3.2 Determination of R. The notation R shall be taken from Table 5.13.
5.30.4 Combinations of Structural Systems.
5.30.4.1 General. Where combinations of structural systems are incorporated into the same
structure, the requirements of this section shall be satisfied.
5-27
BCP
SP-2007 CH-05
5.30.4.2 Vertical combinations. The value of R used in the design of any storey shall be less
than or equal to the value of R used in the given direction for the storey above.
Exception: This requirement need not be applied to a storey where the dead weight
above that storey is less than 10 percent of the total dead weight of the structure.
Structures may be designed using the procedures of this section under the following
conditions:
1. The entire structure is designed using the lowest R of the lateral-force-resisting

systems used, or
2. The following two-stage static analysis procedures may be used for structures
conforming to Section 5.29.8.3, Item 4.
2.1 The flexible upper portion shall be designed as a separate structure, supported
laterally by the rigid lower portion, using the appropriate values of R and ρ.
2.2 The rigid lower portion shall be designed as a separate structure using the
appropriate values of R and ρ. The reactions from the upper portion shall be
those determined from the analysis of the upper portion amplified by the ratio
of the (R / ρ) of the upper portion over (R / ρ) of the lower portion.
5.30.4.3 Combinations along different axes. In Seismic Zones 3 and 4 where a structure has a
bearing wall system in only one direction, the value of R used for design in the orthogonal
direction shall not be greater than that used for the bearing wall system.
Any combination of bearing wall systems, building frame systems, dual systems or moment-
resisting frame systems may be used to resist seismic forces in structures less than 49 meters (160
feet) in height. Only combinations of dual systems and special moment-resisting frames shall be
used to resist seismic forces in structures exceeding 49 meters (160 feet) in height in Seismic
Zones 3 and 4.
5.30.4.4 Combinations along the same axis. For other than dual systems and shear wall-frame
interactive systems in Seismic Zone 1, where a combination of different structural systems is
utilized to resist lateral forces in the same direction, the value of R used for design in that
direction shall not be greater than the least value for any of the systems utilized in that same
direction.
5.30.5 Vertical Distribution of Force

The total force shall be distributed over the height of the structure in conformance with Formulas
(5.30-13), (5.30-14) and (5.30-15) in the absence of a more rigorous procedure.
n
V = Ft + ∑ Fi (5.30-13)
i =1
The concentrated force Ft at the top, which is in addition to Fn, shall be determined from the
formula:
Ft = 0.07TV (5.30-14)
The value of T used for the purpose of calculating Ft shall be the period that corresponds with
the design base shear as computed using Formula (5.30-4). Ft need not exceed 0.25V and may be
considered as zero where T is 0.7 second or less. The remaining portion of the base shear shall be
distributed over the height of the structure, including Level n, according to the following formula:
5-28
BCP
SP-2007 CH-05
wx hx
Fx = (V − Ft ) n
(5.30-15)
∑ (w h )
i =1
i i
At each level designated as x, the force Fx shall be applied over the area of the building in
accordance with the mass distribution at that level. Structural displacements and design seismic
forces shall be calculated as the effect of forces Fx and Ft applied at the appropriate levels above
the base.
5.30.6 Horizontal Distribution of Shear

The design storey shear, Vx, in any storey is the sum of the forces Ft and Fx above that storey. Vx
shall be distributed to the various elements of the vertical lateral-force-resisting system in
proportion to their rigidities, considering the rigidity of the diaphragm. See Section 5.33.2.4 for
rigid elements that are not intended to be part of the lateral-force resisting systems.
Where diaphragms are not flexible, the mass at each level shall be assumed to be displaced
from the calculated center of mass in each direction a distance equal to 5 percent of the building
dimension at that level perpendicular to the direction of the force under consideration. The effect
of this displacement on the storey shear distribution shall be considered.
Diaphragms shall be considered flexible for the purposes of distribution of storey shear and
torsional moment when the maximum lateral deformation of the diaphragm is more than two
times the average storey drift of the associated storey. This may be determined by comparing the
computed midpoint in-plane deflection of the diaphragm itself under lateral load with the storey
drift of adjoining vertical-resisting elements under equivalent tributary lateral load.
5.30.7 Horizontal Torsional Moments

Provisions shall be made for the increased shears resulting from horizontal torsion where
diaphragms are not flexible. The most severe load combination for each element shall be
considered for design.
The torsional design moment at a given storey shall be the moment resulting from
eccentricities between applied design lateral forces at levels above that storey and the vertical-
resisting elements in that storey plus an accidental torsion.
The accidental torsional moment shall be determined by assuming the mass is displaced as
required by Section 5.30.6.
Where torsional irregularity exists, as defined in Table 5.12, the effects shall be accounted for
by increasing the accidental torsion at each level by an amplification factor, Ax, determined from
the following formula:
2
⎡ δ ⎤
Ax = ⎢ max ⎥ (5.30-16)
⎢⎣1.2δ avg ⎥⎦
Where:
δavg = the average of the displacements at the extreme points of the structure at Level x.
δmax = the maximum displacement at Level x.
5-29
BCP
SP-2007 CH-05
The value of Ax need not exceed 3.0.
5.30.8 Overturning.
5.30.8.1 General. Every structure shall be designed to resist the overturning effects caused by
earthquake forces specified in Section 5.30.5. At any level, the overturning moments to be
resisted shall be determined using those seismic forces (Ft and Fx) that act on levels above the
level under consideration. At any level, the incremental changes of the design overturning
moment shall be distributed to the various resisting elements in the manner prescribed in Section
5.30.6. Overturning effects on every element shall be carried down to the foundation. See
Sections 5.12 and 5.33 for combining gravity and seismic forces.
5.30.8.2 Elements supporting discontinuous systems.
5.30.8.2.1 General. Where any portion of the lateral-load-resisting system is discontinuous, such
as for vertical irregularity Type 4 in Table 5.11 or plan irregularity Type 4 in Table 5.12, concrete,
masonry, steel and wood elements supporting such discontinuous systems shall have the design
strength to resist the combination loads resulting from the special seismic load combinations of
Section 5.12.4.
Exceptions:
1. The quantity Em in Section 5.12.4 need not exceed the maximum force that can be
transferred to the element by the lateral-force-resisting system.
2. Concrete slabs supporting light-frame wood shear wall systems or light-frame
steel and wood structural panel shear wall systems.
For Allowable Stress Design, the design strength may be determined using an allowable stress
increase of 1.7 and a resistance factor, Ф, of 1.0.
5.30.8.2.2 Detailing requirements in Seismic Zones 3 and 4. In Seismic Zones 3 and 4,

elements supporting discontinuous systems shall meet the following detailing or member
limitations:
1. Reinforced concrete elements designed primarily as axial load members shall comply
with Section 7.5.4.5, Chapter 7.
2. Steel elements designed primarily as axial-load members shall comply with Section 8.8.3,
Chapter 8.
3. Steel elements designed primarily as flexural members or trusses shall have bracing for
both top and bottom beam flanges or chords at the location of the support of the
discontinuous system.
5.30.8.3 At foundation. See Sections 5.29.1 and 4.5.4 for overturning moments to be resisted at
the foundation soil interface.
5.30.9 Drift
Drift or horizontal displacements of the structure shall be computed where required by this code.
For both Allowable Stress Design and Strength Design, the Maximum Inelastic Response
Displacement, ΔM, of the structure caused by the Design Basis Ground Motion shall be
determined in accordance with this section. The drifts corresponding to the design seismic forces
of Section 5.30.2.1, ΔS, shall be determined in accordance with Section 5.30.9.1. To determine
ΔM, these drifts shall be amplified in accordance with Section 5.30.9.2.
5-30
BCP
SP-2007 CH-05
5.30.9.1 Determination of ΔS. A static, elastic analysis of the lateral force-resisting system
shall be prepared using the design seismic forces from Section 5.30.2.1. Alternatively, dynamic
analysis may be performed in accordance with Section 5.31. Where Allowable Stress Design is
used and where drift is being computed, the load combinations of Section 5.12.2 shall be used.
The mathematical model shall comply with Section 5.30.1.2. The resulting deformations, denoted
as ΔS, shall be determined at all critical locations in the structure. Calculated drift shall include
translational and torsional deflections.
5.30.9.2 Determination of ΔM. The Maximum Inelastic Response Displacement, ΔM, shall be
computed as follows:
ΔM = 0.7 R ΔS (5.30-17)
Exception: Alternatively, ΔM may be computed by nonlinear time history analysis in

accordance with Section 5.31.6. The analysis used to determine the Maximum
Inelastic Response Displacement ΔM shall consider P-Δ effects.
5.30.10 Storey Drift Limitation.
5.30.10.1 General. Storey drifts shall be computed using the Maximum Inelastic Response
Displacement, Δ M.
5.30.10.2 Calculated storey drift using Δ M shall not exceed 0.025 times the storey height for
structures having a fundamental period of less than 0.7 second. For structures having a
fundamental period of 0.7 second or greater, the calculated storey drift shall not exceed 0.020
times the storey height.
Exceptions:
1. These drift limits may be exceeded when it is demonstrated that greater drift can
be tolerated by both structural elements and nonstructural elements that could
affect life safety. The drift used in this assessment shall be based upon the
Maximum Inelastic Response Displacement, Δ M.
2. There shall be no drift limit in single-storey steel-framed structures classified as

Groups B, F and S Occupancies or Group H, Division 4 or 5 Occupancies. In
Groups B, F and S Occupancies, the primary use shall be limited to storage,
factories or workshops. Structures on which this exception is used shall not have
equipment attached to the structural frame or shall have such equipment detailed
to accommodate the additional drift. Walls that are laterally supported by the steel
frame shall be designed to accommodate the drift in accordance with Section
5.33.2.4.
5.30.10.3 Limitations. The design lateral forces used to determine the calculated drift may
disregard the limitations of Formula (5.30-6) and may be based on the period determined from
Formula (5.30-10) neglecting the 30 or 40 percent limitations of Section 5.30.2.2, Item 2.
5.30.11 Vertical Component

The following requirements apply in Seismic Zones 3 and 4 only. Horizontal cantilever
components shall be designed for a net upward force of 0.7Ca I Wp.
5-31
BCP
SP-2007 CH-05
In addition to all other applicable load combinations, horizontal prestressed components shall
be designed using not more than 50 percent of the dead load for the gravity load, alone or in
combination with the lateral force effects.
5.31 Dynamic Analysis Procedures
5.31.1 General
Dynamic analyses procedures, when used, shall conform to the criteria established in this section.
The analysis shall be based on an appropriate ground motion representation and shall be
performed using accepted principles of dynamics. Structures that are designed in accordance with
this section shall comply with all other applicable requirements of these provisions.
5.31.2 Ground Motion
The ground motion representation shall, as a minimum, be one having a 10-percent probability of
being exceeded in 50 years, shall not be reduced by the quantity R and may be one of the
following:
1. An elastic design response spectrum constructed in accordance with Figure 5.1, using the
values of Ca and Cv consistent with the specific site. The design acceleration ordinates
shall be multiplied by the acceleration of gravity, 9.815 m/sec2 (386.4 in/sec2).
2. A site-specific elastic design response spectrum based on the geologic, tectonic,
seismologic and soil characteristics associated with the specific site. The spectrum shall
be developed for a damping ratio of 0.05, unless a different value is shown to be
consistent with the anticipated structural behavior at the intensity of shaking established
for the site.
3. Ground motion time histories developed for the specific site shall be representative of
actual earthquake motions. Response spectra from time histories, either individually or in
combination, shall approximate the site design spectrum conforming to Section 5.31.2,
Item 2.
4. For structures on Soil Profile Type SF, the following requirements shall apply when
required by Section 5.29.8.4, Item 4:
4.1 The ground motion representation shall be developed in accordance with Items 2
and 3.
4.2 Possible amplification of building response due to the effects of soil-structure
interaction and lengthening of building period caused by inelastic behavior shall
be considered.
5. The vertical component of ground motion may be defined by scaling corresponding

horizontal accelerations by a factor of two-thirds. Alternative factors may be used when
substantiated by site specific data. Where the Near Source Factor, Na, is greater than 1.0,
site-specific vertical response spectra shall be used in lieu of the factor of two-thirds.
5.31.3 Mathematical Model
A mathematical model of the physical structure shall represent the spatial distribution of the mass
and stiffness of the structure to an extent that is adequate for the calculation of the significant
features of its dynamic response. A three-dimensional model shall be used for the dynamic
analysis of structures with highly irregular plan configurations such as those having a plan
irregularity defined in Table 5.12 and having a rigid or semi-rigid diaphragm. The stiffness
5-32
BCP
SP-2007 CH-05
properties used in the analysis and general mathematical modeling shall be in accordance with
Section 5.30.1.2.
5.31.4 Description of Analysis Procedures.
5.31.4.1 Response spectrum analysis. An elastic dynamic analysis of a structure utilizing the
peak dynamic response of all modes having a significant contribution to total structural response.
Peak modal responses are calculated using the ordinates of the appropriate response spectrum
curve which correspond to the modal periods. Maximum modal contributions are combined in a
statistical manner to obtain an approximate total structural response.
5.31.4.2 Time-history analysis. An analysis of the dynamic response of a structure at each

increment of time when the base is subjected to a specific ground motion time history.
5.31.5 Response Spectrum Analysis.
5.31.5.1 Response spectrum representation and interpretation of results. The ground motion
representation shall be in accordance with Section 5.31.2. The corresponding response
parameters, including forces, moments and displacements, shall be denoted as Elastic Response
Parameters. Elastic Response Parameters may be reduced in accordance with Section 5.31.5.4.
5.31.5.2 Number of modes. The requirement of Section 5.31.4.1 that all significant modes be
included may be satisfied by demonstrating that for the modes considered, at least 90 percent of
the participating mass of the structure is included in the calculation of response for each principal
horizontal direction.
5.31.5.3 Combining modes. The peak member forces, displacements, storey forces, storey
shears and base reactions for each mode shall be combined by recognized methods. When three-
dimensional models are used for analysis, modal interaction effects shall be considered when
combining modal maxima.
5.31.5.4 Reduction of Elastic Response Parameters for design

Elastic Response Parameters may be reduced for purposes of design in accordance with the
following items, with the limitation that in no case shall the Elastic Response Parameters be
reduced such that the corresponding design base shear is less than the Elastic Response Base
Shear divided by the value of R.
1. For all regular structures where the ground motion representation complies with Section
5.31.2, Item 1, Elastic Response Parameters may be reduced such that the corresponding
design base shear is not less than 90 percent of the base shear determined in accordance
with Section 5.30.2.
2. For all regular structures where the ground motion representation complies with Section
5.31.2, Item 2, Elastic Response Parameters may be reduced such that the corresponding
design base shear is not less than 80 percent of the base shear determined in accordance
with Section 5.30.2.
3. For all irregular structures, regardless of the ground motion representation, Elastic
Response Parameters may be reduced such that the corresponding design base shear is not
less than 100 percent of the base shear determined in accordance with Section 5.30.2. The
corresponding reduced design seismic forces shall be used for design in accordance with
Section 5.12.
5.31.5.5 Directional effects. Directional effects for horizontal ground motion shall conform to
the requirements of Section 5.30.1. The effects of vertical ground motions on horizontal
cantilevers and prestressed elements shall be considered in accordance with Section 5.30.11.
5-33
BCP
SP-2007 CH-05
Alternately, vertical seismic response may be determined by dynamic response methods; in no

case shall the response used for design be less than that obtained by the static method.
5.31.5.6 Torsion. The analysis shall account for torsional effects, including accidental
torsional effects as prescribed in Section 5.30.7. Where three-dimensional models are used for
analysis, effects of accidental torsion shall be accounted for by appropriate adjustments in the
model such as adjustment of mass locations, or by equivalent static procedures such as provided
in Section 5.30.6.
5.31.5.7 Dual systems. Where the lateral forces are resisted by a dual system as defined in
Section 5.29.6.5, the combined system shall be capable of resisting the base shear determined in
accordance with this section. The moment-resisting frame shall conform to Section 5.29.6.5, Item
2, and may be analyzed using either the procedures of Section 5.30.5 or those of Section 5.31.5.
5.31.6 Time-history Analysis
5.31.6.1 Time history. Time-history analysis shall be performed with pairs of appropriate
horizontal ground-motion time history components that shall be selected and scaled from not less
than three recorded events. Appropriate time histories shall have magnitudes, fault distances and
source mechanisms that are consistent with those that control the design-basis earthquake (or
maximum capable earthquake). Where three appropriate recorded ground-motion time-history
pairs are not available, appropriate simulated ground-motion time-history pairs may be used to
make up the total number required. For each pair of horizontal ground motion components, the
square root of the sum of the squares (SRSS) of the 5 percent-damped site-specific spectrum of
the scaled horizontal components shall be constructed. The motions shall be scaled such that the
average value of the SRSS spectra does not fall below 1.4 times the 5 percent-damped spectrum
of the design-basis earthquake for periods from 0.2T second to 1.5T seconds. Each pair of time
histories shall be applied simultaneously to the model considering torsional effects.
The parameter of interest shall be calculated for each time history analysis. If three time-
histories analyses are performed, then the maximum response of the parameter of interest shall be
used for design. If seven or more time-history analyses are performed, then the average value of
the response parameter of interest may be used for design.
5.31.6.2 Elastic time-histories analysis. Elastic time history shall conform to Sections 5.31.1,
5.31.2, 5.31.3, 5.31.5.2, 5.31.5.4, 5.31.5.5, 5.31.5.6, 5.31.5.7 and 5.31.6.1. Response parameters
from elastic time-history analysis shall be denoted as Elastic Response Parameters. All elements
shall be designed using Strength Design. Elastic Response Parameters may be scaled in
accordance with Section 5.31.5.4.
5.31.6.3 Nonlinear time-history analysis
5.31.6.3.1 Nonlinear time history. Nonlinear time-history analysis shall meet the requirements
of Section 5.29.10, and time histories shall be developed and results determined in accordance
with the requirements of Section 5.31.6.1. Capacities and characteristics of nonlinear elements
shall be modeled consistent with test data or substantiated analysis, considering the Importance
Factor. The maximum inelastic response displacement shall not be reduced and shall comply with
Section 5.30.10.
5.31.6.3.2 Design review. When nonlinear time-history analysis is used to justify a structural
design, a design review of the lateral force resisting system shall be performed by an independent
engineering team, including persons licensed in the appropriate disciplines and experienced in
seismic analysis methods. The lateral-force-resisting system design review shall include, but not
be limited to, the following:
5-34
BCP
SP-2007 CH-05
1. Reviewing the development of site-specific spectra and ground-motion time histories.

2. Reviewing the preliminary design of the lateral-force-resisting system.
3. Reviewing the final design of the lateral-force-resisting system and all supporting
analyses.
The engineer of record shall submit with the plans and calculations a statement by all
members of the engineering team doing the review stating that the above review has been
performed.
5.32 Lateral Force on Elements of Structures, Nonstructural Components and

Equipment Supported by Structures
5.32.1 General
Elements of structures and their attachments, permanent nonstructural components and their
attachments, and the attachments for permanent equipment supported by a structure shall be
designed to resist the total design seismic forces prescribed in Section 5.32.2. Attachments for
floor- or roof-mounted equipment weighing less than 2 kilo-Newton (400 pounds) and furniture
need not be designed.
Attachments shall include anchorages and required bracing. Friction resulting from gravity
loads shall not be considered to provide resistance to seismic forces.
When the structural failure of the lateral-force-resisting systems of non-rigid equipment

would cause a life hazard, such systems shall be designed to resist the seismic forces prescribed in
Section 5.32.2.
When permissible design strengths and other acceptance criteria are not contained in or
referenced by this code, such criteria shall be obtained from relevant international standards
subject to the approval of the building official.
5.32.2 Design for Total Lateral Force

The total design lateral seismic force, Fp, shall be determined from the following formula:
Fp = 4.0Ca I pW p (5.32-1)
Alternatively, Fp may be calculated using the following formula:
a pCa I p ⎛ 3hx ⎞
Fp = ⎜1 + ⎟W p (5.32-2)
R p ⎜⎝ hr ⎟⎠
Except that:
Fp shall not be less than 0.7CaIpWp and need not be more than 4CaIpWp (5.32-3)
Where:
hx is the element or component attachment elevation with respect to grade. hx shall not be taken
less than 0.0.
hr is the structure roof elevation with respect to grade.
ap is the in-structure Component Amplification Factor that varies from 1.0 to 2.5.
5-35
BCP
SP-2007 CH-05
A value for ap shall be selected from Table 5.14. Alternatively, this factor may be determined
based on the dynamic properties or empirical data of the component and the structure that
supports it. The value shall not be taken less than 1.0.
Rp is the Component Response Modification Factor that shall be taken from Table 5.14,
except that Rp for anchorages shall equal 1.5 for shallow expansion anchor bolts, shallow
chemical anchors or shallow cast-in-place anchors. Shallow anchors are those with an embedment
length-to-diameter ratio of less than 8. When anchorage is constructed of non ductile materials, or
by use of adhesive, Rp shall equal 1.0.
The design lateral forces determined using Formula (5.32-1) or (5.32-2) shall be distributed in
proportion to the mass distribution of the element or component.
Forces determined using Formula (5.32-1) or (5.32-2) shall be used to design members and
connections that transfer these forces to the seismic-resisting systems. Members and connection
design shall use the load combinations and factors specified in Section 5.12.2 or 5.12.3. The
Reliability/Redundancy Factor, ρ, may be taken equal to 1.0.
For applicable forces and Component Response Modification Factors in connectors for
exterior panels and diaphragms, refer to Sections 5.33.2.4, 5.33.2.8 and 5.33.2.9.
Forces shall be applied in the horizontal directions, which result in the most critical loadings
for design.
5.32.3 Specifying Lateral Forces
Design specifications for equipment shall either specify the design lateral forces prescribed herein
or reference these provisions.
5.32.4 Relative Motion of Equipment Attachments
For equipment in Categories 1 and 2 buildings as defined in Table 5.10, the lateral-force design
shall consider the effects of relative motion of the points of attachment to the structure, using the
drift based upon ΔM.
5.32.5 Alternative Designs
Where an approved national standard or approved physical test data provide a basis for the
earthquake-resistant design of a particular type of equipment or other nonstructural component,
such a standard or data may be accepted as a basis for design of the items with the following
limitations:
1. These provisions shall provide minimum values for the design of the anchorage and the
members and connections that transfer the forces to the seismic-resisting system.
2. The force, Fp, and the overturning moment used in the design of the nonstructural
component shall not be less than 80 percent of the values that would be obtained using
these provisions.
5.33 Detailed Systems Design Requirements
5.33.1 General
All structural framing systems shall comply with the requirements of Section 5.29. Only the
elements of the designated seismic-force-resisting system shall be used to resist design forces.
5-36
BCP
SP-2007 CH-05
The individual components shall be designed to resist the prescribed design seismic forces acting
on them. The components shall also comply with the specific requirements for the material
contained in Chapters 7 and 8. In addition, such framing systems and components shall comply
with the detailed system design requirements contained in Section 5.33.
All building components in Seismic Zones 2, 3 and 4 shall be designed to resist the effects of
the seismic forces prescribed herein and the effects of gravity loadings from dead, floor live and
snow loads.
Consideration shall be given to design for uplift effects caused by seismic loads.
In Seismic Zones 2, 3 and 4, provision shall be made for the effects of earthquake forces
acting in a direction other than the principal axes in each of the following circumstances:
The structure has plan irregularity Type 5 as given in Table 5.12.
The structure has plan irregularity Type 1 as given in Table 5.12 for both major axes.
A column of a structure forms part of two or more intersecting lateral-force-resisting systems.
Exception: If the axial load in the column due to seismic forces acting in either
direction is less than 20 percent of the column axial load capacity.
The requirement that orthogonal effects be considered may be satisfied by designing such
elements for 100 percent of the prescribed design seismic forces in one direction plus 30 percent
of the prescribed design seismic forces in the perpendicular direction. The combination requiring
the greater component strength shall be used for design. Alternatively, the effects of the two
orthogonal directions may be combined on a square root of the sum of the squares (SRSS) basis.
When the SRSS method of combining directional effects is used, each term computed shall be
assigned the sign that will result in the most conservative result.
5.33.2 Structural Framing Systems
5.33.2.1 General. Four types of general building framing systems defined in Section 5.29.6 are
recognized in these provisions and shown in Table 5.13. Each type is subdivided by the types of
vertical elements used to resist lateral seismic forces. Special framing requirements are given in
this section and in Chapters 7 and 8.
5.33.2.2 Detailing for combinations of systems. For components common to different

structural systems, the more restrictive detailing requirements shall be used.
5.33.2.3 Connections. Connections that resist design seismic forces shall be designed and
detailed on the drawings.
5.33.2.4 Deformation compatibility. All structural framing elements and their connections, not
required by design to be part of the lateral-force-resisting system, shall be designed and/or
detailed to be adequate to maintain support of design dead plus live loads when subjected to the
expected deformations caused by seismic forces. P-Δ effects on such elements shall be
considered. Expected deformations shall be determined as the greater of the Maximum Inelastic
Response Displacement, ΔM, considering P-Δ effects determined in accordance with Section
5.30.9.2 or the deformation induced by a storey drift of 0.0025 times the storey height. When
computing expected deformations, the stiffening effect of those elements not part of the lateral-
force-resisting system shall be neglected.
5-37
BCP
SP-2007 CH-05
For elements not part of the lateral-force-resisting system, the forces induced by the expected
deformation may be considered as ultimate or factored forces. When computing the forces
induced by expected deformations, the restraining effect of adjoining rigid structures and
nonstructural elements shall be considered and a rational value of member and restraint stiffness
shall be used. Inelastic deformations of members and connections may be considered in the
evaluation, provided the assumed calculated capacities are consistent with member and
connection design and detailing.
For concrete and masonry elements that are part of the lateral force-resisting system, the
assumed flexural and shear stiffness properties shall not exceed one half of the gross section
properties unless a rational cracked-section analysis is performed. Additional deformations that
may result from foundation flexibility and diaphragm deflections shall be considered. For
concrete elements not part of the lateral-force-resisting system, see Section 7.12, Chapter 7.
5.33.2.4.1 Adjoining rigid elements. Moment-resisting frames and shear walls may be enclosed
by or adjoined by more rigid elements; provided it can be shown that the participation or failure
of the more rigid elements will not impair the vertical and lateral load resisting ability of the
gravity load and lateral-force-resisting systems. The effects of adjoining rigid elements shall be
considered when assessing whether a structure shall be designated regular or irregular in Section
5.29.5.1.
5.33.2.4.2 Exterior elements. Exterior nonbearing, non-shear wall panels or elements that are
attached to or enclose the exterior shall be designed to resist the forces per Formula (5.32-1) or
(5.32–2) and shall accommodate movements of the structure based on ΔM and temperature
changes. Such elements shall be supported by means of cast-in-place concrete or by mechanical
connections and fasteners in accordance with the following provisions:
1. Connections and panel joints shall allow for a relative movement between storeys of not
less than two times storey drift caused by wind, the calculated storey drift based on ΔM or
12 mm (1/2 inch), whichever is greater.
2. Connections to permit movement in the plane of the panel for storey drift shall be sliding
connections using slotted or oversize holes, connections that permit movement by
bending of steel, or other connections providing equivalent sliding and ductility capacity.
3. Bodies of connections shall have sufficient ductility and rotation capacity to preclude
fracture of the concrete or brittle failures at or near welds.
4. The body of the connection shall be designed for the force determined by Formula (5.32-
2), where Rp = 3.0 and ap = 1.0.
5. All fasteners in the connecting system, such as bolts, inserts, welds and dowels, shall be
designed for the forces determined by Formula (5.32-2), where Rp = 1.0 and ap = 1.0.
6. Fasteners embedded in concrete shall be attached to, or hooked around, reinforcing steel
or otherwise terminated to effectively transfer forces to the reinforcing steel.
5.33.2.5 Ties and continuity. All parts of a structure shall be interconnected and the
connections shall be capable of transmitting the seismic force induced by the parts being
connected. As a minimum, any smaller portion of the building shall be tied to the remainder of the
building with elements having at least strength to resist 0.5 Ca I times the weight of the smaller
portion.
A positive connection for resisting horizontal force acting parallel to the member shall be
provided for each beam, girder or truss. This force shall not be less than 0.5 Ca I times the dead
plus live load.
5.33.2.6 Collector elements. Collector elements shall be provided that are capable of
transferring the seismic forces originating in other portions of the structure to the element
5-38
BCP
SP-2007 CH-05
providing the resistance to those forces. Collector elements, splices and their connections to
resisting elements shall resist the forces determined in accordance with Formula (5.33-1). In
addition, collector elements, splices, and their connections to resisting elements shall have the
design strength to resist the combined loads resulting from the special seismic load of Section
5.12.4.
Exception: In structures, or portions thereof, braced entirely by light-frame wood

shear walls or light-frame steel and wood structural panel shear wall systems,
collector elements, splices and connections to resisting elements need only be
designed to resist forces in accordance with Formula (5.33-1).
The quantity EM need not exceed the maximum force that can be transferred to the collector
by the diaphragm and other elements of the lateral-force-resisting system. For Allowable Stress
Design, the design strength may be determined using an allowable stress increase of 1.7 and a
resistance factor, Ф, of 1.0.
5.33.2.7 Concrete frames. Concrete frames required by design to be part of the lateral-force-
resisting system shall conform to the following:
1. In Seismic Zones 3 and 4 they shall be special moment-resisting frames.

2. In Seismic Zone 2 they shall, as a minimum, be intermediate moment-resisting frames.
5.33.2.8 Anchorage of concrete or masonry walls. Concrete or masonry walls shall be

anchored to all floors and roofs that provide out-of-plane lateral support of the wall. The
anchorage shall provide a positive direct connection between the wall and floor or roof
construction capable of resisting the larger of the horizontal forces specified in this section and
Sections 5.11.4 and 5.32. In addition, in Seismic Zones 3 and 4, diaphragm to wall anchorage
using embedded straps shall have the straps attached to or hooked around the reinforcing steel or
otherwise terminated to effectively transfer forces to the reinforcing steel. Requirements for
developing anchorage forces in diaphragms are given in Section 5.33.2.9. Diaphragm deformation
shall be considered in the design of the supported walls.
5.33.2.8.1 Out-of-plane wall anchorage to flexible diaphragms. This section shall apply in
Seismic Zones 3 and 4 where flexible diaphragms, as defined in Section 5.30.6, provide lateral
support for walls.
1. Elements of the wall anchorage system shall be designed for the forces specified in
Section 5.32 where Rp = 3.0 and ap = 1.5.
In Seismic Zone 4, the value of Fp used for the design of the elements of the wall
anchorage system shall not be less than 6.1 kN per linear meter (420 pounds per linear
foot) of wall substituted for E. See Section 5.11.4 for minimum design forces in other
seismic zones.
2. When elements of the wall anchorage system are not loaded concentrically or are not
perpendicular to the wall, the system shall be designed to resist all components of the
forces induced by the eccentricity.
3. When pilasters are present in the wall, the anchorage force at the pilasters shall be
calculated considering the additional load transferred from the wall panels to the pilasters.
However, the minimum anchorage force at a floor or roof shall be that specified in
Section 5.33.2.8.1, Item 1.
4. The strength design forces for steel elements of the wall anchorage system shall be 1.4
times the forces otherwise required by this section.
5. The strength design forces for wood elements of the wall anchorage system shall be 0.85
times the force otherwise required by this section and these wood elements shall have a
minimum actual net thickness of 63.5 mm (2 ½ inches).
5-39
BCP
SP-2007 CH-05
5.33.2.9 Diaphragms.
1. The deflection in the plane of the diaphragm shall not exceed the permissible deflection
of the attached elements. Permissible deflection shall be that deflection that will permit
the attached element to maintain its structural integrity under the individual loading and
continue to support the prescribed loads.
2. Floor and roof diaphragms shall be designed to resist the forces determined in accordance
with the following formula:
n
Ft + ∑ Fi
i=x
F px = n
w px (5.33-1)
∑w
i=x
i
The force Fpx determined from Formula (5.33-1) need not exceed 1.0 Ca I wpx, but shall
not be less than 0.5 Ca I wpx.
When the diaphragm is required to transfer design seismic forces from the vertical-
resisting elements above the diaphragm to other vertical-resisting elements below the
diaphragm due to offset in the placement of the elements or to changes in stiffness in the
vertical elements, these forces shall be added to those determined from Formula (5.33-1).
3. Design seismic forces for flexible diaphragms providing lateral supports for walls or
frames of masonry or concrete shall be obtained using formula (5.33-1) based on the load
determined in accordance with section 5.30.2 using R not exceeding 4.
4. Diaphragms supporting concrete or masonry walls shall have continuous ties or struts
between diaphragm chords to distribute the anchorage forces specified in Section
5.33.2.8. Added chords of sub diaphragms may be used to form sub diaphragms to
transmit the anchorage forces to the main continuous crossties. The maximum length-to-
width ratio of the wood structural sub-diaphragm shall be 2.5:1.
5. Where wood diaphragms are used to laterally support concrete or masonry walls, the
anchorage shall conform to Section 5.33.2.8. In Seismic Zones 2, 3 and 4, anchorage shall
not be accomplished by use of toenails or nails subject to withdrawal, wood ledgers or
framing shall not be used in cross-grain bending or cross-grain tension, and the
continuous ties required by Item 4 shall be in addition to the diaphragm sheathing.
6. Connections of diaphragms to the vertical elements in structures in Seismic Zones 3 and
4, having a plan irregularity of Type1, 2, 3 or 4 in Table 5.12, shall be designed without
considering either the one-third increase or the duration of load increase considered in
allowable stresses for elements resisting earthquake forces.
7. In structures in Seismic Zones 3 and 4 having a plan irregularity of Type 2 in Table 5.12,
diaphragm chords and drag members shall be designed considering independent
movement of the projecting wings of the structure. Each of these diaphragm elements
shall be designed for the more severe of the following two assumptions: Motion of the
projecting wings in the same direction. Motion of the projecting wings in opposing
directions.
Exception: This requirement may be deemed satisfied if the procedures of Section

5.31 in conjunction with a three-dimensional model have been used to determine the
lateral seismic forces for design.
5.33.2.10 Framing below the base. The strength and stiffness of the framing between the base
and the foundation shall not be less than that of the superstructure. The special detailing
requirements of Chapters 7 and 8, as appropriate, shall apply to columns supporting discontinuous
5-40
BCP
SP-2007 CH-05
lateral-force-resisting elements and to SMRF, IMRF, EBF, STMF and MMRWF system elements
below the base, which are required to transmit the forces resulting from lateral loads to the
foundation.
All structures shall be separated from adjoining structures. Separations shall allow for the
displacement ΔM. Adjacent buildings on the same property shall be separated by at least ΔMT
where:
Δ MT = (Δ M 1 )2 + (Δ M 2 )2 (5.33-2)
and ΔM1 and ΔM2 are the displacements of the adjacent buildings.
When a structure adjoins a property line not common to a public way, that structure shall also
be set back from the property line by at least the displacement ΔM of that structure.
Exception: Smaller separations or property line setbacks maybe permitted when

justified by rational analyses based on maximum expected ground motions.
5.34 Nonbuilding Structures
5.34.1 General
5.34.1.1 Scope. Nonbuilding structures include all self-supporting structures other than
buildings that carry gravity loads and resist the effects of earthquakes. Non building structures
shall be designed to provide the strength required to resist the displacements induced by the
minimum lateral forces specified in this section. Design shall conform to the applicable provisions
of other sections as modified by the provisions contained in Section 5.34.
5.34.1.2 Criteria. The minimum design seismic forces prescribed in this section are at a level
that produces displacements in a fixed base, elastic model of the structure, comparable to those
expected of the real structure when responding to the Design Basis Ground Motion. Reductions in
these forces using the coefficient R is permitted where the design of nonbuilding structures
provides sufficient strength and ductility, consistent with the provisions specified herein for
buildings, to resist the effects of seismic ground motions as represented by these design forces.
When applicable, design strengths and other detailed design criteria shall be obtained from
other sections or their referenced standards. The design of nonbuilding structures shall use the
load combinations or factors specified in Section 5.12.2 or 5.12.3. For nonbuilding structures
designed using Section 5.34.3, 5.34.4 or 5.34.5, the Reliability/Redundancy Factor ρ, may be
taken as 1.0.
When applicable design strengths and other design criteria are not contained in or referenced
by this code, such criteria shall be obtained from approved international standards.
5.34.1.3 Weight W. The weight, W, for non building structures shall include all dead loads as
defined for buildings in Section 5.30.1.1. For purposes of calculating design seismic forces in non
building structures, W shall also include all normal operating contents for items such as tanks,
vessels, bins and piping.
5.34.1.4 Period. The fundamental period of the structure shall be determined by rational
methods such as by using Method B in Section 5.30.2.2.
5-41
BCP
SP-2007 CH-05
5.34.1.5 Drift. The drift limitations of Section 5.30.10 need not apply to nonbuilding
structures. Drift limitations shall be established for structural or nonstructural elements whose
failure would cause life hazards. P-Δ effects shall be considered for structures whose calculated
drifts exceed the values in Section 5.30.1.3.
5.34.1.6 Interaction effects. In Seismic Zones 3 and 4, structures that support flexible
nonstructural elements whose combined weight exceeds 25 percent of the weight of the structure
shall be designed considering interaction effects between the structure and the supported
elements.
5.34.2 Lateral Force
Lateral-force procedures for nonbuilding structures with structural systems similar to buildings
(those with structural systems which are listed in Table 5.13) shall be selected in accordance with
the provisions of Section 5.29.
Exception: Intermediate moment-resisting frames (IMRF)may be used in Seismic

Zones 3 and 4 for non building structures in Occupancy Categories 3 and 4 if (1) the
structure is less than 15 meters (50 feet) in height and (2) the value R used in
reducing calculated member forces and moments does not exceed 2.8.
5.34.3 Rigid Structures

Rigid structures (those with period T less than 0.06 second) and their anchorages shall be
designed for the lateral force obtained from Formula (5.34-1).
V = 0.7 Ca I W (5.34-1)
The force V shall be distributed according to the distribution of mass and shall be assumed to
act in any horizontal direction.
5.34.4 Tanks with Supported Bottoms

Flat bottom tanks or other tanks with supported bottoms, founded at or below grade, shall be
designed to resist the seismic forces calculated using the procedures in Section 5.34 for rigid
structures considering the entire weight of the tank and its contents. Alternatively, such tanks may
be designed using one of the two procedures described below:
1. A response spectrum analysis that includes consideration of the actual ground motion
anticipated at the site and the inertial effects of the contained fluid.
2. A design basis prescribed for the particular type of tank by an approved national standard,
provided that the seismic zones and occupancy categories shall be in conformance with
the provisions of Sections 5.29.4 and 5.29.2, respectively.
5.34.5 Other Nonbuilding Structures

Nonbuilding structures that are not covered by Sections 5.34.3 and 5.34.4 shall be designed to
resist design seismic forces not less than those determined in accordance with the provisions in
Section 5.30 with the following additions and exceptions:
1. The factors R and Ωo shall be as set forth in Table 5.15. The total design base shear
determined in accordance with Section 5.30.2 shall not be less than the following:
V= 0.56 Ca I W (5.34-2)
Additionally, for Seismic Zone 4, the total base shear shall also not be less than the following:
5-42
BCP
SP-2007 CH-05
V= (1.6 Z Nv I W)/R (5.34-3)
2. The vertical distribution of the design seismic forces in structures covered by this section
may be determined by using the provisions of Section 5.30.5 or by using the procedures
of Section 5.31.
Exception: For irregular structures assigned to Occupancy Categories 1 and 2 that

cannot be modeled as a single mass, the procedures of Section 5.31 shall be used.
3. Where an approved national standard provides a basis for the earthquake-resistant design
of a particular type of non building structure covered by this section, such a standard may
be used, subject to the limitations in this section:
The seismic zones and occupancy categories shall be in conformance with the provisions
of Sections 5.29.4 and 5.29.2, respectively.
The values for total lateral force and total base overturning moment used in design shall
not be less than 80 percent of the values that would be obtained using these provisions.
5.35 Earthquake-Recording Instrumentations
5.35.1 General
In seismic zones 3 and 4, every building over 10 storeys in height with an aggregate floor area
of 9290 meter square (100,000 ft2) or more and every building over 15 storeys in height regardless
of floor area shall be provided with not less than three approved recording accelerographs. The
accelerographs shall be interconnected for common start and common timing.
5.35.2 Location
The instruments will be located in the basement, mid portion and near the top of the building.
Each instrument shall be located so that access is maintained at all times and is unobstructed by
room contents. A sign stating MAINTAIN CLEAR ACCESS TO THIS INSTRUMENT shall be
posted in a conspicuous location.
5.35.3 Maintenance
Maintenance and service of the instruments shall be provided by the owner of the building
subject to the approval of the building official. Data produced by the instrument shall be made
available to the building official on request.
5.35.4 Instrumentation of Existing Buildings
All owners of existing structures selected by the jurisdiction authorities shall provide
accessible space for the installation of appropriate strong motion recording instruments. Location
of said instruments shall be determined by the jurisdiction authorities. The jurisdiction authorities
shall make arrangements to provide, maintain and service the instruments. Data shall be the
property of the jurisdiction authorities but the copies of individual records shall be made available
to the public on request and payment of an appropriate fee.
5-43
BCP
SP-2007 CH-05
Table 5.1 – Uniform and Concentrated Loads

Uniform Load1 Concentrated
Use or occupancy
Load
2
Category Description kN/m psf kN lbs
Office use 2.4 50 9.0 2,0002
1. Access floor system
Computer use 4.8 100 9.0 2,0002
2. Armories 7.2 150 0 0
3. Assembly areas3 and Fixed seating areas 2.4 50 0 0
auditoriums and balconies Movable seating and other areas 4.8 100 0 0
therewith Stage areas and enclosed platforms 6.0 125 0 0
4. Cornices and marquees 2.9 604 0 0
5. Exit facilities5 4.8 100 0 06
7
General storage and/or repair 4.8 100
6. Garages 7
Private or pleasure-type motor vehicle storage 2.4 50
7. Hospitals Wards and rooms 1.9 40 4.5 1,0002
Reading rooms 2.9 60 4.5 1,0002
8. Libraries
Stack room 6.0 125 6.7 1,5002
Light 3.6 75 9.0 2,0002
9. Manufacturing
Heavy 6.0 125 13.5 3,0002
10. Offices 2.4 50 9.0 2,0002
Press rooms 7.2 150 11.2 2,5002
11. Printing plants
Composing and linotype rooms 4.8 100 9.0 2,0002
Basic floor area 1.9 40 0 06
Exterior balconies 2.9 604 0 0
12. Residential8
Decks 1.9 404 0 0
Storage 1.9 40 0 0
13. Restrooms9
14. Reviewing stands,
grandstands, bleachers,
4.8 100 0 0
and folding and
telescoping seating
Same as area served or for the type of
15. Roof decks
occupancy accommodated
16. Schools Classrooms 1.9 40 4.5 1,0002
17. Sidewalks and driveways Public access 12.0 250 See footnote 7
Light 6.0 125
18. Storage
Heavy 12.0 250
19. Stores 4.8 100 13.5 3,0002
20. Pedestrian bridges and 4.8 100
walkways
1
See Section 5.7 for live load reductions.
2
See Section 5.7.3.3, first paragraph, for area of load application.
3
Assembly areas include such occupancies as dance halls, drill rooms, gymnasiums, playgrounds, plazas, terraces and
similar occupancies that are generally accessible to the public.
4
When snow loads occur that are in excess of the design conditions, the structure shall be designed to support the loads
due to the increased loads caused by drift buildup or a greater snow design as determined by the building official. See
Section 5.14. For special purpose roofs, see Section 5.7.4.4.
5
Exit facilities shall include such uses as corridors serving an occupant load of 10 or more persons, exterior exit balconies,
stairways, fire escapes and similar uses.
6
Individual stair treads shall be designed to support a 1.33 kN (300 lbs) concentrated load placed in a position that would
cause maximum stress. Stair stringers may be designed for the uniform load set forth in the table.
7
See Section 5.7.3.3, second paragraph, for concentrated loads. See Table 5.2 for vehicle barriers.
8
Residential occupancies include private dwellings, apartments and hotel guest rooms.
9
Restroom loads shall not be less than the load for the occupancy with which they are associated, but need not exceed 2.4
kN/m2 (50 psf).
5-44
BCP
SP-2007 CH-05
Table 5.2 – Special Loads1

Use Vertical Load Lateral Load
Category Description
2 2
kN/m psf kN/m psf
1. Construction, public access at Walkways 7.2 150
site Canopy 7.2 150
2. Grandstands, reviewing stands, Seats and footboards 5.8 1202 See Footnote 3
bleachers, and folding and
telescoping seating (live load)
Catwalks 1.2 40
3. Stage accessories (live load) Followspot, projection and 2.4 50
control rooms
Over stages 1.0 20
4. Ceiling framing (live load)
All uses except over stages 0.5 104
5. Partitions and interior walls, 0.3 5
see Sec 5.11.5 (live load)
6. Elevators and dumbwaiters 2 x total loads5
(dead and live loads)
7. Mechanical and electrical Total loads
equipment (dead load)
Total load including impact 1.25 x total load6 0.10 x total load 7
8. Cranes (dead and live loads)
increase
Exit facilities serving an occupant 2.4 508
load greater than 2.4 kN/m2 (50
9. Balcony railings and guardrails psf)
Other than exit facilities 1.0 208
Components 1.2 259
See Footnote 14 287.4 6,0001
10. Vehicle barriers 0
11. Handrails See Footnote 11 See Footnote 11

12. Storage racks Over 2.438 m (8 feet) high Total loads12 See Table 5.14
1112 N plus 250 lbs See Table 5.14
13. Fire sprinkler structural weight of plus weight
support water-filled of water-
pipe13 filled pipe11
Hazardous occupancies, see Section
14. Explosion exposure
307.10 (UBC 1997)
1
The tabulated loads are minimum loads. Where other vertical loads required by this code or required by the design would cause greater
stresses, they shall be used.
2
Newton per linear meter (x 0.0685 for lb/ft).
3
Lateral sway bracing loads of 350 N/m (24 lb/ft) parallel and 146 N/m (10 lb/ft) perpendicular to seat and footboards.
4
Does not apply to ceilings that have sufficient total access from below, such that access is not required within the space above the ceiling.
Does not apply to ceilings if the attic areas above the ceiling are not provided with access. This live load need not be considered as acting
simultaneously with other live loads imposed upon the ceiling framing or its supporting structure.
5
Where Appendix Chapter 30 of UBC-1997 has been adopted, see reference standard cited therein for additional design requirements.
6
The impact factors included are for cranes with steel wheels riding on steel rails. They may be modified if substantiating technical data
acceptable to the building official is submitted. Live loads on crane support girders and their connections shall be taken as the maximum
crane wheel loads. For pendant-operated traveling crane support girders and their connections, the impact factors shall be 1.10.
7
This applies in the direction parallel to the runway rails (longitudinal). The factor for forces perpendicular to the rail is 0.20 x the transverse
traveling loads (trolley, cab, hooks and lifted loads). Forces shall be applied at top of rail and may be distributed among rails of multiple
rails cranes and shall be distributed with due regard for lateral stiffness of the structures supporting these rails.
8
A load in Newton per linear meter (x 0.0685 for lb/ft) to be applied horizontally at right angles to the top rail.
9
Intermediate rails, panel fillers and their connections shall be capable of withstanding a load of 1.2 kN/m2 (25 psf) applied horizontally at
right angles over the entire tributary area, including openings and spaces between rails. Reactions due to this loading need not be combined
with those of Foot-note 8.
10
A horizontal load in Newtons (lbs) applied at right angles to the vehicle barrier at a height of 457 mm (18 inches) above the parking
surface. The force may be distributed over a 305 millimeter-square (1-foot-square) area.
11
The mounting of handrails shall be such that the completed handrail and supporting structure are capable of withstanding a load of at least
890 N (200 lbs) applied in any direction at any point on the rail. These loads shall not be assumed to act cumulatively with Item 9.
12
Vertical members of storage racks shall be protected from impact forces of operating equipment, or racks shall be designed so that failure
of one vertical member will not cause collapse of more than the bay or bays directly supported by that member.
13
The 1.11 kN (250-pound) load is to be applied to any single fire sprinkler support point but not simultaneously to all support joints.
14
In parking areas where any parking area is located more than 1.5 m (5 feet) above the adjacent grade, vehicle barriers shall be provided.
5-45
BCP
SP-2007 CH-05
Table 5.3 – Minimum Roof Live Loads1

Method 1 Method 2
Tributary Loaded Area in square
meter (square feet) for Any Structural Uniform
Rate of Maximum
Roof Slope Member load
Reduction r Reduction R
0 to 20 20 to 60 Over 60 kN/m2
(percentage) (percentage)
(0 to 200) (201 to 600) (600) (psf)
Uniform Load kN/m2 (psf)
1. Flat3 or rise less than 4 units vertical
in 12 units horizontal (33.3% slope).
1 (20) 0.8 (16) 0.6 (12) 1 (20) .08 40
Arch or dome with rise less than one
eighth of span.
2. Rise 4 units vertical to less than 12
units vertical in 12 units horizontal
(33% to less than 100% slope). Arch 0.8 (16) 0.7 (14) 0.6 (12) 0.8 (16) .06 25
or dome with rise one eighth of span
to less than three eighths of span.
3. Rise 12 units vertical in 12 units
horizontal (100% slope) and greater.
0.6 (12) 0.6 (12) 0.6 (12) 0.6 (12)
Arch or dome with rise three eights
or span or greater. No reductions permitted
4. Awnings except cloth covered. 0.3 (5) 0.3 (5) 0.3 (5) 0.3 (5)
5. Greenhouse, lath houses and
0.5 (10) 0.5 (10) 0.5 (10) 0.5 (10)
agricultural buildings4.
1
Where snow loads occur, the roof structure shall be designed for such loads as determined by the building official. See Section 5.14. For
special-purpose roofs, see Section 5.7.4.4
2
See Sections 5.7.5 and 5.7.6 for live load reductions. The rate of reduction r in Section 5.7.5 Formula (5-1) shall be as indicated in the table.
The maximum reduction R shall not exceed the value indicated in the table.
3
A flat roof is any roof with a slope of less than ¼ unit vertical 12 units horizontal (2% slope). The live load for flat roofs is in addition to the
ponding load required by Sections 5.11.7.
4
See Section 5.7.4.4 for concentrated load requirements for greenhouse roof members.
Table 5.4 Maximum Allowable Deflection for Structural Members1

Member Loaded With Live Load Member Loaded With Live Load Plus
Type of Member
Only (L) Dead Load (L + K.D.)
Roof member supporting plaster or
l/360 l/240
floor member
1
Sufficient slope or camber shall be provided for flat roofs in accordance with Section 5.11.7
L.- live load.
D. – dead load.
K. – factor as determined by Table 5.5.
l – length of member in same units as deflection.
Table 5.5-Value of “K”
Reinforced Concrete1 Steel

T/(1+50ρ’) 0
1
See also Section 1909 (UBC 1997) for definitions and other requirements.
ρ’ shall be the value at midspan for simple and continuous spans, and at support for cantilevers. Time-dependent factor T for sustained loads
may be taken equal to:
five years or more 2.0
twelve months 1.2
six months 1.4
three months 1.0
Table 5.6 –Wind Stagnation Pressure (qs) at Standard Height of 10 Meters (33 Feet)
Basic wind speed (km/h)1 (x 0.621 for mph) 113 129 150 161 177 193 209
Pressure qs (kN/m2) (x 20.9 for psf ) 0.60 0.78 1.0 1.22 1.48 1.77 2.07
1
wind speed from Section 5.18
5-46
BCP
SP-2007 CH-05
Table 5.7-Combined Height, Exposure and Gust Factor Coefficient (Ce)1

Height Above Average Level of
Adjoining Ground (Meter ) Exposure D Exposure C Exposure B
x 3.28 for feet
0-4.600 1.39 1.06 0.62
6.000 1.45 1.13 0.67
7.620 1.50 1.19 0.72
9.150 1.54 1.23 0.76
12.192 1.62 1.31 0.84
18.300 1.73 1.43 0.95
24.380 1.81 1.53 1.04
30.480 1.88 1.61 1.13
36.600 1.93 1.67 1.20
48.770 2.02 1.79 1.31
61.000 2.10 1.87 1.42
91.440 2.23 2.05 1.63
122.000 2..34 2.19 1.80
1
Values for intermediate heights above 4.6 m (15 feet) may be interpolated.
5-47
BCP
SP-2007
CH-05
Table 5.8 – Pressure Coefficient (Cq)

Structure or Part Thereof Description Cq Factor
Method 1 (Normal force method)
Walls:
Windward wall 0.8 inward
Leeward wall 0.5 outward
Roofs1:
Wind perpendicular to ridge
Leeward roof or flat roof 0.7 outward
Windward roof
Less than 2:12 (16.7%) 0.7 outward
1. Primary frames and systems
Slope 2:12 (16.7%) to less than 9:12 (75%) 0.9 outward or 0.3 inward
Slope 9:12 (75%) to 12:12 (100%) 0.4 inward
Slope > 12:12 (100%) 0.7 inward
Wind parallel to ridge and flat roofs 0.7 outward
Method 2 (Projected area method)
On vertical projected area
Structures 12 192 mm (40 feet) or less in height 1.3 horizontal any direction
Structures over 12 192 mm (40 feet) in height 1.4 horizontal any direction
On horizontal projected area 0.7 upward
Wall elements
All structures 1.2 inward
Enclosed and unenclosed structures 1.2 outward
Partially enclosed structures 1.6 outward
Parapets walls 1.3 inward or outward
Roof elements3
2. Elements and components not in areas Enclosed and unenclosed structures
of discontinuity2 Slope <7:12 (58.3%) 1.3 outward
Slope 7:12 (58.3%) to 12:12 (100%) 1.3 outward or inward
Partially enclosed structures

Slope <2:12 (16.7%) 1.7 outward
Slope 2:12 (16.7%) to 7:12 (58.3%) 1.6 outward or 0.8 inward
Slope > 7:12 (58.3%) to 12:12 (100%) 1.7 outward or inward
Wall corners6 1.5 outward or 1.2 inward
Roof eaves, rakes or ridges without
Overhangs6
3. Elements and components in areas of Slope <2:12 (16.7%) 2.3 upward
discontinuities 2,4,5 Slope 2:12 (16.7%) to 7:12 (58.3%) 2.6 outward
Slope >7:12 (58.3%) to 12:12 (100%) 1.6 outward
For slopes less than 2:12 (16.7%) 0.5 added to values above
Overhangs at roof eaves, rakes or ridges, and canopies
Square or rectangular 1.4 any direction
4. Chimneys, tanks and solid towers Hexagonal or octagonal 1.1 any direction
Round or elliptical 0.8 any direction
Square and rectangular
Diagonal 4.0
5. Open-frame towers7,8
Normal 3.6
Triangular 3.2
Cylindrical members
6. Tower accessories (such as ladders, 51 mm (2 inches) or less in diameter 1.0
conduit, lights and elevators) Over 51 mm (2 inches) in diameter 0.8
Flat or angular members 1.3
7. Signs, flagpoles, light poles, minor 1.4 any direction
structures8
1
For one storey or the top storey of multistorey partially enclosed structures, an additional value of 0.5 shall be added to
the outward Cq. The most critical combination shall be used for design. For definition of partially enclosed structures,
See Section 5.16.
2
Cq values listed are for 0.93 m2 (10 ft2) tributary areas. For tributary areas of 9.29 m2 (100 ft2), the value of 0.3 may be
subtracted from Cq , except for areas at discontinuities with slopes less than 7 units vertical in 12 units horizontal
(58.3%) slope) where the value of 0.8 may be substracted from Cq. Interpolation may be used for tributary areas between
0.93 and 9.29 m2 (10 and 100 ft2 ). For tributary areas greater than 92.9 m2 (1,000 ft2), use primary frame values.
3
For slopes greater than 12 units vertical in 12 units horizontal (100% slope), use wall element values.
4
Local pressures shall apply over a distance from the discontinuity of 3048 mm (10 feet) or 0.1 times the least width of
the structure, whichever is smaller.
5
Discontinuities at wall corners or roof ridges are defined as discontinuous breaks in the surface where the included
interior angle measures 170 degrees or less.
6
Load is to be applied on either side of discontinuity but not simultaneously on both sides.
7
Wind pressures shall be applied to the total normal projected area of all elements on one face. The forces shall be
assumed to act parallel to the wind direction.
8
Factors for cylindrical elements are two thirds of those for flat or angular elements.
5-48
BCP
SP-2007
CH-05
Table 5.9 – Seismic Zone Factor Z

Zone 1 2A 2B 3 4
Z 0.075 0.15 0.20 0.30 0.40
Note: The zone shall be determined from the seismic zone map in Figure 2-1 or from Table 2.2.
Table 5.10 – Occupancy Category4

Seismic Seismic Wind
Occupancy
Occupancy or Functions of Structure Importance Importance1 Importance
Category
Factor, I Factor, Ip Factor, Iw
1. Essential Group I, Division 1 Occupancies having surgery and 1.25 1.50 1.15
facilties2 emergency treatment areas
Fire and police stations
Garages and shelters for emergency vehicles and emergency
aircraft
Structures and shelters in emergency-preparedness centers
Aviation control towers
Structures and equipment in government communication
centers and other facilities required for emergency response
Standby power-generating equipment for Category 1
facilities
Tanks or other structures containing housing or supporting
water or other fire-suppression material or equipment
required for the protection of Category 1, 2 or 3 structures
2. Hazardous Group H, Divisions 1,2,6 and 7 Occupancies and structures 1.25 1.50 1.15
facilities therein housing or supporting toxic or explosive chemicals
or substances
Nonbuilding structures housing, supporting or containing
quantities of toxic or explosive substances that, if contained
within a building, would cause that building to be classified
as a Group H, Division 1,2 or 7 Occupancy.
3. Special Group A, Divisions 1,2 and 2.1 Occupancies 1.00 1.00 1.00
occupancy Buildings housing Group E, Divisions 1 and 3 Occupancies
structures3 with a capacity greater than 300 students
Buildings housing Group B Occupancies used for college or
adult education with a capacity greater than 500 students
Group I, Divisions 1 and 2 Occupancies with 50 or more
resident incapacitated patients, but not included in Category
1
Group I, Division 3 Occupancies
All structures with an occupancy greater than 5,000 persons
Structures and equipment in power-generating stations, and
other public utility facilities not included in Category 1 or
Category 2 above, and required for continued operation.
4. Standard All structures housing occupancies or having functions not 1.00 1.00 1.00
occupancy listed in Category 1, 2 or 3 and Group U Occupancy towers
structures3
5. Miscellaneous Group U Occupancies except for towers 1.00 1.00 1.00
structures
1
The limitation of Ip for panel connections in Section 5.33.2.4 shall be 1.0 for the entire connector.
2
Structural observation requirements are given in Section 6.2.
3
For anchorage of machinery and equipment required for life-safety systems, the value of Ip shall be taken as 1.5.
4
See Table 5.21
5-49
BCP
SP-2007
CH-05
Table 5.11 – Vertical Structural Irregularities

Irregularity Type and Definition Reference Section
1. Stiffness irregularity – soft storey 5.29.8.4, Item 2
A soft storey is one in which the lateral stiffness is less than 70 percent of that in the
storey above or less than 80 percent of the average stiffness of the three storeys above.
2. Weight (mass) irregularity 5.29.8.4, Item 2
Mass irregularity shall be considered to exist where the effective mass of any storey is
more than 150 percent of the effective mass of an adjacent storey. A roof that is lighter
than the floor below need not be considered.
3. Vertical geometric irregularity 5.29.8.4, Item 2
Vertical geometric irregularity shall be considered to exist where the horizontal dimension
of the lateral-force-resisting system in any storey is more than 130 percent of that in an
adjacent storey. One-storey penthouses need not be considered.
4. In-plane discontinuity in vertical lateral-force-resisting element 5.30.8.2
An in-plane offset of the lateral-load-resisting elements greater than the length of those
elements.
5. Discontinuity in capacity – weak storey 5.29.9.1
A weak storey is one in which the storey strength is less than 80 percent of that in the
storey above. The storey strength is the total strength of all seismic-resisting elements
sharing the storey shear for the direction under consideration.
Table 5.12 – Plan Structural Irregularities

Irregularity Type and Definition Reference Section
1. Torsional irregularity – to be considered when diaphragms are not flexible 5.33.1; 5.33.2.9, Item 6
Torsional irregularity shall be considered to exist when the maximum storey drift,
computed including accidental torsion, at one end of the structure transverse to an axis is
more than 1.2 times the average of the storey drifts of the two ends of the structure.
2. Re-entrant corners 5.33.2.9, Items 6 and 7
Plan configurations of a structure and its lateral-force-resisting system contain re-entrant
corners, where both projections of the structure beyond a re-entrant corner are greater than
15 percent of the plan dimension of the structure in the given direction.
3. Diaphragm discontinuity 5.33.2.9, Item 6
Diaphragms with abrupt discontinuities or variations in stiffness, including those having
cutout or open areas greater than 50 percent of the gross enclosed area of the diaphragm,
or changes in effective diaphragm stiffness of more than 50 percent from one storey to the
next.
4. Out-of-plane offsets 5.30.8.2, 5.33.2..9, Item 6;
Discontinuities in a lateral force path, such as out-of-plane offsets of the vertical elements. 2213.9.1 of UBC97
5. Nonparallel systems 5.33.1
The vertical lateral-load-resisting elements are not parallel to or symmetric about the
major orthogonal axes of the lateral-force-resisting system.
5-50
BCP
SP-2007
CH-05
Table 5.13 – Structural Systems1

Height Limit
for Seismic
Basic Structural Lateral-Force-Resisting System Description R ΩO Zones 3 And 4
System2 (m) (ft)
1. Bearing wall system 1. Light-framed walls with shear panels
a. Wood structural panel walls for structures three storeys or less 5.5 2.8 20 65
b. All other light-framed walls 4.5 2.8 20 65
2. Shear walls
a. Concrete 4.5 2.8 50 160
b. Masonry 4.5 2.8 50 160
3. Light steel-framed bearing walls with tension-only bracing 2.8 2.2 20 65
4. Braced frames where bracing carries gravity load
a. Steel 4.4 2.2 50 160
b. Concrete3 2.8 2.2 - -
c. Heavy timber 2.8 2.2 20 65
2. Building frame system 1. Steel eccentrically braced frame (EBF) 7.0 2.8 75 240
2. Light-framed walls with shear panels
a. Wood structural panel walls for structures three storeys or less 6.5 2.8 20 65
b. All other light-framed walls 5.0 2.8 20 65
3. Shear walls
a. Concrete 5.5 2.8 75 240
b. Masonry 5.5 2.8 50 160
4. Ordinary braced frames
a. Steel 5.6 2.2 50 160
b. Concrete3 5.6 2.2 - -
c. Heavy timber 5.6 2.2 20 65
5. Special concentrically braced frames
a. Steel 6.4 2.2 75 240
3. Moment-resisting frame 1. Special moment-resisting frame (SMRF)
system a. Steel 8.5 2.8 N.L N.L.
b. Concrete4 8.5 2.8 N.L N.L.
2. Masonry moment-resisting wall frame (MMRWF) 6.5 2.8 50 160
3. Concrete intermediate moment-resisting frame (IMRF)5 5.5 2.8 - -
4. Ordinary moment-resisting frame (OMRF)
a. Steel6 4.5 2.8 50 160
b. Concrete7 3.5 2.8 - -
5. Special truss moment frames of steel (STMF) 6.5 2.8 75 240
4. Dual systems 1. Shear walls
a. Concrete with SMRF 8.5 2.8 N.L N.L.
b. Concrete with steel OMRF 4.2 2.8 50 160
c. Concrete with concrete IMRF5 6.5 2.8 50 160
d. Masonry with SMRF 5.5 2.8 50 160
e. Masonry with steel OMRF 4.2 2.8 50 160
f. Masonry with concrete IMRF3 4.2 2.8 - -
g. Masonry with masonry MMRWF 6.0 2.8 50 160
2. Steel EBF
a. With steel SMRF 8.5 2.8 N.L N.L.
b. With steel OMRF 4.2 2.8 50 160
3. Ordinary braced frames
a. Steel with steel SMRF 6.5 2.8 N.L N.L.
b. Steel with Steel OMRF 4.2 2.8 50 160
c. Concrete with concrete SMRF3 6.5 2.8 - -
d. Concrete with concrete IMRF3 4.2 2.8 - -
4. Special concentrically braced frames
a. Steel with steel SMRF 7.5 2.8 N.L N.L.
b. Steel with steel OMRF 4.2 2.8 50 160
5. Cantilevered column 1. Cantilevered column elements 2.2 2.0 117 357
building systems
6. Shear wall-frame 1. Concrete8 5.5 2.8 50 160
interaction systems
7. Undefined systems See Sections 5.29.6.7 and 5.29.9.2 - - - -
N.L. – no limit
1
See section 5.30.4 for combination of structural systems.
2
Basic structural system are defined in Section 5.29.6.
3
Prohibited in Seismic Zone 3 and 4.
4
Includes precast concrete conforming to Section 1931.2.7 (UBC 1997).
5
Prohibited in Seismic Zones 3 and 4, except as permitted in Section 5.34.2.
6
Ordinary moment-resisting frames in Seismic Zone 1 meeting the requirements of Chapter 8 may use a R value of 8.
7
Total height of the building including cantilevered columns.
8
Prohibited in Seismic Zones 2A, 2B, 3 and 4. See section 5.33.2.7.
5-51
BCP
SP-2007
CH-05
Table 5.14 – Horizontal Force Factors, aP and RP
Elements of Structures and Nonstructural Components and Equipments1 ap Rp Footnote

1. Elements of Structures
A. Walls including the following
(1) Unbraced (cantilevered) parapets. 2.5 3.0
(2) Exterior wall at or above the ground floor and parapets braced above
1.0 3.0 2
their centers of gravity.
(3) All interior-bearing and nonbearing walls. 1.0 3.0 2
B. Penthouse (except when framed by an extension of the structural frame). 2.5 4.0
C. Connections for prefabricated structural elements other than walls. See
1.0 3.0 3
also section 5.32.2.
2. Nonstructural Components
A. Exterior and interior ornamentations and appendages. 2.5 3.0
B. Chimneys, stacks and trussed towers supported on or projecting above the
roof:
(1) Laterally braced or anchored to the structural frame at a point below 2.5 3.0
their centers of mass.
(2) Laterally braced or anchored to the structural frame at or above their 1.0 3.0
centers of mass.
C. Signs and billboards. 2.5 3.0
D. Storage racks (include contents) over 1829 mm (6 feet) tall. 2.5 4.0 4
E. Permanent floor-supported cabinets and book stacks more than 1829 mm
1.0 3.0 5
(6 feet) in height (include contents).
F. Anchorage and lateral bracing for suspended ceilings and light fixtures. 1.0 3.0 3,6,7,8
G. Access floor systems. 1.0 3.0
H. Masonry or concrete fences over 1829 mm (6 feet) high. 1.0 3.0
I. Partitions. 1.0 3.0
3. Equipment
1.0 3.0
A. Tanks and vessels (include contents), including support systems.
B. Electrical, mechanical and plumbing equipment and associated conduit 1.0 3.0 5,10,11,12,13,
and ductwork and piping. 14,15,16
C. Any flexible equipment laterally braced or anchored to the structural 2.5 3.0 5,10,14,15,16
frame at a point below their center of mass.
D. Anchorage of emergency power supply systems and essential
communications equipment. Anchorage and support for battery racks and
1.0 3.0 17,18
fuel tanks necessary for operations of emergency equipment. See also
section 5.32.2.
E. Temporary containers with flammable or hazardous materials. 1.0 3.0 19
4. Other Components
A. Rigid components with ductile material and attachments. 1.0 3.0 1
B. Rigid components with nonductile material or attachments. 1.0 1.5 1
C. Flexible components with ductile material and attachments 2.5 3.0 1
D. Flexible components with nonductile material or attachments. 2.5 1.5 1
1
See Section 5.27 for definitions of flexible components and rigid components.
2
See sections 5.33.2.4 and 5.33.2.8 for concrete and masonry walls and section 5.32.2 for connections for panel connectors for panels.
3
Applies to Seismic Zones 2,3 and 4 only.
4
Ground supported steel storage racks may be designed using the provisions of Sections 5.34. Chapter 8 may be used for design, provided
seismic design forces are equal to or greater than those specified in Section 5.32.2 or 5.34.2 as appropriate.
5
Only anchorage or restraints need be designed.
6
Ceiling weight shall include all light fixtures and other equipment or partitions that are laterally supported by the ceiling. For purposes of
determining the seismic force, ceiling weight of not less than 0.20 kN/m2 (4 psf) shall be used.
7
Ceiling constructed of lath and plaster or gypsum board screw or nail attached to suspended members that support a ceiling at one level
extending from wall to wall need not be analyzed, provided the walls are not over 15.24 m (50 feet) apart.
8
Light fixtures and mechanical services installed in metal suspension systems for acoustical tile and lay-in panel ceilings shall be
independently supported from the structures above.
9
Wp for access floor systems shall be the dead load of the access floor system plus 25 percent of the floor live load plus a 0.50 kN/m2 (10 psf)
partition load allowance.
10
Equipment includes, but is not limited to, boilers, chillers, heat exchangers, pumps, air-handling units, cooling towers, control panels,
motors, switchgear, transformers and life-safety equipment. It shall include major conduit ducting and piping which services such machinery
and equipment and fire sprinkler systems. See section 5.32.2 for additional requirements for determining ap for nonrigid or flexibly mounted
equipment.
11
Seismic restraints may be omitted from piping and duct supports if all the following conditions are satisfied:
11.1
Lateral motion of the piping or duct will not cause damaging impact with other systems.
11.2
The piping or duct is made of ductile material with ductile connections.
5-52
BCP
SP-2007
CH-05
11.3
Lateral motion of the piping or duct does not cause impact of fragile appurtenances (e.g. sprinkler heads) with any other
equipment, piping or structural member.
11.4
Lateral motion of the piping or duct does not cause loss of system vertical support.
11.5
Rod-hung supports of less than 305 mm (12 inches) in length have top connections that cannot develop moments.
11.6
Support members cantilevered up from the floor are checked for stability.
12
Seismic restraints may be omitted from electrical raceways, such as cable trays, conduit and bus ducts, if all the following conditions are
satisfied:
12.1
Lateral motion of the raceway will not cause damaging impact with other systems.
12.2
Lateral motion of the raceway does not cause loss of system vertical support.
12.3
Rod-hung supports of less than 305 mm (12 inches) in length have top connections that cannot develop moments.
12.4
Support members cantilevered up from the floor are checked for stability.
13
Piping, ducts and electrical raceways, which must be functional following an earthquake, spanning between different buildings or
structural systems shall be sufficiently flexible to withstand relative motion of support points assuming out of phase motion.
14
Vibration isolators supporting equipment shall be designed for lateral loads or restrained from displacing laterally by other means.
Restraint shall also be provided, which limits vertical displacement, such that lateral restraints do not become disengaged. ap and Rp for
equipment supported on vibration isolators shall be taken 2.5 and 1.5 respectively, except that if the isolation mounting frame is supported
by shallow or expansion anchors, the design forces for the anchors calculated by Formula (5.32-1), (5.32-2) or (5.32-3) shall be additionally
multiplied by a factor of 2.0.
15
Equipment anchorage shall not be designed such that lateral loads are resisted by gravity friction (e.g., friction clips).
16
Expansion anchors, which are required to resist seismic loads in tension, shall not be used where operational vibrating loads are present.
17
Movement of components within electrical cabinets, rack and skid-mounted equipment and portions of skid-mounted electromechnical
equipment that may cause damage to other components by displacing, shall be restricted by attachment to anchored equipment or support
frames.
18
Batteries on racks shall be restrained against movement in all directions due to earthquake forces.
19
Seismic restraints may include straps, chains, bolts, barriers or other mechanisms that prevent sliding, falling and breach of containment of
flammable and toxic materials. Friction forces may not be used to resist lateral loads in these restraints unless positive uplift restraint is
provided which ensures that the friction forces act continuously.
Table 5.15 – R and Ω o Factors for Non-Building Structures
Structure Type R Ωo
1. Vessels, including tanks and pressurized spheres, on braced or unbraced legs. 2.2 2.0
2. Cast-in-place concrete silos and chimneys having walls continuous to the foundations. 3.6 2.0
3. Distributed mass cantilever structures such as stacks, chimneys, silos and skirt-supported vertical 2.9 2.0
vessels.
4. Trussed towers (freestanding or guyed), guyed stacks and chimneys. 2.9 2.0
5. Cantilevered column-type structures. 2.2 2.0
6. Cooling towers. 3.6 2.0
7. Bins and hoppers on braced or unbraced legs. 2.9 2.0
8. Storage racks. 3.6 2.0
9. Signs and billboards. 3.6 2.0
10. Amusement structures and monuments. 2.2 2.0
11 All other self-supporting structures not otherwise covered. 2.9 2.0
Table 5.16 – Seismic Coefficients Ca

Soil Profile Seismic Zone Factor, Z
Type2 Z = 0.075 Z = 0.15 Z = 0.2 Z = 0.3 Z = 0.4
SA 0.06 0.12 0.16 0.24 0.32Na
SB 0.08 0.15 0.20 0.30 0.40Na
SC 0.09 0.18 0.24 0.33 0.40Na
SD 0.12 0.22 0.28 0.36 0.44Na
SE 0.19 0.30 0.34 0.36 0.36Na
SF See Footnote 1
1
Site Specific geotechnical investigation and dynamic site response analysis shall be performed to determine seismic coefficients for Soil
Profile Type SF.
2
For soil profile types, See Table 4.1.
5-53
BCP
SP-2007
CH-05
Table 5.17 – Seismic Coefficient Cv

Seismic Zone Factor, Z
Soil Profile Type2 Z = 0.075 Z = 0.15 Z = 0.2 Z = 0.3 Z = 0.4
SA 0.06 0.12 0.16 0.24 0.32Nv
SB 0.08 0.15 0.20 0.30 0.40Nv
SC 0.13 0.25 0.32 0.45 0.56Nv
SD 0.18 0.32 0.40 0.54 0.64Nv
SE 0.26 0.50 0.64 0.84 0.96Nv
SF See Footnote 1
1
Site Specific geotechnical investigation and dynamic site response analysis shall be performed to determine seismic coefficients for Soil
Profile Type SF.
2
For soil profile types, See Table 4.1.
Table 5.18 – Near Source Factor Na1

Closest Distance To Known Seismic Source2,3
Seismic Source Type ≤ 2 km 5 km ≥ 10 km
A 1.5 1.2 1.0
B 1.3 1.0 1.0
C 1.0 1.0 1.0
1
The Near Source Factor may be based on the linear interpolation of values for distance other than those shown in the table.
2
The location and type of seismic sources to be used for design shall be established based on approved geotechnical data.
3
The closet distance to seismic source shall be taken as the minimum distance between the site and the area described by the vertical
projection of the source on the surface (i.e., surface projection of fault plane). The surface projection need not include portions of the source
at depths of 10 km or greater. The largest value of the Near-Source Factor considering all source shall be used for design.
Table 5.19 – Near Source Factor Nv1

Closest Distance To Known Seismic Source2,3
Seismic Source Type ≤ 2 km 5 km 10 km ≥ 15 km
A 2.0 1.6 1.2 1.0
B 1.6 1.2 1.0 1.0
C 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
1
The Near Source Factor may be based on the linear interpolation of values for distances other than those shown in the table.
2
The location and type of seismic sources to be used for design shall be established based on approved geotechnical data.
3
The closet distance to seismic source shall be taken as the minimum distance between the site and the areas described by the vertical
projection of the source on the surface (i.e., surface projection of fault plane). The surface projection need not include portions of the source
at depths of 10 km or greater. The largest value of the Near-Source Factor considering all sources shall be used for design.
Table 5.20 – Seismic Source Type1

Seismic Source Definition2
Seismic Source
Type Seismic Source Description Maximum Moment Slip Rate, SR
Magnitude, M (mm/year)
Faults that are capable of producing large magnitude events and
A M ≥ 7.0 SR ≥ 5
that have a high rate of seismic activity
All faults other than Types A and C M ≥ 7.0 SR < 5
B M < 7.0 SR > 2
M ≥ 6.5 SR < 2
Faults that are not capable of producing large magnitude
C earthquakes and that have a relatively low rate of seismic activity M < 6.5 SR ≤ 2
1
Subduction sources shall be evaluated on a site-specific basis.
2
Both maximum moment magnitude and slip rate conditions must be satisfied concurrently when determining the seismic source
type.
5-54
BCP
SP-2007 CH-05
Table 5.21– Description of Occupancies by Group and Division

Group Section
and Of UBC Description of Occupancy
Division 1997
A building or portion of a building having an assembly room with an occupant load of 1,000 or
A-1
more and legitimate stage.
A building or portion of a building having an assembly room with an occupant load of less
A-2
than 1,000 and a legitimate stage.
A building or portion of a building having an assembly room with an occupant load of 300 or
A-2.1 more without a legitimate stage, including such buildings used for educational purposes and
303.1.1
not classed as a Group E or Group B Occupancy.
Any building or portion of a building having an assembly room with an occupant load of less
A-3 than 300 without a legitimates stage, including such buildings used for educational purposes
and not classed as a Group E or Group B Occupancy.
A-4 Stadiums, reviewing stands and amusement park structures not included within other Group A
Occupancies.
A building or structure, or a portion thereof, for office, professional or service-type
B 304.1 transactions, including storage of records and accounts; eating and drinking establishments
with an occupant load of less than 50.
Any building used for educational purposes through the 12th grade by 50 or more persons for
E-1
more than 12 hours per week or four hours in any one day.
305.1 Any building used for educational purposes through the 12th grade by less than 50 persons for
E-2
more than 12 hours per week or four hours in any one day.
E-3 Any building or portion thereof used for day-care purposes for more than six persons.
Moderate-hazard factory and industrial occupancies include factory and industrial uses not
F-1
classified as Group F. Division 2 Occupancies.
306.1 Low-hazard factory and industrial occupancies include facilities producing noncombustible or
F-2 non-explosive materials that during finishing, packing or processing do not involve a
significant fire hazard.
Occupancies with a quantity of material in the building in excess of those listed in Table 3-D
H-1
that present a high explosion hazard as listed in Section 307.1.1.
H-2 that present a moderate explosion hazard or hazard from accelerated burning as listed in
307.1 Section 307.1.1.
H-3
that present a high fire or physical hazard as listed in Section 307.1.1.
H-4 Repair garages not classified as Group S, Division 3 Occupancies.
H-5 Aircraft repair hangars not classified as Group S, Division 5 Occupancies.
Semiconductor fabrication facilities and comparable research and development areas when the
307.1 and
H-6 facilities in which hazardous production materials are used, and the aggregate quantity of
307.11
material is in excess of those listed in Table 3-D or 3-E.
Occupancies having quantities of materials in excess of those listed in Table 3-E that are
H-7 307.1
health hazards as listed in Section 307.1.1
Nurseries for the full-time care of children under the age of six (each accommodating more
I-1.1 than five children), hospitals, sanitariums, nursing homes with non-ambulatory patients and
similar buildings (each accommodating more than five patients).
Health-care centers for ambulatory patients receiving outpatient medical care which may
I-1.2 render the patient incapable of unassisted self-preservation (each tenant space accommodating
308.1
more than five such patients).
Nursing homes for ambulatory patients, homes for children six years of age or over (each
I-2
accommodating more than five persons).
Mental hospitals, mental sanitariums, jails, prisons, reformatories and buildings where
I-3
personal liberties of inmates are similarly restrained.
A building or structure, or a portion thereof, for the display and sale of merchandise, and
M 309.1 involving stocks of goods, wares or merchandise, incidental to such purposes and accessible to
the public.
Hotels and apartment houses, congregate residences (each accommodating more than 10
R-1
persons).
310.1
Dwellings, lodging houses, congregate residences (each accommodating 10 or fewer persons).
R-3
5-55
BCP
SP-2007 CH-05
Moderate hazard storage occupancies including buildings or portions of buildings used for
S-1 storage of combustible materials not classified as Group S, Division 2 or Group H
Occupancies.
Low-hazard storage occupancies including buildings or portions of buildings used for storage
S-2
of non-combustible materials.
311.1
Repair garages where work is limited to exchange of parts and maintenance not requiring open
S-3 flame or welding, and parking garages not classified as Group S, Division 4 Occupancies.
S-4 Open parking garages.

S-5 Aircraft hangers and helistops.
U-1 Private garages, carports, sheds and agricultural buildings.
312.1
U-2 Fences over 1.83 m (6 feet) high, tanks and towers.
5-56
BCP
SP-2007 CH-06
CHAPTER 6
STRUCTURAL TESTS AND INSPECTIONS

6.1 Special Inspections
6.1.1 General
The owner or the engineer or the architect incharge acting as the owner’s agent shall employ one
or more special inspectors who shall provide inspections during construction on the types of work
listed under Section 6.1.5.
Exception: The building official may waive the requirement for the employment of a special
inspector if the construction is of a minor nature.
6.1.2 Special Inspector
The special inspector shall be a qualified person who shall demonstrate competence, to the
satisfaction of the building official, for inspection of the particular type of construction or
operation requiring special inspection.
6.1.3 Duties and Responsibilities of the Special Inspector
The special inspector shall observe the work assigned for conformance to the approved design
drawings and specifications.
The special inspector shall furnish inspection reports to the building official, the engineer or
architect incharge and other designated persons. All discrepancies shall be brought to the
immediate attention of the contractor for correction, then, if uncorrected, to the proper design
authority and to the building official.
The special inspector shall submit a final signed report stating whether the work requiring
special inspection was, to the best of the inspector’s knowledge, in conformance to the approved
plans and specifications and the applicable workmanship provisions of this code.
6.1.4 Standards of Quality
The standards adopted or recognized by Uniform Building Code or by any other internationally
recognized building code shall be used for application of this chapter.
1. Concrete:
ASTM C 94, Ready-mixed Concrete
2. Connections:
Specification for Structural Joints Using ASTM A325 or A490 Bolts-Load and Resistance
Factor Design, Research Council of Structural Connections, Section 6.1.5, Item 6
Specification for Structural Joints Using ASTM A325 or A490 Bolts-Allowable Stress Design,
Research Council of Structural Connections, Section 6.1.5, Item 6
6-1
BCP
SP-2007 CH-06
3. Spray-applied Fire-resistive Materials:
UBC Standard 7-6, Thickness and Density Determination for Spray-applied Fire-resistive
Materials
6.1.5 Types of Work
Except as provided in Section 6.1.1, the types of work listed below shall be inspected by a special
inspector.
1. Concrete:
During taking of test specimens and placement of reinforced concrete. See Item 11 for
shotcrete.
Exceptions:
1. Foundation concrete for Group R, Division 3 or Group U, Division 1

Occupancies, provided the building official finds that a special hazard does
not exist (See Chapter 18, Table 18-I-C of UBC97).
2. For foundation concrete, other than cast-in-place drilled piles or caissons,
where the structural design is based on an fc’ not greater than 17.2 MPa (2500
psi).
3. Nonstructural slabs on grade, including prestressed slabs on grade when
effective prestress in concrete is less than 1.03 MPa (150 psi).
4. Site work concrete fully supported on earth and concrete where no special
hazard exists.
2. Bolts installed in concrete:
Prior to and during the placement of concrete around bolts.
3. Special moment-resisting concrete frame:
For moment frames resisting design seismic load in structures within Seismic Zones 3 and 4,
the special inspector shall provide reports to the person responsible for the structural design
and shall provide continuous inspection of the placement of the reinforcement and concrete.
4. Reinforcing steel and prestressing steel tendons:
4.1 During all stressing and grouting of tendons in prestressed concrete.

4.2 During placment of reinforcing steel and prestressing tendons for all concrete
required to have special inspection by Item 1.
Exception: The special inspector need not be present continuously during placing of
reinforcing steel and prestressing tendons, provided the special inspector has inspected
for conformance to the approved plans prior to the closing of forms or the delivery of
concrete to the jobsite.
5. Structural welding:
5.1 General:
6-2
BCP
SP-2007 CH-06
During the welding of any member or connection that is designed to resist loads and
forces required by this code.
Exceptions:
1. Welding done in an approved fabricator’s shop in accordance with Section

6.1.7.
2. The special inspector need not be continuously present during welding of the
following items, provided the materials, qualifications of welding procedures
and welders are verified prior to the start of work; periodic inspections are
made of work in progress; and a visual inspection of all welds is made prior to
completion or prior to shipment of shop welding:
2.1 Single-pass fillet welds not exceeding 10 mm (5/16 inch) in size.

2.2 Floor and roof deck welding.
2.3 Welded studs when used for structural diaphragm or composite
systems.
2.4 Welded sheet steel for cold-formed steel framing members such as
studs and joists.
2.5 Welding of stairs and railing systems.
5.2 Special moment-resisting steel frames:
During the welding of special moment-resisting steel frames. In addition to Item 5.1
requirements, nondestructive testing as required by Section 6.3 of this chapter.
5.3 Welding of reinforcing steel:
During the welding of reinforcing steel.
Exception: The special inspector need not be continuously present during the
welding of ASTM A706 reinforcing steel not larger than No. 5 bars used for
embedments, provided the materials, qualifications of welding procedures and
welders are verified prior to the start of work; periodic inspections are made of
work in progress; and a visual inspection of all welds is made prior to completion
or prior to shipment of shop welding.
6. High-strength bolting:
The inspection of ASTM high-strength A325 and A490 bolts shall be in accordance with
approved nationally recognized standards and the requirements of this section.
While the work is in progress, the special inspector shall determine that the requirements for
bolts, nuts, washers and paint; bolted parts; installation and tightening in such standards are
met. Such inspections may be performed on a periodic basis in accordance with the
requirements of Section 6.1.6. The special inspector shall observe the calibration procedures
when such procedures are required by the plans or specifications and shall monitor the
installation of bolts to determine that all plies of connected materials have been drawn together
and that the selected procedure is properly used to tighten all bolts.
7. Structural masonry:
7.1 For masonry, other than fully grouted open-end hollow unit masonry, during
preparation and taking of any required prisms or test specimens, placing of all
6-3
BCP
SP-2007 CH-06
masonry units, placement of reinforcement, inspection of grout space,

immediately prior to closing of cleanouts, and during all grouting operations.
Exception: For hollow-unit masonry where the f ′m is no more than 10.5 MPa
(1,500 psi) for concrete units or 18 MPa (2,610 psi) for clay units, special
inspection may be performed as required for fully grouted open-end hollow-
unit masonry specified in Item 7.2.
7.2 For fully grouted open-end hollow-unit masonry during preparation and taking
of any required prisms or test specimens, at the start of laying units, after the
placement of reinforcing steel, grout space prior to each grouting operation,
and during all grouting operations.
8. Insulating concrete fill:
During the application of insulating concrete fill when used as part of a structural system.
Exception: The special inspections may be limited to an initial inspection to check the
deck surface and placement of reinforcement. The special inspector shall supervise the
preparation of compression test specimens during this initial inspection.
9. Spray-applied fire-resistive materials:
As required by UBC 1997 Standard 7-6.
10. Piling, drilled piers and caissons:
During driving and testing of piles and construction of cast-in-place drilled piles or caissons.
See Items l and 4 for concrete and reinforcing steel inspection.
11. Shotcrete:
During taking of test specimens and placing of all shotcrete and as required by Sections
1924.10 and 1924.11 of UBC 1997.
Exception: Shotcrete work fully supported on earth, minor repairs and when, in the
opinion of the building official, no special hazard exists.
12. Special grading, excavation and filling:
During earth-work excavations, grading and filling operations inspection to satisfy

requirements of Chapter 18 and Appendix Chapter 33 of UBC 1997.
13. Smoke-control system:
13.1 During erection of ductwork and prior to concealment for the purposes of
leakage testing and recording of device location.
13.2 Prior to occupancy and after sufficient completion for the purposes of pressure
difference testing, flow measurements, and detection and control verification.
14. Special cases:
Work that, in the opinion of the building official, involves unusual hazards or conditions.
6-4
BCP
SP-2007 CH-06
6.1.6 Continuous and Periodic Special Inspection
6.1.6.1 Continuous special inspection
Continuous special inspection means that the special inspector is on the site at all times observing
the work requiring special inspection.
6.1.6.2 Periodic special inspection
Some inspections may be made on a periodic basis and satisfy the requirements of continuous
inspection, provided this periodic scheduled inspection is performed as outlined in the project
plans and specifications and approved by the building official.
6.1.7 Approved Fabricators
Special inspections required by this section and elsewhere in this code are not required where the
work is done on the premises of a fabricator registered and approved by the building official to
perform such work without special inspection. The certificate of registration shall be subject to
revocation by the building official if it is found that any work done pursuant to the approval is in
violation of this code. The approved fabricator shall submit a certificate of compliance that the
work was performed in accordance with the approved plans and specifications to the building
official and to the engineer or architect of record. The approved fabricator’s qualifications shall be
contingent on compliance with the following:
1. The fabricator has developed and submitted a detailed fabrication procedural manual
reflecting key quality control procedures that shall provide a basis for inspection
control of workmanship and the fabricator plant.
2. Verification of the fabricator’s quality control capabilities, plant and personnel as

outlined in the fabrication procedural manual, shall be by an approved inspection or
quality control agency.
3. Periodic plant inspections shall be conducted by an approved inspection or quality

control agency to monitor the effectiveness of the quality control program.
4. It shall be the responsibility of the inspection or quality control agency to notify the
approving authority in writing of any change in the procedural manual. Any fabricator
approval may be revoked for just cause. Reapproval of the fabricator shall be
contingent on compliance with quality control procedures during the past year.
6.2 Structural Observation
Structural observation means the visual observation of the structural system for general
conformance to the approved plans and specifications at significant construction stages and at
completion of the structural system.
It shall be provided in Seismic Zone 2B, 3 or 4 when one of the following conditions exists:
1. The structure is defined in Chapter 5, Table 5.10 as Occupancy Categories 1, 2 or 3,
2. The structure belongs to Group B Office buildings and Group R Division 1

occupancies more than 25 m (82 ft) above the ground level. (See Chapter 5, Table
5.21),
6-5
BCP
SP-2007 CH-06
3. The structure is in Seismic Zone 4, Na as set forth in Chapter 5, Table 5.18 is greater
than one and a lateral design is required for the entire structure,
Exception: One- and two-storey Group R, Division 3 and Group U Occupancies and
one- and two-storey Groups B, F, M and S Occupancies.
4. When so designated by the architect or engineer of record, or
5. When such observation is specifically required by the building official.
The owner shall employ an engineer or architect responsible for the structural design to
perform structural observation.
Observed deficiencies shall be reported in writing to the owner’s representative, special

inspector, contractor and the building official. The structural observer shall submit to the
building official a written statement that the site visits have been made, identifying any
reported deficiencies that, to the best of the structural observer’s knowledge, have not been
resolved.
6.3 Nondestructive Testing
In Seismic Zones, 2B, 3 and 4, welded, fully restrained connections between the primary members
of ordinary moment frames and special moment-resisting frames shall be tested by nondestructive
methods for compliance with approved standards and job specifications. This testing shall be a part
of the special inspection requirements of Section 6.1.5. A program for this testing shall be
established by the person responsible for structural design and as shown on plans and
specifications.
As a minimum, this program shall include the following:
1. All complete penetration groove welds contained in joints and splices shall be tested
either by ultrasonic testing or by radiography.
Exceptions:
a) When approved, the nondestructive testing rate for an individual welder or

welding operator may be reduced but not below 25 percent, provided the
reject rate is demonstrated to be 5 percent or less of the welds tested for the
welder or welding operator. A sampling of at least 40 completed welds for a
job shall be made for such reduction evaluation. Reject rate is defined as the
number of welds containing rejectable defects divided by the number of welds
completed. For evaluating the reject rate of continuous welds over 915 mm
(36 inch) in length where the effective throat thickness is 25 mm (1 inch) or
less, each 305 mm (12 inch) increment or fraction thereof shall be considered
as one weld. For evaluating the reject rate on continuous welds over 915 mm
(36 inch) in length where the effective throat thickness is greater than 25 mm
(1 inch), each 150 mm (6 inches) of length or fraction thereof shall be
considered as one weld.
b) For complete penetration groove welds on materials less than 8 mm (5/16

inch) thick, nondestructive testing is not required; for this welding, continuous
inspection is required.
6-6
BCP
SP-2007 CH-06
c) When approved by the building official and outlined in the project plans and
specifications, this nondestructive ultrasonic testing may be performed in the
shop of an approved fabricator utilizing qualified test techniques in the
employment of the fabricator.
2. Partial penetration groove welds when used in column splices shall be tested either by
ultrasonic testing or radiography when required by the plans and specifications. For
partial penetration groove welds when used in column splices, with an effective throat
less than 20 mm (0.75 inch) thick, nondestructive testing is not required; for this
welding, continuous special inspection is required.
3. Base metal thicker than 40 mm (1.5 inches), when subjected to through-thickness weld
shrinkage strains, shall be ultrasonically inspected for discontinuities directly behind
such welds after joint completion.
Any material discontinuities shall be accepted or rejected on the basis of the defect
rating in accordance with the (larger reflector) criteria of approved national standards.
6.4 Prefabricated Construction
6.4.1 General
6.4.1.1 Purpose
The purpose of this section is to regulate materials and establish methods of safe construction
where any structure or portion thereof is wholly or partially prefabricated.
6.4.1.2 Scope
Unless otherwise specifically stated in this section, all prefabricated construction and all materials
used therein shall conform to all the requirements of this code.
6.4.1.3 Definition
Prefabricated Assembly is a structural unit, the integral parts of which have been built up or
assembled prior to incorporation in the building.
6.4.2 Tests of Materials
Every approval of a material not specifically mentioned in this code shall incorporate as a proviso
the kind and number of tests to be made during prefabrication.
6.4.3 Tests of Assemblies
The building official may require special tests to be made on assemblies to determine their
durability and weather resistance.
6.4.4 Connections
See Section 5.11.11.1 for design requirements of connections for prefabricated assemblies.
6.4.5 Pipes and Conduits
See Section 5.11.11.2 for design requirements for removal of material for pipes, conduit and other
equipment.
6-7
BCP
SP-2007 CH-06
6.4.6 Certificate and Inspection
6.4.6.1 Materials
Materials and the assembly thereof shall be inspected to determine compliance with ASTM / UBC
1997 Standards. Every material shall be graded, marked or labeled where required as per ASTM /
UBC 1997 Standards.
6.4.6.2 Certificate
A certificate of approval shall be furnished with every prefabricated assembly, except where the
assembly is readily accessible to inspection at the site. The certificate of approval shall certify that
the assembly in question has been inspected and meets all the requirements of this code. When
mechanical equipment is installed so that it cannot be inspected at the site, the certificate of
approval shall certify that such equipment complies with the laws applying thereto.
6.4.6.3 Certifying agency
To be acceptable under this code, every certificate of approval shall be made by an approved
agency.
6.4.6.4 Field erection
Placement of prefabricated assemblies at the building site shall be inspected by the building
official to determine compliance with this code.
6.4.6.5 Continuous inspection
If continuous inspection is required for certain materials where construction takes place on the site,
it shall also be required where the same materials are used in prefabricated construction.
Exception: Continuous inspection will not be required during prefabrication if the

approved agency certifies the construction and furnishes evidence of compliance.
6-8
BCP
SP-2007 CH-07
CHAPTER 7
STRUCTURAL CONCRETE
7. 1 Symbols and Notations
Ach = Cross-sectional area of a structural member measured out-to-out of

transverse reinforcement, mm2 (in2).
Acv = Gross area of concrete section bounded by web thickness and length of
section in the direction of shear force considered, mm2 (in2).
Acw = Area of concrete section of an individual pier, horizontal wall segment, or
coupling beam resisting shear, mm2 (in2).
Avd = Total area of reinforcement in each group of diagonal bars in a diagonally
reinforced coupling beam, mm2 (in2).
Ag = Gross area of concrete section. For hollow section, Ag is the area of
concrete and does not include the area of the void(s), mm2 (in2).
As, min = Minimum area of flexural reinforcement, mm2 (in2).
As = Longitudinal reinforcement, mm2 (in2).
Ast = Total area of nonprestressed longitudinal reinforcement (bars or steel
shapes), mm2 (in2).
Ash = Total cross-sectional area of transverse reinforcement (including cross-
ties) within spacing ‘s’ and perpendicular to dimension ‘bc’, mm2 (in2).
Aj = Effective cross-sectional area within a joint in a plane parallel to plane of
reinforcement generating shear in the joint, mm2 (in2).
bc = Cross-sectional dimension of column core measured centre of outer leg
of the transverse reinforcement comprising area “Ash”, mm (in).
bw = Width of member or diameter of circular section, mm (in).
bo = Perimeter of the critical section for shear in slabs and footings, mm (in).
c = Distance from extreme compression fiber to neutral axis, mm (in).
c1 = Dimension of rectangular or equivalent rectangular column, capital, or
bracket measured in the direction of the span for which moments are
being determined, mm (in).
ct = Distance from the interior face of the column to the slab edge measured
parallel to c1, but not exceeding c1 , mm (in).
D = Dead loads, or related internal moments and forces
d = Effective depth of beam/column, mm (in).
db = Nominal diameter of bar or wire, mm (in).
E = Load effects of earthquake, or related internal moments and forces
fc′ = Concrete Compressive Cylinder Strength at 28 days, MPa (psi).
fy = Specified Yield Strength of reinforcement, MPa (psi).
fyt = Specified Yield Strength fy of transverse reinforcement, MPa (psi).
h = Overall height or thickness of member, mm (in).
hx = Maximum centre-to-centre horizontal spacing of cross-ties or hoop legs
on all faces of the column, mm (in).
hw = Height of entire wall from base to top or height of the segment of wall
considered, mm (in).
IMRF = Intermediate moment-resisting frame.
L = Live loads, or related internal moments and forces.
ld = Development length in tension of deformed bar, deformed wire, plain and
deformed welded wire reinforcement, mm (in).
ldh = Development length in tension of deformed bar or deformed wire with a
7-1
BCP
SP-2007 CH-07
standard hook, measured from critical section to outside of hook (straight

embedment length between critical section and start of hook [point of
tangency] plus inside radius of bend and one bar diameter), mm (in).
ln = Length of clear span measured face-to-face of supports, mm (in).
lo = Length, measured from joint face along axis of structural member, over
which transverse reinforcement must be provided, mm (in).
lw = Length of entire wall or length of segment of wall considered in direction
of shear force, mm (in).
Mn = Nominal flexural strength at section, N-mm (in-lb).
Mu = Factored moment at section, N-mm (in-lb).
Mpr = Probable flexural strength of members, with or without axial load,
determined using the properties of the member at the joint faces assuming a
tensile stress in the longitudinal bars of at least 1.25fy and a strength
reduction factor, φ , of 1.0, N-mm (in-lb).
Mnb = Nominal flexural strength of beam including slab where in tension,
framing into joint, N-mm (in-lb).
Mnc = Nominal flexural strength of column framing into joint, calculated for
factored axial force, consistent with the direction of lateral forces
considered, resulting in lowest flexural strength¸ N-mm (in-lb).
Mslab = Portion of slab factored moment balanced by support moment, N-mm (in-
lb).
OMRF = Ordinary moment-resisting frame
Po = Nominal axial strength at zero eccentricity
Pu = Factored axial force; to be taken as positive for compression and negative
for tension, N (lb).
S = Snow load, or related internal moments and forces.
Se = Moment, shear, or axial force at connection corresponding to
development of probable strength at intended yield locations, based on
the governing mechanism of inelastic lateral deformation, considering
both gravity and earthquake load effects.
Sn = nominal flexural, shear, or axial strength of connection.
Sy = Yield strength of connection, based on fy, for moment, shear, or axial
force,
vn = nominal shear stress, MPa (psi).
s = Center-to-center spacing of items, such as longitudinal reinforcement,
transverse reinforcement.
so = Center-to-center, spacing of transverse reinforcement within the length lo
SMRF = Special moment-resisting frame.
Vc = Nominal shear strength provided by concrete, N (lb).
Ve = Design shear force corresponding to the development of the probable
moment strength of the member.
Vu = Factored shear force at section, N (lb).
Vn = Nominal shear strength, N (lb).
α = Angle defining the orientation of reinforcement.
αc = Coefficient defining the relative contribution of concrete strength to
nominal wall shear strength.
ρ = Ratio of As to bd.
ρl = Ratio of area of distributed longitudinal reinforcement to gross concrete
area perpendicular to that reinforcement.
ρt = Ratio of area distributed transverse reinforcement to gross concrete area
perpendicular to that reinforcement.
ρs = Ratio of volume of spiral reinforcement to total volume of core confined
by the spiral (measured out-to-out of spirals).
7-2
BCP
SP-2007 CH-07
φ = Strength reduction factors.

γf = Factor used to determine the unbalanced moment transferred by flexure
at slab-column connections.
δu = Design displacement, mm (in).
7.2 Definitions
Base of structure Level at which earthquake motions are assumed to be imparted to a building. This
level does not necessarily coincide with the ground level.
Boundary elements Portions along structural wall and structural diaphragm edges strengthened by
longitudinal and transverse reinforcement. Boundary elements do not necessarily require an increase
in the thickness of the wall or diaphragm. Edges of openings within walls and diaphragms shall be
provided with boundary elements as required by Section 7.8.6 or 7.10.5.3.
Collector elements Elements that serve to transmit the inertial forces within structural diaphragms to
members of the lateral-force-resisting systems.
Connection A region that joins two or more members, of which one or more is precast.
Ductile connection Connection that experiences yielding as a result of the design displacements.
Strong connection Connection that remains elastic while adjoining members experience
yielding as a result of the design displacements.
Crosstie A continuous reinforcing bar having a seismic hook at one end and a hook not less than 90
degrees with at least a six-diameter extension at the other end. The hooks shall engage peripheral
longitudinal bars. The 90 degree hooks of two successive crossties engaging the same longitudinal
bars shall be alternated end for end.
Design displacement Total lateral displacement expected for the design-basis earthquake, as
required by the governing code for earthquake-resistant design.
Design load combinations Combinations of factored loads and forces in Chapter 5.
Design storey drift ratio Relative difference of design displacement between the top and bottom of
a storey, divided by the storey height.
Development length for a bar with a standard hook The shortest distance from the critical section
(where the strength of the bar is to be developed) to the outside end of the 90 degree hook.
Factored loads and forces Loads and forces multiplied by appropriate load factors in Chapter 5.
Hoop A closed tie or continuously wound tie. A closed tie can be made up of several reinforcement
elements each having seismic hooks at both ends. A continuously wound tie shall have a seismic
hook at both ends.
Joint Portion of structure common to intersecting members. The effective cross-sectional area of
the joint, Aj, for shear strength computations is defined in Section 7.6.3.1.
Lateral-force resisting system That portion of the structure composed of members proportioned to
resist forces related to earthquake effects.
7-3
BCP
SP-2007 CH-07
Lightweight aggregate concrete All-lightweight or sand-lightweight aggregate concrete made with

lightweight aggregates conforming to Section 3.3 of ACI 318 – 05.
Moment frame Frame in which members and joints resist forces through flexure, shear, and axial
force. Moment frames shall be categorized as follows:
Intermediate moment frame A cast-in-place frame complying with the requirements of 7.3.2.3
and 7.13 in addition to the requirements for ordinary moment frames.
Ordinary moment frame A cast-in-place or precast concrete frame complying with the
requirements of Chapters 1 through 18 of ACI 318 – 2005.
Special moment frame A cast-in-place frame complying with the requirements of 7.3.2.3, 7.3.3
through 7.3.7, and 7.4 through 7.6 or a precast frame complying with the requirements of
7.3.2.3, 7.3.3 through 7.3.7, and 7.4 through 7.7. In addition, the requirements for ordinary
moment frames shall be satisfied.
Plastic hinge region Length of frame element over which flexural yielding is intended to occur due
to design displacements, extending not less than a distance h from the critical section where flexural
yielding initiates.
Seismic hook A hook on a stirrup, hoop, or crosstie having a bend not less than 135 degrees, except
that circular hoops shall have a bend not less than 90 degrees. Hooks shall have a six-diameter [but
not less than 75 mm (3 in.)] extension that engages the longitudinal reinforcement and projects into
the interior of the stirrup or hoop
Special boundary elements Boundary elements required by 7.8.6.2 or 7.8.6.3.
Specified lateral forces Lateral forces corresponding to the appropriate distribution of the design
base shear force prescribed by the governing code for earthquake-resistant design.
Structural diaphragms Structural members, such as floor and roof slabs, that transmit inertial forces
to lateral-force resisting members.
Structural trusses Assemblages of reinforced concrete members subjected primarily to axial forces.
Structural walls Walls proportioned to resist combinations of shears, moments, and axial forces
induced by earthquake motions. A shearwall is a structural wall. Structural walls shall be
categorized as follows:
Intermediate precast structural wall A wall complying with all applicable requirements of
Chapters 1 through 18 of ACI 318 – 05 in addition to 7.14.
Ordinary reinforced concrete structural wall A wall complying with the requirements of
Chapters 1 through 18 of ACI 318 – 05.
Special precast structural wall A precast wall complying with the requirements of 7.9. In
addition, the requirements for ordinary reinforced concrete structural walls and the requirements
of 7.3.2.3, 7.3.3 through 7.3.7, and 7.8 shall be satisfied.
Special reinforced concrete structural wall A cast-in-place wall complying with the
requirements of 7.3.2.3, 7.3.3 through 7.3.7, and 7.8 in addition to the requirements for ordinary
reinforced concrete structural walls.
7-4
BCP
SP-2007 CH-07
Strut An element of a structural diaphragm used to provide continuity around an opening in the
diaphragm.
Tie elements Elements that serve to transmit inertia forces and prevent separation of building
components such as footings and walls.
7.3 General Requirements
7.3.1 Scope
7.3.1.1 This section contains special requirements for design and construction of cast-in-place
reinforced concrete members of a structure for which the design forces, related to earthquake
motions, have been determined on the basis of energy dissipation in the nonlinear range of response
as specified in Chapter 5. For applicable specified concrete compressive strengths see Section 1.1.1
of ACI 318-05 and Section 7.3.4.1. For explanation of provisions, see Chapter 21, Commentary of
ACI 318-05. All equations are in SI units whereas equations given in parenthesis are in FPS units.
7.3.1.2 In regions of low seismic risk (Zone 1) or for structures assigned to low seismic
performance or design categories, the provisions of Chapters 1 through 18 and 22 of ACI 318-05
shall apply. Where the design seismic loads are computed using provisions for intermediate or
special concrete systems, the requirements of Chapter 7 for intermediate, or special system shall be
satisfied.
7.3.1.3 In regions of moderate seismic risk (Zone 2A, 2B) or for structures assigned to intermediate
seismic performance or design categories, intermediate or special moment frames, or ordinary,
intermediate, or special structural walls, shall be used to resist forces induced by earthquake
motions. Where the design seismic loads are computed using provisions for special concrete system,
the requirements of Chapter 7 for special system shall be satisfied.
7.3.1.4 In regions of high seismic risk (Zones 3, 4) or for structures assigned to high seismic
performance or design categories, special moment frames, special structural walls, and diaphragms
and trusses complying with 7.3.2 through 7.3.6 and 7.4 through 7.11 shall be used to resist forces
induced by earthquake motions. Member not proportioned to resist earthquake forces shall comply
with 7.12.
7.3.1.5 A reinforced concrete structural system not satisfying the requirements of this chapter shall
be permitted if it is demonstrated by experimental evidence and analysis that the proposed system
will have strength and toughness equal to or exceeding those provided by a comparable monolithic
reinforced concrete structure satisfying this chapter.
7.3.2 Analysis and Proportioning of Structural Members
7.3.2.1 The interaction of all structural and nonstructural members that materially affect the linear
and nonlinear response of the structure to earthquake motions shall be considered in the analysis.
7.3.2.2 Rigid members assumed not to be a part of the lateral-force resisting system shall be
permitted provided their effect on the response of the system is considered and accommodated in the
structural design. Consequences of failure of structural and nonstructural members, which are not a
part of the lateral force resisting system, shall also be considered.
7.3.2.3 Structural members below base of structure that are required to transmit to the foundation
forces resulting from earthquake effects shall also comply with the requirements of Chapter 7.
7.3.2.4 All structural members assumed not to be part of lateral-force resisting system shall
conform to 7.12.
7-5
BCP
SP-2007 CH-07
7.3.3 Strength Reduction Factors
7.3.3.1 Design strength provided by a member, its connection to other members and its cross
sections, in terms of flexure, axial load, shear and tension, shall be taken as the nominal strength
calculated in accordance with requirements and assumptions of this code, multiplied by a strength
reduction factor φ in Section 7.3.3.2 a, b, c, d, and f.
7.3.3.2 Strength-reduction factor φ shall be as follows:
a) Flexure, without axial load……………………………………………………………….0.90
b) Axial load and axial load with flexure. (For axial load with flexure, both axial load and
moment nominal strength shall be multiplied by appropriate single value of φ .)
Axial tension and axial tension with flexure …………………………………………….0.90
Axial compression and axial compression with flexure:
Members with spiral reinforcement …………………………... ………………………...0.75
Other reinforced members ………………………………………………………………..0.70
Except that for low values of axial compression, φ shall be permitted to be increased in accordance
with the following:
For members in which fy does not exceed 60,000 psi (413.7MPa), with symmetric
reinforcement, and with (h-d'-ds)/h not less than 0.70, φ shall be permitted to be increased linearly
to 0.90 as φ Pn decreases from 0.10 fc′Ag to zero.
For other reinforced members, φ shall be permitted to be increased linearly to 0.90 as φ Pn
decreases from 0.10 fc′Ag or φ Pb, whichever is smaller, to zero.
c) Shear and torsion (See also “e” for shear walls and frames in seismic
zone 3 and 4) ……………………………………………………………………………………..0.85
d) Bearing on concrete …………………. …………………………………………….........0.70
e) In seismic zones 3 and 4, strength reduction factors φ shall be as given above except for the
following:
i) The strength reduction factor shall be 0.6 for the design of walls. Topping slabs used as
diaphragms over precast concrete members and structural framing members, with the exception of
joints, if their nominal strength is less than the shear corresponding to development of their nominal
flexural strength. The nominal flexural strength shall be determined corresponding to the most
critical factored axial loads including earthquake effects. The shear reduction factor for joints shall
be 0.85.
ii) Reinforcement used for diaphragms chords or collectors placed in topping slabs over precast
concrete members shall be designed using a strength reduction factor of 0.6.
f) Strength reduction factor for flexure compression, shear and bearing of structural plain
concrete shall be 0.65.
7.3.4 Concrete in Members Resisting Earthquake Induced Forces
7.3.4.1 Specified compressive cylinder strength of concrete fc′ at 28 days, shall be not less than 21
MPa (3,000 psi)
7-6
BCP
SP-2007 CH-07
7.3.4.2 Specified compressive cylinder strength of lightweight concrete, fc′ at 28 days, shall not
exceed 35 MPa (5,000 psi) unless demonstrated by experimental evidence that structural members
made with that light weight concrete provide strength and toughness equal to or exceeding those of
comparable members made with normal weight concrete of the same strength.
7.3.5 Reinforcement in Members Resisting Earthquake-Induced Forces
Reinforcement resisting earthquake-induced flexural and axial forces in frame members and in
structural wall boundary elements lying in seismic zones 3 and 4 shall comply with ASTM A706.
ASTM A615, Grades 40 and 60 reinforcement, shall be permitted in these members if:
(a) The actual yield strength based on mill tests does not exceed fy by more than 124 MPa
(18,000 psi) retests shall not exceed this value by more than an additional 21 MPa (3,000
psi); and
(b) The ratio of the actual tensile strength to the actual yield strength is not less than 1.25.
The value of fyt for transverse reinforcement including spiral reinforcement shall not exceed 420
MPa (60,000 psi).
7.3.6 Welded Splices
7.3.6.1 Welded splices in reinforcement resisting earthquake-induced forces shall conform to

12.14.3.4 of ACI 318-05 and shall not be used within a distance equal to twice the member depth
from the column or beam face or from sections where yielding of the reinforcement is likely to
occur as a result of inelastic lateral displacements.
7.3.6.2 Welding of stirrups, ties, inserts, or other similar elements to longitudinal reinforcement that
is required by design shall not be permitted.
7.3.7 Anchoring to Concrete
Anchors resisting earthquake-induced forces in structures in regions of moderate to high seismic risk
shall conform to the additional requirements D.3.3 of Appendix D of ACI 318-05.
7.4 Flexural Members of Special Moment Frames
7.4.1 Scope
Requirements of this section shall apply to special moment frame members (a) resisting earthquake-
induced forces and (b) proportioned primarily to resist flexure. These frame members shall also
satisfy following conditions:
7.4.1.1 Factored axial compressive force on the member, Pu, shall not exceed Ag fc′/10.
7.4.1.2 Clear span for member, ln, shall not be less than four times its effective depth.
7.4.1.3 Width of member, bw, shall not be less than the smaller of 0.3h and 250 mm (10 in).
7.4.1.4 Width of member, bw, shall not exceed width of supporting member (measured on a plane
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of flexural member) plus distances on each side of supporting
member not exceeding three-fourths of the depth of flexural member.
7-7
BCP
SP-2007 CH-07
7.4.2 Longitudinal Reinforcement
7.4.2.1 At any section of a flexural member, except as provided in 10.5.3 of ACI 318-05, for top as
well as for bottom reinforcement, the amount of reinforcement shall not be less than that given by
Eq. (10-3) of ACI 318-05 but not less than 200bwd/fy, and the reinforcement ratio, ρ, shall not
exceed 0.025. At least two bars shall be provided continuously both top and bottom.
7.4.2.2 Positive moment strength at joint face shall be not less than one-half of the negative moment
strength provided at that face of the joint. Neither the negative nor the positive moment strength at
any section along member length shall be less than one-fourth the maximum moment strength
provided at face of either joint.
7.4.2.3 Lap splices of flexural reinforcement shall be permitted only if hoop or spiral reinforcement
is provided over the lap length. Spacing of the transverse reinforcement enclosing the lapped bars
shall not exceed the smaller of d/4 and 100 mm (4 in). Lap splices shall not be used
(a) Within the joints;

(b) Within a distance of twice the member depth from the face of the joint; and
(c) Where analysis indicates flexural yielding is caused by inelastic lateral displacements of the
frame.
7.4.2.4 Welded splices shall conform to 7.3.6.
7.4.3 Transverse Reinforcement
7.4.3.1 Hoops shall be provided in the following regions of frame members:
a) Over a length equal to twice the member depth measured from the face of the supporting
member toward midspan, at both ends of the flexural member;
b) Over lengths equal to twice the member depth on both sides of a section where flexural
yielding is likely to occur in connection with inelastic lateral displacements of the frame.
7.4.3.2 The first hoop shall be located not more than 50 mm (2 in.) from the face of a supporting
member.
Spacing of the hoops shall not exceed the smallest of a, b, c and d:
a) d/4;
b) eight times the diameter of the smallest longitudinal bars;
c) 24 times the diameter of the hoop bars; and
d) 300 mm (12 in.).
7.4.3.3 Where hoops are required, longitudinal bars on the perimeter shall have lateral support
conforming to 7.10.5.3 of ACI 318-05.
7.4.3.4 Where hoops are not required, stirrups with seismic hooks at both ends shall be spaced at a
distance not more than d/2 throughout the length of the member.
7.4.3.5 Stirrups or ties required to resist shear shall be hoops over length of members in 7.4.3, 7.5.4
and 7.6.2.
7.4.3.6 Hoops in flexural members shall be permitted to be made up of two pieces of reinforcement:
a stirrup having seismic hooks at both ends and closed by a crosstie. Consecutive crossties engaging
the same longitudinal bar shall have their 90 degree hooks at opposite sides of the flexural member.
7-8
BCP
SP-2007 CH-07
If the longitudinal reinforcing bars secured by the crossties are confined by a slab on only one side
of the flexural frame member, the 90 degree hooks of the crossties shall be placed on that side.
7.4.4 Shear Strength Requirements
7.4.4.1 Design forces
The design shear force, Ve, shall be determined from consideration of the statical forces on the
portion of the member between faces of the joints. It shall be assumed that moments of opposite sign
corresponding to probable flexural moment strength, Mpr, act at the joint faces and that the member
is loaded with the factored tributary gravity load along its span.
7.4.4.2 Transverse reinforcement
Transverse reinforcement over the lengths identified in 7.4.3.1 shall be proportioned to resist shear
assuming Vc = 0 when both (a) and (b) occur:
(a) The earthquake-induced shear force calculated in accordance with 7.4.4.1 represents one-
half or more of the maximum required shear strength within those lengths;
(b) The factored axial compressive force, Pu, including earthquake effects is less than Ag fc′ /20.
7. 5 Special Moment Frame Members Subjected to Bending and Axial Load
7.5.1 Scope
The requirements of this sub-section apply to special moment frame members (a) resisting
earthquake induced forces and (b) having a factored axial compressive force Pu exceeding Ag fc′ /10.
These members shall also satisfy the conditions of 7.5.1.1 and 7.5.1.2.
7.5.1.1 The shortest cross-sectional dimension, measured on a straight line passing through the
geometric centroid, shall not be less than 300 mm (12 in).
7.5.1.2 The ratio of the shortest cross-sectional dimension to the perpendicular dimension shall not
be less than 0.4.
7.5.2 Minimum flexural strength of columns
7.5.2.1 Flexural strength of any column proportioned to resist Pu exceeding Ag fc′/10 shall satisfy
7.5.2.2 or 7.5.2.3.
Lateral strength and stiffness of columns not satisfying 7.5.2.2 shall be ignored when
determining calculated strength and stiffness of the structure but such columns shall conform to
7.12.
7.5.2.2 The flexural strengths of the columns shall satisfy
⎛6⎞
∑ Mnc ≥ ⎜ ⎟ ∑ M nb (7.5-1)
⎝5⎠
Σ Mnc = sum of nominal flexural strengths of columns framing into the joint, evaluated at the faces
of the joint. Column flexural strength shall be calculated for the factored axial force, consistent with
the direction of the lateral forces considered, resulting in the lowest flexural strength.
7-9
BCP
SP-2007 CH-07
Σ Mnb = sum of nominal flexural strengths of the beams framing into the joint, evaluated at the
faces of the joint. In T-beam construction, where the slab is in tension under moments at the face of
the joint, slab reinforcement within an effective slab width as defined in ACI 318-05, section 8.10
and shall be assumed to contribute to Mnb if the slab reinforcement is developed at the critical
section for flexure.
Flexural strengths shall be summed such that the column moments oppose the beam moments.
Equation 7.5-1 shall be satisfied for beam moments acting in both directions in the vertical plane of
the frame considered.
7.5.2.3 If equation 7.5-1 is not satisfied at a joint, columns supporting reactions from that joint shall
be provided with transverse reinforcement as specified in 7.5.4.1 through 7.5.4.3 over their full
height.
7.5.3 Longitudinal Reinforcement
7.5.3.1 Area of longitudinal reinforcement, Ast, shall not be less than 0.01Ag or more than 0.06Ag.
7.5.3.2 Welded splices shall conform to 7.3.6. Lap splices shall be only permitted within center half
of the member length, shall be designed as tension lap splices and shall be enclosed within
transverse reinforcement conforming to 7.5.4.2 and 7.5.4.3.
7.5.4.1 Transverse reinforcement required in (a) through (e) shall be provided unless a larger
amount is required by 7.5.3.2 or 7.5.5.
(a) The volumetric ratio of spiral or circular hoop reinforcement, ρs, shall not be less than
required by
f c'
ρ s = 0.12 (7.5-2)
f yt
and shall not be less than
⎛ Ag ⎞ f'
ρ s = 0.45⎜⎜ − 1⎟⎟ c (7.5-3)
⎝ Ach ⎠ f yt
(b) The total cross-sectional area of rectangular hoop reinforcement, Ash, shall not be less than
required by equations (7.5-4) and (7.5-5).
⎛ sb f ' ⎞ ⎡⎛ Ag ⎞ ⎤
Ash = 0.3⎜ c c ⎟ ⎢⎜ ⎟ − 1⎥ (7.5-4)
⎜ f yt ⎟ ⎢⎜ Ach ⎟ ⎥
⎝ ⎠ ⎣⎝ ⎠ ⎦
⎛b f' ⎞
Ash = 0.09 s⎜ c c ⎟ (7.5-5)
⎜ f yt ⎟
⎝ ⎠
(c) Transverse reinforcement shall be provided by either single or overlapping hoops. Crossties
of the same bar size and spacing as the hoops shall be permitted. Each end of the crosstie
shall engage a peripheral longitudinal reinforcing bar. Consecutive crossties shall be
alternated end for end along the longitudinal reinforcement.
7-10
BCP
SP-2007 CH-07
(d) If the design strength of member core satisfies the requirement of the design loading
combinations including earthquake effect, equations (7.5-3) and (7.5-4) need not be
satisfied.
(e) If the thickness of the concrete outside the confining transverse reinforcement exceeds 100
mm (4 in.), additional transverse reinforcement shall be provided at a spacing not exceeding
300 mm (12 in). Concrete cover on the additional reinforcement shall not exceed 100 mm (4
in).
7.5.4.2 Spacing of transverse reinforcement shall not exceed the smallest of (a), (b), and (c):
(a) one-quarter of the minimum member dimension;

(b) six times the diameter of the longitudinal reinforcement; and
(c) so, as defined by Eq. (7.5-6)
⎛ 14 − hx ⎞
so = 4 + ⎜ ⎟ (7.5-6)
⎝ 3 ⎠
The value of so shall not exceed 150 mm (6 in.) and need not be taken less than 100 mm (4 in.).
7.5.4.3 Horizontal spacing of cross ties or legs of overlapping hoops, hx, shall not exceed 350 mm
(14 in.) on center.
7.5.4.4 Transverse reinforcement as specified in 7.5.4.1 through 7.5.4.3 shall be provided over a
length lo from each joint face and on both sides of any section where flexural yielding is likely to
occur as a result of inelastic lateral displacements of the frame. Length lo shall not be less than the
largest of (a), (b), and (c):
(a) The depth of the member at the joint face or at the section where flexural yielding is likely
to occur;
(b) one-sixth of the clear span of the member; and
(c) 450 mm (18 in).
7.5.4.5 Columns supporting reactions from discontinued stiff members, such as walls, shall be
provided with transverse reinforcement as required in 7.5.4.1 through 7.5.4.3 over their full height
beneath the level at which the discontinuity occurs if the factored axial compressive force in these
members, related to earthquake effect, exceeds Ag fc′/10. Transverse reinforcement as required in
7.5.4.1 through 7.5.4.3 shall extend at least the development length in tension, ld, into discontinued
member, where ld is determined in accordance of 7.6.4 using the largest longitudinal reinforcement
in the column. If the lower end of the column terminates on a wall, transverse reinforcement as
required in 7.5.4.1 through 7.5.4.3 shall extend into wall at least ld of the largest longitudinal column
bar at the point of termination. If the column terminates on a footing or mat, transverse
reinforcement as required in 7.5.4.1 through 7.5.4.3 shall extend at least 300 mm (12 in.) into the
footing or mat.
7.5.4.6 Where transverse reinforcement, as specified in 7.5.4.1 through 7.5.4.3, is not provided
throughout the full length of the column, the remainder of the column length shall contain spiral or
hoop reinforcement with center-to-center spacing ‘s’ not exceeding the smaller of six times the
diameter of the longitudinal column bars and 150 mm (6 in).
7.5.5 Shear Strength Requirements
7.5.5.1 Design Forces
7-11
BCP
SP-2007 CH-07
The design shear force, Ve, shall be determined from consideration of the maximum forces that can
be generated at the faces of the joints at each end of the member. These joint forces shall be
determined using the maximum probable moment strengths, Mpr, at each end of the member
associated with the range of factored axial loads, Pu, acting on the member. The member shears need
not exceed those determined from joint strengths based on Mpr of the transverse members framing
into the joint. In no case shall Ve be less than the factored shear determined by analysis of the
structure.
7.5.5.2 Transverse reinforcement over the lengths lo, identified in 7.5.5.1, shall be proportioned to
resist shear assuming Vc = 0 when both (a) and (b) occur:
(a) The earthquake-induced shear force represents one-half or more of the maximum required
shear strength within lo;
(b) The factored axial compressive force, Pu, including earthquake effects is less than Ag fc′/ 20.
7.6 Joints of Special Moment Frames
7.6.1 General Requirements
7.6.1.1 Forces in longitudinal beam reinforcement at the joint face shall be determined by assuming
that the stress in the flexural tensile reinforcement is 1.25 fy.
7.6.1.2 Strength of joint shall be governed by the appropriate φ factors given in 7.3.3.2 (e).
7.6.1.3 Beam longitudinal reinforcement terminated in a column shall be extended to the far face of
the confined column core and anchored in tension according to 7.6.4 and in compression according
to Chapter 12, ACI 318- 2005.
7.6.1.4 Where longitudinal beam reinforcement extends through a beam-column joint, the column
dimension parallel to the beam reinforcement shall not be less than 20 times the diameter of the
largest longitudinal beam bar for normal weight concrete. For lightweight concrete, the dimension
shall be not less than 26 times the bar diameter.
7.6.2.1 Transverse hoop reinforcement in 7.5.4 shall be provided within the joint, unless the joint is
confined by structural members in 7.7.2.2.
7.6.2.2 Within h of the shallowest framing member, transverse reinforcement equal to at least one-
half the amount required by 7.4.4.1 shall be provided where members frame into all four sides of the
joint and where each member width is at least three-fourth the column width. At these locations, the
spacing required in 7.5.4.2 shall be permitted to be increased to 150 mm (6 in.).
7.6.2.3 Transverse reinforcement as required by 7.5.4 shall be provided through the joint to provide
confinement for longitudinal beam reinforcement outside the column core if such confinement is not
provided by a beam framing into the joint.
7.6.3 Shear Strength
7.6.3.1 Nominal shear strength Vn of the joint shall not be taken as greater than the values specified
below for normal weight concrete.
7-12
BCP
SP-2007 CH-07
For joints confined on all four faces 1.7 f c′ Aj (SI Units) (20 f c′ Aj) (FPS Units)
For joints confined on three faces or 1.2 f c′ Aj (SI Units) (15 f c′ Aj) (FPS Units)
on two opposite faces
For others 1.0 f c′ Aj (SI Units) (12 f c′ Aj) (FPS Units)
A member that frames into a face is considered to provide confinement to the joint if at least three-
quarters of the face of the joint is covered by the framing member. A joint is considered to be
confined if such confining members frame into all faces of the joint.
Aj is the effective cross-sectional area within a joint computed from joint depth times effective joint
width. Joint depth shall be the overall depth of the column. Effective joint width shall be the overall
width of the column, except where a beam frames into a wider column, effective joint width shall
not exceed the smaller of (a) and (b):
(a) Beam width plus joint depth

(b) Twice the smaller perpendicular distance from longitudinal axis of beam to column side.
7.6.3.2 For lightweight aggregate concrete, the nominal shear strength of the joint shall not exceed
three-quarters of the limits given in 7.6.3.1.
7.6.4 Development Length of Bars in Tension
7.6.4.1 The development length, ldh, for a bar with a standard 90 degree hook in normal weight
concrete shall not be less than the largest of 8db, 150 mm (6 in.), and the length required by Eq. (7.6-
1).
f y db f y db
l dh = ( ldh = ) (7.6-1)
5.4 f c' 65 f c'
for bar sizes # 3 through #11.
For lightweight concrete, ldh for a bar with a standard 90 degree hook shall not be less than
the largest of 10 db, 190 mm (7.5 in), and 1.25 times the length required by Eq. (7.6-1).
The 90 degree hook shall be located within the confined core of a column or of a boundary
element.
7.6.4.2 For bar sizes #3 through #11, ld , the development length in tension for a straight bar, shall
not be less than the larger of (a) and (b):
(a) 2.5 times the length required by 7.6.4.1 if the depth of the concrete cast in one lift beneath
the bar does not exceed 300 mm (12 in.).
(b) 3.25 times the length required by 7.6.4.1 if the depth of the concrete cast in one lift beneath
the bar exceeds 300 mm (12 in.).
7.6.4.3 Straight bars terminated at a joint shall pass through the confined core of a column or of a
boundary element. Any portion of ld not within the confined core shall be increased by a factor of
1.6.
7-13
BCP
SP-2007 CH-07
7.6.4.4 If epoxy-coated reinforcement is used, the development lengths in 7.6.4.1 through 7.6.4.3
shall be multiplied by the applicable factor given in ACI 318-05, Chapter 12, Sec 12.2.4 or 12.5.2.
7.7 Special Moment Frames constructed using Precast Concrete
7.7.1 Special moment frames with ductile connections constructed using precast concrete shall
satisfy (a) and (b) and all requirements for special moment frames constructed with cast-in-place
concrete:
(a) Vn for connections computed according to 11.7.4 of ACI 318-05 shall not be less than 2Ve,
where Ve is calculated according to Sections 7.4.4.1 or 7.5.5.1;
7.7.2 Special moment frames with strong connections constructed using precast concrete shall
satisfy all requirements for special moment frames constructed with cast-in-place concrete, as well
as (a), (b), (c), and (d).
(a) Provisions of 7.4.1.2 shall apply to segments between locations where flexural yielding is
intended to occur due to design displacements;
(b) Design strength of the strong connection, φ Sn, shall not be less than Se;
(c) Primary longitudinal reinforcement shall be made continuous across connections and shall
be developed outside both the strong connection and the plastic hinge region; and
(d) For column-to-column connections, φ Sn shall not be less than 1.4Se. At column-to-column
connections, φ Mn shall be not less than 0.4Mpr for the column within the story height, and
φ Vn of the connection shall be not less than Ve determined by 7.5.5.1.
7.7.3 Special moment frames constructed using precast concrete and not satisfying the
requirements of 7.7.1 or 7.6.2 shall satisfy the requirements of ACI T1.1, “Acceptance Criteria for
Moment Frames Based on Structural Testing,” and the requirements of (a) and (b):
(a) Details and materials used in the test specimens shall be representative of those used in the
structure and
(b) The design procedure used to proportion the test specimens shall define the mechanism by
which the frame resists gravity and earthquake effects, and shall establish acceptance values
for sustaining that mechanism. Portions of the mechanism that deviate from code
requirements shall be contained in the test specimens and shall be tested to determine upper
bounds for acceptance values.
7.8 Special Reinforced Concrete Structural Walls and Coupling Beams
7.8.1 Scope
The requirements of this section apply to special reinforced concrete structural walls and coupling
beams serving as part of the earthquake force-resisting system.
7.8.2 Reinforcement
7.8.2.1 The distributed web reinforcement ratios, ρl and ρt, for structural walls shall not be less than
0.0025, except that if Vu does not exceed Acv fc ' , ρl and ρt shall be permitted to be reduced to the
values required in ACI 318-05, Section 14.3. Reinforcement spacing each way in structural walls
shall not exceed 450 mm (18 in.) Reinforcement contributing to Vn shall be continuous and shall be
distributed across the shear plane.
7-14
BCP
SP-2007 CH-07
7.8.2.2 At least two curtains of reinforcement shall be used in a wall if Vu exceeds 0.17Acv fc ' .
7.8.2.3 Reinforcement in structural walls shall be developed or spliced for fy in tension in

accordance with ACI318-2005, Chapter 12, except:
a) The effective depth of the member shall be permitted to be 0.8 lw for walls.
b) The requirements of 12.11, 12.12 and 12.13 of ACI 318 – 2005 need not be satisfied.
c) At locations where yielding of longitudinal reinforcement is likely to occur as a result of
lateral displacements, development lengths of longitudinal reinforcement shall be 1.25 times
the values calculated for fy in tension.
7.8.3 Design Forces
Vu shall be obtained from the lateral load analysis in accordance with the factored load
combinations.
7.8.4.1 Vn of structural walls shall not exceed Eq.(7.8-1) where the coefficient αc is 0.25(3.0) for hw
/ lw < 1.5, is 0.17 (2.0) for hw / lw > 2.0, and varies linearly between 0.25(3.0) and 0.17(2.0) for hw /
lw between 1.5 and 2.0.
(
Vn = Acv αc fc ' + ρtfy ) (7.8-1)
7.8.4.2 In 7.8.4.1, the value of ratio hw / lw used for determining Vn for segments of a wall shall be
the larger of the ratios for the entire wall and the segment of wall considered.
7.8.4.3 Walls shall have distributed shear reinforcement providing resistance in two orthogonal
directions in the plane of the wall. If hw / lw does not exceed 2.0, reinforcement ratio ρl shall not be
less than reinforcement ratio ρt.
7.8.4.4 For all wall piers sharing a common lateral force, Vn shall not be taken larger than
0.66 Acv fc ' (SI Units) (8 Acv fc ' ) , (FPS Units)
where Acv is the gross area of concrete bounded by web thickness and length of section. For any one
of the individual wall piers, Vn shall not be taken larger than
0.83 Acw fc ' (SI Units) (10 Acw fc ' ) , (FPS Units)
where Acw is the area of concrete section of the individual pier considered.
7.8.4.5 For horizontal wall segments and coupling beams, Vn shall not be taken larger than
0.83 Acw fc ' (SI Units) (10 Acw fc ' ) , (FPS Units)
where Acw is the area of concrete section of a horizontal wall segment or coupling beam. Horizontal
wall segment refers to a part of a wall bounded by openings or by an opening and an edge.
7-15
BCP
SP-2007 CH-07
7.8.5 Design for Flexure and Axial Loads
7.8.5.1 Structural walls and portions of such walls subject to combined flexural and axial loads shall
be designed in accordance with ACI 318-05 Sections 10.2 and 10.3 except that 10.3.6 and the
nonlinear strain requirements of ACI 318-05 Section 10.2.2 shall not apply. Concrete and developed
longitudinal reinforcement within effective flange widths, boundary elements, and the wall web
shall be considered effective. The effects of openings shall be considered.
7.8.5.2 Unless a more detailed analysis is performed, effective flange widths of flanged sections
shall extend from the face of the web a distance equal to the smaller of one-half the distance to an
adjacent wall web and 25 percent of the total wall height.
7.8.6 Boundary Elements of Special Reinforced Concrete Structural Walls
7.8.6.1 The need for special boundary elements at the edges of structural walls shall be evaluated in
accordance with 7.8.6.2 or 7.8.6.3. The requirements of 7.8.6.4 and 7.8.6.5 also shall be satisfied.
7.8.6.2 This section applies to walls or wall piers that are effectively continuous from the base of
structure to top of wall and designed to have a single critical section for flexure and axial loads.
Walls not satisfying these requirements shall be designed by 7.8.6.3.
(a) Compression zones shall be reinforced with special boundary elements where:
lw
c≥ (7.8-2)
600(δu / hw)
c in Eq. (7.8-2) corresponds to the largest neutral axis depth calculated for the factored axial force
and nominal moment strength consistent with the design displacement δu. Ratio δu / hw in Eq. 7.8-2
shall not be taken less than 0.007.
(b) Where special boundary elements are required by 7.8.6.2(a), the special boundary element
reinforcement shall extend vertically from the critical section a distance not less than the larger of lw
or Mu /4Vu.
7.8.6.3 Structural walls not designed to the provisions of 7.8.6.2 shall have special boundary
elements at boundaries and edges around openings of structural walls where the maximum extreme
fiber compressive stress, corresponding to factored forces including E, load effects for earthquake
effect, exceeds 0.2fc’. The special boundary element shall be permitted to be discontinued where the
calculated compressive stress is less than 0.15 fc’. Stresses shall be calculated for the factored forces
using a linearly elastic model and gross section properties. For walls with flanges, an effective
flange width as defined in 7.8.5.2 shall be used.
7.8.6.4 Where special boundary elements are required by 7.8.6.2 or 7.8.6.3, (a) through (e) shall be
satisfied:
(a) The boundary element shall extend horizontally from the extreme compression fiber a distance
not less than the larger of c – 0.1lw and c/2, where c is the largest neutral axis depth calculated for
the factored axial force and nominal moment strength consistent with δu;
(b) In flanged sections, the boundary element shall include the effective flange width in compression
and shall extend at least 300 mm (12 in.) into the web;
(c) Special boundary element transverse reinforcement shall satisfy the requirements of 7.4.4.1
through 7.5.4.3, except Eq. (7.5-4) need not be satisfied;
7-16
BCP
SP-2007 CH-07
(d) Special boundary element transverse reinforcement at the wall base shall extend into the support
at least the development length of the largest longitudinal reinforcement in the special boundary
element unless the special boundary element terminates on a footing or mat, where special boundary
element transverse reinforcement shall extend at least 300 mm (12 in.) into the footing or mat;
(e) Horizontal reinforcement in the wall web shall be anchored to develop fy within the confined
core of the boundary element;
7.8.6.5 Where special boundary elements are not required by 7.8.6.2 or 7.8.6.3, (a) and (b) shall be
satisfied:
(a) If the longitudinal reinforcement ratio at the wall boundary is greater than 2.8/fy (400/fy),
boundary transverse reinforcement shall satisfy 7.5.4.1(c), 7.5.4.3, and 7.8.6.4(a). The maximum
longitudinal spacing of transverse reinforcement in the boundary shall not exceed 200 mm (8 in);
(b) Except when Vu in the plane of the wall is less than 0.083 Acv f c′ (Acv fc ' ) , horizontal
reinforcement terminating at the edges of structural walls without boundary elements shall have a
standard hook engaging the edge reinforcement or the edge reinforcement shall be enclosed in U-
stirrups having the same size and spacing as, and spliced to, the horizontal reinforcement.
7.8.7 Coupling Beams
7.8.7.1 Coupling beams with aspect ratio, (ln / h) > 4, shall satisfy the requirements of 7.4. The
provisions of 7.4.1.3 and 7.4.1.4 need not be satisfied if it can be shown by analysis that the beam
has adequate lateral stability.
7.8.7.2 Coupling beams with aspect ratio, (ln / h) < 4, shall be permitted to be reinforced with two
intersecting groups of diagonally placed bars symmetrical about the midspan.
7.8.7.3 Coupling beams with aspect ratio, (ln / h) < 2, and with Vu exceeding 0.33 Acw f c′
(4Acw fc ' ) shall be reinforced with two intersecting groups of diagonally placed bars symmetrical
about the midspan, unless it can be shown that loss of stiffness and strength of the coupling beams
will not impair the vertical load-carrying capacity of the structure, or the egress from the structure,
or the integrity of nonstructural components and their connections to the structure.
7.8.7.4 Coupling beams reinforced with two intersecting groups of diagonally placed bars
symmetrical about the midspan shall satisfy (a) through (f):
(a) Each group of diagonally placed bars shall consist of a minimum of four bars assembled in a
core having sides measured to the outside of transverse reinforcement no smaller than bw / 2
perpendicular to the plane of the beam and bw / 5 in the plane of the beam and perpendicular
to the diagonal bars;
(b) Vn shall be determined by
Vn = 2 Avdfy sin α ≤ 0.83 fc' Acw ( Vn = 2 Avdfy sinα ≤ 10 fc' Acw ) (7.8-3)
where α is the angle between the diagonally placed bars and the longitudinal axis of the
coupling beam.
(c) Each group of diagonally placed bars shall be enclosed in transverse reinforcement
satisfying 7.5.4.1 through 7.5.4.3. For the purpose of computing Ag for use in Eq. (7.5-3)
and Eq. (7.5-5), the minimum concrete cover as required in 7.7 of ACI 318-05 shall be
assumed on all four sides of each group of diagonally placed reinforcing bars;
7-17
BCP
SP-2007 CH-07
(d) The diagonally placed bars shall be developed for tension in the wall;
(e) The diagonally placed bars shall be considered to contribute to Mn of the coupling beam;
(f) Reinforcement parallel and transverse to the longitudinal axis shall be provided and, as a
minimum, shall conform to ACI318-2005, Sections 11.8.4 and 11.8.5.
7.8.8 Construction Joints
All construction joints in structural walls shall conform to 6.4 of ACI 318-05 and contact surfaces
shall be roughened as in 11.7.9 of ACI 318-05.
7.8.9 Discontinuous Walls
Columns supporting discontinuous structural walls shall be reinforced in accordance with 7.5.4.5.
7.9 Special Structural Walls Constructed using Precast Concrete
Special structural Walls constructed using precast concrete shall satisfy all requirements of 7.7 for
cast-in-place special structural walls in addition to 7.14.2 and 7.14.3.
7.10 Structural Diaphragms and Trusses
7.10.1 Scope
Floor and roof slabs acting as structural diaphragms to transmit design actions induced by
earthquake ground motions shall be designed in accordance with this section. This section also
applies to struts, ties, chords, and collector elements that transmit forces induced by earthquakes, as
well as trusses serving as parts of the earthquake force-resisting systems.
7.10.2 Cast-in-place Composite-Topping Slab Diaphragms
A composite-topping slab cast in place on a precast floor or roof shall be permitted to be used as a
structural diaphragm provided the topping slab is reinforced and its connections are proportioned
and detailed to provide for a complete transfer of forces to chords, collector elements, and the
lateral-force-resisting system. The surface of the previously hardened concrete on which the topping
slab is placed shall be clean, free of laitance, and intentionally roughened.
7.10.3 Cast-in-place Topping Slab Diaphragms
A cast-in-place non-composite topping on a precast floor or roof shall be permitted to serve as a

structural diaphragm, provided the cast-in-place topping acting alone is proportioned and detailed to
resist the design forces.
7.10.4 Minimum thickness of Diaphragms
Concrete slabs and composite topping slabs serving as structural diaphragms used to transmit
earthquake forces shall not be less than 50 mm (2 inches) thick. Topping slabs placed over precast
floor or roof elements, acting as structural diaphragms and not relying on composite action with the
precast elements to resist the design seismic forces, shall have thickness not less than 65 mm (2.5
in.).
7.10.5 Reinforcement
7.10.5.1 The minimum reinforcement ratio for structural diaphragms shall be in conformance with
ACI 318-05 Section 7.12. Reinforcement spacing each way in non post-tensioned floor or roof
7-18
BCP
SP-2007 CH-07
systems shall not exceed 450 mm (18 in.). Where welded wire reinforcement is used as the
distributed reinforcement to resist shear in topping slabs placed over precast floor and roof elements,
the wires parallel to the span of the precast elements shall be spaced not less than 250 mm (10 in.)
on center. Reinforcement provided for shear strength shall be continuous and shall be distributed
uniformly across the shear plane.
7.10.5.2 Bonded tendons used as primary reinforcement in diaphragm chords or collectors shall be
proportioned such that the stress due to design seismic forces does not exceed 420 MPa (60,000 psi).
Pre-compression from unbonded tendons shall be permitted to resist diaphragm design forces if a
complete load path is provided.
7.10.5.3 Structural truss elements, struts, ties, diaphragm chords, and collector elements with
compressive stresses exceeding 0.2fc′ at any section shall have transverse reinforcement, as given in
7.5.4.1 through 7.5.4.3, over the length of the element. The special transverse reinforcement is
permitted to be discontinued at a section where the calculated compressive stress is less than 0.15 fc′.
Where design forces have been amplified to account for the overstrength of the vertical elements of
the seismic-force-resisting system, the limit of 0.2 fc′ shall be increased to 0.5 fc′, and the limit of
0.15 fc′ shall be increased to 0.4 fc′.
7.10.5.4 All continuous reinforcement in diaphragms, trusses, struts, ties, chords, and collector
elements shall be developed or spliced for fy in tension.
7.10.6 Design Forces
The seismic design forces for structural diaphragms shall be obtained from the lateral load analysis
in accordance with the design load combinations.
7.10.7.1 Vn of structural diaphragms shall not exceed
(
Vn = Acv 0.17 fc ' + ρ t fy ) (
Vn = Acv 2 fc ' + ρ t fy ) (7.10-1)
7.10.7.2 Vn of cast-in-place noncomposite topping slab diaphragms on a precast floor or roof shall
not exceed
Vn = Acvρ t fy (7.10-2)
where Acv is based on the thickness of the topping slab. The required web reinforcement shall be
distributed uniformly in both directions.
7.10.7.3 Nominal shear strength shall not exceed 0.66 Acv f c′ (8 Acv f c′ ) where Acv is the gross
area of the diaphragm cross section.
7.10.8 Boundary Elements of Structural Diaphragms
7.10.8.1 Boundary elements of structural diaphragms shall be proportioned to resist the sum of the
factored axial forces acting in the plane of the diaphragm and the force obtained from dividing Mu at
the section by the distance between the boundary elements of the diaphragm at that section.
7.10.8.2 Splices of tension reinforcement in the chords and collector elements of diaphragms shall
develop fy . Welded splices shall conform to 7.3.6.
7-19
BCP
SP-2007 CH-07
7.10.8.3 Reinforcement for chords and collectors at splices and anchorage zones shall satisfy either
a) or b):
a) A minimum center-to-center spacing of three longitudinal bar diameters, but not less than
40mm (1.5 in.), and a minimum concrete clear cover of two and one-half longitudinal bar
diameters, but not less than 50mm (2 in.).; or
b) Transverse reinforcement as required by ACI 318-05 Section 11.5.6.3, except as required in
7.10.5.3.
7.10.9 All construction joints in diaphragms shall conform to 6.4 of ACI 318-05 and contact
surfaces shall be roughened as in 11.7.9 of ACI 318-05.
7.11 Foundations
7.11.1 Scope
7.11.1.1 Foundation resisting earthquake induced forces or transferring earthquake induced forces
between structure and ground shall comply with 7.11 and other applicable code provisions.
7.11.1.2 The provisions in this section for piles, drilled piers, caisson, slab on grade shall
supplement other applicable code design and construction criteria. See 1.1.5 and 1.1.6 of ACI 318-
05.
7.11.2 Footings, Foundation Mats, and Pile Caps
7.11.2.1 Longitudinal reinforcement of columns and structural walls resisting forces induced by
earthquake effects shall extend into the footing, mat, or pile cap, and shall be fully developed for
tension at the interface.
7.11.2.2 Columns designed assuming fixed-end conditions at the foundation shall comply with
7.11.2.1 and, if hooks are required, longitudinal reinforcement resisting flexure shall have 90 degree
hooks near the bottom of the foundation with the free-end of the bars oriented towards the center of
the column.
7.11.2.3 Columns or boundary elements of special reinforced concrete structural walls that have an
edge within one-half the footing depth from an edge of the footing shall have transverse
reinforcement in accordance with 7.5.4 provided below the top of the footing. This reinforcement
shall extend into the footing a distance no less than the smaller of the depth of the footing, mat, or
pile cap, or the development length in tension of the longitudinal reinforcement.
7.11.2.4 Where earthquake effects create uplift forces in boundary elements of special reinforced
concrete structural walls or columns, flexural reinforcement shall be provided in the top of the
footing, mat or pile cap to resist the design load combinations, and shall not be less than required by
10.5 of ACI 318-05.
7.11.3 Grade Beams and Slabs on Grade
7.11.3.1 Grade beams designed to act as horizontal ties between pile caps or footings shall have
continuous longitudinal reinforcement that shall be developed within or beyond the supported
column or anchored within the pile cap or footing at all discontinuities.
7.11.3.2 Grade beams designed to act as horizontal ties between pile caps or footings shall be
proportioned such that the smallest cross-sectional dimension shall be equal to or greater than the
7-20
BCP
SP-2007 CH-07
clear spacing between connected columns divided by 20, but need not be greater than 450 mm (18
in.). Closed ties shall be provided at a spacing not to exceed the lesser of one-half the smallest
orthogonal cross-sectional dimension or 300 mm (12 in.).
7.11.3.3 Grade beams and beams that are part of a mat foundation subjected to flexure from columns
that are part of the lateral-force-resisting system shall conform to 7.4.
7.11.3.4 Slabs on grade that resist seismic forces from walls or columns that are part of the lateral-
force-resisting system shall be designed as structural diaphragms in accordance with 7.9. The design
drawings shall clearly state that the slab on grade is a structural diaphragm and part of the lateral-
force resisting system.
7.11.4 Piles, Piers and Caissons
7.11.4.1 Provisions of 7.11.4 shall apply to concrete piles, piers, and caissons supporting structures
designed for earthquake resistance.
7.11.4.2 Piles, piers, or caissons resisting tension loads shall have continuous longitudinal
reinforcement over the length resisting design tension forces. The longitudinal reinforcement shall
be detailed to transfer tension forces within the pile cap to supported structural members.
7.11.4.3 Where tension forces induced by earthquake effects are transferred between pile cap or
mat foundation by reinforcing bars grouted or post-installed in the top of the pile, the grouting
system shall have been demonstrated by test to develop at least 1.25fy of the bar.
7.11.4.4 Piles, piers, or caissons shall have transverse reinforcement in accordance with 7.5.4 at
locations (a) and (b): (a) At the top of the member for at least 5 times the member cross-sectional
dimension, but not less than 1800 mm (5 ft.) below the bottom of the pile cap; (b) For the portion of
piles in soil that is not capable of providing lateral support, or in air and water, along the entire
unsupported length plus the length required in 7.11.4.4(a).
7.11.4.5 Pile caps incorporating batter piles shall be designed to resist the full compressive strength
of the batter piles acting as short columns. The slenderness effects of batter piles shall be considered
for the portion of the piles in soil that is not capable of providing lateral support, or in air or water.
7.12 Members not Designated as Part of the Lateral-Force-Resisting System
7.12.1 Frame members assumed not to contribute to lateral resistance, except two-way slabs
without beams, shall be detailed according to 7.12.2 or 7.12.3 depending on the magnitude of
moments induced in those members when subjected to the design displacement δu. If effects of δu
are not explicitly checked, it shall be permitted to apply the requirements of 7.12.3. For two-way
slabs without beams, slab-column connections shall meet the requirements of 7.12.5.
7.12.2 Where the induced moments and shears under design displacements, δu, of 7.12.1 combined
with the factored gravity moments and shears do not exceed the design moment and shear strength
of the frame member, the conditions of 7.12.2.1, 7.12.2.2, and 7.12.2.3 shall be satisfied. The gravity
load combinations of (1.2D + 1.0L + 0.2S) or 0.9D, whichever is critical, shall be used. The load
factor on the live load, L, shall be permitted to be reduced to 0.5 except for garages, areas occupied
as places of public assembly, and all areas where L is greater than 4.8 kN/m2 (100 lb/ft2).
7.12.2.1 Members with factored gravity axial forces not exceeding Agfc′/10 shall satisfy
7.4.2.1.Stirrups shall be spaced not more than d/2 throughout the length of the member.
7-21
BCP
SP-2007 CH-07
7.12.2.2 Members with factored gravity axial forces exceeding Agfc′/10 shall satisfy 7.5.3, 7.5.4.1(c),
7.5.4.3, and 7.5.5. The maximum longitudinal spacing of ties shall be so for the full column height.
Spacing so shall not exceed the smaller of six diameters of the smallest longitudinal bar enclosed and
150 mm (6 in).
7.12.2.3 Members with factored gravity axial forces exceeding 0.35Po shall satisfy 7.12.2.2 and the
amount of transverse reinforcement provided shall be one-half of that required by 7.5.4.1 but shall
not be spaced greater than so for the full height of the column.
7.12.3 If the induced moment or shear under design displacements, δu, of 7.12.1 exceeds φ Mn or φ
Vn of the frame member, or if induced moments are not calculated, the conditions of 7.12.3.1,
7.12.3.2, and 7.12.3.3 shall be satisfied.
7.12.3.1 Materials shall satisfy 7.3.4 and 7.3.5. Welded splices shall satisfy 7.3.6.1.
7.12.3.2 Members with factored gravity axial forces not exceeding Agfc′/10 shall satisfy 7.4.2.1 and
7.4.4. Stirrups shall be spaced at not more than d/2 throughout the length of the member.
7.12.3.3 Members with factored gravity axial forces exceeding Agfc′/10 shall satisfy 7.5.3.1, 7.5.4,
7.5.5, and 7.6.2.1.
7.12.4 Precast concrete frame members assumed not to contribute to lateral resistance, including
their connections, shall satisfy (a), (b), and (c), in addition to 7.12.1 through 7.12.3: (a) Ties
specified in 7.12.2.2 shall be provided over the entire column height, including the depth of the
beams;(b) Structural integrity reinforcement, as specified in 16.5 of ACI 318 – 2005, shall be
provided; and (c) Bearing length at support of a beam shall be at least 50 mm (2 in) longer than
determined from calculations using bearing strength values from 10.17 of ACI 318 – 2005.
7.12.5 For slab-column connections of two-way slabs without beams, slab shear reinforcement
satisfying the requirements of 11.12.3 of ACI 318 – 2005 and providing Vs not less than
0.29 f c' bod (3.5 f c' bod ) shall extend at least four times the slab thickness from the face of the
support, unless either (a) or (b) is satisfied:
a) The requirements of 11.12.6 of ACI 318 – 2005 using the design shear Vu and the induced
moment transferred between the slab and column under the design displacement;
b) The design story drift ratio does not exceed the larger of 0.005 and [0.035 – 0.05(Vu / φ Vc)].
Design storey drift ratio shall be taken as the larger of the design storey drift ratios of the
adjacent stories above and below the slab-column connection. Vc is defined in 11.12.2 ACI
318 – 2005. Vu is the factored shear force on the slab critical section for two-way action,
calculated for the load combination 1.2D + 1.0L + 0.2S. It shall be permitted to reduce the
load factor on L to 0.5 in accordance with 9.2.1(a) ACI 318 – 2005.
7.13 Requirements for Intermediate Moment Frames
7.13.1 The requirements of this section apply to intermediate moment frames.
7.13.2 Reinforcement details in a frame member shall satisfy 7.13.4 if the factored axial
compressive load, Pu, for the member does not exceed Agfc′/10. If Pu is larger, frame reinforcement
details shall satisfy 7.13.5 unless the member has spiral reinforcement according to Eq.(10-5) of
ACI 318 – 2005. If a two-way slab system without beams is treated as part of a frame resisting E,
load effects for earthquake effect, reinforcement details in any span resisting moments caused by
lateral force shall satisfy 7.13.6.
7-22
BCP
SP-2007 CH-07
7.13.3 φ Vn of beams, columns, and two-way slabs resisting earthquake effect, E, shall not be less
than the smaller of (a) and (b): (a) The sum of the shear associated with development of nominal
moment strengths of the member at each restrained end of the clear span and the shear calculated for
factored gravity loads; (b) The maximum shear obtained from design load combinations that include
E, with E assumed to be twice that prescribed by the governing code for earthquake-resistant design.
7.13.4 Beams
7.13.4.1 The positive moment strength at the face of the joint shall be not less than one-third the
negative moment strength provided at that face of the joint. Neither the negative nor the positive
moment strength at any section along the length of the member shall be less than one-fifth the
maximum moment strength provided at the face of either joint.
7.13.4.2 At both ends of the member, hoops shall be provided over lengths equal 2h measured from
the face of the supporting member toward midspan. The first hoop shall be located at not more than
50 mm (2 inches) from the face of the supporting member. Spacing of hoops shall not exceed the
smallest of (a), (b), (c), and (d): (a) d/4; (b) Eight times the diameter of the smallest longitudinal bar
enclosed; (c) 24 times the diameter of the hoop bar; (d) 300 mm. (12 inches)
7.13.4.3 Stirrups shall be placed at not more than d/2 throughout the length of the member.
7.13.5 Columns
7.13.5.1 Columns shall be spirally reinforced in accordance with 7.10.4 of ACI 318 -2005 or shall
conform with 7.13.5.2 through 7.13.5.4. Section 7.13.5.5 shall apply to all columns.
7.13.5.2 At both ends of the member, hoops shall be provided at spacing so over a length lo measured
from the joint face. Spacing so shall not exceed the smallest of (a), (b), (c), and (d):
a) Eight times the diameter of the smallest longitudinal bar enclosed

b) 24 times the diameter of the hoop bar
c) One-half of the smallest cross-sectional dimension of the frame member
d) 300 mm (12 inch). Length lo shall not be less than the largest of (e), (f), and (g):
e) One-sixth of the clear span of the member
f) Maximum cross-sectional dimension of the member
g) 450 mm (18 inch).
7.13.5.3 The first hoop shall be located at not more than so / 2 from the joint face.
7.13.5.4 Outside the length lo, spacing of transverse reinforcement shall conform to 7.10 and
11.5.5.1 of ACI 318-05.
7.13.5.5 Joint transverse reinforcement shall conform to 11.11.2 of ACI 318-05.
7.13.6 Two-way slabs without beams
7.13.6.1 Factored slab moment at support related to earthquake effect, E, shall be determined for
load combinations given in Eq. (9-5) and (9-7) of ACI 318-05. Reinforcement provided to resist
Mslab shall be placed within the column strip defined in 13.2.1 of ACI 318 – 2005.
7.13.6.2 Reinforcement placed within the effective width specified in ACI 318 – 2005, Section
13.5.3.2 shall resist γf Mslab. Effective slab width for exterior and corner connections shall not extend
beyond the column face a distance greater than ct measured perpendicular to the slab span.
7-23
BCP
SP-2007 CH-07
7.13.6.3 Not less than one-half of the reinforcement in the column strip at support shall be placed
within the effective slab width given in ACI 318 – 2005, Section 13.5.3.2.
7.13.6.4 Not less than one-quarter of the top reinforcement at the support in the column strip shall be
continuous throughout the span.
7.13.6.5 Continuous bottom reinforcement in the column strip shall be not less than one-third of the
top reinforcement at the support in the column strip.
7.13.6.6 Not less than one-half of all bottom middle strip reinforcement and all bottom column strip
reinforcement at midspan shall be continuous and shall develop fy at face of support as defined in
ACI 318 – 2005, Section 13.6.2.5.
7.13.6.7 At discontinuous edges of the slab all top and bottom reinforcement at support shall be
developed at the face of support as defined in ACI 318 – 2005, Section 13.6.2.5.
7.13.6.8 At the critical sections for columns defined in ACI 318 – 2005, Section 11.12.1.2, two-way
shear caused by factored gravity loads shall not exceed 0.4 φ Vc, where Vc shall be calculated as
defined in ACI 318 – 2005, Section 11.12.2.1 for non-prestressed slabs and in ACI 318 – 2005,
Section 11.12.2.2 for prestressed slabs. It shall be permitted to waive this requirement if the
contribution of the earthquake-induced factored two way shear stress transferred by eccentricity of
shear in accordance with ACI 318 – 2005, Section 11.12.6.1 and 11.12.6.2 at the point of maximum
stress does not exceed one-half of the stress φ vn permitted by ACI 318 – 2005, Section 11.12.6.2.
7.14 Intermediate Precast Structural Walls
7.14.1 The requirements of this section apply to intermediate precast structural walls used to resist
forces induced by earthquake motions.
7.14.2 In connections between wall panels, or between wall panels and the foundation, yielding
shall be restricted to steel elements or reinforcement.
7.14.3 Elements of the connection that are not designed to yield shall develop at least 1.5Sy.
7-24
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
CHAPTER 8
STRUCTURAL STEEL
8.1 Symbols & Notations
Ab = Cross-sectional area of a horizontal boundary element (HBE), mm2 (in2)

Ac = Cross-sectional area of a vertical boundary element (VBE), mm2 (in2)
Af = Flange area, mm2 (in2)
Ag = Gross area, mm2 (in2)
As = Cross sectional area of the structural steel core, mm2 (in2)
Asc = Area of the yielding segment of steel core, mm2 (in2)
Ash = Minimum area of tie reinforcement, mm2 (in2)
Asp = Horizontal area of the steel plate in composite shear wall, mm2 (in2)
b = Width of compression element as defined in ANSI/AISC 360-05 Section B4.1,
mm (in)
bcf = Width of column flange, mm (in)
bf = Flange width, mm (in)
bw = Width of the concrete cross-section minus the width of the structural shape measured
perpendicular to the direction of shear, mm (in)
Ca = Ratio of required strength to available strength
Cd = Coefficient relating relative brace stiffness and curvature
Cd = Deflection amplification factor
Cr = Parameter used for determining the approximate fundamental period
D = Dead load due to the weight of the structural elements and permanent features on the
building, N (lb)
D = Outside diameter of round HSS, mm (in)
d = Overall beam depth, mm (in)
dc = Overall column depth, mm (in)
dz = Overall panel zone depth between continuity plates, mm (in)
E = Earthquake load
E = Effect of horizontal and vertical earthquake-induced loads
E = Modulus of elasticity of steel, E = 200,000 MPa (29,000,000 psi)
e = EBF link length, mm (in)
EI = Flexural elastic stiffness of the chord members of the special segment, N-mm2 (lb-
in2)
fc’ = Specified compressive strength of concrete, MPa (psi)
Fy = Specified minimum yield stress of the type of steel to be used, MPa (psi). As used in
the ANSI/AISC 360-05, “yield stress” denotes either the minimum specified yield
point (for those steels that have a yield point) or the specified yield strength (for those
steels that do not have a yield point)
Fyb = Fy of a beam, MPa (psi)
Fyc = Fy of a column, MPa (psi)
Fyh = Specified minimum yield stress of the ties, MPa (psi)
Fysc = Specified minimum yield stress of the steel core, or actual yield stress of the steel core
as determined from a coupon test, MPa (psi)
Fu = Specified minimum tensile strength, MPa (psi)
H = Height of storey, which may be taken as the distance between the centerline of floor
framing at each of the levels above and below, or the distance between the top of floor
slabs at each of the levels above and below, mm (in)
h = Clear distance between flanges less the fillet or corner radius for rolled shapes; and for
8- 1
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
built-up sections, the distance between adjacent lines of fasteners or the clear distance
between flanges when welds are used; for tees, the overall depth; and for rectangular
HSS, the clear distance between the flanges less the inside corner radius on each side,
mm (in)
h = Distance between horizontal boundary element centerlines, mm (in)
hcc = Cross-sectional dimension of the confined core region in composite columns
measured center-to-center of the transverse reinforcement, mm (in)
ho = Distance between flange centroids, mm (in)
I = Moment of inertia, mm4 (in4)
Ic = Moment of inertia of a vertical boundary element (VBE) taken perpendicular to the
direction of the web plate line, mm4 (in4)
K = Effective length factor for prismatic member
L = Live load due to occupancy and moveable equipment, kN (lbs)
l = Unbraced length of compression or bracing member, mm (in)
Lb = Length between points which are either braced against lateral displacement of
compression flange or braced against twist of the cross section, mm (in)
Lb = Link length, mm (in)
Lcf = Clear distance between VBE flanges, mm (in)
Lh = Distance between plastic hinge locations, mm (in)
Lp = Limiting laterally unbraced length for full plastic flexural strength, uniform moment
case, mm (in)
Lpd = Limiting laterally unbraced length for plastic analysis, mm (in)
Ls = Length of the special segment, mm (in)
Ma = Required flexural strength, using ASD load combinations, N-mm (lb-in)
Mav = Additional moment due to shear amplification from the location of the plastic hinge to
the column centerline based on ASD load combinations, N-mm (lb-in)
Mn = Nominal flexural strength, N-mm (lb-in)
Mnc = Nominal flexural strength of the chord member of the special segment, N-mm (lb-in)
Mp = Nominal plastic flexural strength, N-mm (lb-in)
Mpa = Nominal plastic flexural strength modified by axial load, N-mm (lb-in)
Mpb = Nominal plastic flexural strength of the beam, N-mm (lb-in)
Mp,exp = Expected plastic moment, N-mm (lb-in)
Mpc = Nominal plastic flexural strength of the column, N-mm (lb-in)
Mr = Expected flexural strength, N-mm (lb-in)
Muv = Additional moment due to shear amplification from the location of the plastic hinge to
the column centerline based on LRFD load combinations, N-mm (lb-in)
Mu = Required flexural strength, using LRFD load combinations, N-mm (lb-in)
Mu,exp = Expected required flexural strength, N-mm (lb-in)
Pa = Required axial strength of a column using ASD load combinations, N (lbs)
Pac = Required compressive strength using ASD load combinations, N (lbs)
Pb = Required strength of lateral brace at ends of the link, N (lbs)
Pc = Available axial strength of a column, N (lbs)
Pn = Nominal axial strength of a column, N (lbs)
Pn = Nominal compressive strength of the composite column calculated in accordance
with the ANSI/AISC 360-05, N (lbs)
Pnc = Nominal axial compressive strength of diagonal members of the special segment, N
(lbs)
Pnt = Nominal axial tensile strength of diagonal members of the special segment, N (lbs)
Po = Nominal axial strength of a composite column at zero eccentricity, N (lbs)
Pr = Required compressive strength, N (lbs)
Prc = Required compressive strength using ASD or LRFD load combinations, N (lbs)
Pu = Required axial strength of a column or a link using LRFD load combinations, N (lbs)
Pu = Required axial strength of a composite column, N (lbs)
Puc = Required compressive strength using LRFD load combinations, lbs N (lbs)
8- 2
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
Py = Nominal axial yield strength of a member, equal to Fy Ag, N (lbs)

Pysc = Axial yield strength of steel core, N (lbs)
Qb = Maximum unbalanced vertical load effect applied to a beam by the braces, N (lbs)
Q1 = Axial forces and moments generated by at least 1.25 times the expected nominal
shear strength of the link
R = Seismic response modification coefficient
r = Governing radius of gyration, mm (in)
Rn = Nominal strength, N (lbs)
Rt = Ratio of the expected tensile strength to the specified minimum tensile strength Fu, as
related to over strength in material yield stress Ry
Ru = Required strength
Rv = Panel zone nominal shear strength
Ry = Ratio of the expected yield stress to the specified minimum yield stress, Fy
ry = Radius of gyration about y-axis, mm (in)
S = Snow load, N (lbs)
s = Spacing of transverse reinforcement measured along the longitudinal axis of the
structural composite member, mm (in)
t = Thickness of element column web or doubler plate, mm (in)
tbf = Thickness of beam flange, mm (in)
tcf = Thickness of column flange, mm (in)
tf = Thickness of flange, mm (in)
tmin = Minimum wall thickness of concrete-filled rectangular HSS, mm (in)
tp = Thickness of panel zone including doubler plates, mm (in)
tw = Thickness of web, mm (in)
Va = Required shear strength using ASD load combinations, N (lbs)
Vn = Nominal shear strength of a member, N (lbs)
Vne = Expected vertical shear strength of the special segment, N (lbs)
Vns = Nominal shear strength of the steel plate in a composite plate shear wall, N (lbs)
Vp = Nominal shear strength of an active link, N (lbs)
Vpa = Nominal shear strength of an active link modified by the axial load magnitude, N (lbs)
Vu = Required shear strength using LRFD load combinations, N (lbs)
wz = Width of panel zone between column flanges, mm (in)
x = Parameter used for determining the approximate fundamental period
Ycon = Distance from top of steel beam to top of concrete slab or encasement, mm (in)
YPNA = Maximum distance from the maximum concrete compression fiber to the plastic
neutral axis, mm (in)
Z = Plastic section modulus of a member, mm3 (in3)
Zb = Plastic section modulus of the beam, mm3 (in3)
zb = Minimum plastic section modulus at the reduced beam section, mm3 (in3)
Zc = Plastic section modulus of the column, mm3 (in3)
Zx = Plastic section modulus x-axis, mm3 (in3)
ZRBS = Minimum plastic section modulus at the reduced beam section, mm3 (in3)
ΣMpc = Moment at beam and column centerline determined by projecting the sum of the
nominal column plastic moment strength, reduced by the axial stress Puc /Ag, from the
top and bottom of the beam moment connection
ΣMpb = Moment at the intersection of the beam and column centerlines determined by
projecting the beam maximum developed moments from the column face. Maximum
developed moments shall be determined from test results
β = Compression strength adjustment factor
Δ = Design storey drift
Δb = Deformation quantity used to control loading of test specimen (total brace end rotation
for the subassemblage test specimen; total brace axial deformation for the brace test
specimen)
Δbm = Value of deformation quantity, Δb, corresponding to the design storey drift
8- 3
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
Δby = Value of deformation quantity, Δb, at first significant yield of test specimen
Ω = Safety factor
Ωb = Safety factor for flexure = 1.67
Ωc = Safety factor for compression = 1.67
Ωo = Horizontal seismic overstrength factor
Ωv = Safety factor for shear strength of panel zone of beam-to-column connections
α = Angle of diagonal members with the horizontal
α = Angle of web yielding in radians, as measured relative to the vertical
δ = Deformation quantity used to control loading of test specimen
δy = Value of deformation quantity δ at first significant yield of test specimen
ρ’ = Ratio of required axial force Pu to required shear strength Vu of a link
λp, λps = Limiting slenderness parameter for compact element Resistance factor
Ф = Resistance factor for flexure
Фb = Resistance factor for compression
Фc = Resistance factor for shear strength of panel zone of beam-to-column connections
Фv = Resistance factor for shear
Фv = Resistance factor for the shear strength of a composite column
θ = Interstorey drift angle, radians
γtotal = Link rotation angle
ω = Strain hardening adjustment factor
8- 4
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
Division - I Structural Steel Buildings
8.2 Definitions
1. Terms designated with † are common AISI-AISC terms that are coordinated
between the two standards developers.
2. Terms designated with * are usually qualified by the type of load effect, for
example, nominal tensile strength, available compressive strength, design flexural
strength.
3. Terms designated with ** are usually qualified by the type of component, for
example, web local buckling, flange local bending.
Adjusted brace strength. Strength of a brace in a buckling-restrained braced frame at

deformations corresponding to 2.0 times the design storey drift.
Allowable strength*†. Nominal strength divided by the safety factor, Rn / Ω .
Applicable building code (ABC) †. Building code under which the structure is designed.
Amplified seismic load. Horizontal component of earthquake load E multiplied by Ω o, where E

and the horizontal component of E are specified in the applicable building code.
Authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). Organization, political subdivision, office or individual

charged with the responsibility of administering and enforcing the provisions of this standard.
Available strength*†. Design strength or allowable strength, as appropriate.
ASD (Allowable Strength Design). Method of proportioning structural components such that the
allowable strength equals or exceeds the required strength of the component under the action of the
ASD load combinations.
ASD load combination†. Load combination in the applicable building code intended for
allowable strength design (allowable stress design).
Buckling-restrained braced frame (BRBF). Diagonally braced frame satisfying the

requirements of Section 8.16 in which all members of the bracing system are subjected
primarily to axial forces and in which the limit state of compression buckling of braces is
precluded at forces and deformations corresponding to 2.0 times the design storey drift.
Buckling-restraining system. System of restraints that limits buckling of the steel core in
BRBF. This system includes the casing on the steel core and structural elements adjoining its
connections. The buckling-restraining system is intended to permit the transverse expansion
and longitudinal contraction of the steel core for deformations corresponding to 2.0 times the
design storey drift.
Casing. Element that resists forces transverse to the axis of the brace thereby restraining
buckling of the core. The casing requires a means of delivering this force to the remainder of the
buckling-restraining system. The casing resists little or no force in the axis of the brace.
Column base. Assemblage of plates, connectors, bolts, and rods at the base of a column used to
transmit forces between the steel superstructure and the foundation.
Continuity plates. Column stiffeners at the top and bottom of the panel zone; also known as
transverse stiffeners.
8- 5
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
Contractor. Fabricator or erector, as applicable.
Demand critical weld. Weld so designated by these Provisions.
Design earthquake. The earthquake represented by the design response spectrum as specified in the
applicable building code.
Design storey drift. Amplified storey drift (drift under the design earthquake, including the
effects of inelastic action), determined as specified in the applicable building code.
Design strength*†. Resistance factor multiplied by the nominal strength, φRn.
Diagonal bracing. Inclined structural members carrying primarily axial load that are
employed to enable a structural frame to act as a truss to resist lateral loads.
Dual system. Structural system with the following features: (1) an essentially complete space frame
that provides support for gravity loads; (2) resistance to lateral load provided by moment frames
(SMF, IMF or OMF) that are capable of resisting at least 25 percent of the base shear, and
concrete or steel shear walls, or steel braced frames (EBF, SCBF or OCBF); and (3) each
system designed to resist the total lateral load in proportion to its relative rigidity.
Ductile limit state. Ductile limit states include member and connection yielding, bearing
deformation at bolt holes, as well as buckling of members that conform to the width- thickness
limitations of Table 8.2. Fracture of a member or of a connection, or buckling of a connection
element, is not a ductile limit state.
Eccentrically braced frame (EBF). Diagonally braced frame meeting the requirements of
Section 8.15 that has at least one end of each bracing member connected to a beam a short
distance from another beam-to-brace connection or a beam-to-column connection.
Exempted column. Column not meeting the requirements of Equation 8.9-3 for SMF. Expected
yield strength. Yield strength in tension of a member, equal to the expected yield stress
multiplied by Ag.
Expected tensile strength *. Tensile strength of a member, equal to the specified minimum
tensile strength, Fu, multiplied by Rt.
Expected yield stress. Yield stress of the material, equal to the specified minimum yield stress,
Fy, multiplied by Ry .
Intermediate moment frame (IMF). Moment frame system that meets the requirements of
Section 8.10.
Interstorey drift angle. Interstorey displacement divided by storey height, radians.
Inverted-V-braced frame. See V-braced frame.
k-area. The k-area is the region of the web that extends from the tangent point of the web and
the flange-web fillet (AISC “k” dimension) a distance of 38 mm (1½ in) into the web beyond the
“k” dimension.
K-braced frame. A bracing configuration in which braces connect to a column at a location with
8- 6
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
no diaphragm or other out-of-plane support.
Lateral bracing member. Member that is designed to inhibit lateral buckling or lateral-
torsional buckling of primary framing members.
Link. In EBF, the segment of a beam that is located between the ends of two diagonal braces or
between the end of a diagonal brace and a column. The length of the link is defined as the clear
distance between the ends of two diagonal braces or between the diagonal brace and the column
face.
Link intermediate web stiffeners. Vertical web stiffeners placed within the link in EBF.
Link rotation angle. Inelastic angle between the link and the beam outside of the link when the
total storey drift is equal to the design storey drift.
Link shear design strength. Lesser of the available shear strength of the link developed from the
moment or shear strength of the link.
Lowest Anticipated Service Temperature (LAST). The lowest 1-hour average temperature with
a 100-year mean recurrence interval.
LRFD (Load and Resistance Factor Design)†. Method of proportioning structural

components such that the design strength equals or exceeds the required strength of the
component under the action of the LRFD load combinations.
LRFD Load Combination†. Load combination in the applicable building code intended for
strength design (load and resistance factor design).
Measured flexural resistance. Bending moment measured in a beam at the face of the column, for a
beam-to-column test specimen tested in accordance with Appendix S of ANSI/AISC 341-05.
Nominal load†. Magnitude of the load specified by the applicable building code.
Nominal strength*†. Strength of a structure or component (without the resistance factor or

safety factor applied) to resist the load effects, as determined in accordance with the ANSI/AISC
360-05.
Ordinary concentrically braced frame (OCBF). Diagonally braced frame meeting the
requirements of Section 8.14 in which all members of the bracing system are subjected
primarily to axial forces.
Ordinary moment frame (OMF). Moment frame system that meets the requirements of
Section 8.11.
Overstrength factor, Ωo. Factor specified by the applicable building code in order to determine the
amplified seismic load, where required by these Provisions.
Prequalified connection. Connection that complies with the requirements of Appendix P of

ANSI/AISC 341-05 or ANSI/AISC 358.
Protected zone. Area of members in which limitations apply to fabrication and attachments. See
Section 8.7.4.
8- 7
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
Prototype. The connection or brace design that is to be used in the building (SMF, IMF, EBF, and
BRBF).
Provisions. Refers to sections of this Chapter and applicable provisions of ANSI/AISC 341-05.
Quality assurance plan. Written description of qualifications, procedures, quality inspections,

resources, and records to be used to provide assurance that the structure complies with the
engineer’s quality requirements, specifications and contract documents.
Reduced beam section. Reduction in cross section over a discrete length that promotes a zone of
inelasticity in the member.
Required strength*†. Forces, stresses, and deformations produced in a structural component,

determined by either structural analysis, for the LRFD or ASD load combinations, as
appropriate, or as specified by the ANSI/AISC 360-05 and these Provisions.
Resistance factor, φ†. Factor that accounts for unavoidable deviations of the nominal strength from
the actual strength and for the manner and consequences of failure.
Safety factor,Ω †. Factor that accounts for deviations of the actual strength from the nominal
strength, deviations of the actual load from the nominal load, uncertainties in the analysis that
transforms the load into a load effect, and for the manner and consequences of failure.
Seismic design category. Classification assigned to a building by the applicable building code
based upon its seismic use group and the design spectral response acceleration coefficients.
Seismic load resisting system (SLRS). Assembly of structural elements in the building that
resists seismic loads, including struts, collectors, chords, diaphragms and trusses.
Seismic response modification coefficient, R. Factor that reduces seismic load effects to
strength level as specified by the applicable building code.
Seismic use group. Classification assigned to a structure based on its use as specified by the
applicable building code.
Special concentrically braced frame (SCBF). Diagonally braced frame meeting the
requirements of Section 8. 13 in which all members of the bracing system are subjected
primarily to axial forces.
Special moment frame (SMF). Moment frame system that meets the requirements of Section
8.9.
Special plate shear wall (SPSW). Plate shear wall system that meets the requirements of
Section 8.17
Special truss moment frame (STMF). Truss moment frame system that meets the
Specification. Refers to the AISC Specification for Structural Steel Buildings,

ANSI/AISC 360-05.
Static yield strength. Strength of a structural member or connection determined on the basis of
testing conducted under slow monotonic loading until failure.
8- 8
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
Steel core. Axial-force-resisting element of braces in BRBF. The steel core contains a yielding
segment and connections to transfer its axial force to adjoining elements; it may also contain
projections beyond the casing and transition segments between the projections and yielding
segment.
Tested connection. Connection that complies with the requirements of Appendix S of ANSI/AISC
341-05.
V-braced frame. Concentrically braced frame (SCBF, OCBF or BRBF) in which a pair of
diagonal braces located either above or below a beam is connected to a single point within the clear
beam span. Where the diagonal braces are below the beam, the system is also referred to as an
inverted-V-braced frame.
X-braced frame. Concentrically braced frame (OCBF or SCBF) in which a pair of diagonal
braces crosses near the mid-length of the braces.
Y-braced frame. Eccentrically braced frame (EBF) in which the stem of the Y is the link of the
EBF system.
8.3 Scope
The Seismic Provisions for Structural Steel Buildings, hereinafter referred to as these Provisions,
shall govern the design, fabrication and erection of structural steel members and connections in
the seismic load resisting systems (SLRS) and splices in columns that are not part of the
SLRS, in buildings and other structures, where other structures are defined as those structures
designed, fabricated and erected in a manner similar to buildings, with building-like vertical and
lateral load-resisting-elements. These Provisions shall apply when the seismic response
modification coefficient, R, (as specified in the Chapter 5, Table 5.13) is taken greater than 3,
regardless of the seismic design category. When the seismic response modification coefficient, R, is
taken as 3 or less, the structure is not required to satisfy these Provisions, unless specifically
required by the applicable building code.
These Provisions shall be applied in conjunction with the AISC Specification for Structural
Steel Buildings ANSI/AISC 360-05, hereinafter referred to as the Specification. Members and
connections of the SLRS shall satisfy the requirements of the applicable building code,
ANSI/AISC 360-05, and these Provisions.
DIVISION I also includes Appendices P, Q, R, S, T, W and X of ANSI/AISC341-05.
8.4 Loads, Load Combinations, and Nominal Strengths
8.4.1 Loads and Load Combinations
The loads and load combinations shall be as stipulated by the Chapter 5. Where amplified seismic
loads are required by these Provisions, the horizontal portion of the earthquake load E (as defined in
the applicable building code) shall be multiplied by the overstrength factor, Ωo, prescribed by
Chapter 5 (Table 5.13).
8.4.2 Nominal Strength
The nominal strength of systems, members and connections shall comply with ANSI/AISC 360-
05, except as modified throughout these Provisions.
8- 9
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
8.5 Structural Design Drawings and Specifications, Shop Drawings, and Erection
Drawings
8.5.1 Structural Design Drawings and Specifications
Structural design drawings and specifications shall show the work to be performed, and include
items required by ANSI/AISC 360-05 and the following, as applicable:
1. Designation of the seismic load resisting system (SLRS)

2. Designation of the members and connections that are part of the SLRS
3. Configuration of the connections
4. Connection material specifications and sizes
5. Locations of demand critical welds
6. Lowest anticipated service temperature (LAST) of the steel structure, if the structure is not
enclosed and maintained at a temperature of 10°C (50°F) or higher
7. Locations and dimensions of protected zones
8. Locations where gusset plates are to be detailed to accommodate inelastic rotation
9. Welding requirements as specified in Appendix W, Section W2.1 of Seismic Provisions for
Structural Steel buildings ANSI/AISC 341-05.
8.5.2 Shop Drawings
Shop drawings shall include items required by ANSI/AISC 360-05 and the following, as
applicable:
2. Connection material specifications
3. Locations of demand critical shop welds
5. Gusset plates drawn to scale when they are detailed to accommodate inelastic
rotation
6. Welding requirements as specified in Appendix W, Section W2.2 of Seismic Provisions for
Structural Steel buildings ANSI/AISC 341-05.
8.5.3 Erection Drawings
Erection drawings shall include items required by ANSI/AISC 360-05 and the following, as
applicable:
2. Field connection material specifications and sizes
3. Locations of demand critical field welds
5. Locations of pretensioned bolts
6. Field welding requirements as specified in Appendix W, Section W2.3 of Seismic
Provisions for Structural Steel buildings ANSI/AISC 341-05.
8.6 Materials
8.6.1 Material Specifications
Structural steel used in the seismic load resisting system (SLRS) shall meet the requirements of
8- 10
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
ANSI/AISC 360-05 Section A3.1a, except as modified in these Provisions. The specified
minimum yield stress of steel to be used for members in which inelastic behavior is expected
shall not exceed 345 MPa (50,000 psi) for systems defined in Sections 8.9, 8.10, 8.12, 8.13,
8.15, 8.16, and 8.17 nor 380 MPa (55,000 psi) for systems defined in Sections 8.11 and 8.14,
unless the suitability of the material is determined by testing or other rational criteria.
This limitation does not apply to columns for which the only expected inelastic behavior
is yielding at the column base. The structural steel used in the SLRS described in Sections 8.9,
8.10, 8.11, 8.12, 8.13, 8.14, 8.15, 8.16 and 8.17 shall meet one of the following ASTM
Specifications: A36/ A36M, A53/A53M, A500 (Grade B or C), A501, A529/A529M,
A572/A572M [Grade 42 (290), 50 (345) or 55 (380)], A588/A588M, A913/A913M [Grade
50(345), 60 (415) or 65 (450)], A992/A992M, or A1011 HSLAS Grade 55 (380). The structural
steel used for column base plates shall meet one of the preceding ASTM specifications or ASTM
A283/A283M Grade D.
Other steels and non-steel materials in buckling-restrained braced frames are permitted
to be used subject to the requirements of Section 8.16 and Appendix T of ANSI/AISC 341-05.
8.6.2 Material Properties for Determination of Required Strength of Members and Connections
When required in these Provisions, the required strength of an element (a member or a connection)
shall be determined from the expected yield stress, Ry Fy, of an adjoining member, where Fy is the
specified minimum yield stress of the grade of steel to be used in the adjoining members and Ry is
the ratio of the expected yield stress to the specified minimum yield stress, Fy, of that material. The
available strength of the element, фRn for LRFD and Rn / Ω for ASD, shall be equal to or greater
than the required strength, where Rn is the nominal strength of the connection. The expected tensile
strength, RtFu, and the expected yield stress, RyFy, are permitted to be used in lieu of Fu and Fy ,
respectively, in determining the nominal strength, Rn, of rupture and yielding limit states within
the same member for which the required strength is determined.
The values of Ry and Rt for various steels are given in Table 8.1. Other values of Ry and Rt
shall be permitted if the values are determined by testing of specimens similar in size and source
conducted in accordance with the requirements for the specified grade of steel.
Structural steel, not manufactured in accordance with the ASTM Standards, but meeting
the minimum requirements for mechanical properties as per relevant ASTM Standards are allowed
for structural use.
8.6.3 Heavy Section CVN Requirements
For structural steel in the SLRS, in addition to the requirements of ANSI/AISC 360-05 Section
A3.1c, hot rolled shapes with flanges 38 mm (1½ in) thick and thicker shall have a minimum
Charpy V-Notch toughness of 27 J (20 ft-lb) at 21oC (70°F), tested in the alternate core location as
described in ASTM A6 Supplementary Requirement S30. Plates 50 mm (2 in) thick and thicker
shall have a minimum Charpy V-Notch toughness of 27 J (20 ft-lb) at 21oC (70°F), measured at any
location permitted by ASTM A673, where the plate is used in the following:
1. Members built-up from plate

2. Connection plates where inelastic strain under seismic loading is expected
3. As the steel core of buckling-restrained braces
8- 11
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
8.7 Connections, Joints and Fasteners
8.7.1 Scope
Connections, joints and fasteners that are part of the seismic load resisting system (SLRS) shall
comply with ANSI/AISC 360-05 Chapter J, and with the additional requirements of this Section.
The design of connections for a member that is a part of the SLRS shall be configured such that a
ductile limit state in either the connection or the member controls the design.
8.7.2 Bolted Joints
All bolts shall be pretensioned high strength bolts and shall meet the requirements for slip-
critical faying surfaces in accordance with ANSI/AISC 360-05 Section J3.8 with a Class A
surface. Bolts shall be installed in standard holes or in shortslotted holes perpendicular to the
applied load. For brace diagonals, oversized holes shall be permitted when the connection is
designed as a slip-critical joint, and the oversized hole is in one ply only.
Alternative hole types are permitted if designated in the Prequalified Connections for
Special and Intermediate Moment Frames for Seismic Applications (ANSI/AISC 358), or if
otherwise determined in a connection prequalification in accordance with Appendix P of
ANSI/AISC 341-05, or if determined in a program of qualification testing in accordance with
Appendix S or T of ANSI/AISC 341-05. The available shear strength of bolted joints using
standard holes shall be calculated as that for bearing-type joints in accordance with ANSI/AISC
360-05 Sections J3.7 and J3.10, except that the nominal bearing strength at bolt holes shall not be
taken greater than 2.4dtFu.
Exception: The faying surfaces for end plate moment connections are permitted to be
coated with coatings not tested for slip resistance, or with coatings with a slip coefficient
less than that of a Class A faying surface. Bolts and welds shall not be designed to share
force in a joint or the same force component in a connection.
8.7.3 Welded Joints
Welding shall be performed in accordance with Appendix W of ANSI/AISC 341-05. Welding shall
be performed in accordance with a welding procedure specification (WPS) as required in AWS
D1.1 and approved by the engineer of record. The WPS variables shall be within the parameters
established by the filler metal manufacturer.
8.7.3.1 General Requirements
All welds used in members and connections in the SLRS shall be made with a filler metal that
can produce welds that have a minimum Charpy V-Notch toughness of 27 J (20 ft-lb) at minus
18°C(0°F), as determined by the appropriate AWS A5 classification test method or manufacturer
certification. This requirement for notch toughness shall also apply in other cases as required in
these Provisions.
8.7.3.2 Demand Critical Welds
Where welds are designated as demand critical, they shall be made with a filler metal capable of
providing a minimum Charpy V-Notch (CVN) toughness of 27 J (20 ft-lb) at 29°C (20°F) as
determined by the appropriate AWS classification test method or manufacturer certification, and
54 J(40 ft-lb) at 21°C (70 °F) as determined by Appendix X of ANSI/AISC 341-05 or other
approved method, when the steel frame is normally enclosed and maintained at a temperature of
8- 12
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
10°C (50°F) or higher. For structures with service temperatures lower than 10°C (50°F), the
qualification temperature for Appendix X of ANSI/AISC 341-05 shall be 11°C (20°F) above the
lowest anticipated service temperature, or at a lower temperature.
SMAW electrodes classified in AWS A5.1 as E7018 or E7018-X, SMAW electrodes

classified in AWS A5.5 as E7018-C3L or E8018-C3, and GMAW solid electrodes are exempted
from production lot testing when the CVN toughness of the electrode equals or exceeds 27 J(20 ft-
lb) at a temperature not exceeding 29°C (20°F) as determined by AWS classification test methods.
The manufacturer’s certificate of compliance shall be considered sufficient evidence of meeting
this requirement.
8.7.4 Protected Zone
Where a protected zone is designated by these Provisions or ANSI/AISC 358, it shall comply with
the following:
1. Within the protected zone, discontinuities created by fabrication or erection operations,

such as tack welds, erection aids, air-arc gouging and thermal cutting shall be repaired as
required by the engineer of record.
2. Welded shear studs and decking attachments that penetrate the beam flange shall not be
placed on beam flanges within the protected zone. Decking arc spot welds as required to
secure decking shall be permitted.
3. Welded, bolted, screwed or shot-in attachments for perimeter edge angles, exterior
facades, partitions, duct work, piping or other construction shall not be placed within the
protected zone.
Exception: Welded shear studs and other connections shall be permitted when designated
in the Prequalified Connections for Special and Intermediate Moment Frames for Seismic
Applications (ANSI/AISC 358), or as otherwise determined in accordance with a
connection prequalification in accordance with Appendix P of ANSI/AISC 341-05, or as
determined in a program of qualification testing in accordance with Appendix S of
ANSI/AISC 341-05.
Outside the protected zone, calculations based upon the expected moment shall be
made to demonstrate the adequacy of the member net section when connectors that
penetrate the member are used.
8.7.5 Continuity Plates and Stiffeners
Corners of continuity plates and stiffeners placed in the webs of rolled shapes shall be clipped as
described below. Along the web, the clip shall be detailed so that the clip extends a distance of at
least 38 mm (1½ in) beyond the published k detail dimension for the rolled shape. Along the
flange, the clip shall be detailed so that the clip does not exceed a distance of 12 mm (½ in) beyond
the published k1 detail dimension. The clip shall be detailed to facilitate suitable weld terminations
for both the flange weld and the web weld. If a curved clip is used, it shall have a minimum radius
of 12 mm (½ in).
At the end of the weld adjacent to the column web/flange juncture, weld tabs for
continuity plates shall not be used, except when permitted by the engineer of record. Unless
specified by the engineer of record that they be removed, weld tabs shall not be removed when
used in this location.
8- 13
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
8.8 Members
8.8.1 Scope
Members in the seismic load resisting system (SLRS) shall comply with ANSI/AISC 360-05 and
Section 8.8. For columns that are not part of the SLRS, see Section 8.8.4.2.
8.8.2 Classification of Sections for Local Buckling
8.8.2.1 Compact
When required by these Provisions, members of the SLRS shall have flanges continuously
connected to the web or webs and the width-thickness ratios of its compression elements shall not
exceed the limiting width-thickness ratios, λp, from ANSI/AISC 360-05 Table B4.1.
8.8.2.2 Seismically Compact
When required by these Provisions, members of the SLRS must have flanges continuously
connected to the web or webs and the width-thickness ratios of its compression elements shall not
exceed the limiting width-thickness ratios, λps, from Table 8.2.
8.8.3 Column Strength
When Pu /фc Pn (LRFD) > 0.4 or Ω c Pa /Pn (ASD) > 0.4, as appropriate, without consideration of
the amplified seismic load,
Where:
фc = 0.90 (LRFD) Ωc = 1.67 (ASD)

Pa = required axial strength of a column using ASD load combinations, N (lbs)
Pn = nominal axial strength of a column, N (lbs)
Pu = required axial strength of a column using LRFD load combinations, N (lbs)
The following requirements shall be met:
1. The required axial compressive and tensile strength, considered in the absence of any
applied moment, shall be determined using the load combinations stipulated by the
applicable building code including the amplified seismic load.
2. The required axial compressive and tensile strength shall not exceed either of the
following:
a. The maximum load transferred to the column considering 1.1Ry (LRFD) or
(1.1/1.5)Ry (ASD), as appropriate, times the nominal strengths of the connecting
beam or brace elements of the building.
b. The limit as determined from the resistance of the foundation to overturning
uplift.
8.8.4 Column Splices
8.8.4.1 General
The required strength of column splices in the seismic load resisting system (SLRS) shall equal
8- 14
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
the required strength of the columns, including that determined from Sections 8.8.3, 8.9.9,
8.10.9, 8.11.9, 8.13.5 and 8.16.5.2.
In addition, welded column splices that are subject to a calculated net tensile load effect
determined using the load combinations stipulated by the applicable building code including the
amplified seismic load, shall satisfy both of the following requirements:
1. The available strength of partial-joint-penetration (PJP) groove welded joints, if used, shall be
at least equal to 200 percent of the required strength.
2. The available strength for each flange splice shall be at least equal to 0.5 Ry Fy Af
(LRFD) or (0.5/1.5)Ry Fy Af (ASD), as appropriate, where Ry Fy is the expected yield stress
of the column material and Af is the flange area of the smaller column connected.
Beveled transitions are not required when changes in thickness and width of flanges
and webs occur in column splices where PJP groove welded joints are used.
Column web splices shall be either bolted or welded, or welded to one column and bolted
to the other. In moment frames using bolted splices, plates or channels shall be used on both sides of
the column web.
The centerline of column splices made with fillet welds or partial-joint-penetration groove
welds shall be located 1.2 m (4 ft) or more away from the beam-to- column connections. When
the column clear height between beam-to-column connections is less than 2.4 m (8 ft), splices
shall be at half the clear height.
8.8.4.2 Columns Not Part of the Seismic Load Resisting System
Splices of columns that are not a part of the SLRS shall satisfy the following:
(1) Splices shall be located 1.2 m ( 4 ft) or more away from the beam-to- column
connections. When the column clear height between beam-to-column connections is less
than 2.4 m (8 ft), splices shall be at half the clear height.
(2) The required shear strength of column splices with respect to both orthogonal axes
of the column shall be Mpc/H (LRFD) or Mpc /1.5H (ASD), as appropriate, where Mpc is
the lesser nominal plastic flexural strength of the column sections for the direction in
question, and H is the storey height.
8.8.5 Column Bases
The required strength of column bases shall be calculated in accordance with Sections 8 . 8 . 5 . 1 ,
8 . 8.5.2, and 8 . 8 . 5 . 3 . The available strength of anchor rods shall be determined in accordance
with ANSI/AISC 360-05 Section J3.
The available strength of concrete elements at the column base, including anchor rod
embedment and reinforcing steel, shall be in accordance with ACI 318-05, Appendix D.
Exception: The special requirements in ACI 318-05, Appendix D, for “regions of

moderate or high seismic risk, or for structures assigned to intermediate or high seismic
performance or design categories” need not be applied.
8.8.5.1 Required Axial Strength
The required axial strength of column bases, including their attachment to the foundation, shall
8- 15
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
be the summation of the vertical components of the required strengths of the steel elements that
are connected to the column base.
8.8.5.2 Required Shear Strength
The required shear strength of column bases, including their attachments to the foundations, shall
be the summation of the horizontal component of the required strengths of the steel elements
that are connected to the column base as follows:
1. For diagonal bracing, the horizontal component shall be determined from the required
strength of bracing connections for the seismic load resisting system (SLRS).
2. For columns, the horizontal component shall be at least equal to the lesser of the following:
a. 2Ry Fy Zx /H (LRFD) or (2/1.5) Ry Fy Zx /H (ASD), as appropriate, of the column
Where:
H = height of storey, which may be taken as the distance between the centerline of
floor framing at each of the levels above and below, or the distance between the top
of floor slabs at each of the levels above and below, in (mm)
b. The shear calculated using the load combinations of the applicable building
code, including the amplified seismic load.
8.8.5.3 Required Flexural Strength
The required flexural strength of column bases, including their attachment to the foundation,
shall be the summation of the required strengths of the steel elements that are connected to the
column base as follows:
1. For diagonal bracing, the required flexural strength shall be at least equal to the required
strength of bracing connections for the SLRS.
2. For columns, the required flexural strength shall be at least equal to the lesser of the
following:
a. 1.1Ry Fy Z (LRFD) or (1.1/1.5)Ry Fy Z (ASD), as appropriate, of the column or

b. The moment calculated using the load combinations of the applicable building
code, including the amplified seismic load.
8.8.6 H-Piles
8.8.6.1 Design of H-Piles
Design of H-piles shall comply with the provisions of the ANSI/AISC 360-05 regarding design of
members subjected to combined loads. H-piles shall meet the requirements of Section 8.8.2.2.
8.8.6.2 Battered H-Piles
If battered (sloped) and vertical piles are used in a pile group, the vertical piles shall be designed
to support the combined effects of the dead and live loads without the participation of the
battered piles.
8- 16
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
8.8.6.3 Tension in H-Piles
Tension in each pile shall be transferred to the pile cap by mechanical means such as shear
keys, reinforcing bars or studs welded to the embedded portion of the pile. Directly below the
bottom of the pile cap, each pile shall be free of attachments and welds for a length at least equal
to the depth of the pile cross section.
8.9 Special Moment Frames (SMF)
8.9.1 Scope
Special moment frames (SMF) are expected to withstand significant inelastic deformations when
subjected to the forces resulting from the motions of the design earthquake. SMF shall satisfy the
requirements in this Section.
8.9.2 Beam-to-Column Connections
8.9.2.1 Requirements
Beam-to-column connections used in the seismic load resisting system (SLRS) shall satisfy the
following three requirements:
1. The connection shall be capable of sustaining an interstorey drift angle of at least 0.04
radians.
2. The measured flexural resistance of the connection, determined at the column face, shall
equal at least 0.80Mp of the connected beam at an interstorey drift angle of 0.04 radians.
3. The required shear strength of the connection shall be determined using the following
quantity for the earthquake load effect E:
E = 2[1.1Ry Mp]/Lh (8.9-1)
Where:
Ry = ratio of the expected yield stress to the specified minimum yield stress, Fy
Mp = nominal plastic flexural strength, N-mm (lb-in)
Lh = distance between plastic hinge locations, mm (in)
When E as defined in Equation 8.9-1 is used in ASD load combinations that are additive
with other transient loads and that are based on Chapter 5, the 0.75 combination factor for
transient loads shall not be applied to E.
Connections that accommodate the required interstorey drift angle within the
connection elements and provide the measured flexural resistance and shear strengths specified
above are permitted. In addition to satisfying the requirements noted above, the design shall
demonstrate that any additional drift due to connection deformation can be accommodated by the
structure. The design shall include analysis for stability effects of the overall frame, including
second-order effects.
8.9.2.2 Conformance Demonstration
Beam-to-column connections used in the SLRS shall satisfy the requirements of Section 8.9.2.1 by
one of the following:
8- 17
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
a. Use of SMF connections designed in accordance with ANSI/AISC 358.

b. Use of a connection prequalified for SMF in accordance with Appendix P of ANSI/AISC
341-05.
c. Provision of qualifying cyclic test results in accordance with Appendix S of ANSI/AISC
341-05.
Results of at least two cyclic connection tests shall be provided and are permitted to be based
on one of the following:
(i) Tests reported in the research literature or documented tests performed for other projects
that represent the project conditions, within the limits specified in Appendix S of
ANSI/AISC 341-05.
(ii) Tests that are conducted specifically for the project and are representative of project
member sizes, material strengths, connection configurations, and matching connection
processes, within the limits specified in Appendix S of ANSI/AISC 341-05.
8.9.2.3 Welds
Unless otherwise designated by ANSI/AISC 358, or otherwise determined in a connection

prequalification in accordance with Appendix P of ANSI/AISC 341-05, or as determined in a
program of qualification testing in accordance with Appendix S of ANSI/AISC 341-05, complete-
joint-penetration groove welds of beam flanges, shear plates, and beam webs to columns shall be
demand critical welds as described in Section 8.7.3.2
8.9.2.4 Protected Zones
The region at each end of the beam subject to inelastic straining shall be designated as a protected
zone, and shall meet the requirements of Section 8.7.4. The extent of the protected zone shall be
as designated in ANSI/AISC 358, or as otherwise determined in a connection prequalification in
accordance with Appendix P of ANSI/AISC 341-05, or as determined in a program of
qualification testing in accordance with Appendix S of ANSI/AISC 341-05.
8.9.3 Panel Zone of Beam-to-Column Connection (beam web parallel to column web)
8.9.3.1 Shear Strength
The required thickness of the panel zone shall be determined in accordance with the method used
in proportioning the panel zone of the tested or prequalified connection. As a minimum, the
required shear strength of the panel zone shall be determined from the summation of the moments
at the column faces as determined by projecting the expected moments at the plastic hinge points
to the column faces. The design shear strength shall be ф v Rv and the allowable shear strength
shall be Rv /Ωv where
фv = 1.0 (LRFD) Ωv = 1.50 (ASD)
and the nominal shear strength, Rv, according to the limit state of shear yielding, is determined as
specified in ANSI/AISC 360-05 Section J10.6.
8.9.3.2 Panel Zone Thickness
The individual thicknesses, t, of column webs and doubler plates, if used, shall conform to the
following requirement:
8- 18
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
t≥ (dz + wz)/90 (8.9-2)
Where:
t = thickness of column web or doubler plate, mm (in)

dz = panel zone depth between continuity plates, mm (in)
wz = panel zone width between column flanges, mm (in)
Alternatively, when local buckling of the column web and doubler plate is prevented by
using plug welds joining them, the total panel zone thickness shall satisfy Equation 8.9-2.
8.9.3.3 Panel Zone Doubler Plates
Doubler plates shall be welded to the column flanges using either a complete- joint-penetration
groove-welded or fillet-welded joint that develops the available shear strength of the full doubler
plate thickness. When doubler plates are placed against the column web, they shall be welded across
the top and bottom edges to develop the proportion of the total force that is transmitted to the
doubler plate. When doubler plates are placed away from the column web, they shall be placed
symmetrically in pairs and welded to continuity plates to develop the proportion of the total force
that is transmitted to the doubler plate.
8.9.4 Beam and Column Limitations
The requirements of Section 8.8.1 shall be satisfied, in addition to the following.
8.9.4.1 Width-Thickness Limitations
Beam and column members shall meet the requirements of Section 8.8.2.2, unless otherwise
qualified by tests.
8.9.4.2 Beam Flanges
Abrupt changes in beam flange area are not permitted in plastic hinge regions. The drilling of
flange holes or trimming of beam flange width is permitted if testing or qualification demonstrates
that the resulting configuration can develop stable plastic hinges. The configuration shall be
consistent with a prequalified connection designated in ANSI/AISC 358, or as otherwise
determined in a connection prequalification in accordance with Appendix P of ANSI/AISC 341-
05, or in a program of qualification testing in accordance with Appendix S of ANSI/AISC 341-05.
8.9.5 Continuity Plates
Continuity plates shall be consistent with the prequalified connection designated in ANSI/AISC
358, or as otherwise determined in a connection prequalification in accordance with Appendix P of
ANSI/AISC 341-05, or as determined in a program of qualification testing in accordance with
Appendix S of ANSI/AISC 341-05.
8.9.6 Column-Beam Moment Ratio
The following relationship shall be satisfied at beam-to-column connections:

ΣM *pc
>1.0 (8.9-3)
ΣM *pb
8- 19
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
Where:
∑M *
pc = the sum of the moments in the column above and below the joint at the
intersection of the beam and column centerlines. ∑M *
pc is determined by summing the
projections of the nominal flexural strengths of the columns (including haunches where used)
above and below the joint to the beam centerline with a reduction for the axial force in the column.
It is permitted to take ∑
M *pc = ∑
Zc(Fyc - Puc /Ag) (LRFD) or ∑
Z c [(Fyc /1.5)-Pac /Ag)]
(ASD), as appropriate. When the centerlines of opposing beams in the same joint do not
coincide, the mid-line between centerlines shall be used.
∑M *
pb = the sum of the moments in the beams at the intersection of the beam and
column centerlines. ∑M *
pb is determined by summing the projections of the expected flexural
strengths of the beams at the plastic hinge locations to the column centerline. It is permitted to
take ∑ M *pb = ∑
(1.1Ry Fyb Zb + Muv) (LRFD) or ∑
[(1.1/1.5)Ry Fyb Zb + Mav](ASD), as
appropriate. Alternatively, it is permitted to determine ∑ M *
pb consistent with a prequalified
connection design as designated in ANSI/AISC 358, or as otherwise determined in a connection
prequalification in accordance with Appendix P of ANSI/AISC 341-05, or in a program of
qualification testing in accordance with Appendix S of ANSI/AISC 341-05. When connections
with reduced beam sections are used, it is permitted to take M *pb =∑ ∑
(1.1Ry Fyb ZRBS + Muv)
(LRFD) or ∑ [(1.1/1.5)Ry Fyb ZRBS + Mav](ASD), as appropriate.
Ag = gross area of column, mm2 (in2)

Fyc = specified minimum yield stress of column, MPa (psi)
Mav = the additional moment due to shear amplification from the location of the plastic hinge
to the column centerline, based on ASD load combinations, N-mm (lb-in)
Muv = the additional moment due to shear amplification from the location of the plastic hinge
to the column centerline, based on LRFD load combinations, N-mm (lb-in)
Pac = required compressive strength using ASD load combinations, (a positive number)
N(lbs)
Puc = required compressive strength using LRFD load combinations, (a positive number)
N(lbs)
Zb = plastic section modulus of the beam, mm3 (in3)
Zc = plastic section modulus of the column, mm3 (in3)
ZRBS = minimum plastic section modulus at the reduced beam section, mm3 (in3)
Exception: This requirement does not apply if either of the following two conditions is
satisfied:
(a) Columns with Prc < 0.3Pc for all load combinations other than those
determined using the amplified seismic load that satisfy either of the
following:
(i) Columns used in a one-storey building or the top storey of a multistorey
building.
(ii) Columns where: (1) the sum of the available shear strengths of all
exempted columns in the storey is less than 20 percent of the sum of
the available shear strengths of all moment frame columns in the storey
acting in the same direction; and (2) the sum of the available shear
8- 20
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
strengths of all exempted columns on each moment frame column line

within that storey is less than 33 percent of the available shear strength of
all moment frame columns on that column line. For the purpose of this
exception, a column line is defined as a single line of columns or parallel
lines of columns located within 10 percent of the plan dimension
perpendicular to the line of columns.
Where:
For design according to ANSI/AISC 360-05 Section B3.3 (LRFD),
Pc = Fyc Ag, N (lbs)
Prc = Puc, required compressive strength, using LRFD load combinations,
N (lbs)
For design according to ANSI/AISC 360-05 Section B3.4 (ASD),

Pc = Fyc Ag /1.5, N (lbs)
Prc = Pac, required compressive strength, using ASD load combinations,
N (lbs)
(b) Columns in any storey that has a ratio of available shear strength to required shear
strength that is 50 percent greater than the storey above.
8.9.7 Lateral Bracing at Beam-to-Column Connections
8.9.7.1 Braced Connections
Column flanges at beam-to-column connections require lateral bracing only at the level of the top
flanges of the beams, when the webs of the beams and column are co-planar, and a column is
shown to remain elastic outside of the panel zone. It shall be permitted to assume that the column
remains elastic when the ratio calculated using Equation 8.9-3 is greater than 2.0.
When a column cannot be shown to remain elastic outside of the panel zone, the following
requirements shall apply:
1. The column flanges shall be laterally braced at the levels of both the top and bottom beam
flanges. Lateral bracing shall be either direct or indirect.
2. Each column-flange lateral brace shall be designed for a required strength that is equal to
2 percent of the available beam flange strength Fy bf tbf (LRFD) or Fy bf tbf /1.5 (ASD),
as appropriate.
8.9.7.2 Unbraced Connections
A column containing a beam-to-column connection with no lateral bracing transverse to the seismic
frame at the connection shall be designed using the distance between adjacent lateral braces as the
column height for buckling transverse to the seismic frame and shall conform to ANSI/AISC 360-
05 Chapter H, except that:
1. The required column strength shall be determined from the appropriate load combinations
in the applicable building code, except that E shall be taken as the lesser of:
(a) The amplified seismic load.
(b) 125 percent of the frame available strength based upon either the beam available
flexural strength or panel zone available shear strength.
2. The slenderness L/r for the column shall not exceed 60.
3. The column required flexural strength transverse to the seismic frame shall include that
moment caused by the application of the beam flange force specified in Section
8- 21
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
8.9.7.1(2) in addition to the second-order moment due to the resulting column flange
displacement.
8.9.8 Lateral Bracing of Beams
Both flanges of beams shall be laterally braced, with a maximum spacing of Lb = 0.086ry E/Fy.
Braces shall meet the provisions of Equations A-6-7 and A-6-8 of Appendix 6 of the ANSI/AISC
360-05, where Mr = Mu = Ry ZFy (LRFD) or Mr = Ma= Ry ZFy /1.5 (ASD), as appropriate, of the
beam and Cd = 1.0.
In addition, lateral braces shall be placed near concentrated forces, changes in cross-
section, and other locations where analysis indicates that a plastic hinge will form during
inelastic deformations of the SMF. The placement of lateral bracing shall be consistent with
that documented for a prequalified connection designated in ANSI/AISC 358, or as otherwise
determined in a connection prequalification in accordance with Appendix P of ANSI/AISC 341-05
or in a program of qualification testing in accordance with Appendix S of ANSI/AISC 341-05.
The required strength of lateral bracing provided adjacent to plastic hinges shall be Pu =
0.06 Mu /ho (LRFD) or Pa = 0.06Ma /ho (ASD), as appropriate, where ho is the distance between
flange centroids; and the required stiffness shall meet the provisions of Equation A-6-8 of
Appendix 6 of the ANSI/AISC 360-05 .
Column splices shall comply with the requirements of Section 8 . 8 . 4 . 1 . Where groove welds
are used to make the splice, they shall be complete-joint penetration groove welds that meet the
requirements of Section 8.7.3.2. Weld tabs shall be removed. When column splices are not
made with groove welds, they shall have a required flexural strength that is at least equal to Ry Fy Zx
(LRFD) or Ry Fy Zx /1.5 (ASD), as appropriate, of the smaller column. The required shear strength
of column web splices shall be at least equal to ∑Mpc /H (LRFD) or ∑Mpc /1.5H(ASD), as
appropriate, where ∑ Mpc is the sum of the nominal plastic flexural strengths of the columns
above and below the splice.
Exception: The required strength of the column splice considering appropriate stress
concentration factors or fracture mechanics stress intensity factors need not exceed that
determined by inelastic analyses.
8.10 Intermediate Moment Frames (IMF)
8.10.1 Scope
Intermediate moment frames (IMF) are expected to withstand limited inelastic deformations in
their members and connections when subjected to the forces resulting from the motions of the
design earthquake. IMF shall meet the requirements in this Section.
8.10.2.1 Requirements
Beam-to-column connections used in the seismic load resisting system (SLRS) shall satisfy the
requirements of Section 8.9.2.1, with the following exceptions:
1. The required interstorey drift angle shall be a minimum of 0.02 radian.
8- 22
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
2. The required strength in shear shall be determined as specified in Section 8.9.2.1, except
that a lesser value of Vu or Va, as appropriate, is permitted if justified by analysis. The
required shear strength need not exceed the shear resulting from the application of
appropriate load combinations in the applicable building code using the amplified seismic
load.
8.10.2.2 Conformance Demonstration
Conformance demonstration shall be as described in Section 8.9.2.2 to satisfy the requirements of

Section 8.10.2.1 for IMF, except that a connection prequalified for IMF in accordance with
ANSI/AISC 358, or as otherwise determined in a connection prequalification in accordance with
Appendix P of ANSI/AISC 341-05, or as determined in a program of qualification testing in
accordance with Appendix S of ANSI/AISC 341-05.
8.10.2.3 Welds
Unless otherwise designated by ANSI/AISC 358, or otherwise determined in a connection

prequalification in accordance with Appendix P of ANSI/AISC 341-05, or as determined in a
program of qualification testing in accordance with Appendix S of ANSI/AISC 341-05, complete-
joint-penetration groove welds of beam flanges, shear plates, and beam webs to columns shall be
demand critical welds as described in Section 8.7.3.2.
8.10.2.4 Protected Zone
The region at each end of the beam subject to inelastic straining shall be treated as a protected
zone, and shall meet the requirements of Section 8.7.4. The extent of the protected zone shall be
as designated in ANSI/AISC 358, or as otherwise determined in a connection prequalification
in accordance with Appendix P of ANSI/AISC 341-05, or as determined in a program of
qualification testing in accordance with Appendix S of ANSI/AISC 341-05.
8.10.3 Panel Zone of Beam-to-Column Connections (beam web parallel to column web)
No additional requirements beyond ANSI/AISC 360-05.
8.10.4. Beam and Column Limitations
The requirements of Section 8.8.1 shall be satisfied, in addition to the following.
Beam and column members shall meet the requirements of Section 8.8.2.1, unless otherwise
qualified by tests.
8.10.4.2 Beam Flanges
Abrupt changes in beam flange area are not permitted in plastic hinge regions. Drilling of flange
holes or trimming of beam flange width is permitted if testing or qualification demonstrates that the
resulting configuration can develop stable plastic hinges. The configuration shall be consistent with a
prequalified connection designated in ANSI/AISC 358, or as otherwise determined in a
connection prequalification in accordance with Appendix P of ANSI/AISC 341-05, or in a program
of qualification testing in accordance with Appendix S of ANSI/AISC 341-05.
8- 23
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
Continuity plates shall be provided to be consistent with the prequalified connections designated in
ANSI/AISC 358, or as otherwise determined in a connection prequalification in accordance with
Appendix P of ANSI/AISC 341-05, or as determined in a program of qualification testing in
accordance with Appendix S of ANSI/AISC 341-05.
No additional requirements beyond the ANSI/AISC 360-05.
Both flanges shall be laterally braced directly or indirectly. The unbraced length between lateral
braces shall not exceed 0.17ry E/Fy. Braces shall meet the provisions of Equations A-6-7 and A-6-
8 of Appendix 6 of the ANSI/AISC 360-05, where Mr = Mu = Ry Z Fy (LRFD) or Mr = Ma = Ry Z Fy
/1.5 (ASD), as appropriate, of the beam, and Cd = 1.0.
In addition, lateral braces shall be placed near concentrated loads, changes in cross-
section and other locations where analysis indicates that a plastic hinge will form during
inelastic deformations of the IMF. Where the design is based upon assemblies tested in
accordance with Appendix S of ANSI/AISC 341-05, the placement of lateral bracing for the beams
shall be consistent with that used in the tests or as required for prequalification in Appendix P of
ANSI/AISC 341-05. The required strength of lateral bracing provided adjacent to plastic hinges
shall be Pu = 0.06 Mu /ho (LRFD) or Pa = 0.06Ma / ho (ASD), as appropriate, where ho = distance
between flange centroids; and the required stiffness shall meet the provisions of Equation A-6-8 of
Appendix 6 of the ANSI/AISC 360-05 .
Column splices shall comply with the requirements of Section 8.8.4.1. Where groove welds are
used to make the splice, they shall be complete-joint-penetration groove welds that meet the
requirements of Section 8.7.3.2.
8.11 Ordinary Moment Frames (OMF)
8.11.1 Scope
Ordinary moment frames (OMF) are expected to withstand minimal inelastic deformations in
their members and connections when subjected to the forces resulting from the motions of the
design earthquake. OMF shall meet the requirements of this Section. Connections in
conformance with Sections 8.9.2.2 and 8.9.5 or Sections 8.10.2.2 and 8.10.5 shall be permitted
for use in OMF without meeting the requirements of Sections 8.11.2.1, 8.11.2.3, and 8.11.5.
Beam-to-column connections shall be made with welds and/or high-strength bolts. Connections
are permitted to be fully restrained (FR) or partially restrained (PR) moment connections as follows.
8- 24
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
8.11.2.1Requirements for FR Moment Connections
FR moment connections that are part of the seismic load resisting system (SLRS) shall be designed
for a required flexural strength that is equal to 1.1Ry Mp (LRFD) or (1.1/1.5)Ry Mp (ASD), as
appropriate, of the beam or girder, or the maximum moment that can be developed by the system,
whichever is less. FR connections shall meet the following requirements:
1. Where steel backing is used in connections with complete-joint-penetration (CJP) beam

flange groove welds, steel backing and tabs shall be removed, except that top-flange
backing attached to the column by a continuous fillet weld on the edge below the CJP
groove weld need not be removed. Removal of steel backing and tabs shall be as follows:
(i) Following the removal of backing, the root pass shall be backgouged to sound
weld metal and backwelded with a reinforcing fillet. The reinforcing fillet shall
have a minimum leg size of 8 mm (5/16 in).
(ii) Weld tab removal shall extend to within 3 mm (1/8 in) of the base metal surface,
except at continuity plates where removal to within 6 mm (¼ in) of the plate edge is
acceptable. Edges of the weld tab shall be finished to a surface roughness value of
13 µm (500 µin) or better. Grinding to a flush condition is not required. Gouges
and notches are not permitted. The transitional slope of any area where gouges
and notches have been removed shall not exceed 1:5. Material removed by
grinding that extends more than 2 mm (1/16 in) below the surface of the base
metal shall be filled with weld metal. The contour of the weld at the ends shall
provide a smooth transition, free of notches and sharp corners.
2. Where weld access holes are provided, they shall be as shown in Figure 8.1. The weld access
hole shall have a surface roughness value not to exceed 13 µm (500 µin), and shall be
free of notches and gouges. Notches and gouges shall be repaired as required by the
engineer of record. Weld access holes are prohibited in the beam web adjacent to the
end-plate in bolted moment end-plate connections.
3. The required strength of double-sided partial-joint-penetration groove welds and
double-sided fillet welds that resist tensile forces in connections shall be 1.1Ry Fy Ag
(LRFD) or (1.1/1.5)Ry Fy Ag (ASD), as appropriate, of the connected element or part.
Single-sided partial-joint-penetration groove welds and single-sided fillet welds shall
not be used to resist tensile forces in the connections.
4. For FR moment connections, the required shear strength, Vu or Va, as appropriate, of the
connection shall be determined using the following quantity for the earthquake load effect
E:
E = 2[1.1Ry Mp]/Lh (8.11-1)
where this E is used in ASD load combinations that are additive with other transient loads and that
are based on Chapter 5, the 0.75 combination factor for transient loads shall not be applied to E.
Alternatively, a lesser value of Vu or Va is permitted if justified by analysis. The required shear

strength need not exceed the shear resulting from the application of appropriate load combinations
in the applicable building code using the amplified seismic load.
8.11.2.2 Requirements for PR Moment Connections
PR moment connections are permitted when the following requirements are met:
1. Such connections shall be designed for the required strength as specified in Section
8- 25
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
8.11.2.1 above.
2. The nominal flexural strength of the connection, Mn, shall be no less than 50 percent of Mp
of the connected beam or column, whichever is less.
3. The stiffness and strength of the PR moment connections shall be considered in the
design, including the effect on overall frame stability.
4. For PR moment connections, Vu or Va, as appropriate, shall be determined from the load
combination above plus the shear resulting from the maximum end moment that the
connection is capable of resisting.
8.11.2.3 Welds
Complete-joint-penetration groove welds of beam flanges, shear plates, and beam webs to columns
shall be demand critical welds as described in Section 8.7.3.2.
8.11.3 Panel Zone of Beam-to-Column Connections

(beam web parallel to column web)
8.11.4 Beam and Column Limitations

No requirements beyond Section 8.8.1.
When FR moment connections are made by means of welds of beam flanges or beam-flange
connection plates directly to column flanges, continuity plates shall be provided in accordance
with Section J10 of the ANSI/AISC 360-05. Continuity plates shall also be required when:
t cf < 0.54 b f tbf Fyb / Fyc

or when
tcf < bf / 6
Where continuity plates are required, the thickness of the plates shall be determined as follows:
a. For one-sided connections, continuity plate thickness shall be at least one half of the
thickness of the beam flange.
b. For two-sided connections the continuity plates shall be at least equal in thickness to the
thicker of the beam flanges.
The welded joints of the continuity plates to the column flanges shall be made with either
complete-joint-penetration groove welds, two-sided partial-joint-penetration groove welds
combined with reinforcing fillet welds, or two-sided fillet welds. The required strength of these
joints shall not be less than the available strength of the contact area of the plate with the
column flange. The required strength of the welded joints of the continuity plates to the column
web shall be the least of the following:
a. The sum of the available strengths at the connections of the continuity plate to the column
flanges.
b. The available shear strength of the contact area of the plate with the column web.
c. The weld available strength that develops the available shear strength of the column panel
zone.
d. The actual force transmitted by the stiffener.
8- 26
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
No requirements.
Column splices shall comply with the requirements of Section 8.8.4.1.
8.12 Special Truss Moment Frames (STMF)
8.12.1 Scope
Special truss moment frames (STMF) are expected to withstand significant inelastic deformation
within a specially designed segment of the truss when subjected to the forces from the motions of
the design earthquake. STMF shall be limited to span lengths between columns not to exceed 20
m (65 ft) and overall depth not to exceed 1.8 m (6 ft ). The columns and truss segments outside of
the special segments shall be designed to remain elastic under the forces that can be generated by
the fully yielded and strain-hardened special segment. STMF shall meet the requirements in this
Section.
8.12.2 Special Segment
Each horizontal truss that is part of the seismic load resisting system (SLRS) shall have a special
segment that is located between the quarter points of the span of the truss. The length of the
special segment shall be between 0.1 and 0.5 times the truss span length. The length-to-depth
ratio of any panel in the special segment shall neither exceed 1.5 nor be less than 0.67.
Panels within a special segment shall either be all Vierendeel panels or all X- braced
panels; neither a combination thereof nor the use of other truss diagonal configurations is
permitted. Where diagonal members are used in the special segment, they shall be arranged in
an X pattern separated by vertical members. Such diagonal members shall be interconnected at
points where they cross. The interconnection shall have a required strength equal to 0.25 times
the nominal tensile strength of the diagonal member. Bolted connections shall not be used for
web members within the special segment. Diagonal web members within the special segment shall
be made of flat bars of identical sections.
Splicing of chord members is not permitted within the special segment, nor within one-half
the panel length from the ends of the special segment. The required axial strength of the diagonal
web members in the special segment due to dead and live loads within the special segment shall
not exceed 0.03Fy Ag (LRFD) or (0.03/1.5) Fy Ag (ASD), as appropriate. The special segment shall
be a protected zone meeting the requirements of Section 8.7.4.
8.12.3 Strength of Special Segment Members
The available shear strength of the special segment shall be calculated as the sum of the
8- 27
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
available shear strength of the chord members through flexure, and the shear strength
corresponding to the available tensile strength and 0.3 times the available compressive strength of
the diagonal members, when they are used. The top and bottom chord members in the special
segment shall be made of identical sections and shall provide at least 25 percent of the required
vertical shear strength. The required axial strength in the chord members, determined according to
the limit state of tensile yielding, shall not exceed 0.45 times фPn (LRFD) or Pn / Ω (ASD), as
appropriate,
ф = 0.90 (LRFD) Ω = 1.67 (ASD)
Where:
Pn = Fy Ag
The end connection of diagonal web members in the special segment shall have a required strength
that is at least equal to the expected yield strength, in tension, of the web member, Ry Fy Ag (LRFD)
or Ry Fy Ag / 1.5 (ASD), as appropriate.
8.12.4 Strength of Non-Special Segment Members
Members and connections of STMF, except those in the special segment specified in Section
8.12.2, shall have a required strength based on the appropriate load combinations in the
applicable building code, replacing the earthquake load term E with the lateral loads necessary to
develop the expected vertical shear strength of the special segment Vne (LRFD) or Vne /1.5 (ASD),
as appropriate, at mid-length, given as:
V nc=
3.75RY M nc
+ 0.075EI
(L −LS ) +R (P +0.3P ) sinα
Y nt nc (8.12.1)
LS LS3
Where:
Mnc = nominal flexural strength of a chord member of the special segment, N-mm (lb-in)
EI = flexural elastic stiffness of a chord member of the special segment, N-mm2(lb-in2)
L = span length of the truss, mm (in)
Ls = length of the special segment, mm (in)
Pnt = nominal tensile strength of a diagonal member of the special segment, N(lbs)
Pnc = nominal compressive strength of a diagonal member of the special segment, N(lbs)
α = angle of diagonal members with the horizontal
8.12.5 Width-Thickness Limitations
Chord members and diagonal web members within the special segment shall meet the
requirements of Section 8.8.2.2.
8.12.6 Lateral Bracing
The top and bottom chords of the trusses shall be laterally braced at the ends of the special
segment, and at intervals not to exceed Lp according to ANSI/AISC 360-05 Chapter F, along the
entire length of the truss. The required strength of each lateral brace at the ends of and within the
special segment shall be:
Pu = 0.06 Ry Pnc (LRFD) or
8- 28
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
Pa = (0.06/1.5) Ry Pnc (ASD), as appropriate,
where Pnc is the nominal compressive strength of the special segment chord member. Lateral
braces outside of the special segment shall have a required strength of:
Pu = 0.02 Ry Pnc (LRFD) or

Pa = (0.02/1.5) Ry Pnc (ASD), as appropriate.
The required brace stiffness shall meet the provisions of Equation A-6-4 of Appendix 6 of the
ANSI/AISC 360-05, where:
Pr = Pu = Ry Pnc (LRFD) or
Pr = Pa = Ry Pnc /1.5 (ASD), as appropriate.
8.13 Special Concentrically Braced Frames (SCBF)
8.13.1 Scope
Special concentrically braced frames (SCBF) are expected to withstand significant inelastic
deformations when subjected to the forces resulting from the motions of the design
earthquake. SCBF shall meet the requirements in this Section.
8.13.2 Members
8.13.2.1 Slenderness
Bracing members shall have kl < 4 EFy
r
Exception: Braces with 4 E Fy ≤ kl = 200 are permitted in frames in which the
r
available strength of the column is at least equal to the maximum load transferred to the
column considering Ry (LRFD) or (1/1.5)Ry (ASD), as appropriate, times the nominal
strengths of the connecting brace elements of the building. Column forces need not
exceed those determined by inelastic analysis, nor the maximum load effects that can be
developed by the system.
8.13.2.2 Required Strength
Where the effective net area of bracing members is less than the gross area, the required tensile
strength of the brace based upon the limit state of fracture in the net section shall be greater than the
lesser of the following:
a. The expected yield strength, in tension, of the bracing member, determined as Ry Fy Ag

(LRFD) or Ry Fy Ag /1.5 (ASD), as appropriate.
b. The maximum load effect, indicated by analysis that can be transferred to the brace by
the system.
8.13.2.3Lateral Force Distribution
Along any line of bracing, braces shall be deployed in alternate directions such that, for either
direction of force parallel to the bracing, at least 30 percent but no more than 70 percent of the
total horizontal force along that line is resisted by braces in tension, unless the available strength of
each brace in compression is larger than the required strength resulting from the application of the
appropriate load combinations stipulated by the applicable building code including the amplified
8- 29
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
seismic load. For the purposes of this provision, a line of bracing is defined as a single line or
parallel lines with a plan offset of 10 percent or less of the building dimension perpendicular to the
line of bracing.
Column and brace members shall meet the requirements of Section 8.8.2.2.
8.13.2.5 Built-up Members
The spacing of stitches shall be such that the slenderness ratio l/r of individual elements between
the stitches does not exceed 0.4 times the governing slenderness ratio of the built-up member. The
sum of the available shear strengths of the stitches shall equal or exceed the available tensile
strength of each element. The spacing of stitches shall be uniform. Not less than two stitches shall
be used in a built-up member. Bolted stitches shall not be located within the middle one-fourth of
the clear brace length. Exception: Where the buckling of braces about their critical bucking axis
does not cause shear in the stitches, the spacing of the stitches shall be such that the slenderness
ratio l/r of the individual elements between the stitches does not exceed 0.75 times the
governing slenderness ratio of the built-up member.
8.13.3. Required Strength of Bracing Connections
8.13.3.1 Required Tensile Strength
The required tensile strength of bracing connections (including beam-to-column connections if part
of the bracing system) shall be the lesser of the following:
a. The expected yield strength, in tension, of the bracing member, determined as Ry Fy Ag

(LRFD) or Ry Fy Ag /1.5 (ASD), as appropriate.
b. The maximum load effect, indicated by analysis that can be transferred to the brace by
the system.
8.13.3.2 Required Flexural Strength
The required flexural strength of bracing connections shall be equal to 1.1Ry Mp (LRFD) or
(1.1/1.5) Ry Mp (ASD), as appropriate, of the brace about the critical buckling axis.
Exception: Brace connections that meet the requirements of Section 8.13.3.1 and can
accommodate the inelastic rotations associated with brace post-buckling deformations
need not meet this requirement.
8.13.3.3 Required Compressive Strength
Bracing connections shall be designed for a required compressive strength based on buckling limit
states that is at least equal to 1.1RyPn (LRFD) or (1.1/1.5)RyPn
(ASD), as appropriate, where Pn is the nominal compressive strength of the brace.
8.13.4 Special Bracing Configuration Requirements
8.13.4.1 V-Type and Inverted-V-Type Bracing
V-type and inverted V-type SCBF shall meet the following requirements:
8- 30
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
1. The required strength of beams intersected by braces, their connections, and supporting
members shall be determined based on the load combinations of the applicable building
code assuming that the braces provide no support for dead and live loads. For load
combinations that include earthquake effects, the earthquake effect, E, on the beam shall
be determined as follows:
a. The forces in all braces in tension shall be assumed to be equal to Ry Fy Ag.

b. The forces in all adjoining braces in compression shall be assumed to be equal to
0.3Pn.
2. Beams shall be continuous between columns. Both flanges of beams shall be laterally
braced, with a maximum spacing of Lb = Lpd, as specified by Equation A-1-7 and A-1-8
of Appendix 1 of the ANSI/AISC 360-05. Lateral braces shall meet the provisions of
Equations A-6-7 and A-6-8 of Appendix 6 of the ANSI/AISC 360-05, where Mr = Mu = Ry
Z Fy (LRFD) or Mr = Ma = Ry Z Fy /1.5 (ASD), as appropriate, of the beam and Cd = 1.0.
As a minimum, one set of lateral braces is required at the point of intersection of the V-
type (or inverted V-type) bracing, unless the beam has sufficient out-of- plane strength and stiffness
to ensure stability between adjacent brace points.
8.13.4.2 K-Type Bracing
K-type braced frames are not permitted for SCBF.
In addition to meeting the requirements in Section 8.8.4, column splices in SCBF shall be designed
to develop 50 percent of the lesser available flexural strength of the connected members. The
required shear strength shall be ∑Mpc /H (LRFD) or ∑Mpc /1.5H (ASD), as appropriate, where ∑Mpc
is the sum of the nominal plastic flexural strengths of the columns above and below the splice.
The protected zone of bracing members in SCBF shall include the center one- quarter of the
brace length, and a zone adjacent to each connection equal to the brace depth in the plane of
buckling. The protected zone of SCBF shall include elements that connect braces to beams and
columns and shall satisfy the requirements of Section 8.7.4.
8.14 Ordinary Concentrically Braced Frames (OCBF)
8.14.1 Scope
Ordinary concentrically braced frames (OCBF) are expected to withstand limited inelastic
deformations in their members and connections when subjected to the forces resulting from the
motions of the design earthquake. OCBF shall meet the requirements in this Section. OCBF above
the isolation system in seismically isolated structures shall meet the requirements of Sections
8.14.4 and 8.14.5 and need not meet the requirements of Sections 8.14.2 and 8.14.3.
8.14.2 Bracing Members
Bracing members shall meet the requirements of Section 8.8.2.2.
Exception: HSS braces that are filled with concrete need not comply with this provision.
8- 31
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
Bracing members in K, V, or inverted-V configurations shall have kl < 4 EFy .

r
8.14.3 Special Bracing Configuration Requirements
Beams in V-type and inverted V-type OCBF and columns in K-type OCBF shall be continuous at
bracing connections away from the beam-column connection and shall meet the following
requirements:
1. The required strength shall be determined based on the load combinations of the applicable
building code assuming that the braces provide no support of dead and live loads. For load
combinations that include earthquake effects, the earthquake effect, E, on the member
shall be determined as follows:
a. The forces in braces in tension shall be assumed to be equal to Ry Fy Ag. For V-type
and inverted V-type OCBF, the forces in braces in tension need not exceed the
maximum force that can be developed by the system.
b. The forces in braces in compression shall be assumed to be equal to 0.3Pn.
2. Both flanges shall be laterally braced, with a maximum spacing of Lb = Lpd, as
specified by Equations A-1-7 and A-1-8 of Appendix 1 of the ANSI/AISC 360-05.
Lateral braces shall meet the provisions of Equations A-6-7 and A-6-8 of Appendix 6 of
the ANSI/AISC 360-05, where Mr = Mu = Ry Z Fy (LRFD) or Mr = Ma = Ry Z Fy /1.5
(ASD), as appropriate, of the beam and Cd = 1.0. As a minimum, one set of lateral braces
is required at the point of intersection of the bracing, unless the member has sufficient
out-of-plane strength and stiffness to ensure stability between adjacent brace points.
8.14.4 Bracing Connections
The required strength of bracing connections shall be determined as follows.
1. For the limit state of bolt slip, the required strength of bracing connections shall be that
determined using the load combinations stipulated by the applicable building code, not
including the amplified seismic load.
2. For other limit states, the required strength of bracing connections is the expected yield
strength, in tension, of the brace, determined as Ry Fy Ag (LRFD) or Ry Fy Ag /1.5 (ASD),
as appropriate.
Exception: The required strength of the brace connection need not exceed either of the
following:
a. The maximum force that can be developed by the system
b. A load effect based upon using the amplified seismic load
8.14.5 OCBF above Seismic Isolation Systems
8.14.5.1 Bracing Members

Bracing members shall meet the requirements of Section 8.8.2.1 and shall have kl < 4 E / Fy .
r
8.14.5.2 K-Type Bracing
K-type braced frames are not permitted.
8.14.5.3V-Type and Inverted-V-Type Bracing

Beams in V-type and inverted V-type bracing shall be continuous between columns.
8- 32
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
8.15 Eccentrically Braced Frames (EBF)
8.15.1 Scope
Eccentrically braced frames (EBFs) are expected to withstand significant inelastic deformations
in the links when subjected to the forces resulting from the motions of the design earthquake.
The diagonal braces, columns, and beam segments outside of the links shall be designed to
remain essentially elastic under the maximum forces that can be generated by the fully yielded and
strain- hardened links, except where permitted in this Section. In buildings exceeding five storeys
in height, the upper storey of an EBF system is permitted to be designed as an OCBF or a
SCBF and still be considered to be part of an EBF system for the purposes of determining
system factors in the applicable building code. EBF shall meet the requirements in this Section.
8.15.2 Links
8.15.2.1 Limitations
Links shall meet the requirements of Section 8.8.2.2.
The web of a link shall be single thickness. Doubler-plate reinforcement and web
penetrations are not permitted.
Except as limited below, the link design shear strength, ФvVn, and the allowable shear strength,
Vn/Ωv, according to the limit state of shear yielding shall be determined as follows:
Vn = nominal shear strength of the link, equal to the lesser of Vp or 2Mp /e, lbs (N)
Фv = 0.90 (LRFD)
Ωv = 1.67 (ASD)
Where:
Mp = Fy Z, N-mm (lb-in)
Vp = 0.6Fy Aw, N (lbs)
e = link length, mm (in)
Aw = (d-2tf)tw
The effect of axial force on the link available shear strength need not be considered if
Pu ≤ 0.15Py (LRFD)
or
Pa ≤ (0.15/1.5)Py (ASD), as appropriate. where
Pu = required axial strength using LRFD load combinations, N (lbs)
Pa = required axial strength using ASD load combinations, N (lbs)
Py = nominal axial yield strength = Fy Ag, N (lbs)
If Pu > 0.15Py (LRFD)

or
Pa > (0.15/1.5)Py (ASD), as appropriate, the following additional requirements shall be met:
1. The available shear strength of the link shall be the lesser of ФvVpa and 2Фv Mpa /e (LRFD)
8- 33
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
Or Vpa / Ωv and 2 (Mpa /e)/ Ωv (ASD), as appropriate, where
Фv = 0.90 (LRFD) Ωv = 1.67 (ASD)

⎛ ⎛P ⎞ 2
⎞ (8.15.1)
V pa= V p ⎜1 − ⎜⎜ r ⎟⎟ ⎟
⎜ ⎝ Pc ⎠ ⎟
⎝ ⎠
⎛ P ⎞
M pa= 1.18M p ⎜⎜1 − r ⎟⎟
(8.15.2)
⎝ Pc ⎠
Pr = Pu (LRFD) or Pa (ASD), as appropriate
Pc = Py (LRFD) or Py /1.5 (ASD), as appropriate
2. The length of the link shall not exceed:
(a) [1.15-0.5ρ′(Aw /Ag)]1.6Mp /Vp when ρ′(Aw /Ag)≥0.3 (8.15-3)

nor
(b) 1.6 Mp /Vp when ρ′(Aw /Ag) < 0.3 (8.15-4)
Where:
Aw = (d-2tf)tw
ρ′ = Pr /Vr
Where:
Vr = Vu (LRFD) or Va (ASD), as appropriate

Vu = required shear strength based on LRFD load combinations, lbs
Va = required shear strength based on ASD load combinations, lbs
8.15.2.3 Link Rotation Angle
The link rotation angle is the inelastic angle between the link and the beam outside of the link when
the total storey drift is equal to the design storey drift, Δ. The link rotation angle shall not exceed
the following values:
a. 0.08 radians for links of length 1.6Mp /Vp or less.

b. 0.02 radians for links of length 2.6Mp /Vp or greater.
c. The value determined by linear interpolation between the above values for links of length
between 1.6Mp /Vp and 2.6Mp /Vp .
8.15.3 Link Stiffeners
Full-depth web stiffeners shall be provided on both sides of the link web at the diagonal brace
ends of the link. These stiffeners shall have a combined width not less than (bf -2tw) and a
thickness not less than 0.75tw or 10 mm (3/8 in), whichever is larger, where bf and tw are the
link flange width and link web thickness, respectively. Links shall be provided with intermediate
web stiffeners as follows:
a. Links of lengths 1.6Mp /Vp or less shall be provided with intermediate web stiffeners spaced
at intervals not exceeding (30tw– d/5) for a link rotation angle of 0.08 radian or (52tw– d/5)
for link rotation angles of 0.02 radian or less. Linear interpolation shall be used for
values between 0.08 and 0.02 radian.
b. Links of length greater than 2.6Mp /Vp and less than 5Mp /Vp shall be provided with
intermediate web stiffeners placed at a distance of 1.5 times bf from each end of the link.
c. Links of length between 1.6Mp /Vp and 2.6Mp /Vp shall be provided with intermediate web
8- 34
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
stiffeners meeting the requirements of (a) and (b) above.

d. Intermediate web stiffeners are not required in links of lengths greater than 5Mp /Vp.
e. Intermediate web stiffeners shall be full depth. For links that are less than 635 mm (25 in)
in depth, stiffeners are required on only one side of the link web. The thickness of one-
sided stiffeners shall not be less than tw or 10 mm (3/8 in), whichever is larger, and the
width shall be not less than (bf /2)-tw. For links that are 635 mm (25 in) in depth or greater,
similar intermediate stiffeners are required on both sides of the web.
The required strength of fillet welds connecting a link stiffener to the link web is
AstFy (LRFD) or AstFy / 1.5 (ASD), as appropriate, where Ast is the area of the stiffener. The
required strength of fillet welds connecting the stiffener to the link flanges is AstFy/4
(LRFD) or AstFy /4(1.5) (ASD).
8.15.4 Link-to-Column Connections
Link-to-column connections must be capable of sustaining the maximum link rotation angle
based on the length of the link, as specified in Section 8.15.2.3. The strength of the connection
measured at the column face shall equal at least the nominal shear strength of the link, Vn, as
specified in Section 8.15.2.2 at the maximum link rotation angle.
Link-to-column connections shall satisfy the above requirements by one of the following:
a. Use a connection prequalified for EBF in accordance with Appendix P of ANSI/AISC

341-05.
b. Provide qualifying cyclic test results in accordance with Appendix S of ANSI/AISC 341-
05. Results of at least two cyclic connection tests shall be provided and are permitted to be
based on one of the following:
(i) Tests reported in research literature or documented tests performed for other
projects that are representative of project conditions, within the limits specified in
Appendix S of ANSI/AISC 341-05.
(ii) Tests that are conducted specifically for the project and are representative of
project member sizes, material strengths, connection configurations, and matching
connection processes, within the limits specified in Appendix S of ANSI/AISC
341-05.
Exception: Where reinforcement at the beam-to-column connection at the link end

precludes yielding of the beam over the reinforced length, the link is permitted to be the
beam segment from the end of the reinforcement to the brace connection. Where such
links are used and the link length does not exceed 1.6Mp /Vp, cyclic testing of the
reinforced connection is not required if the available strength of the reinforced section and
the connection equals or exceeds the required strength calculated based upon the strain-
hardened link as described in Section 8.15.6. Full depth stiffeners as required in Section
8.15.3 shall be placed at the link-to-reinforcement interface.
8.15.5 Lateral Bracing of Link
Lateral bracing shall be provided at both the top and bottom link flanges at the ends of the link.
The required strength of each lateral brace at the ends of the link shall be Pb = 0.06 Mr /ho, where
ho is the distance between flange centroids in mm (in).
For design according to ANSI/AISC 360-05 Section B3.3 (LRFD)

Mr = Mu,exp = RyZFy
8- 35
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
For design according to ANSI/AISC 360-05 Section B3.4 (ASD)

Mr = Mu,exp /1.5
The required brace stiffness shall meet the provisions of Equation A-6-8 of the
ANSI/AISC 360-05, where Mr is defined above, Cd = 1, and Lb is the link length.
8.15.6 Diagonal Brace and Beam Outside of Link
8.15.6.1 Diagonal Brace
The required combined axial and flexural strength of the diagonal brace shall be determined
based on load combinations stipulated by the applicable building code. For load combinations
including seismic effects, a load Q1 shall be substituted for the term E, where Q1 is defined as the
axial forces and moments generated by at least 1.25 times the expected nominal shear strength of
the link RyVn, where Vn is as defined in Section 8.15.2.2. The available strength of the diagonal
brace shall comply with ANSI/AISC 360-05 Chapter H.
Brace members shall meet the requirements of Section 8.8.2.1.
8.15.6.2Beam Outside Link
The required combined axial and flexural strength of the beam outside of the link shall be
determined based on load combinations stipulated by the applicable building code. For load
combinations including seismic effects, a load Q1 shall be substituted for the term E where Q1 is
defined as the forces generated by at least 1.1 times the expected nominal shear strength of the
link, RyVn, where Vn is as defined in Section 8.15.2.2. The available strength of the beam outside of
the link shall be determined by the ANSI/AISC 360-05 , multiplied by Ry .
At the connection between the diagonal brace and the beam at the link end of the brace,
the intersection of the brace and beam centerlines shall be at the end of the link or in the link.
8.15.6.3 Bracing Connections
The required strength of the diagonal brace connections, at both ends of the brace, shall be at
least equal to the required strength of the diagonal brace, as defined in Section 8.15.6.1. The
diagonal brace connections shall also satisfy the requirements of Section 8.13.3.3.
No part of the diagonal brace connection at the link end of the brace shall extend over the
link length. If the brace is designed to resist a portion of the link end moment, then the diagonal
brace connection at the link end of the brace shall be designed as a fully-restrained moment
connection.
If the EBF system factors in the applicable building code require moment resisting connections
away from the link, then the beam-to-column connections away from the link shall meet the
requirements for beam-to-column connections for OMF specified in Sections 8.11.2 and 8.11.5.
If the EBF system factors in the applicable building code do not require moment resisting
connections away from the link, then the beam-to-column connections away from the link are
permitted to be designed as pinned in the plane of the web.
8- 36
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
8.15.8 Required Strength of Columns
In addition to the requirements in Section 8.8.3, the required strength of columns shall be
determined from load combinations as stipulated by the applicable building code, except that
the seismic load E shall be the forces generated by 1.1 times the expected nominal shear strength
of all links above the level under consideration. The expected nominal shear strength of a link is
RyVn, where Vn is as defined in Section 8.15.2.2.
Column members shall meet the requirements of Section 8.8.2.2.
Links in EBFs are a protected zone, and shall satisfy the requirements of Section 8.7.4. Welding on
links is permitted for attachment of link stiffeners, as required in Section 8.15.3.
8.15.10 Demand Critical Welds
Complete-joint-penetration groove welds attaching the link flanges and the link web to the column
are demand critical welds, and shall satisfy the requirements of Section 8.7.3.2.
8.16. Buckling-Restrained Braced Frames (BRBF)
8.16.1 Scope
Buckling-restrained braced frames (BRBF) are expected to withstand significant inelastic

deformations when subjected to the forces resulting from the motions of the design earthquake.
BRBF shall meet the requirements in this Section. Where the applicable building code does not
contain design coefficients for BRBF, the provisions of Appendix R of ANSI/AISC 341-05 shall
apply.
8.16.2 Bracing Members
Bracing members shall be composed of a structural steel core and a system that restrains the steel
core from buckling.
8.16.2.1 Steel Core
The steel core shall be designed to resist the entire axial force in the brace.
The brace design axial strength, Ф Pysc (LRFD), and the brace allowable axial strength, Pysc /Ω
(ASD), in tension and compression, according to the limit state of yielding, shall be determined as
follows:
Pysc = Fysc Asc (8.16-1)
Ф = 0.90 (LRFD)
Ω = 1.67 (ASD)
Where:
Fysc = specified minimum yield stress of the steel core, or actual yield stress of the steel core as
determined from a coupon test, MPa (psi)
Asc = net area of steel core, mm2 (in2.)
Plates used in the steel core that are 50 mm (2 in) thick or greater shall satisfy the
minimum notch toughness requirements of Section 8.6.3. Splices in the steel core are not
8- 37
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
permitted.
8.16.2.2 Buckling-Restraining System
The buckling-restraining system shall consist of the casing for the steel core. In stability
calculations, beams, columns, and gussets connecting the core shall be considered parts of this
system.
The buckling-restraining system shall limit local and overall buckling of the steel core
for deformations corresponding to 2.0 times the design storey drift. The buckling-restraining system
shall not be permitted to buckle within deformations corresponding to 2.0 times the design storey
drift.
8.16.2.3 Testing
The design of braces shall be based upon results from qualifying cyclic tests in accordance with
the procedures and acceptance criteria of Appendix T of ANSI/AISC 341-05. Qualifying test
results shall consist of at least two successful cyclic tests: one is required to be a test of a brace
sub-assemblage that includes brace connection rotational demands complying with Appendix T of
ANSI/AISC 341-05, Section T4 and the other shall be either a uniaxial or a sub-assemblage test
complying with Appendix T of ANSI/AISC 341-05, Section T5. Both test types are permitted to
be based upon one of the following:
a. Tests reported in research or documented tests performed for other projects.

b. Tests that are conducted specifically for the project.
Interpolation or extrapolation of test results for different member sizes shall be justified
by rational analysis that demonstrates stress distributions and magnitudes of internal strains
consistent with or less severe than the tested assemblies and that considers the adverse effects of
variations in material properties. Extrapolation of test results shall be based upon similar
combinations of steel core and buckling-restraining system sizes. Tests shall be permitted to
qualify a design when the provisions of Appendix T of ANSI/AISC 341-05 are met.
8.16.2.4 Adjusted Brace Strength
Where required by these Provisions, bracing connections and adjoining members shall be
designed to resist forces calculated based on the adjusted brace strength. The adjusted brace
strength in compression shall be βωRy Pysc . The adjusted brace strength in tension shall be ωRy Pysc .
Exception: The factor Ry need not be applied if Pysc is established using yield stress
determined from a coupon test.
The compression strength adjustment factor, β, shall be calculated as the ratio of the
maximum compression force to the maximum tension force of the test specimen measured from
the qualification tests specified in Appendix T, Section T6.3 of ANSI/AISC 341-05 for the range
of deformations corresponding to 2.0 times the design storey drift. The larger value of β from the
two required brace qualification tests shall be used. In no case shall β be taken as less than 1.0.
The strain hardening adjustment factor, ω, shall be calculated as the ratio of the maximum
tension force measured from the qualification tests specified in Appendix T, Section T6.3 of
ANSI/AISC 341-05 (for the range of deformations corresponding to 2.0 times the design storey
drift) to Fysc of the test specimen. The larger value of β from the two required qualification tests
shall be used. Where the tested steel core material does not match that of the prototype, ω shall be
8- 38
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
based on coupon testing of the prototype material.
8.16.3 Bracing Connections
The required strength of bracing connections in tension and compression (including beam-to-
column connections if part of the bracing system) shall be 1.1 times the adjusted brace strength
in compression (LRFD) or 1.1/1.5 times the adjusted brace strength in compression (ASD).
8.16.3.2 Gusset Plates
The design of connections shall include considerations of local and overall buckling. Bracing
consistent with that used in the tests upon which the design is based is required.
8.16.4 Special Requirements Related to Bracing Configuration
V-type and inverted-V-type braced frames shall meet the following requirements:
1. The required strength of beams intersected by braces, their connections, and supporting
members shall be determined based on the load combinations of the applicable building
code assuming that the braces provide no support for dead and live loads. For load
combinations that include earthquake effects, the vertical and horizontal earthquake effect,
E, on the beam shall be determined from the adjusted brace strengths in tension and
compression.
2. Beams shall be continuous between columns. Both flanges of beams shall be laterally
braced. Lateral braces shall meet the provisions of Equations A-6-7 and A-6-8 of
Appendix 6 of the ANSI/AISC 360-05, where Mr = Mu = Ry ZFy (LRFD) or Mr = Ma = Ry
ZFy /1.5 (ASD), as appropriate, of the beam and Cd = 1.0. As a minimum, one set of lateral
braces is required at the point of intersection of the V-type (or inverted V-type) bracing,
unless the beam has sufficient out-of-plane strength and stiffness to ensure stability
between adjacent brace points.
For purposes of brace design and testing, the calculated maximum deformation of braces
shall be increased by including the effect of the vertical deflection of the beam under the loading
defined in Section 8.16.4(1). K-type braced frames are not permitted for BRBF.
8.16.5 Beams and Columns
Beams and columns in BRBF shall meet the following requirements.
Beam and column members shall meet the requirements of Section 8.8.2.2.
The required strength of beams and columns in BRBF shall be determined from load combinations
as stipulated in the applicable building code. For load combinations that include earthquake effects,
the earthquake effect, E, shall be determined from the adjusted brace strengths in tension and
compression.
The required strength of beams and columns need not exceed the maximum force that
8- 39
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
can be developed by the system.
8.16.5.3 Splices
In addition to meeting the requirements in Section 8.8.4, column splices in BRBF shall be
designed to develop 50 percent of the lesser available flexural strength of the connected members,
determined based on the limit state of yielding. The required shear strength shall be ∑Mpc /H
(LRFD) or ∑Mpc /1.5H (ASD), as appropriate, where ∑Mpc is the sum of the nominal plastic
flexural strengths of the columns above and below the splice.
The protected zone shall include the steel core of bracing members and elements that connect the
steel core to beams and columns, and shall satisfy the requirements of Section 8.7.4.
8.17 Special Plate Shear Walls (SPSW)
8.17.1 Scope
Special plate shear walls (SPSW) are expected to withstand significant inelastic deformations in
the webs when subjected to the forces resulting from the motions of the design earthquake. The
horizontal boundary elements (HBEs) and vertical boundary elements (VBEs) adjacent to the
webs shall be designed to remain essentially elastic under the maximum forces that can be
generated by the fully yielded webs, except that plastic hinging at the ends of HBEs is permitted.
SPSW shall meet the requirements of this Section. Where the applicable building code does not
contain design coefficients for SPSW, the provisions of Appendix R of ANSI/AISC 341-05 shall
apply.
8.17.2 Webs
The panel design shear strength, фVn (LRFD), and the allowable shear strength, Vn/ω (ASD),
according to the limit state of shear yielding, shall be determined as follows:
Where:
Vn = 0.42 Fy tw Lcf sin2α (8.17-1)

Ф = 0.90 (LRFD)
Ω = 1.67 (ASD)
tw = thickness of the web, mm (in)

Lcf = clear distance between VBE flanges, mm (in)
α is the angle of web yielding in radians, as measured relative to the vertical, and it is given by:
t L
1+ w (8.17-2)
2A
tan 4α = c
⎛ 1 h3 ⎞⎟
1 + t h⎜ +
w ⎜A 360 I L ⎟
⎝ b c ⎠
h = distance between HBE centerlines, mm (in)
8- 40
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
Ab = cross –sectional area of a HBE, mm2 (in2.)

Ac = cross –sectional area of a VBE, mm2 (in2.)
Ic = moment of inertia of a VBE taken perpendicular to the direction of the web plate line,
mm4(in4)
L = distance between VBE centerlines, mm (in)
8.17.2.2 Panel Aspect Ratio
The ratio of panel length to height, L/h, shall be limited to 0.8 < L/h ≤ 2.5.
8.17.2.3 Openings in Webs
Openings in webs shall be bounded on all sides by HBE and VBE extending the full width and
height of the panel, respectively, unless otherwise justified by testing and analysis.
8.17.3 Connections of Webs to Boundary Elements
The required strength of web connections to the surrounding HBE and VBE shall equal the
expected yield strength, in tension, of the web calculated at an angle α, defined by Equation 8.17-
2.
8.17.4 Horizontal and Vertical Boundary Elements
In addition to the requirements of Section 8.8.3, the required strength of VBE shall be based upon
the forces corresponding to the expected yield strength, in tension, of the web calculated at an angle
α.
The required strength of HBE shall be the greater of the forces corresponding to the
expected yield strength, in tension, of the web calculated at an angle α or that determined from the
load combinations in the applicable building code assuming the web provides no support for
gravity loads.
The beam-column moment ratio provisions in Section 8.9.6 shall be met for all
HBE/VBE intersections without consideration of the effects of the webs.
8.17.4.2 HBE-to-VBE Connections
HBE-to-VBE connections shall satisfy the requirements of Section 8 . 11.2. The required shear
strength, Vu, of a HBE-to-VBE connection shall be determined in accordance with the provisions
of Section 8.11.2, except that the required shear strength shall not be less than the shear
corresponding to moments at each end equal to 1.1Ry Mp (LRFD) or (1.1/1.5)Ry Mp (ASD), as
appropriate, together with the shear resulting from the expected yield strength in tension of the
webs yielding at an angle α.
HBE and VBE members shall meet the requirements of Section 8.8.2.2.
8.17.4.4 Lateral Bracing
HBE shall be laterally braced at all intersections with VBE and at a spacing not to exceed
8- 41
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
0.086ry E/Fy . Both flanges of HBE shall be braced either directly or indirectly. The required
strength of lateral bracing shall be at least 2 percent of the HBE flange nominal strength, Fy bf tf .
The required stiffness of all lateral bracing shall be determined in accordance with Equation A-6-8
of Appendix 6 of the ANSI/AISC 360-05. In these equations, Mr shall be computed as Ry ZFy
(LRFD) or Mr shall be computed as Ry ZFy /1.5 (ASD), as appropriate, and Cd = 1.0.
8.17.4.5 VBE Splices
VBE splices shall comply with the requirements of Section 8.8.4.
8.17.4.6 Panel Zones
The VBE panel zone next to the top and base HBE of the SPSW shall comply with the
requirements in Section 8.9.3.
8.17.4.7 Stiffness of Vertical Boundary Elements
The VBE shall have moments of inertia about an axis taken perpendicular to the plane of the web
Ic, not less than 0.00307 tw h4/L.
8.18 Quality Assurance Plan
8.18.1 Scope
When required by the applicable building code or the engineer of record, a quality assurance plan
shall be provided. The quality assurance plan shall include the requirements of Appendix Q of
ANSI/AISC 341-05.
8- 42
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
Division - II Composite Structural Steel and Reinforced Concrete Buildings
8.19 Definitions
These terms are in addition to those listed in DIVISION I. Glossary terms are generally
italicized where they first appear within a section throughout this DIVISION.
Boundary member. Portion along wall and diaphragm edge strengthened with structural steel
sections and/or longitudinal steel reinforcement and transverse reinforcement.
Collector element. Member that serves to transfer loads between floor diaphragms and the
members of the seismic load resisting system.
Composite beam. Structural steel beam in contact with and acting compositely with reinforced
concrete via bond or shear connectors.
Composite brace. Reinforced-concrete-encased structural steel section (rolled or built-up) or

concrete-filled steel section used as a brace.
Composite column. Reinforced-concrete-encased structural steel section (rolled or built-up)
or concrete-filled steel section used as a column.
Composite eccentrically braced frame (C-EBF). Composite braced frame meeting the
Composite intermediate moment frame (C-IMF). Composite moment frame meeting the
Composite ordinary braced frame (C-OBF). Composite braced frame meeting the
Composite ordinary moment frame (C-OMF). Composite moment frame meeting the
Composite partially restrained moment frame (C-PRMF). Composite moment frame meeting
the requirements of Section 8.26.
Composite shear wall. Reinforced concrete wall that has unencased or reinforced-concrete-
encased structural steel sections as boundary members.
Composite slab. Concrete slab supported on and bonded to a formed steel deck that acts as a
diaphragm to transfer load to and between elements of the seismic load resisting system.
Composite special concentrically braced frame (C-CBF). Composite braced frame meeting
Composite special moment frame (C-SMF). Composite moment frame meeting the
Composite steel plate shear wall (C-SPW). Wall consisting of steel plate with reinforced
concrete encasement on one or both sides that provides out-of-plane stiffening to prevent
buckling of the steel plate and meeting the requirements of Section 8.35.
Coupling beam. Structural steel or composite beam connecting adjacent reinforced concrete
wall elements so that they act together to resist lateral loads.
8-43
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
Encased composite beam. Composite beam completely enclosed in reinforced concrete.
Encased composite column. Structural steel column (rolled or built-up) completely encased
in reinforced concrete.
Face bearing plates. Stiffeners attached to structural steel beams that are embedded in reinforced
concrete walls or columns. The plates are located at the face of the reinforced concrete to
provide confinement and to transfer loads to the concrete through direct bearing.
Filled composite column. Round or rectangular structural steel section filled with concrete.
Fully composite beam. Composite beam that has a sufficient number of shear connectors to
develop the nominal plastic flexural strength of the composite section.
Intermediate seismic systems. Seismic systems designed assuming moderate inelastic action
occurs in some members under the design earthquake.
Load-carrying reinforcement. Reinforcement in composite members designed and detailed

to resist the required loads.
Ordinary reinforced concrete shear wall with structural steel elements (C-ORCW).
Composite shear walls meeting the requirements of Section 8.33.
Ordinary seismic systems. Seismic systems designed assuming limited inelastic action occurs
in some members under the design earthquake.
Partially composite beam. Unencased composite beam with a nominal flexural strength
controlled by the strength of the shear stud connectors.
Partially restrained composite connection. Partially restrained (PR) connections as defined

in the ANSI/AISC 360-05 that connect partially or fully composite beams to steel columns
with flexural resistance provided by a force couple achieved with steel reinforcement in the
slab and a steel seat angle or similar connection at the bottom flange.
Reinforced-concrete-encased shapes. Structural steel sections encased in reinforced concrete.
Restraining bars. Steel reinforcement in composite members that is not designed to carry required
loads, but is provided to facilitate the erection of other steel reinforcement and to provide
anchorage for stirrups or ties. Generally, such reinforcement is not spliced to be continuous.
Special reinforced concrete shear walls composite with structural steel elements (C-SRCW).
Composite shear walls meeting the requirements of Section 8.34.
Special seismic systems. Seismic systems designed assuming significant inelastic action
occurs in some members under the design earthquake.
Unencased composite beam. Composite beam wherein the steel section is not completely
enclosed in reinforced concrete and relies on mechanical connectors for composite action with
a reinforced slab or slab on metal deck.
8.20 Scope
These Provisions shall govern the design, fabrication, and erection of composite structural
steel and reinforced concrete members and connections in the seismic load resisting systems
8-44
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
(SLRS) in buildings and other structures, where other structures are defined as those
designed, fabricated, and erected in a manner similar to buildings, with building-like vertical
and lateral load-resisting systems. These provisions shall apply when the seismic response
modification coefficient, R, (as specified in the applicable building code) is taken greater
than 3. When the seismic response modification coefficient, R, is taken as 3 or less, the
structure is not required to satisfy these provisions unless required by the applicable building
code.
The requirements of Division II modify and supplement the requirements of Division

I and form these Provisions. They shall be applied in conjunction with the AISC
Specification for Structural Steel Buildings, ANSI/AISC 360-05, hereinafter referred to as
the Specification. The applicable requirements of the Building Code Requirements for
Structural Concrete and Commentary, ACI 318-05, as modified in these Provisions shall be
used for the design of reinforced concrete components in composite SLRS.
For seismic load resisting systems incorporating reinforced concrete components

designed according to ACI 318-05, the requirements for load and resistance factor design as
specified in Section B3.3 of the ANSI/AISC 360-05 shall be used. When the design is based
upon elastic analysis, the stiffness properties of the component members of composite
systems shall reflect their condition at the onset of significant yielding of the structure.
Wherever these Provisions refer to the applicable building code (ABC) and there is no
local building code, the loads, load combinations, system limitations and general design
requirements shall be those in SEI/ASCE 7.
8.21 General Seismic Design Requirements
The required strength and other provisions for seismic design categories (SDCs) and seismic
use groups and the limitations on height and irregularity shall be as specified in the applicable
building code. The design storey drift and storey drift limits shall be determined as required in
the applicable building code.
8.22 Loads, Load Combinations, and Nominal Strengths
8.22.1 Loads and Load Combinations
Where amplified seismic loads are required by these Provisions, the horizontal portion of the
earthquake load E (as defined in the applicable building code) shall be multiplied by the
overstrength factor Ωo prescribed by the applicable building code.
For the seismic load resisting system (SLRS) incorporating reinforced concrete components
designed according to ACI 318-05, the requirements of Section B3.3 of the ANSI/AISC 360-05
shall be used.
8.22.2 Nominal Strength
The nominal strength of systems, members, and connections shall be determined in accordance
with the requirements of the ANSI/AISC 360-05 , except as modified throughout these
Provisions.
8.23 Materials
8.23.1 Structural Steel
8-45
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
Structural steel members and connections used in composite seismic load resisting systems
(SLRS) shall meet the requirements of ANSI/AISC 360-05 Section A3. Structural steel used
in the composite SLRS described in Sections 8.26, 8.27, 8.30, 8.32, 8.34 and 8.35 shall also
meet the requirements in Division I Sections 8.6 and 8.7.
8.23.2 Concrete and Steel Reinforcement
Concrete and steel reinforcement used in composite components in composite SLRS shall
meet the requirements of Sections 7.3.4 through 7.3.7.
Exception: Concrete and steel reinforcement used in the composite ordinary

seismic systems described in Sections 8.29, 8.31 and 8.33 shall meet the requirements
of ANSI/AISC 360-05 Chapter I and ACI 318-05, excluding Chapter 21.
8.24 Composite Members
8.24.1 Scope
The design of composite members in the SLRS described in Sections 8.26 through 8.35 shall
meet the requirements of this Section and the material requirements of Section 8.23.
8.24.2 Composite Floor and Roof Slabs
The design of composite floor and roof slabs shall meet the requirements of ASCE 3.
Composite slab diaphragms shall meet the requirements in this Section.
8.24.2.1 Load Transfer
Details shall be designed so as to transfer loads between the diaphragm and boundary
members, collector elements, and elements of the horizontal framing system.
8.24.2.2 Nominal Shear Strength
The nominal shear strength of composite diaphragms and concrete-filled steel deck
diaphragms shall be taken as the nominal shear strength of the reinforced concrete above the
top of the steel deck ribs in accordance with ACI 318-05 excluding Chapter 22. Alternatively,
the composite diaphragm nominal shear strength shall be determined by in-plane shear tests
of concrete-filled diaphragms.
8.24.3 Composite Beams
Composite beams shall meet the requirements of ANSI/AISC 360-05 Chapter I. Composite
beams that are part of composite-special moment frames (C-SMF) shall also meet the
requirements of Section 8.27.3.
8.24.4 Encased Composite Columns
This section is applicable to columns that (1) consist of reinforced-concrete- encased

shapes with a structural steel area that comprises at least 1 percent of the total composite
column cross section; and (2) meet the additional limitations of ANSI/AISC 360-05 Section
I2.1. Such columns shall meet the requirements of ANSI/AISC 360-05 Chapter I, except as
modified in this Section. Additional requirements, as specified for intermediate and special
seismic systems in Sections 8.24.4.2 and 8.24.4.3 shall apply as required in the descriptions
of the composite seismic systems in Sections 8.26 through 8.35.
8-46
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
Columns that consist of reinforced-concrete-encased shapes shall meet the requirements for
reinforced concrete columns of ACI 318-05 except as modified for
1. The structural steel section shear connectors in Section 8.24.4.1 (2).

2. The contribution of the reinforced-concrete-encased shape to the strength of the
column as provided in ACI 318-05.
3. The seismic requirements for reinforced concrete columns as specified in the description
of the composite seismic systems in Sections 8.26 through 8.35.
8.24.4.1 Ordinary Seismic System Requirements
The following requirements for encased composite columns are applicable to all composite
systems, including ordinary seismic systems:
1. The available shear strength of the column shall be determined in accordance with
ANSI/AISC 360-05 Section I2.1d. The nominal shear strength of the tie
reinforcement shall be determined in accordance with ACI 318-05 Sections 11.5.6.2
through 11.5.6.9. In ACI 318-05 Sections 11.5.6.5 and 11.5.6.9, the dimension bw
shall equal the width of the concrete cross-section minus the width of the structural
shape measured perpendicular to the direction of shear.
2. Composite columns designed to share the applied loads between the structural steel
section and the reinforced concrete encasement shall have shear connectors that meet
the requirements of ANSI/AISC 360-05 Section I2.1.
3. The maximum spacing of transverse ties shall meet the requirements of
ANSI/AISC 360-05 Section I2.1.
Transverse ties shall be located vertically within one-half of the tie spacing
above the top of the footing or lowest beam or slab in any storey and shall be
spaced as provided herein within one-half of the tie spacing below the lowest beam
or slab framing into the column.
Transverse bars shall have a diameter that is not less than one-fiftieth
of the greatest side dimension of the composite member, except that ties shall not
be smaller than No. 3 bars and need not be larger than No. 5 bars. Alternatively,
welded wire fabric of equivalent area is permitted as transverse reinforcement except
when prohibited for intermediate and special seismic systems.
4. Load-carrying reinforcement shall meet the detailing and splice requirements of
ACI 318-05 Sections 7.8.1 and 12.17. Load-carrying reinforcement shall be provided
at every corner of a rectangular cross-section. The maximum spacing of other load
carrying or restraining longitudinal reinforcement shall be one-half of the least side
dimension of the composite member.
5. Splices and end bearing details for encased composite columns in ordinary seismic
systems shall meet the requirements of the ANSI/AISC 360-05 and ACI 318
Section 7.8.2. The design shall comply with Sections 7.3.7 and 7.11 and Section
21.2.6 of ACI 318-05. The design shall consider any adverse behavioral effects due
to abrupt changes in either the member stiffness or the nominal tensile strength. Such
locations shall include transitions to reinforced concrete sections without embedded
structural steel members, transitions to bare structural steel sections, and column
bases.
8.24.4.2 Intermediate Seismic System Requirements
Encased composite columns in intermediate seismic systems shall meet the following
requirements in addition to those of Section 8.24.4.1:
8-47
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
1. The maximum spacing of transverse bars at the top and bottom shall be the least of
the following:
(a) one-half the least dimension of the section
(b) 8 longitudinal bar diameters
(c) 24 tie bar diameters
(d) 300 mm(12 in)
These spacings shall be maintained over a vertical distance equal to the greatest of
the following lengths, measured from each joint face and on both sides of any section
where flexural yielding is expected to occur:
(a) one-sixth the vertical clear height of the column
(b) the maximum cross-sectional dimension
(c) 450 mm (18 in)
2. Tie spacing over the remaining column length shall not exceed twice the spacing
defined above.
3. Welded wire fabric is not permitted as transverse reinforcement in intermediate
seismic systems.
8.24.4.3 Special Seismic System Requirements
Encased composite columns in special seismic systems shall meet the following requirements
in addition to those of Sections 8.24.4.1 and 8.24.4.2:
1. The required axial strength for encased composite columns and splice details shall
meet the requirements in Division I Section 8.8.3.
2. Longitudinal load-carrying reinforcement shall meet the requirements of Section
7.5.3.
3. Transverse reinforcement shall be hoop reinforcement as defined in Chapter 7 and
shall meet the following requirements:
(i) The minimum area of tie reinforcement Ash shall meet the following:
⎛ Fy As ⎞⎛ f c′ ⎞ (8.24-1)
Ash = 0.09hcc s⎜⎜1 − ⎟⎟⎜ ⎟
Pn ⎜ ⎟
⎝ ⎠⎝ Fyh ⎠
Where:
hcc = cross-sectional dimension of the confined core measured center-to-center of the

tie reinforcement, mm (in)
s = spacing of transverse reinforcement measured along the longitudinal axis of
the structural member, mm (in)
Fy = specified minimum yield stress of the structural steel core, MPa (psi)
As = cross-sectional area of the structural core, mm2( in2.)
Pn = nominal compressive strength of the composite column calculated in
accordance with the ANSI/AISC 360-05 , N (lbs)
f c’ = specified compressive strength of concrete, MPa (psi)
Fyh = specified minimum yield stress of the ties, MPa (psi). Equation 8.24-1 need not be
satisfied if the nominal strength of the reinforced-concrete-encased structural steel
section alone is greater than the load effect from a load combination of 1.0D + 0.5L.
(ii) The maximum spacing of transverse reinforcement along the length of the
column shall be the lesser of six longitudinal load-carrying bar diameters or
8-48
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
150 mm (6 in).
(iii) When specified in Sections 8.24.4.3(4), 8.24.4.3(5) or 8.24.4.3(6), the
maximum spacing of transverse reinforcement shall be the lesser of one-
fourth the least member dimension or 100 mm (4 in). For this reinforcement,
cross ties, legs of overlapping hoops, and other confining reinforcement
shall be spaced not more than 350 mm(14 in) on center in the transverse
direction.
4. Encased composite columns in braced frames with nominal compressive loads that
are larger than 0.2 times Pn shall have transverse reinforcement as specified in Section
8.24.4.3(3)(iii) over the total element length. This requirement need not be satisfied
if the nominal strength of the reinforced-concrete-encased steel section alone is
greater than the load effect from a load combination of 1.0D + 0.5L.
5. Composite columns supporting reactions from discontinued stiff members, such as
walls or braced frames, shall have transverse reinforcement as specified in Section
8.24.4.3(3)(iii) over the full length beneath the level at which the discontinuity
occurs if the nominal compressive load exceeds 0.1 times Pn. Transverse
reinforcement shall extend into the discontinued member for at least the length
required to develop full yielding in the reinforced- concrete-encased shape and
longitudinal reinforcement. This requirement need not be satisfied if the nominal
strength of the reinforced-concrete- encased structural steel section alone is greater
than the load effect from a load combination of 1.0D + 0.5L.
6. Encased composite columns used in a C-SMF shall meet the following
requirements:
(i) Transverse reinforcement shall meet the requirements in Section 8.24.4.3(3)

at the top and bottom of the column over the region specified in Section
8.24.4.2.
(ii) The strong-column/weak-beam design requirements in Section 8.23 shall be
satisfied. Column bases shall be detailed to sustain inelastic flexural
hinging.
(iii) The required shear strength of the column shall meet the requirements of
Section 7.5.5.1.
7. When the column terminates on a footing or mat foundation, the transverse
reinforcement as specified in this section shall extend into the footing or mat at
least 300 mm (12 in). When the column terminates on a wall, the transverse
reinforcement shall extend into the wall for at least the length required to develop
full yielding in the reinforced-concrete-encased shape and longitudinal
reinforcement.
8. Welded wire fabric is not permitted as transverse reinforcement for special seismic
systems.
8.24.5 Filled Composite Columns
This Section is applicable to columns that meet the limitations of ANSI/AISC 360-05 Section
I2.2. Such columns shall be designed to meet the requirements of ANSI/AISC 360-05 Chapter
I, except as modified in this Section.
1. The nominal shear strength of the composite column shall be the nominal shear
strength of the structural steel section alone, based on its effective shear area. The
concrete shear capacity may be used in conjunction with the shear strength from the
steel shape provided the design includes an appropriate load transferring mechanism.
2. In addition to the requirements of Section 8 . 2 4 .5(1), in the special seismic
systems described in Sections 8.27, 8.30 and 8.32, the design loads and column
splices for filled composite columns shall also meet the requirements of Division I
Section 8.8.
8-49
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
3. Filled composite columns used in C-SMF shall meet the following requirements in
addition to those of Sections 8.24.5(1) and 8.24.5(2):
(i) The minimum required shear strength of the column shall meet the
requirements in Section 7.5.5.1.
(ii) The strong-column/weak-beam design requirements in Section 8.27.5 shall
be met. Column bases shall be designed to sustain inelastic flexural hinging.
(iii) The minimum wall thickness of concrete-filled rectangular HSS shall be
t min = b Fy (E 2) (8.24-2)
for the flat width b of each face, where b is as defined in ANSI/AISC 360-05
Table B4.1.
8.25 Composite Connections
8.25.1 Scope
This Section is applicable to connections in buildings that utilize composite or dual steel
and concrete systems wherein seismic load is transferred between structural steel and
reinforced concrete components.
Composite connections shall be demonstrated to have strength, ductility and

toughness comparable to that exhibited by similar structural steel or reinforced concrete
connections that meet the requirements of Division I and ACI 318-05, respectively. Methods
for calculating the connection strength shall meet the requirements in this Section.
8.25.2 General Requirements
Connections shall have adequate deformation capacity to resist the required strength at the
design storey drift. Additionally, connections that are required for the lateral stability of the
building under seismic loads shall meet the requirements in Sections 8.26 through 8.35 based
upon the specific system in which the connection is used. When the available strength of the
connected members is based upon nominal material strengths and nominal dimensions, the
determination of the available strength of the connection shall account for any effects that
result from the increase in the actual nominal strength of the connected member.
8.25.3 Nominal Strength of Connections
The nominal strength of connections in composite structural systems shall be determined on

the basis of rational models that satisfy both equilibrium of internal forces and the strength
limitation of component materials and elements based upon potential limit states. Unless the
connection strength is determined by analysis and testing, the models used for analysis of
connections shall meet the requirements of Sections 8.25.3(1) through 8.25.3(5).
1. When required, force shall be transferred between structural steel and reinforced
concrete through (a) direct bearing of headed shear studs or suitable alternative
devices; (b) by other mechanical means; (c) by shear friction with the necessary
clamping force provided by reinforcement normal to the plane of shear transfer; or (d)
by a combination of these means. Any potential bond strength between structural
steel and reinforced concrete shall be ignored for the purpose of the connection
force transfer mechanism. The contribution of different mechanisms can be
combined only if the stiffness and deformation capacity of the mechanisms are
compatible.
8-50
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
The nominal bearing and shear-friction strengths shall meet the

requirements of ACI 318-05 Chapters 10 and 11. Unless a higher strength is
substantiated by cyclic testing, the nominal bearing and shear-friction strengths shall
be reduced by 25 percent for the composite seismic systems described in Sections
8.27, 8.30, 8.32, 8.34 and 8.35.
2. The available strength of structural steel components in composite connections shall

be determined in accordance with Division I and the ANSI/AISC 360-05. Structural
steel elements that are encased in confined reinforced concrete are permitted to be
considered to be braced against out-of-plane buckling. Face bearing plates
consisting of stiffeners between the flanges of steel beams are required when
beams are embedded in reinforced concrete columns or walls.
3. The nominal shear strength of reinforced-concrete-encased steel panel- zones in
beam-to-column connections shall be calculated as the sum of the nominal strengths
of the structural steel and confined reinforced concrete shear elements as
determined in Division I Section 8 . 3 and Section 7.6 respectively.
4. Reinforcement shall be provided to resist all tensile forces in reinforced concrete
components of the connections. Additionally, the concrete shall be confined with
transverse reinforcement. All reinforcement shall be fully developed in tension or
compression, as appropriate, beyond the point at which it is no longer required to
resist the forces. Development lengths shall be determined in accordance with ACI
318-05 Chapter 12. Additionally, development lengths for the systems described in
Sections 8.27, 8.30, 8.32, 8.34 and 8.35 shall meet the requirements of Section
7.6.4.
5. Connections shall meet the following additional requirements:
(i) When the slab transfers horizontal diaphragm forces, the slab reinforcement
shall be designed and anchored to carry the in-plane tensile forces at all
critical sections in the slab, including connections to collector beams,
columns, braces, and walls.
(ii) For connections between structural steel or composite beams and reinforced
concrete or encased composite columns, transverse hoop reinforcement shall
be provided in the connection region of the column to meet the requirements
of Section 7.6, except for the following modifications:
(a) Structural steel sections framing into the connections are considered to
provide confinement over a width equal to that of face bearing plates
welded to the beams between the flanges.
(b) Lap splices are permitted for perimeter ties when confinement of the splice
is provided by face bearing plates or other means that prevents spalling of
the concrete cover in the systems described in Sections 8.28, 8.29, 8.31 and
8.33.
(c) The longitudinal bar sizes and layout in reinforced concrete and composite
columns shall be detailed to minimize slippage of the bars through the
beam-to-column connection due to high force transfer associated with the
change in column moments over the height of the connection.
8.26 Composite Partially Restrained (PR) Moment Frames (C-PRMF)
8.26.1 Scope
This Section is applicable to frames that consist of structural steel columns and composite
beams that are connected with partially restrained (PR) moment connections that meet the
requirements in ANSI/AISC 360-05 Section B3.6b(b). Composite partially restrained moment
frames (C-PRMF) shall be designed so that under earthquake loading yielding occurs in the
ductile components of the composite PR beam-to-column moment connections. Limited
8-51
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
yielding is permitted at other locations, such as column base connections. Connection

flexibility and composite beam action shall be accounted for in determining the dynamic
characteristics, strength and drift of C-PRMF.
8.26.2 Columns
Structural steel columns shall meet the requirements of Division I Sections 8.6 and 8.8 and
the ANSI/AISC 360-05 .
8.26.3 Composite Beams
Composite beams shall be unencased, fully composite and shall meet the requirements of
ANSI/AISC 360-05 Chapter I. For purposes of analysis, the stiffness of beams shall be
determined with an effective moment of inertia of the composite section.
8.26.4 Moment Connections
The required strength of the beam-to-column PR moment connections shall be determined

considering the effects of connection flexibility and second-order moments. In addition,
composite connections shall have a nominal strength that is at least equal to 50 percent of
Mp, where Mp is the nominal plastic flexural strength of the connected structural steel beam
ignoring composite action. Connections shall meet the requirements of Section 8.25 and shall
have a total interstorey drift angle of 0.04 radians that is substantiated by cyclic testing as
described in Division I Section 8.9.2.2.
8.27 Composite Special Moment Frames (C-SMF)
8.27.1 Scope
This Section is applicable to moment frames that consist of either composite or reinforced
concrete columns and either structural steel or composite beams. Composite special moment
frames (C-SMF) shall be designed assuming that significant inelastic deformations will occur
under the design earthquake, primarily in the beams, but with limited inelastic deformations
in the columns and/or connections.
8.27.2 Columns
Composite columns shall meet the requirements for special seismic systems of Sections
8.24.4 or 8.24.5, as appropriate. Reinforced concrete columns shall meet the requirements of
Chapter 7, excluding Section 7.11.
8.27.3 Beams
Composite beams that are part of C-SMF shall also meet the following requirements:
1. The distance from the maximum concrete compression fiber to the plastic neutral
axis shall not exceed
Y con + d b (8.27-1)
Y PNA =
⎡1700 F y ⎤
1+ ⎢ ⎥
⎣ E ⎦
Ycon = distance from the top of the steel beam to the top of concrete, mm (in)
db = depth of the steel beam, mm (in)
8-52
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
Fy = specified minimum yield stress of the steel beam, MPa(psi)

E = elastic modulus of the steel beam, MPa (psi)
2. Beam flanges shall meet the requirements of Division I Section 8.9.4, except when
reinforced-concrete-encased compression elements have a reinforced concrete cover
of at least 50 mm (2 in) and confinement is provided by hoop reinforcement in
regions where plastic hinges are expected to occur under seismic deformations.
Hoop reinforcement shall meet the requirements of Section 7.4.3.
Neither structural steel nor composite trusses are permitted as flexural

members to resist seismic loads in C-SMF unless it is demonstrated by testing and
analysis that the particular system provides adequate ductility and energy dissipation
capacity.
The required strength of beam-to-column moment connections shall be determined from the
shear and flexure associated with the expected flexural strength, Ry Mn (LRFD) or Ry Mn /1.5
(ASD), as appropriate, of the beams framing into the connection. The nominal strength of the
connection shall meet the requirements in Section 8.25. In addition, the connections shall be
capable of sustaining a total interstorey drift angle of 0.04 radian. When beam flanges are
interrupted at the connection, the connections shall demonstrate an interstorey drift angle of at
least 0.04 radian in cyclic tests that is substantiated by cyclic testing as described in Division
I Section 8.9.2.2. For connections to reinforced concrete columns with a beam that is
continuous through the column so that welded joints are not required in the flanges and the
connection is not otherwise susceptible to premature fractures, the inelastic rotation
capacity shall be demonstrated by testing or other substantiating data.
The design of reinforced concrete columns shall meet the requirements of Section 7.5.2.
The column-to-beam moment ratio of composite columns shall meet the requirements of
Division I Section 8.9.6 with the following modifications:
1. The available flexural strength of the composite column shall meet the requirements
of ANSI/AISC 360-05 Chapter I with consideration of the required axial strength,
Prc .
2. The force limit for Exception (a) in Division I Section 8.9.6 shall be Prc < 0.1Pc .
3. Composite columns exempted by the minimum flexural strength requirement in
Division I Section 8.9.6(a) shall have transverse reinforcement that meets the
requirements in Section 8.24.4.3(3).
8.28 Composite Intermediate Moment Frames (C-IMF)
8.28.1 Scope
concrete columns and either structural steel or composite beams. Composite intermediate
moment frames (C-IMF) shall be designed assuming that inelastic deformation under the
design earthquake will occur primarily in the beams, but with moderate inelastic
deformation in the columns and/or connections.
8.28.2 Columns
Composite columns shall meet the requirements for intermediate seismic systems of Section
8-53
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
8.24.4 or 8.24.5. Reinforced concrete columns shall meet the requirements of Section 7.13.
8.28.3 Beams
Structural steel and composite beams shall meet the requirements of the ANSI/AISC
360-05 .
The nominal strength of the connections shall meet the requirements of Section 8.25. The
required strength of beam-to-column connections shall meet one of the following
requirements:
a. The required strength of the connection shall be based on the forces associated with
plastic hinging of the beams adjacent to the connection.
b. Connections shall meet the requirements of Section 8.25 and shall demonstrate a total
interstorey drift angle of at least 0.03 radian in cyclic tests.
8.29 Composite Ordinary Moment Frames (C-OMF)
8.29.1 Scope
concrete columns and structural steel or composite beams. Composite ordinary moment
frames (C-OMF) shall be designed assuming that limited inelastic action will occur under
the design earthquake in the beams, columns and/or connections.
8.29.2 Columns
Composite columns shall meet the requirements for ordinary seismic systems in Section 8.24
or 8.24.5, as appropriate. Reinforced concrete columns shall meet the requirements of ACI
318-05, excluding Chapter 21.
8.29.3 Beams
360-05 .
Connections shall be designed for the load combinations in accordance with ANSI/AISC
360-05 Sections B3.3 and B3.4, and the available strength of the connections shall meet the
requirements in Section 8.25 and Section 8.11.2 of Division I.
8.30 Composite Special Concentrically Braced Frames (C-CBF)
8.30.1 Scope
This Section is applicable to braced frames that consist of concentrically connected

members. Minor eccentricities are permitted if they are accounted for in the design. Columns
shall be structural steel, composite structural steel, or reinforced concrete. Beams and braces
shall be either structural steel or composite structural steel. Composite special concentrically
braced frames (C-CBF) shall be designed assuming that inelastic action under the design
earthquake will occur primarily through tension yielding and/or buckling of braces.
8-54
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
8.30.2 Columns
Structural steel columns shall meet the requirements of Division I Sections 8.6 and 8.8.
Composite columns shall meet the requirements for special seismic systems of Section 8.24.4
or 8.24.5. Reinforced concrete columns shall meet the requirements for structural truss
elements of Chapter 7.
8.30.3 Beams
Structural steel beams shall meet the requirements for special concentrically braced frames
(SCBF) of Division I Section 8. 13. Composite beams shall meet the requirements of the
ANSI/AISC 360-05 Chapter I and the requirements for special concentrically braced frames
(SCBF) of Division I Section 8.13.
8.30.4 Braces
Structural steel braces shall meet the requirements for SCBF of Division I Section 8.13.
Composite braces shall meet the requirements for composite columns of Section 8.30.
8.30.5 Connections
Bracing connections shall meet the requirements of Section 8.25 and Division I
Section 8.13.
8.31 Composite Ordinary Braced Frames (C-OBF)
8.31.1 Scope
This Section is applicable to concentrically braced frame systems that consist of composite or
reinforced concrete columns, structural steel or composite beams, and structural steel or
composite braces. Composite ordinary braced frames (C-OBF) shall be designed assuming
that limited inelastic action under the design earthquake will occur in the beams, columns,
braces, and/or connections.
8.31.2 Columns
Encased composite columns shall meet the requirements for ordinary seismic systems of
Sections 8.24.4. Filled composite columns shall meet the requirements of Section 8.24.5 for
ordinary seismic systems. Reinforced concrete columns shall meet the requirements of ACI
318-05 excluding Chapter 21.
8.31.3 Beams
360-05 .
8.31.4 Braces
Structural steel braces shall meet the requirements of the ANSI/AISC 360-05. Composite
braces shall meet the requirements for composite columns of Sections 8.24.4.1, 8.24.5, and
8.31.2.
8-55
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
8.31.5 Connections
Connections shall be designed for the load combinations in accordance with ANSI/AISC
360-05 Sections B3.3 and B3.4, and the available strength of the connections shall meet the
requirements in Section 8.25.
8.32 Composite Eccentrically Braced Frames (C-EBF)
8.32.1 Scope
This Section is applicable to braced frames for which one end of each brace intersects a
beam at an eccentricity from the intersection of the centerlines of the beam and column, or
intersects a beam at an eccentricity from the intersection of the centerlines of the beam and
an adjacent brace. Composite eccentrically braced frames (C-EBF) shall be designed so that
inelastic deformations under the design earthquake will occur only as shear yielding in the
links.
Diagonal braces, columns, and beam segments outside of the link shall be
designed to remain essentially elastic under the maximum forces that can be generated by
the fully yielded and strain-hardened link. Columns shall be either composite or reinforced
concrete. Braces shall be structural steel. Links shall be structural steel as described in this
Section. The available strength of members shall meet the requirements in the ANSI/AISC
360-05, except as modified in this Section. C-EBF shall meet the requirements of Division I
Section 8.15, except as modified in this Section.
8.32.2 Columns
Reinforced concrete columns shall meet the requirements for structural truss elements of
Chapter 7. Composite columns shall meet the requirements for special seismic systems of
Sections 8.24.4 or 8.24.5. Additionally, where a link is adjacent to a reinforced concrete
column or encased composite column, transverse column reinforcement meeting the
requirements of Section 7.5.4 (or Section 8.24.4.3(6)i for composite columns) shall be
provided above and below the link connection. All columns shall meet the requirements of
Division I Section 8.15.8.
8.32.3 Links
Links shall be unencased structural steel and shall meet the requirement for eccentrically
braced frame (EBF) links in Division I Section 8.15. It is permitted to en- case the portion of
the beam outside of the link in reinforced concrete. Beams containing the link are permitted
to act compositely with the floor slab using shear connectors along all or any portion of the
beam if the composite action is considered when determining the nominal strength of the link.
8.32.4 Braces
Structural steel braces shall meet the requirements for EBF of Division I Section 8.15.
8.32.5 Connections
In addition to the requirements for EBF of Division I Section 8.15, connections shall meet
8-56
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
8.33 Ordinary Reinforced Concrete Shear Walls Composite with Structural Steel
Elements (C-ORCW)
8.33.1 Scope
The requirements in this Section apply when reinforced concrete walls are composite with
structural steel elements, either as infill panels, such as reinforced concrete walls in
structural steel frames with unencased or reinforced-concrete- encased structural steel
sections that act as boundary members, or as structural steel coupling beams that connect two
adjacent reinforced concrete walls. Reinforced concrete walls shall meet the requirements of ACI
318-05 excluding Chapter 21.
8.33.2 Boundary Members
Boundary members shall meet the requirements of this Section:
1. When unencased structural steel sections function as boundary members in reinforced

concrete infill panels, the structural steel sections shall meet the requirements of the
ANSI/AISC 360-05 . The required axial strength of the boundary member shall be
determined assuming that the shear forces are carried by the reinforced concrete wall
and the entire gravity and overturning forces are carried by the boundary members in
conjunction with the shear wall. The reinforced concrete wall shall meet the
requirements of ACI 318-05 excluding Chapter 21.
2. When reinforced-concrete-encased shapes function as boundary members in
reinforced concrete infill panels, the analysis shall be based upon a transformed
concrete section using elastic material properties. The wall shall meet the
requirements of ACI 318-05 excluding Chapter 21. When the reinforced-concrete-
encased structural steel boundary member qualifies as a composite column as
defined in ANSI/AISC 360-05 Chapter I, it shall be designed to meet the ordinary
seismic system requirements of Section 8.24.4.1. Other- wise, it shall be designed
as a composite column to meet the requirements of ACI 318-05 Section 10.16 and
Chapter I of the ANSI/AISC 360-05.
3. Headed shear studs or welded reinforcement anchors shall be provided to transfer
vertical shear forces between the structural steel and reinforced concrete. Headed
shear studs, if used, shall meet the requirements of ANSI/AISC 360-05 Chapter I.
Welded reinforcement anchors, if used, shall meet the requirements of AWS D1.4.
8.33.3 Steel Coupling Beams
Structural steel coupling beams that are used between two adjacent reinforced concrete walls shall
meet the requirements of the ANSI/AISC 360-05 and this Section:
1. Coupling beams shall have an embedment length into the reinforced concrete wall
that is sufficient to develop the maximum possible combination of moment and
shear that can be generated by the nominal bending and shear strength of the
coupling beam. The embedment length shall be considered to begin inside the first
layer of confining reinforcement in the wall boundary member. Connection strength
for the transfer of loads between the coupling beam and the wall shall meet the
2. Vertical wall reinforcement with nominal axial strength equal to the nominal shear
strength of the coupling beam shall be placed over the embedment length of the beam
with two-thirds of the steel located over the first half of the embedment length. This
wall reinforcement shall extend a distance of at least one tension development length
above and below the flanges of the coupling beam. It is permitted to use vertical
8-57
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
reinforcement placed for other purposes, such as for vertical boundary members, as
part of the required vertical reinforcement.
8.33.4 Encased Composite Coupling Beams
Encased composite sections serving as coupling beams shall meet the requirements of
Section 8.33.3 as modified in this Section:
1. Coupling beams shall have an embedment length into the reinforced concrete wall
that is sufficient to develop the maximum possible combination of moment and
shear capacities of the encased composite steel coupling beam.
2. The nominal shear capacity of the encased composite steel coupling beam shall be
used to meet the requirement in Section 8.33.3(1).
3. The stiffness of the encased composite steel coupling beams shall be used for calculating
the required strength of the shear wall and coupling beam.
8.34 Special Reinforced Concrete Shear Walls Composite with Structural Steel
Elements (C-SRCW)
8.34.1 Scope
Special reinforced concrete shear walls composite with structural steel elements(C-SRCW)
systems shall meet the requirements of Section 8.33 for C-ORCW and the shear-wall
requirement of ACI 318-05 and Chapter 7, except as modified in this Section.
In addition to the requirements of Section 8 . 3 3 (1), unencased structural steel columns

shall meet the requirements of Division I Sections 8.6 and 8.8.
In addition to the requirements of Section 8.33.2(2), the requirements in this Section

shall apply to walls with reinforced-concrete-encased structural steel boundary members. The
wall shall meet the requirements of ACI 318-05 and Chapter 7. Reinforced-concrete-encased
structural steel boundary members that qualify as composite columns in ANSI/AISC 360-05
Chapter I shall meet the special seismic system requirements of Section 8.24.4. Otherwise,
such members shall be designed as composite compression members to meet the
requirements of ACI 318-05 Section 10.16 including the special seismic requirements for
boundary members in Section 7.8.6. Transverse reinforcement for confinement of the
composite boundary member shall extend a distance of 2h into the wall, where h is the
overall depth of the boundary member in the plane of the wall.
Headed shear studs or welded reinforcing bar anchors shall be provided as specified in
Section 8.33.2(3). For connection to unencased structural steel sections, the nominal
strength of welded reinforcing bar anchors shall be reduced by 25 percent from their static
yield strength.
8.34.3 Steel Coupling Beams
In addition to the requirements of Section 8.33.3, structural steel coupling beams shall meet
the requirements of Division I Sections 8.15.2 and 8.15.3. When required in Division I
Section 8.15.3, the coupling rotation shall be assumed as 0.08 radian unless a smaller value is
justified by rational analysis of the inelastic deformations that are expected under the design
earthquake. Face bearing plates shall be provided on both sides of the coupling beams at the
face of the reinforced concrete wall. These stiffeners shall meet the detailing requirements of
8-58
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
Division I Section 8.15.3. Vertical wall reinforcement as specified in Section 8.33.3(2) shall
be confined by transverse reinforcement that meets the requirements for boundary members
of Section 7.8.6.
8.34.4 Encased Composite Coupling Beams
Encased composite sections serving as coupling beams shall meet the requirements of
Section 8.34.3, except the requirements of Division I Section 8.15.3 need not be met.
8.35 Composite Steel Plate Shear Walls (C-SPW)
8.35.1 Scope
This Section is applicable to structural walls consisting of steel plates with reinforced concrete
encasement on one or both sides of the plate and structural steel or composite boundary
members.
8.35.2 Wall Elements
The available shear strength shall be фVns (LRFD) or Vns / Ω (ASD), as appropriate, according
to the limit state of shear yielding of composite steel plate shear walls (C-SPW) with a
stiffened plate conforming to Section 8.35.2(1) shall be:
Vns = 0.6AspFy (8.35-1)
φ= 0.90 (LRFD) Ω = 1.67 (ASD)
Vns = nominal shear strength of the steel plate, N (lbs)
Asp = horizontal area of stiffened steel plate, mm2( in2)
Fy = specified minimum yield stress of the plate, MPa (psi)
The available shear strength of C-SPW with a plate that does not meet the stiffening
requirements in Section 8.35.2(1) shall be based upon the strength of the plate, excluding
the strength of the reinforced concrete, and meet the requirements of the ANSI/AISC 360-05
Sections G2 and G3.
1. The steel plate shall be adequately stiffened by encasement or attachment to the

reinforced concrete if it can be demonstrated with an elastic plate buckling analysis
that the composite wall can resist a nominal shear force equal to Vns . The concrete
thickness shall be a minimum of 100mm (4 in) on each side when concrete is provided
on both sides of the steel plate and 200mm (8 in) when concrete is provided on one
side of the steel plate. Headed shear stud connectors or other mechanical connectors
shall be provided to prevent local buckling and separation of the plate and
reinforced concrete. Horizontal and vertical reinforcement shall be provided in the
concrete encasement to meet or exceed the detailing requirements in ACI 318-05
Section 14.3. The reinforcement ratio in both directions shall not be less than 0.0025;
the maximum spacing between bars shall not exceed 450mm (18 in).
Seismic forces acting perpendicular to the plane of the wall as specified by

the applicable building code shall be considered in the design of the composite wall
system.
2. The steel plate shall be continuously connected on all edges to structural steel
framing and boundary members with welds and/or slip-critical high- strength bolts to
develop the nominal shear strength of the plate. The design of welded and bolted
connectors shall meet the additional requirements of Division I Section 8.7.
8-59
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
Structural steel and composite boundary members shall be designed to resist the shear
capacity of plate and any reinforced concrete portions of the wall active at the design storey
drift. Composite and reinforced concrete boundary members shall also meet the requirements
of Section 8.34.2. Steel boundary members shall also meet the requirements of Division I,
Section 8.17.
8.35.4 Openings
Boundary members shall be provided around openings as required by analysis.
8.36 Structural Design Drawings and Specifications, Shop Drawings, and Erection
Drawings
Structural design drawings and specifications, shop drawings, and erection drawings for
composite steel and steel building construction shall meet the requirements of Division I
Section 8.5.
For reinforced concrete and composite steel building construction, the contract documents,
shop drawings, and erection drawings shall also indicate the following:
a. Bar placement, cutoffs, lap and mechanical splices, hooks and mechanical
anchorages.
b. Tolerance for placement of ties and other transverse reinforcement.
c. Provisions for dimensional changes resulting from temperature changes, creep and
shrinkage.
d. Location, magnitude, and sequencing of any prestresssing or post- tensioning
present.
e. If concrete floor slabs or slabs on grade serve as diaphragms, connection details
between the diaphragm and the main lateral-load resisting system shall be clearly
identified.
8.37 Quality Assurance Plan
When required by the Applicable Building Code (ABC) or the engineer of record, a quality
assurance plan shall be provided. For the steel portion of the construction, the provisions of
Division I, Section 8.18.
8-60
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
Table 8.1 - Ry and Rt Values for Different Member Types
APPLICATION Ry Rt
Hot-rolled structural shapes and bars:
ASTM A36/A36M 1.5 1.2

• ASTM A572/572M Grade 42 (290) 1.1
1.3
• ASTM A572/572M Grade 50 (345) or 55 (380), 1.1
ASTM A913/A913M Grade 50 (345), 60 (415), or 65 (450), ASTM 1.1
A588/A588M,
ASTM A992/A992M, A1011 HSLAS Grade 55 (380)
1.2 1.2
ASTM A529 Grade 50 (345) 1.2
ASTM A529 Grade 55 (380) 1.1
Hollow structural sections (HSS):

ASTM A500 (Grade B or C), ASTM A501 1.4 1.3
Pipe:
ASTM A53/A53M 1.6 1.2
Plates:
• ASTM A36/A36M 1.3 1.2
ASTM A572/A572M Grade 50 (345), ASTM A588/A588M 1.1 1.2
Table 8.2- Limiting Width-Thickness Ratios for Compression Elements
Limiting Width-Thickness Ratios

Description of Element Width-Thickness Ratio
λps (seismically compact)
Flexure in flanges of rolled or built-
up I-shaped sections [a], [c], [e], [g],
b/t 0 . 30 E
F y
[h]
Uniform compression in flanges of b/t
rolled or built-up I-shaped sections [b], 0 . 30 E
F y
[h]
Uniform compression in flanges of b/t
rolled or built-up I-shaped sections 0 . 38 E
F y
[d]
Un-stiffened Elements
Uniform compression in flanges of

channels, outstanding legs of pairs
b/t 0 . 30 E
F y
of angles in continuous contact, and
braces [c], [g]
Uniform compression in flanges of H-

b/t 0 . 45 E
F y
pile sections
b/t
Flat bars [f] 2.5
Uniform compression in legs of single b/t 0 . 30 E

angles, legs of double angle members F y
with separators, or flanges of tees [g]
Uniform compression in stems of tees

d/t 0 . 30 E
F y
[g]
8-61
BCP
SP-2007 CH-08
Description of Element Width- Limiting Width-Thickness Ratios

Thickness
Ratio λps (seismically compact)
Webs in flexural compression in
Beams in SMF, Section 8.13, unless
Noted otherwise
Webs in flexural compression in beams in SMF, 2.45 E
h/tw F y
Section 8.13, unless noted otherwise
for Ca ≤ 0.125 [k]
Webs in flexural compression or combined flexure

and axial compression [a], [c], [g], [h], [i], [j] 3.14 E (1-1.54Ca)
F y
Stiffened Elements
for Ca > 0.125 [k]
h/tw 1.12 E (2.33-Ca) ≥

F y
1.49 E
F y
Round HSS in axial and/or flexural compression

[c], [g] D/t 0.044 E
F y
Rectangular HSS in axial and/or flexural
compression [c], [g]
b/t or 0.64 E
h/tw F y
Webs of H.Pile sections
h/tw 0.94 E
F y
[a] Required for beams in SMF, Section 8.9 and SPSW, Section 8.17.
[b] Required for columns in SMF, Section 8.9, unless the ratios from Equation 8.9-3 are greater than 2.0 where it is
permitted to use λp.
[c] Required for braces and columns in SCBF, Section 8.13 and braces in OCBF, Section 8.14.
[d] It is permitted to use λp for columns in STMF, Section 8.12 and columns in EBF, Section 8.15.
required for link in EBF, Section 8.15, except it is permitted to use λp for flanges of links of length
[e] 1.6Mp/Vp or less, where Mp and Vp are defined in Section 8.15.
Diagonal web members within the special segment of STMF, Section 8.12.
Chord members of STMF, Section 8.12.
[f] Required for beams and columns in BRBF, Section 8.16.
[g] Required for columns in SPSW, Section 8.17.
[h] For columns in STMF, Section 8.12; columns in SMF, if the ratio from Equation 8.9-3 is greater
[i] than 2.0; columns in EBF, Section 8.15; or EBF webs of links of length 1.6 Mp/Vp or less, it is
[j] permitted to use the following for λp.
For Ca ≤ 0.125, λp = 3.76 E (1-275Ca)

F y
For Ca > 0.125, λp = 1.12 E (2.33- Ca) ≥ 1.49 E

F y F y
For LFRD, Ca = Pu/ φb Py
For ASD, Ca = ΩbPa/ Py
[k] Where
Pa = required compressive strength (ASD), N (lbs)
Pu = required compressive strength (LRFD), N (lbs).
Py = axial yield strength, N (lbs)
φb = 0.90
Ωb = 1.67
8-62
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
CHAPTER 9
MASONRY
Ab = cross-sectional area of anchor bolt, mm2 (in2)

Ae = effective area of masonry, mm2 (in2)
Ag = gross area of wall, mm2 (in2)
Ajh = total area of special horizontal reinforcement through wall frame joint,
mm2 (in2)
Amv = net area of masonry section bounded by wall thickness and length of
section in direction of shear force considered, mm2 (in2)
Ap = area of tension (pullout) cone of embedded anchor bolt projected onto
surface of masonry, mm2 (in2)
As = effective cross-sectional area of reinforcement in column or flexural
member, mm2 (in2)
Ase = effective area of reinforcement, mm2 (in2)
Ash = total cross-sectional area of rectangular tie reinforcement for confined
core, mm2 (in2)
Av = area of reinforcement required for shear reinforcement perpendicular to
longitudinal reinforcement, mm2 (in2)
A's = effective cross-sectional area of compression reinforcement in flexural
member, mm2 (in2)
a = depth of equivalent rectangular stress block, mm (in)
Bsn = nominal shear strength of anchor bolt, kN (lb)
Bt = allowable tensile force on anchor bolt, kN (lb)
Btn = nominal tensile strength of anchor bolt, kN (lb)
Bv = allowable shear force on anchor bolt, kN (lb)
b = effective width of rectangular member or width of flange for T and I
sections, mm (in)
bsu = factored shear force supported by anchor bolt, kN (lb)
bt = computed tensile force on anchor bolt, kN (lb)
btu = factored tensile force supported by anchor bolt, kN (lb)
bv = computed shear force on anchor bolt, kN (lb)
b' = width of web in T or I section, mm (in)
Cd = nominal shear strength coefficient as obtained from Table 9.13.
c = distance from neutral axis to extreme fiber, mm (in)
D = dead loads, or related internal moments and forces, kN (lb)
d = distance from compression face of flexural member to centroid of
longitudinal tensile reinforcement, mm (in)
db = diameter of reinforcing bar, mm (in)
dbb = diameter of largest beam longitudinal reinforcing bar passing through, or
anchored in, a joint, mm (in)
dbp = diameter of largest pier longitudinal reinforcing bar passing through a
joint, mm (in)
E = load effects of earthquake, or related internal moments and forces.
Em = modulus of elasticity of masonry, MPa (psi)
E = eccentricity of Puf, mm (in)
emu = maximum usable compressive strain of masonry.
F = loads due to weight and pressure of fluids or related moments and forces.
Fa = allowable average axial compressive stress in columns for centroidally
applied axial load only, MPa (psi)
9-1
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
Fb = allowable flexural compressive stress in members subjected to bending

load only, MPa (psi)
Fbr = allowable bearing stress in masonry, MPa (psi)
Fs = allowable stress in reinforcement, MPa (psi)
Fsc = allowable compressive stress in column reinforcement, MPa (psi)
Ft = allowable flexural tensile stress in masonry, MPa (psi)
Fv = allowable shear stress in masonry, MPa (psi)
fa = computed axial compressive stress due to design axial load, MPa (psi)
fb = computed flexural stress in extreme fiber due to design bending loads
only, MPa (psi)
fmd = computed compressive stress due to dead load only, MPa (psi)
fr = modulus of rupture, MPa (psi)
fs = computed stress in reinforcement due to design loads, MPa (psi)
fv = computed shear stress due to design load, MPa (psi)
fy = tensile yield stress of reinforcement, MPa (psi)
fyh = tensile yield stress of horizontal reinforcement, MPa (psi)
f’g = specified compressive strength of grout at age of 28 days, MPa (psi)
f’m = specified compressive strength of masonry at age of 28 days, MPa (psi)
G = shear modulus of masonry, MPa (psi)
H = loads due to weight and pressure of soil, water in soil or related internal
moments and forces, kN (lb)
h = height of wall between points of support, mm (in)
hb = beam depth, mm (in)
hc = cross-sectional dimension of grouted core measured center to center of
confining reinforcement, mm (in)
hp = pier depth in plane of wall frame, mm (in)
h’ = effective height of wall or column, mm (in)
I = moment of inertia about neutral axis of cross-sectional area, mm4 (in4)
Ie = effective moment of inertia, mm4 (in4)
Ig, Icr = gross, cracked moment of inertia of wall cross section, mm4 (in4)
j = ratio or distance between centroid of flexural compressive forces and
centroid of tensile forces of depth, d, mm (in)
K = reinforcement cover or clear spacing, whichever is less, mm (in)
k = ratio of depth of compressive stress in flexural member to depth, d
L = live loads, or related internal moments and forces, kN (lb)
Lw = length of wall, mm (in)
l = length of wall or segment, mm (in)
lb = embedment depth of anchor bolt, mm (in)
lbe = anchor bolt edge distance, the least distance measured from edge of
masonry to surface of anchor bolt, mm (in)
ld = required development length of reinforcement, mm (in)
M = design moment, N-mm (lb-in)
Ma = maximum moment in member at the stage when deflection is computed,
N-mm (lb-in)
Mc = moment capacity of compression reinforcement in flexural member about
centroid of tensile force, N-mm (lb-in)
Mcr = nominal cracking moment strength in masonry, N-mm (lb-in)
Mm = moment of compressive force in masonry about centroid of tensile force
in reinforcement, N-mm (lb-in)
Mn = nominal moment strength, N-mm (lb-in)
Ms = moment of tensile force in reinforcement about centroid of compressive
force in masonry, N-mm (lb-in)
Mser = service moment at mid height of panel, including P-Δ effects, N-mm (lb-
in)
Mu = factored moment, N-mm (lb-in)
9-2
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
n = modular ratio= Es/Em.

P = design axial load, kN (lb)
Pa = allowable centroidal axial load for reinforced masonry columns, kN (lb)
Pb = nominal balanced design axial strength, kN (lb)
Pf = load from tributary floor or roof area, kN (lb)
Pn = nominal axial strength in masonry, kN (lb)
Po = nominal axial load strength in masonry without flexure, kN (lb)
Pu = factored axial load, kN (lb)
Puf = factored load from tributary floor or roof loads, kN (lb)
Puw = factored weight of wall tributary to section under consideration, kN (lb)
Pw = weight of wall tributary to section under consideration, kN (lb)
R = numerical coefficient representative of the inherent overstrength and
global ductility capacity of lateral load resisting system
r = radius of gyration (based on specified unit dimensions or Tables 9.8,
9.9 and 9.10 mm (in)
rb = ratio of area of reinforcing bars cut off to total area of reinforcing bars at
the section
S = section modulus, mm3 (in3)
s = spacing of stirrups or of bent bars in direction parallel to that of main
reinforcement, mm (in)
T = effects of temperature, creep, shrinkage and differential settlement.
t = effective thickness of wythe, wall or column, mm (in)
U = required strength to resist factored loads, or related internal moments and
forces.
u = bond stress per unit of surface area of reinforcing bar, MPa (psi)
V = total design shear force, kN (lb)
Vjh = total horizontal joint shear, kN (lb)
Vm = nominal shear strength of masonry, kN (lb)
Vn = nominal shear strength, kN (lb)
Vs = nominal shear strength of shear reinforcement, kN (lb)
Vu = required shear strength in masonry, kN (lb)
W = wind load, or related internal moments and forces, kN (lb)
wu = factored distributed lateral load, kN (lb)
Δs = horizontal deflection at mid height under factored load, mm (in)
Δu = deflection due to factored loads, mm (in)
ρ = ratio of area of flexural tensile reinforcement, As, to area bd.
ρb = reinforcement ratio producing balanced strain conditions.
ρn = ratio of distributed shear reinforcement on plane perpendicular to plane
of Amv.
Σo = sum of perimeters of all longitudinal reinforcement, mm (in)
f ′m = square root of specified strength of masonry at the age of 28 days, MPa
(psi)
= strength-reduction factor.
9.2 Scope
The materials, design, construction and quality assurance of masonry shall be in accordance with
this chapter.
9.2.1 Design Methods
Masonry shall comply with the provisions of one of the following design methods in this chapter.
9-3
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
9.2.1.1 Working stress design. Masonry designed by the working stress design method shall
comply with the provisions of Sections 9.6 and 9.7.
9.2.1.2 Strength design. Masonry designed by the strength design method shall comply with
the provisions of Sections 9.6 and 9.8.
9.2.1.3 Empirical design. Masonry designed by the empirical design method shall comply
with the provisions of Section 9.9.
9.3 Definitions
Areas:
Bedded Area is the area of the surface of a masonry unit which is in contact with mortar in
the plane of the joint.
Effective Area of Reinforcement is the cross-sectional area of reinforcement multiplied by

the cosine of the angle between the reinforcement and the direction for which effective
area is to be determined.
Gross Area is the total cross-sectional area of a specified section.
Net Area is the gross cross-sectional area minus the area of ungrouted cores, notches, cells
and unbedded areas. Net area is the actual surface area of a cross section of masonry.
Transformed Area is the equivalent area of one material to a second based on the ratio of
moduli of elasticity of the first material to the second.
Bond:
Adhesion Bond is the adhesion between masonry units and mortar or grout.
Reinforcing Bond is the adhesion between steel reinforcement and mortar or grout.
Bond Beam is a horizontal grouted element within masonry in which reinforcement is

embedded.
Cell is a void space having a gross cross-sectional area greater than 965 mm2 (1.5 in2).
Cleanout is an opening to the bottom of a grout space of sufficient size and spacing to allow the
removal of debris.
Collar Joint is the mortared or grouted space between wythes of masonry.
Column, Reinforced, is a vertical structural member in which both the reinforcement and masonry
resist compression.
Column, Unreinforced, is a vertical structural member whose horizontal dimension measured at

right angles to the thickness does not exceed three times the thickness.
Confining elements, the horizontal or vertical reinforced concrete members used in the
confined masonry
9-4
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
Confined masonry, masonry provided with reinforced concrete confining elements in the
vertical and horizontal directions.
Dimensions:
Actual Dimensions are the measured dimensions of a designated item. The actual
dimension shall not vary from the specified dimension by more than the amount allowed
in the appropriate standard of quality in Section 9.4.
Nominal Dimensions of masonry units are equal to its specified dimensions plus the
thickness of the joint with which the unit is laid.
Specified Dimensions are the dimensions specified for the manufacture or construction of
masonry, masonry units, joints or any other component of a structure.
Grout Lift is an increment of grout height within the total grout pour.
Grout Pour is the total height of masonry wall to be grouted prior to the erection of additional
masonry. A grout pour will consist of one or more grout lifts.
Grouted Masonry:
Grouted Hollow-unit Masonry is that form of grouted masonry construction in which

certain designated cells of hollow units are continuously filled with grout.
Grouted Multiwythe Masonry is that form of grouted masonry construction in which the
space between the wythes is solidly or periodically filled with grout.
Joints:
Bed Joint is the mortar joint that is horizontal at the time the masonry units are placed.
Head Joint is the mortar joint having a vertical transverse plane.
Masonry Units:
Masonry Unit is brick, tile, stone, glass block or concrete block conforming to the
requirements specified in Section 9.4.
Hollow-Masonry Unit is a masonry unit whose net cross-sectional areas (solid area) in
any plane parallel to the surface containing cores, cells or deep frogs is less than 75
percent of its gross cross-sectional area measured in the same plane.
Solid-Masonry Unit is a masonry unit whose net cross-sectional area in any plane parallel
to the surface containing the cores or cells is at least 75 percent of the gross cross-sectional
area measured in the same plane.
Prism is an assemblage of masonry units and mortar with or without grout used as a test specimen
for determining properties of the masonry.
Reinforced Masonry is that form of masonry construction in which reinforcement acting in

conjunction with the masonry is used to resist forces.
9-5
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
Shell is the outer portion of a hollow masonry unit as placed in masonry.
Simple masonry buildings, buildings complying with the requirements of Section 9.9.1
Walls:
Bonded Wall is a masonry wall in which two or more wythes are bonded to act as a
structural unit.
Cavity Wall is a wall containing continuous air space with a minimum width of 50 mm (2
in) and a maximum width of 115 mm (4.5 in) between wythes which are tied with metal
ties.
Wall Tie is a mechanical metal fastener which connects wythes of masonry to each other
or to other materials.
Web is an interior solid portion of a hollow-masonry unit as placed in masonry.
Wythe is the portion of a wall which is one masonry unit in thickness. A collar joint is not
considered a wythe
9.4 Material Standards
9.4.1 Quality
Materials used in masonry shall conform to the requirements stated herein. If no requirements are
specified in this section for a material, quality shall be based on generally accepted good practice,
subject to the approval of the building official. Reclaimed or previously used masonry units shall
meet the applicable requirements as for new masonry units of the same material for their intended
use.
9.4.2 Standards of Quality
1. Aggregates
1.1 ASTM C 144, Aggregates for Masonry Mortar

1.2 ASTM C 404, Aggregates for Grout
2. Cement
2.1 UBC Standard 21-11, Cement, Masonry. (Plastic cement conforming to

the requirements of UBC Standard 25-1 may be used in lieu of masonry
cement when it also conforms to UBC Standard 21-11.)
2.2 ASTM C 150, Portland Cement
2.3 UBC Standard 21-14, Mortar Cement
3. Lime
3.1 UBC Standard 21-12, Quicklime for Structural Purposes

3.2 UBC Standard 21-13, Hydrated Lime for Masonry Purposes. When Types
N and NA hydrated lime are used in masonry mortar, they shall comply
with the provisions of UBC Standard 21-15, Section 21.1506.7, excluding
the plasticity requirement.
9-6
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
4. Masonry units of clay or shale
4.1 ASTM C 34, Structural Clay Load-bearing Wall Tile

4.2 ASTM C 56, Structural Clay Non-load-bearing Tile
4.3 UBC Standard 21-1, Section 21.101, Building Brick (solid units)
4.4 ASTM C 126, Ceramic Glazed Structural Clay Facing Tile, Facing Brick
and Solid Masonry Units. Load bearing glazed brick shall conform to the
weathering and structural requirements of UBC Standard 21-1, Section
21.106, Facing Brick
4.5 UBC Standard 21-1, Section 21.106, Facing Brick (solid units)
4.6 UBC Standard 21-1, Section 21.107, Hollow Brick
4.7 ASTM C 67, Sampling and Testing Brick and Structural Clay Tile
4.8 ASTM C 212, Structural Clay Facing Tile
4.9 ASTM C 530, Structural Clay Non-Load-bearing Screen Tile
5. Masonry units of concrete
5.1 UBC Standard 21-3, Concrete Building Brick

5.2 UBC Standard 21-4, Hollow and Solid Load-bearing Concrete Masonry
Units
5.3 UBC Standard 21-5, Non-load-bearing Concrete Masonry Units
5.4 ASTM C 140, Sampling and Testing Concrete Masonry Units
5.5 ASTM C 426, Standard Test Method for Drying Shrinkage of Concrete
Block
6. Masonry units of other materials
6.1 Calcium silicate. UBC Standard 21-2, Calcium Silicate Face Brick (Sand-
lime Brick)
6.2 UBC Standard 21-9, Unburned Clay Masonry Units and Standard
Methods of Sampling and Testing Unburned Clay Masonry Units
6.3 ACI-704, Cast Stone
6.4 UBC Standard 21-17, Test Method for Compressive Strength of Masonry
Prisms
7. Connectors
7.1 Wall ties and anchors made from steel wire shall conform to UBC
Standard 21-10, Part II, and other steel wall ties and anchors shall
conform to A 36 in accordance with UBC Standard 22-1. Wall ties and
anchors made from copper, brass or other nonferrous metal shall have
minimum tensile yield strength of 207 MPa (30,000 psi).
7.2 All such items not fully embedded in mortar or grout shall either be
corrosion resistant or shall be coated after fabrication with copper, zinc or
a metal having at least equivalent corrosion-resistant properties.
8. Mortar
8.1 UBC Standard 21-15, Mortar for Unit Masonry and Reinforced Masonry
other than Gypsum
8.2 UBC Standard 21-16, Field Tests Specimens for Mortar
8.3 UBC Standard 21-20, Standard Test Method for Flexural Bond Strength
of Mortar Cement
9-7
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
9. Grout
9.1 UBC Standard 21-18, Method of Sampling and Testing Grout

9.2 UBC Standard 21-19, Grout for Masonry
10. Reinforcement
10.1 UBC Standard 21-10, Part I, Joint Reinforcement for Masonry

10.2 ASTM A 615, A 616, A 617, A 706, A 767, and A 775,Deformed and
Plain Billet-steel Bars, Rail-steel Deformed and Plain Bars, Axle-steel
Deformed and Plain Bars, and Deformed Low-alloy Bars for Concrete
Reinforcement
10.3 UBC Standard 21-10, Part II, Cold-drawn Steel Wire for Concrete
Reinforcement
9.4.3 Mortar and Grout
9.4.3.1 General
Mortar and grout shall comply with the provisions of this section. Special mortars, grouts or
bonding systems may be used, subject to satisfactory evidence of their capabilities when approved
by the building official.
9.4.3.2 Materials
Materials used as ingredients in mortar and grout shall conform to the applicable requirements in
Section 9.4. Cementitious materials for grout shall be one or both of the following: lime and
portland cement. Cementitious materials for mortar shall be one or more of the following: lime,
masonry cement, portland cement and mortar cement. Cementitious materials or additives shall not
contain epoxy resins and derivatives, phenols, asbestos fibers or fireclays. Water used in mortar or
grout shall be clean and free of deleterious amounts of acid, alkalies or organic material or other
harmful substances.
9.4.4 Mortar
9.4.4.1 General. Mortar shall consist of a mixture of cementitious materials and aggregate to
which sufficient water and approved additives, if any, have been added to achieve a workable,
plastic consistency.
9.4.4.2 Selecting proportions. Mortar with specified proportions of ingredients that differ
from the mortar proportions of Table 9.1 may be approved for use when it is demonstrated by
laboratory or field experience that this mortar with the specified proportions of ingredients, when
combined with the masonry units to be used in the structure, will achieve the specified
compressive strength f 'm. Water content shall be adjusted to provide proper workability under
existing field conditions. When the proportion of ingredients is not specified, the proportions by
mortar type shall be used as given in Table 9.1.
9.4.5 Grout
9.4.5.1 General. Grout shall consist of a mixture of cementitious materials and aggregate to
which water has been added such that the mixture will flow without segregation of the constituents.
The specified compressive strength of grout, f'g, shall not be less than 14 MPa (2,000 psi).
9-8
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
9.4.5.2 Selecting proportions. Water content shall be adjusted to provide proper workability
and to enable proper placement under existing field conditions, without segregation. Grout shall be
specified by one of the following methods:
1. Proportions of ingredients and any additives shall be based on laboratory or field

experience with the grout ingredients and the masonry units to be used. The grout
shall be specified by the proportion of its constituents in terms of parts by volume.
2. Minimum compressive strength which will produce the required prism strength.
3. Proportions by grout type shall be used as given in Table 9.2.
9.4.6 Additives and Admixtures
9.4.6.1 General. Additives and admixtures to mortar or grout shall not be used unless
approved by the building official.
9.4.6.2 Antifreeze compounds. Antifreeze liquids, chloride salts or other such substances shall
not be used in mortar or grout.
9.4.6.3 Air entrainment. Air-entraining substances shall not be used in mortar or grout unless
tests are conducted to determine compliance with the requirements of this code.
9.4.6.4 Colors. Only pure mineral oxide, carbon black or synthetic colors may be used.
Carbon black shall be limited to a maximum of 3 percent of the weight of the cement.
9.4.7 Construction
9.4.7.1 General.
Masonry shall be constructed according to the provisions of this section.
9.4.7.2 Materials: Handling, Storage and Preparation.
All materials shall comply with applicable requirements of Section 9.4. Storage, handling and
preparation at the site shall conform also to the following:
1. Masonry materials shall be stored so that at the time of use the materials are clean
and structurally suitable for the intended use.
2. All metal reinforcement shall be free from loose rust and other coatings that would
inhibit reinforcing bond.
3. At the time of laying, burned clay units and sand lime units shall have an initial
rate of absorption not exceeding 1.6 L/m2 (0.035 ounce/in2) during a period of one
minute. In the absorption test, the surface of the unit shall be held 3 mm (1/8 in)
below the surface of the water.
4. Concrete masonry units shall not be wetted unless otherwise approved.
5. Materials shall be stored in a manner such that deterioration or intrusion of foreign
materials is prevented and that the material will be capable of meeting applicable
requirements at the time of mixing or placement.
6. The method of measuring materials for mortar and grout shall be such that
proportions of the materials can be controlled.
7. Mortar or grout mixed at the jobsite shall be mixed for a period of time not less
than three minutes or more than 10 minutes in a mechanical mixer with the
amount of water required to provide the desired workability. Hand mixing of small
amounts of mortar is permitted. Mortar may be re-tempered. Mortar or grout
which has hardened or stiffened due to hydration of the cement shall not be used.
In no case shall mortar be used two and one-half hours, nor grout used one and
9-9
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
one-half hours, after the initial mixing water has been added to the dry ingredients
at the jobsite.
Exception: Dry mixes for mortar and grout which are blended in the factory and
mixed at the jobsite shall be mixed in mechanical mixers until workable, but not to
exceed 10 minute.
9.4.8 Cold-weather Construction
9.4.8.1 General. All materials shall be delivered in a usable condition and stored to prevent
wetting by capillary action, rain and snow. The tops of all walls not enclosed or sheltered shall be
covered with a strong weather-resistive material at the end of each day or shutdown. Partially
completed walls shall be covered at all times when work is not in progress. Covers shall be draped
over the wall and extend a minimum of 600 mm (2 ft) down both sides and shall be securely held
in place, except when additional protection is required in Section 9.4.8.4.
9.4.8.2 Preparation. If ice or snow has inadvertently formed on a masonry bed, it shall be
thawed by application of heat carefully applied until top surface of the masonry is dry to the touch.
A section of masonry deemed frozen and damaged shall be removed before continuing
construction of that section.
9.4.8.3 Construction. Masonry units shall be dry at time of placement. Wet or frozen masonry
units shall not be laid. Special requirements for various temperature ranges are as follows:
1. Air temperature 4.5°C to 0°C (40°F to 32°F): Sand or mixing water shall be
heated to produce mortar temperatures between 4.5°C and 49°C (40°F and 120°F).
2. Air temperature 0°C to -4°C (32°F to 25°F): Sand and mixing water shall be
Maintain temperatures of mortar on boards above freezing.
3. Air temperature -4°C to -7°C (25°F to 20°F): Sand and mixing water shall be
Maintain mortar temperatures on boards above freezing. Salamanders or other
sources of heat shall be used on both sides of walls under construction.
Windbreaks shall be employed when wind is in excess of 25 km/h (15 miles per
hour).
4. Air temperature -7°C (20°F) and below: Sand and mixing water shall be heated to
produce mortar temperatures between 4.5°C and 49°C (40°F and 120°F).
Enclosure and auxiliary heat shall be provided to maintain air temperature above
freezing. Temperature of units when laid shall not be less than -7°C (20°F).
9.4.8.4 Protection. When the mean daily air temperature is 4.5°C to 0°C (40°F to 32°F),
masonry shall be protected from rain or snow for 24 hours by covering with a weather-resistive
membrane. When the mean daily air temperature is 0°C to -4°C (32°F to 25°F), masonry shall be
completely covered with a weather resistive membrane for 24 hours. When the mean daily air
temperature is -4°C to -7°C (25°F to 20°F), masonry shall be completely covered with insulating
blankets or equally protected for 24 hours. When the mean daily air temperature is -7°C (20°F) or
below, masonry temperature shall be maintained above freezing for 24 hours by enclosure and
supplementary heat, by electric heating blankets, infrared heat lamps or other approved methods.
9.4.8.5 Placing grout and protection of grouted masonry. When air temperatures fall below
4.5°C (40°F), grout mixing water and aggregate shall be heated to produce grout temperatures
between 4.5°C and 49°C (40°F and 120°F). Masonry to be grouted shall be maintained above
freezing during grout placement and for at least 24 hours after placement. When atmospheric
temperatures fall below -7°C (20°F), enclosures shall be provided around the masonry during
grout placement and for at least 24 hours after placement.
9-10
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
9.4.9 Placing Masonry Units
9.4.9.1 Mortar. The mortar shall be sufficiently plastic and units shall be placed with
sufficient pressure to extrude mortar from the joint and produce a tight joint. Deep furrowing
which produces voids shall not be used. The initial bed joint thickness shall not be less than 6 mm
(1/4 inch) or more than 25 mm (1 inch); subsequent bed joints shall not be less than 6 mm (1/4
inch) or more than 15 mm (5/8 inch) in thickness.
9.4.9.2 Surfaces. Surfaces to be in contact with mortar or grout shall be clean and free of
deleterious materials.
9.4.9.3 Solid masonry units. Solid masonry units shall have full head and bed joints.
9.4.9.4 Hollow-masonry units. All head and bed joints shall be filled solidly with mortar for a
distance in from the face of the unit not less than the thickness of the shell. Head joints of open-
end units with beveled ends that are to be fully grouted need not be mortared. The beveled ends
shall form a grout key which permits grout within 15 mm (5/8 inch) of the face of the unit. The
units shall be tightly butted to prevent leakage of grout.
9.4.10 Reinforcement Placing
Reinforcement details shall conform to the requirements of this chapter. Metal reinforcement shall
be located in accordance with the plans and specifications. Reinforcement shall be secured against
displacement prior to grouting by wire positioners or other suitable devices at intervals not
exceeding 200 bar diameters. Tolerances for the placement of reinforcement in walls and flexural
elements shall be plus or minus 12 mm (1/2 inch) for d equal to 200 mm (8 inches) or less, 25 mm
(1 inch) for d equal to 600 mm (24 inches) or less but greater than 200 mm (8 inches) and 32 mm
(1.25 inches) for d greater than 600mm (24 inches). Tolerance for longitudinal location of
reinforcement shall be 50 mm (2 inches).
9.4.11 Grouted Masonry
9.4.11.1 General conditions. Grouted masonry shall be constructed in such a manner that all
elements of the masonry act together as a structural element. Prior to grouting, the grout space
shall be clean so that all spaces to be filled with grout do not contain mortar projections greater
than 12 mm (1/2 inch), mortar droppings or other foreign material. Grout shall be placed so that all
spaces designated to be grouted shall be filled with grout and the grout shall be confined to those
specific spaces.
Grout materials and water content shall be controlled to provide adequate fluidity for
placement without segregation of the constituents, and shall be mixed thoroughly. The grouting of
any section of wall shall be completed in one day with no interruptions greater than one hour.
Between grout pours, a horizontal construction joint shall be formed by stopping all
wythes at the same elevation and with the grout stopping a minimum of 38 mm (1.5 inches) below
a mortar joint, except at the top of the wall. Where bond beams occur, the grout pour shall be
stopped a minimum of 12 mm (1/2 inch) below the top of the masonry.
Size and height limitations of the grout space or cell shall not be less than shown in
Table 9.3. Higher grout pours or smaller cavity widths or cell size than shown in Table 9.3 may be
used when approved, if it is demonstrated that grout spaces will be properly filled.
Cleanouts shall be provided for all grout pours over 1525 mm (5 ft) in height.
9-11
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
Where required, cleanouts shall be provided in the bottom course at every vertical bar
but shall not be spaced more than 810 mm (32 inches) on center for solidly grouted masonry.
When cleanouts are required, they shall be sealed after inspection and before grouting. Where
cleanouts are not provided, special provisions must be made to keep the bottom and sides of the
grout spaces, as well as the minimum total clear area as required by Table 9.3, clean and clear
prior to grouting.
Units may be laid to the full height of the grout pour and grout shall be placed in a
continuous pour in grout lifts not exceeding 1830 mm (6 feet). When approved, grout lifts may be
greater than 1830 mm (6 feet) if it can be demonstrated the grout spaces can be properly filled.
All cells and spaces containing reinforcement shall be filled with grout.
9.4.11.2 Construction requirements. Reinforcement shall be placed prior to grouting. Bolts

shall be accurately set with templates or by approved equivalent means and held in place to
prevent dislocation during grouting.
Segregation of the grout materials and damage to the masonry shall be avoided during
the grouting process.
Grout shall be consolidated by mechanical vibration during placement before loss of

plasticity in a manner to fill the grout space. Grout pours greater than 300 mm (12 inches) in
height shall be reconsolidated by mechanical vibration to minimize voids due to water loss. Grout
pours 300 mm (12 inches) or less in height shall be mechanically vibrated or puddled.
In one-story buildings having wood-frame exterior walls, foundations not over 600
mm (24 inches) high measured from the top of the footing may be constructed of hollow-masonry
units laid in running bond without mortared head joints. Any standard shape unit may be used,
provided the masonry units permit horizontal flow of grout to adjacent units. Grout shall be solidly
poured to the full height in one lift and shall be puddled or mechanically vibrated.
In nonstructural elements which do not exceed 2.5 m (8 feet) in height above the
highest point of lateral support, including fireplaces and residential chimneys, mortar of pouring
consistency may be substituted for grout when the masonry is constructed and grouted in pours of
300 mm (12 inches) or less in height. In multiwythe grouted masonry, vertical barriers of masonry
shall be built across the grout space the entire height of the grout pour and spaced not more than
9.15 m (30 feet) horizontally. The grouting of any section of wall between barriers shall be
completed in one day with no interruption longer than one hour.
9.4.12 Aluminum Equipment
Grout shall not be handled nor pumped utilizing aluminum equipment unless it can be
demonstrated with the materials and equipment to be used that there will be no deleterious effect
on the strength of the grout.
9.4.13 Joint Reinforcement
Wire joint reinforcement used in the design as principal reinforcement in hollow-unit construction
shall be continuous between supports unless splices are made by lapping:
1. Fifty-four wire diameters in a grouted cell, or

2. Seventy-five wire diameters in the mortared bed joint, or
3. In alternate bed joints of running bond masonry a distance not less than 54
diameters plus twice the spacing of the bed joints, or
9-12
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
4. As required by calculation and specific location in areas of minimum stress, such

as points of inflection. Side wires shall be deformed and shall conform to UBC
Standard 21-10, Part I, Joint Reinforcement for Masonry.
9.5 Quality Assurance
9.5.1 General
Quality assurance shall be provided to ensure that materials, construction and workmanship are in
compliance with the plans and specifications, and the applicable requirements of this chapter.
When required, inspection records shall be maintained and made available to the building official.
9.5.2 Scope
Quality assurance shall include, but is not limited to, assurance that:
1. Masonry units, reinforcement, cement, lime, aggregate and all other materials
meet the requirements of the applicable standards of quality and that they are
properly stored and prepared for use.
2. Mortar and grout are properly mixed using specified proportions of ingredients.
The method of measuring materials for mortar and grout shall be such that
proportions of materials are controlled.
3. Construction details, procedures and workmanship are in accordance with the
plans and specifications.
4. Placement, splices and reinforcement sizes are in accordance with the provisions
of this chapter and the plans and specifications.
9.5.3 Compliance with f 'm
9.5.3.1 General. Compliance with the requirements for the specified compressive strength of
masonry f 'm shall be in accordance with one of the sections in this subsection.
9.5.3.2 Masonry prism testing. The compressive strength of masonry determined in

accordance with UBC Standard 21-17 for each set of prisms shall equal or exceed f 'm.
Compressive strength of prisms shall be based on tests at 28 days. Compressive strength at seven
days or three days may be used provided a relationship between seven-day and three-day and 28-
day strength has been established for the project prior to the start of construction. Verification
by masonry prism testing shall meet the following:
1. A set of five masonry prisms shall be built and tested in accordance with UBC
Standard 21-17 prior to the start of construction. Materials used for the
construction of the prisms shall be taken from those specified to be used in the
project. Prisms shall be constructed under the observation of the engineer or
special inspector or an approved agency and tested by an approved agency.
2. When full allowable stresses are used in design, a set of three prisms shall be built
and tested during construction in accordance with UBC Standard 21-17 for each
465 m2 (5,000 ft2) of wall area, but not less than one set of three masonry prisms
for the project.
3. When one half the allowable masonry stresses are used in design, testing during
construction is not required. A letter of certification from the supplier of the
materials used to verify the f 'm in accordance with Section 9.5.3.2, Item 1, shall be
provided at the time of, or prior to, delivery of the materials to the jobsite to
ensure the materials used in construction are representative of the materials used
to construct the prisms prior to construction.
9-13
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
9.5.3.3 Masonry prism test record. Compressive strength verification by masonry prism test
records shall meet the following:
1. A masonry prism test record approved by the building official of at least 30
masonry prisms which were built and tested in accordance with UBC Standard 21-
17. Prisms shall have been constructed under the observation of an engineer or
special inspector or an approved agency and shall have been tested by an approved
agency.
2. Masonry prisms shall be representative of the corresponding construction.
3. The average compressive strength of the test record shall equal or exceed 1.33 f 'm
4. When full allowable stresses are used in design, a set of three masonry prisms
shall be built during construction in accordance with UBC Standard 21-17 for
each 465 m2 (5,000 ft2) of wall area, but not less than one set of three prisms for
the project.
5. When one half the allowable masonry stresses are used in design, field testing
during construction is not required. A letter of certification from the supplier of
the materials to the jobsite shall be provided at the time of, or prior to, delivery of
the materials to assure the materials used in construction are representative of the
materials used to develop the prism test record in accordance with Section 9.5.3.3,
Item 1.
9.5.3.4 Unit strength method. Verification by the unit strength method shall meet the
following:
1. When full allowable stresses are used in design, units shall be tested prior to
construction and test units during construction for each 465 m2 (5,000 ft2) of wall
area for compressive strength to show compliance with the compressive strength
required in Table 9.4; and
Exception: Prior to the start of construction, prism testing may be used in lieu of
testing the unit strength. During construction, prism testing may also be used in
lieu of testing the unit strength and the grout as required by Section 9.5.3.4, Item 4.
2. When one half the allowable masonry stresses are used in design, testing is not
required for the units. A letter of certification from the manufacturer of the units
shall be provided at the time of, or prior to, delivery of the units to the jobsite to
assure the units comply with the compressive strength required in Table 9.4; and
3. Mortar shall comply with the mortar type required in Table 9.4; and
4. When full stresses are used in design for concrete masonry, grout shall be tested
for each 465 m2 (5,000 ft2) of wall area, but not less than one test per project, to
show compliance with the compressive strength required in Table 9.4, Footnote 4.
5. When one half the allowable stresses are used in design for concrete masonry,
testing is not required for the grout. A letter of certification from the supplier of
the grout shall be provided at the time of, or prior to, delivery of the grout to the
jobsite to assure the grout complies with the compressive strength required in
Table 9.4, Footnote 4; or
6. When full allowable stresses are used in design for clay masonry, grout
proportions shall be verified by the engineer or special inspector or an approved
agency to conform with Table 9.2.
7. When one half the allowable masonry stresses are used in design for clay masonry,
a letter of certification from the supplier of the grout shall be provided at the time
of, or prior to, delivery of the grout to the jobsite to assure the grout conforms to
the proportions of Table 9.2.
9.5.3.5 Testing prisms from constructed masonry. When approved by the building official,
acceptance of masonry which does not meet the requirements of Section 9.5.3.2, 9.5.3.3 or 9.5.3.4
9-14
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
shall be permitted to be based on tests of prisms cut from the masonry construction in accordance
with the following:
1. A set of three masonry prisms that are at least 28 days old shall be saw cut from
the masonry for each 465 m2 (5,000 ft2) of the wall area that is in question but not
less than one set of three masonry prisms for the project. The length, width and
height dimensions of the prisms shall comply with the requirements of UBC
Standard 21-17. Transporting, preparation and testing of prisms shall be in
accordance with UBC Standard 21-17.
2. The compressive strength of prisms shall be the value calculated in accordance
with UBC Standard 21-17, Section 21.1707.2, except that the net cross-sectional
area of the prism shall be based on the net mortar bedded area.
3. Compliance with the requirement for the specified compressive strength of
masonry, f 'm, shall be considered satisfied provided the modified compressive
strength equals or exceeds the specified f 'm. Additional testing of specimens cut
from locations in question shall be permitted.
9.5.4 Mortar Testing
When required, mortar shall be tested in accordance with UBC Standard 21-16.
9.5.5 Grout Testing
When required, grout shall be tested in accordance with UBC Standard 21-18.
9.6 General Design Requirements
9.6.1 General.
9.6.1.1 Scope. The design of masonry structures shall comply with the working stress design
provisions of Section 9.7, or the strength design provisions of Section 9.8 or the empirical design
provisions of Section 9.9, and with the provisions of this section. Unless otherwise stated, all
calculations shall be made using or based on specified dimensions.
9.6.1.2 Plans. Plans submitted for approval shall describe the required design strengths of
masonry materials and inspection requirements for which all parts of the structure were designed,
and any load test requirements.
9.6.1.3 Design loads. See Chapter 5 for design loads.
9.6.1.4 Stack bond. In bearing and nonbearing walls, except veneer walls, if less than 75
percent of the units in any transverse vertical plane lap the ends of the units below a distance less
than one half the height of the unit, or less than one fourth the length of the unit, the wall shall be
considered laid in stack bond.
9.6.1.5 Multiwythe walls.
9.6.1.5.1 General. All wythes of multiwythe walls shall be bonded by grout or tied together by
corrosion-resistant wall ties of joint reinforcement conforming to the requirements of Section 9.4,
and as set forth in this section.
9.6.1.5.2 Wall ties in cavity wall construction. Wall ties shall be of sufficient length to engage
all wythes. The portion of the wall ties within the wythe shall be completely embedded in mortar
or grout. The ends of the wall ties shall be bent to 90-degree angles with an extension not less than
9-15
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
50 mm (2 inches) long. Wall ties not completely embedded in mortar or grout between wythes
shall be a single piece with each end engaged in each wythe.
There shall be at least one 10 mm (3/8 inch) diameter wall tie for each 0.40 m2 (4.5 ft2)
of wall area. For cavity walls in which the width of the cavity is greater than 75 mm (3 in), but not
more than 115 mm (4.5 in), at least one 10 mm (3/8 inch) diameter wall tie for each 0.30 m2 (3 ft2)
of wall area shall be provided. Ties in alternate courses shall be staggered.
The maximum vertical distance between ties shall not exceed 600 mm (24 inches) and
the maximum horizontal distance between ties shall not exceed 914 mm (36 inches). Additional
ties spaced not more than 910 mm (36 inches) apart shall be provided around openings within a
distance of 300 mm (12 inches) from the edge of the opening. Adjustable wall ties shall meet the
following requirements:
1. One tie shall be provided for each 0.15 m2 (1.75 ft2) of wall area. Horizontal and
vertical spacing shall not exceed 400 mm (16 inches). Maximum misalignment of
bed joints from one wythe to the other shall be 32 mm (1.25 inches).
2. Maximum clearance between the connecting parts of the tie shall be 1.5 mm (1/16
inch). When used, pintle ties shall have at least two 5 mm (3/16 inch) diameter
pintle legs. Wall ties of different size and spacing that provide equivalent strength
between wythes may be used.
9.6.1.5.3 Wall ties for grouted multiwythe construction.Wythes of multiwythe walls shall be
bonded together with at least 5 mm (3/16 inch) steel wall tie for each 0.2 m2 (2 ft2) of area. Wall
ties of different size and spacing that provide equivalent strength between wythes may be used.
9.6.1.5.4 Joint reinforcement. Prefabricated joint reinforcement for masonry walls shall have at
least one cross wire of at least No. 9 gage steel for each 0.2 m2 (2 ft2) of wall area. The vertical
spacing of the joint reinforcement shall not exceed 400 mm (16 inches). The longitudinal wires
shall be thoroughly embedded in the bed joint mortar. The joint reinforcement shall engage all
wythes. Where the space between tied wythes is solidly filled with grout or mortar, the allowable
stresses and other provisions for masonry bonded walls shall apply. Where the space is not filled,
tied walls shall conform to the allowable stress, lateral support, thickness (excluding cavity),
height and tie requirements for cavity walls.
9.6.1.6 Vertical support. Structural members providing vertical support of masonry shall
provide a bearing surface on which the initial bed joint shall not be less than 6 mm (1/4 inch) or
more than 25 mm (1 inch) in thickness and shall be of noncombustible material, except where
masonry is a nonstructural decorative feature or wearing surface.
9.6.1.7 Lateral support. Lateral support of masonry may be provided by cross walls, columns,
pilasters, counterforts or buttresses where spanning horizontally or by floors, beams, grits or roofs
where spanning vertically. The clear distance between lateral supports of a beam shall not exceed
32 times the least width of the compression area.
9.6.1.8 Protection of ties and joint reinforcement. A minimum of 16 mm (5/8 inch) mortar
cover shall be provided between ties or joint reinforcement and any exposed face. The thickness of
grout or mortar between masonry units and joint reinforcement shall not be less than 6 mm (1/4
inch) except that 6 mm (1/4 inch) or smaller diameter reinforcement or bolts may be placed in bed
joints which are at least twice the thickness of the reinforcement or bolts.
9.6.1.9 Pipes and conduits embedded in masonry. Pipes or conduit shall not be embedded in
any masonry in a manner that will reduce the capacity of the masonry to less than that necessary
for required strength or required fire protection. Placement of pipes or conduits in unfilled cores of
hollow-unit masonry shall not be considered as embedment.
9-16
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
Exceptions:
1. Rigid electric conduits may be embedded in structural masonry when their

locations have been detailed on the approved plan.
2. Any pipe or conduit may pass vertically or horizontally through any masonry by
means of a sleeve at least large enough to pass any hub or coupling on the pipeline.
Such sleeves shall not be placed closer than three diameters, center to center, nor
shall they unduly impair the strength of construction.
9.6.1.10 Load tests. When a load test is required, the member or portion of the structure under
consideration shall be subjected to a superimposed load equal to twice the design live load plus
one half of the dead load. This load shall be left in position for a period of 24 hours before removal.
If, during the test or upon removal of the load, the member or portion of the structure shows
evidence of failure, such changes or modifications as are necessary to make the structure adequate
for the rated capacity shall be made; or where approved, a lower rating shall be established.
A flexural member shall be considered to have passed the test if the maximum
deflection D at the end of the 24-hour period does not exceed the value of Formulas (9.6-1) or
(9.6-2) and the beams and slabs show a recovery of at least 75 percent of the observed deflection
within 24 hours after removal of the load.
l
D= (9.6-1)
200
l2
D= (9.6-2)
4000t
9.6.1.11 Reuse of masonry units. Masonry units may be reused when clean, whole and
conforming to the other requirements of this section. All structural properties of masonry of
reclaimed units shall be determined by approved test.
9.6.1.12 Special provisions in areas of seismic risk.
9.6.1.12.1 General. Masonry structures constructed in the seismic zones shown in Figure 2.1
shall be designed in accordance with the design requirements of this chapter and the special
provisions for each seismic zone given in this section.
9.6.1.12.2 Special provisions for Seismic Zones 1. There are no special design and construction
provisions in this section for structures built in Seismic Zone 1.
9.6.1.12.3 Special provisions for Seismic Zone 2. Masonry structures in Seismic Zone 2 shall
comply with the following special provisions:
1. Columns shall be reinforced as specified in Sections 9.6.3.6, 9.6.3.7 and 9.7.2.13.

2. Vertical wall reinforcement of at least 130 mm2 (0.20 in2) in cross-sectional area
shall be provided continuously from support to support at each corner, at each side
of each opening, at the ends of walls and at maximum spacing of 1220 mm (4 feet)
apart horizontally throughout walls.
3. Horizontal wall reinforcement not less than 130 mm2 (0.20 in2)in cross-sectional
area shall be provided (1) at the bottom and top of wall openings and shall extend
not less than 600 mm (24 inches) or less than 40 bar diameters past the opening,
(2) continuously at structurally connected roof and floor levels and at the top of
walls, (3) at the bottom of walls or in the top of foundations when doweled in
walls, and (4) at maximum spacing of 3050 mm (10 feet) unless uniformly
distributed joint reinforcement is provided. Reinforcement at the top and bottom
9-17
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
of openings when continuous in walls may be used in determining the maximum

spacing specified in Item 1 of this paragraph.
4. Where stack bond is used, the minimum horizontal reinforcement ratio shall be
0.0007bt. This ratio shall be satisfied by uniformly distributed joint reinforcement
or by horizontal reinforcement spaced not over 1220 mm (4 feet)and fully
embedded in grout or mortar.
5. The following materials shall not be used as part of the vertical or lateral load-
resisting systems: Type O mortar, masonry cement, plastic cement, non-load-
bearing masonry units and glass block.
9.6.1.12.4 Special provisions for Seismic Zones 3 and 4. All masonry structures built in Seismic
Zones 3 and 4 shall be designed and constructed in accordance with requirements for
Seismic Zone 2 and with the following additional requirements and limitations:
Exception: One and two-story masonry buildings of Group R, Division 3 and Group U
Occupancies located in Seismic Zone 3 having masonry wall h'/t ratios not greater than 27
and using running bond construction when provisions of Section 9.6.1.12.3 are met.
1. Column reinforcement ties.
In columns that are stressed by tensile or compressive axial overturning forces from
seismic loading, the spacing of column ties shall not exceed 200 mm (8 inches) for the full
height of such columns. In all other columns, ties shall be spaced a maximum of 200 mm
(8 inches) in the tops and bottoms of the columns for a distance of one sixth of the clear
column height, 450 mm (18 inches) or the maximum column cross-sectional dimension,
whichever is greater.
Tie spacing for the remaining column height shall not exceed the lesser of 16 bar
diameters, 48 tie diameters, the least column cross-sectional dimension, or 450 mm (18
inches).
Column ties shall terminate with a minimum 135-degree hook with extensions not
less than six bar diameters or 100 mm (4 inches). Such extensions shall engage the
longitudinal column reinforcement and project into the interior of the column. Hooks shall
comply with Section 9.7.2.2.5, Item 3.
Exception: Where ties are placed in horizontal bed joints, hooks shall consist of a 90-
degree bend having an inside radius of not less than four tie diameters plus an extension of
32 tie diameters.
2. Shear Walls
2.1 Reinforcement
The portion of the reinforcement required to resist shear shall be uniformly distributed and
shall be joint reinforcement, deformed bars or a combination thereof. The spacing of
reinforcement in each direction shall not exceed one half the length of the element, nor one
half the heights of the element, nor 1200 mm (48 inches). Joint reinforcement used in
exterior walls and considered in the determination of the shear strength of the member
shall be hot-dipped galvanized in accordance with UBC Standard 21-10.
Reinforcement required to resist in-plane shear shall be terminated with a standard

hook as defined in Section 9.7.2.2.5 or with an extension of proper embedment length
beyond the reinforcement at the end of the wall section. The hook or extension may be
turned up, down or horizontally. Provisions shall be made not to obstruct grout placement.
9-18
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
Wall reinforcement terminating in columns or beams shall be fully anchored into these
elements.
2.2 Bond
Multiwythe grouted masonry shear walls shall be designed with consideration of the
adhesion bond strength between the grout and masonry units. When bond strengths are not
known from previous tests, the bond strength shall be determined by tests.
2.3 Wall reinforcement
All walls shall be reinforced with both vertical and horizontal reinforcement. The sum of
the areas of horizontal and vertical reinforcement shall be at least 0.002 times the gross
cross-sectional area of the wall, and the minimum area of reinforcement in either direction
shall not be less than 0.0007 times the gross cross-sectional area of the wall. The minimum
steel requirements for Seismic Zone 2 in Section 9.6.1.12.3, Items 2 and 3, may be
included in the sum. The spacing of reinforcement shall not exceed 1200 mm (4 feet). The
diameter of reinforcement shall not be less than 10 mm (3/8 inch) except that joint
reinforcement may be considered as a part or the entire requirement for minimum
reinforcement. Reinforcement shall be continuous around wall corners and through
intersections. Only reinforcement which is continuous in the wall or element shall be
considered in computing the minimum area of reinforcement. Reinforcement with splices
conforming to Section 9.7.2.2.6 shall be considered as continuous reinforcement.
2.4 Stack bond
Where stack bond is used, the minimum horizontal reinforcement ratio shall be 0.0015bt.
Where open-end units are used and grouted solid, the minimum horizontal reinforcement
ratio shall be 0.0007bt.
Reinforced hollow-unit stacked bond construction which is part of the seismic-

resisting system shall use open-end units so that all head joints are made solid, shall use
bond beam units to facilitate the flow of grout and shall be grouted solid.
3. Type N mortar.
Type N mortar shall not be used as part of the vertical- or lateral-load-resisting system.
4. Concrete abutting structural masonry
Concrete abutting structural masonry, such as at starter courses or at wall intersections not
designed as true separation joints, shall be roughened to a full amplitude of 1.6 mm (1/16
inch) and shall be bonded to the masonry in accordance with the requirements of this
chapter as if it were masonry. Unless keys or proper reinforcement is provided, vertical
joints as specified in Section 9.6.1.4 shall be considered to be stack bond and the
reinforcement as required for stack bond shall extend through the joint and be anchored
into the concrete.
9.6.2 Working Stress Design and Strength Design Requirements for Unreinforced and
Reinforced Masonry.
9.6.2.1 General. In addition to the requirements of Section 9.6.1, the design of masonry
structures by the working stress design method and strength design method shall comply with the
requirements of this section. Additionally, the design of reinforced masonry structures by these
design methods shall comply with the requirements of Section 9.6.3.
9-19
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
9.6.2.2 Specified compressive strength of masonry. The allowable stresses for the design of
masonry shall be based on a value of f 'm selected for the construction. Verification of the value of
f 'm shall be based on compliance with Section 9.5.3. Unless otherwise specified, f 'm shall be based
on 28-day tests. If other than a 28-day test age is used, the value of f 'm shall be as indicated in
design drawings or specifications. Design drawings shall show the value of f 'm for which each
part of the structure is designed.
9.6.2.3 Effective thickness.
9.6.2.3.1 Single-wythe walls. The effective thickness of single-wythe walls of either solid or
hollow units is the specified thickness of the wall.
9.6.2.3.2 Multiwythe walls. The effective thickness of multiwythe walls is the specified
thickness of the wall if the space between wythes is filled with mortar or grout. For walls with an
open space between wythes, the effective thickness shall be determined as for cavity walls.
9.6.2.3.3 Cavity walls. Where both wythes of a cavity wall are axially loaded, each wythe shall
be considered to act independently and the effective thickness of each wythe is as defined in
Section 9.6.2.3.1. Where only one wythe is axially loaded, the effective thickness of the cavity
wall is taken as the square root of the sum of the squares of the specified thicknesses of the wythes.
Where a cavity wall is composed of a single wythe and a multiwythe, and both sides
are axially loaded, each side of the cavity wall shall be considered to act independently and the
effective thickness of each side is as defined in Sections 9.6.2.3.1 and 9.6.2.3.2. Where only one
side is axially loaded, the effective thickness of the cavity wall is the square root of the sum of the
squares of the specified thicknesses of the sides.
9.6.2.3.4 Columns. The effective thickness for rectangular columns in the direction considered
is the specified thickness. The effective thickness for nonrectangular columns is the thickness of
the square column with the same moment of inertia about its axis as that about the axis considered
in the actual column.
9.6.2.4 Effective height. The effective height of columns and walls shall be taken as the clear
height of members laterally supported at the top and bottom in a direction normal to the member
axis considered. For members not supported at the top normal to the axis considered, the effective
height is twice the height of the member above the support. Effective height less than clear height
may be used if justified.
9.6.2.5 Effective area. The effective cross-sectional area shall be based on the minimum
bedded area of hollow units, or the gross area of solid units plus any grouted area. Where hollow
units are used with cells perpendicular to the direction of stress, the effective area shall be the
lesser of the minimum bedded area or the minimum cross-sectional area. Where bed joints are
raked, the effective area shall be correspondingly reduced. Effective areas for cavity walls shall be
that of the loaded wythes.
9.6.2.6 Effective width of intersecting walls. Where a shear wall is anchored to an intersecting
wall or walls, the width of the overhanging flange formed by the intersected wall on either side of
the shear wall, which may be assumed working with the shear wall for purposes of flexural
stiffness calculations, shall not exceed six times the thickness of the intersected wall. Limits of the
effective flange may be waived if justified. Only the effective area of the wall parallel to the shear
forces may be assumed to carry horizontal shear.
9-20
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
9.6.2.7 Distribution of concentrated vertical loads in walls. The length of wall laid up in
running bond which may be considered capable of working at the maximum allowable
compressive stress to resist vertical concentrated loads shall not exceed the center-to-center
distance between such loads, nor the width of bearing area plus four times the wall thickness.
Concentrated vertical loads shall not be assumed to be distributed across continuous vertical
mortar or control joints unless elements designed to distribute the concentrated vertical loads are
employed.
9.6.2.8 Loads on nonbearing walls. Masonry walls used as interior partitions or as exterior
surfaces of a building which do not carry vertical loads imposed by other elements of the building
shall be designed to carry their own weight plus any superimposed finish and lateral forces.
Bonding or anchorage of nonbearing walls shall be adequate to support the walls and to transfer
lateral forces to the supporting elements.
9.6.2.9 Vertical deflection. Elements supporting masonry shall be designed so that their
vertical deflection will not exceed 1/600 of the clear span under total loads. Lintels shall bear on
supporting masonry on each end such that allowable stresses in the supporting masonry are not
exceeded. A minimum bearing length of 100 mm (4 inches) shall be provided for lintels bearing on
masonry.
9.6.2.10 Structural continuity. Intersecting structural elements intended to act as a unit shall be
anchored together to resist the design forces.
9.6.2.11 Walls intersecting with floors and roofs. Walls shall be anchored to all floors, roofs or
other elements which provide lateral support for the wall. Where floors or roofs are designed to
transmit horizontal forces to walls, the anchorage to such walls shall be designed to resist the
horizontal force.
9.6.2.12 Modulus of elasticity of materials.
9.6.2.12.1 Modulus of elasticity of masonry. The moduli for masonry may be estimated as
provided below. Actual values, where required, shall be established by test. The modulus of
elasticity of masonry shall be determined by the secant method in which the slope of the line for
the modulus of elasticity is taken from 0.05 f 'm to a point on the curve at 0.33 f 'm. These values are
not to be reduced by one half as set forth in Section 9.7.1.2. Modulus of elasticity of clay or shale
unit masonry.
E m = 750 f ′ m , 20.5GPa (3,000,000 psi) maximum (9.6-3)
Modulus of elasticity of concrete unit masonry.
E m = 750 f ′ m , 20.5GPa (3,000,000 psi) maximum (9.6-4)
9.6.2.12.2 Modulus of elasticity of steel.
Es = 200 GPa (29,000,000 psi) (9.6-5)
9.6.2.13 Shear modulus of masonry.
G = 0.4 E m (9.6-6)
9.6.2.14 Placement of embedded anchor bolts.
9-21
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
9.6.2.14.1 General. Placement requirements for plate anchor bolts, headed anchor bolts and bent
bar anchor bolts shall be determined in accordance with this subsection. Bent bar anchor bolts shall
have a hook with a 90-degree bend with an inside diameter of three bolt diameters, plus an
extension of one and one half bolt diameters at the free end.
Plate anchor bolts shall have a plate welded to the shank to provide anchorage
equivalent to headed anchor bolts. The effective embedment depth lb for plate or headed anchor
bolts shall be the length of embedment measured perpendicular from the surface of the masonry to
the bearing surface of the plate or head of the anchorage, and lb for bent bar anchors shall be the
length of embedment measured perpendicular from the surface of the masonry to the bearing
surface of the bent end minus one anchor bolt diameter. All bolts shall be grouted in place with at
least 25 mm (1 inch) of grout between the bolt and the masonry, except that 6 mm (1/4 inch)
diameter bolts may be placed in bed joints which are at least 12 mm (1/2 inch) in thickness.
9.6.2.14.2 Minimum edge distance. The minimum anchor bolt edge distance lbe measured from
the edge of the masonry parallel with the anchor bolt to the surface of the anchor bolt shall be 38
mm (1.5 inches).
9.6.2.14.3 Minimum embedment depth. The minimum embedment depth of anchor bolts lb shall be
four bolt diameters but not less than 50 mm (2 inches).
9.6.2.14.4 Minimum spacing between bolts. The minimum center-to-center distance between
anchor bolts shall be four bolt diameters.
9.6.2.15 Flexural resistance of cavity walls. For computing the flexural resistance of cavity walls,
lateral loads perpendicular to the plane of the wall shall be distributed to the wythes according to
their respective flexural rigidities.
9.6.3 Working Stress Design and Strength Design Requirements for Reinforced Masonry.
9.6.3.1 General. In addition to the requirements of Sections 9.6.1 and 9.6.2, the design of
reinforced masonry structures by the working stress design method or the strength design method
shall comply with the requirements of this section.
9.6.3.2 Plain bars. The use of plain bars larger than 6 mm (1/4 inch) in diameter is not
permitted.
9.6.3.3 Spacing of longitudinal reinforcement. The clear distance between parallel bars,
except in columns, shall not be less than the nominal diameter of the bars or 25 mm (1 inch),
except that bars in a splice may be in contact. This clear distance requirement applies to the clear
distance between a contact splice and adjacent splices or bars. The clear distance between the
surface of a bar and any surface of a masonry unit shall not be less than 6 mm (1/4 inch) for fine
grout and 12 mm (1/2 inch) for coarse grout. Cross webs of hollow units may be used as support
for horizontal reinforcement.
9.6.3.4 Anchorage of flexural reinforcement. The tension or compression in any bar at any
section shall be developed on each side of that section by the required development length. The
development length of the bar may be achieved by a combination of an embedment length,
anchorage or, for tension only, hooks.
Except at supports or at the free end of cantilevers, every reinforcing bar shall be
extended beyond the point at which it is no longer needed to resist tensile stress for a distance
equal to 12 bar diameters or the depth of the beam, whichever is greater. No flexural bar shall be
terminated in a tensile zone unless at least one of the following conditions is satisfied:
9-22
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
1. The shear is not over one half that permitted, including allowance for shear
reinforcement where provided.
2. Additional shear reinforcement in excess of that required is provided each way
from the cutoff a distance equal to the depth of the beam. The shear reinforcement
spacing shall not exceed d/8rb.
3. The continuing bars provide double the area required for flexure at that point or
double the perimeter required for reinforcing bond.
At least one third of the total reinforcement provided for negative moment at the support
shall be extended beyond the extreme position of the point of inflection a distance sufficient to
develop one half the allowable stresses in the bar, not less than 1/16 of the clear span, or the depth
d of the member, whichever is greater.
Tensile reinforcement for negative moment in any span of a continuous restrained or

cantilever beam, or in any member of a rigid frame, shall be adequately anchored by reinforcement
bond, hooks or mechanical anchors in or through the supporting member. At least one third of the
required positive moment reinforcement in simple beams or at the freely supported end of
continuous beams shall extend along the same face of the beam into the support at least 150 mm (6
inches).
At least one fourth of the required positive moment reinforcement at the continuous end of
continuous beams shall extend along the same face of the beam into the support at least 150 mm (6
inches). Compression reinforcement in flexural members shall be anchored by ties or stirrups not
less than 6 mm (1/4 inch) in diameter, spaced not farther apart than 16 bar diameters or 48 tie
diameters, whichever is less. Such ties or stirrups shall be used throughout the distance where
compression reinforcement is required.
9.6.3.5 Anchorage of shear reinforcement. Single, separate bars used as shear reinforcement
shall be anchored at each end by one of the following methods:
1. Hooking tightly around the longitudinal reinforcement through 180 degrees.

2. Embedment above or below the mid-depth of the beam on the compression side a
distance sufficient to develop the stress in the bar for plain or deformed bars.
3. By a standard hook, as defined in Section 9.7.2.2.5, considered as developing 50
MPa (7,500 psi), plus embedment sufficient to develop the remainder of the stress
to which the bar is subjected. The effective embedded length shall not be assumed
to exceed the distance between the mid-depth of the beam and the tangent of the
hook.
The ends of bars forming a single U or multiple U stirrup shall be anchored by one of the
methods set forth in Items 1 through 3 above or shall be bent through an angle of at least 90
degrees tightly around a longitudinal reinforcing bar not less in diameter than the stirrup bar, and
shall project beyond the bend at least 12 stirrup diameters. The loops or closed ends of simple U or
multiple U stirrups shall be anchored by bending around the longitudinal reinforcement through an
angle of at least 90 degrees and project beyond the end of the bend at least 12 stirrup diameters.
9.6.3.6 Lateral ties. All longitudinal bars for columns shall be enclosed by lateral ties. Lateral
support shall be provided to the longitudinal bars by the corner of a complete tie having an
included angle of not more than 135 degrees or by a standard hook at the end of a tie. The corner
bars shall have such support provided by a complete tie enclosing the longitudinal bars. Alternate
longitudinal bars shall have such lateral support provided by ties and no bar shall be farther than
150 mm (6 inches) from such laterally supported bar.
Lateral ties and longitudinal bars shall be placed not less than 40 mm (1.5 inches) and not
more than 127 mm (5 inches) from the surface of the column. Lateral ties may be placed against
9-23
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
the longitudinal bars or placed in the horizontal bed joints where the requirements of Section
9.6.1.8 are met. Spacing of ties shall not exceed 16 longitudinal bar diameters, 48 tie diameters or
the least dimension of the column but not more than 450 mm (18 inches).
Ties shall be at least 6 mm (1/4 inch) in diameter for 22mm diameter (#7) or smaller
longitudinal bars and at least 10 mm diameter (#3) for longitudinal bars larger than 22 mm
diameter (No. 7). Ties smaller than 10 mm diameter (#3) may be used for longitudinal bars larger
than 22 mm diameter (#7), provided the total cross-sectional area of such smaller ties crossing a
longitudinal plane is equal to that of the larger ties at their required spacing.
9.6.3.7 Column anchor bolt ties. Additional ties shall be provided around anchor bolts which
are set in the top of columns. Such ties shall engage at least four bolts or, alternately, at least four
vertical column bars or a combination of bolts and bars totaling at least four. Such ties shall be
located within the top 125 mm (5 inches) of the column and shall provide a total of 260mm2 (0.4
in2) or more in cross-sectional area. The uppermost tie shall be within 50 mm (2 inches) of the top
of the column.
9.6.3.8 Effective width b of compression area. In computing flexural stresses in walls where
reinforcement occurs, the effective width assumed for running bond masonry shall not exceed six
times the nominal wall thickness or the center-to-center distance between reinforcement. Where
stack bond is used, the effective width shall not exceed three times the nominal wall thickness or
the center-to-center distance between reinforcement or the length of one unit, unless solid grouted
open-end units are used.
9.7 Working Stress Design of Masonry
9.7.1 General.
9.7.1.1 Scope. The design of masonry structures using working stress design shall comply
with the provisions of Section 9.6 and this section. Stresses in clay or concrete masonry under
service loads shall not exceed the values given in this section.
9.7.1.2 Allowable masonry stresses. When quality assurance provisions do not include
requirements for special inspection as prescribed in Section 6.1, the allowable stresses for masonry
in Section 9.7 shall be reduced by one half.
When one half allowable masonry stresses are used in Seismic Zones 3 and 4, the
value of f 'm from Table 9.4 shall be limited to a maximum of 10 MPa (1,500 psi) for concrete
masonry and 18 MPa (2,600 psi) for clay masonry unless the value of f 'm is verified by tests in
accordance with Section 9.5.3.4, Items 1 and 4 or 6. A letter of certification is not required.
When one half allowable masonry stresses are used for design in Seismic Zones 3 and
4, the value of f 'm shall be limited to 10 MPa (1,500 psi) for concrete masonry and 18 MPa (2,600
psi) for clay masonry for Section 9.5.3.2, Item 3, and Section 9.5.3.3, Item 5, unless the value of
f 'm is verified during construction by the testing requirements of Section 9.5.3.2, Item 2. A letter of
certification is not required.
9.7.1.3 Minimum dimensions for masonry structures located in Seismic Zones 3 and 4.
Elements of masonry structures located in Seismic Zones 3 and 4 shall be in accordance with this
section.
9.7.1.3.1 Bearing walls. The nominal thickness of reinforced masonry bearing walls shall not be
less than 150 mm (6 inches) except that nominal 102 mm (4 inch) thick load-bearing reinforced
hollow-clay unit masonry walls may be used, provided net area unit strength exceeds 55 MPa
9-24
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
(8,000 psi), units are laid in running bond, bar sizes do not exceed 12 mm (1/2 inch) with no more
than two bars or one splice in a cell, and joints are flush cut, concave or a protruding V section.
9.7.1.3.2 Columns. The least nominal dimension of a reinforced masonry column shall be 305
mm (12 inches) except that, for working stress design, if the allowable stresses are reduced by one
half, the minimum nominal dimension shall be 200 mm (8 inches).
9.7.1.4 Design assumptions. The working stress design procedure is based on working
stresses and linear stress-strain distribution assumptions with all stresses in the elastic range as
follows:
1. Plane sections before bending remain plane after bending.

2. Stress is proportional to strain.
3. Masonry elements combine to form a homogenous member.
9.7.1.5 Embedded anchor bolts.
9.7.1.5.1 General. Allowable loads for plate anchor bolts, headed anchor bolts and bent bar
anchor bolts shall be determined in accordance with this section.
9.7.1.5.2 Tension. Allowable loads in tension shall be the lesser value selected from Tables 9.5-
1 and 9.5-2 or shall be determined from the lesser of Formula (9.7-1) or Formula (9.7-2).
B t = 0.042 A p f ′m (9.7-1)
For FPS:
B t = 0.5 A p f ′m
B t = 0.2 A b f y (9.7-2)
The area Ap shall be the lesser of Formula (9.7-3) or Formula (9.7-4) and where the projected areas
of adjacent anchor bolts overlap, Ap of each anchor bolt shall be reduced by one half of the
overlapping area.
A p = π l b2 (9.7-3)
A p = πl 2
be (9.7-4)
9.7.1.5.3 Shear. Allowable loads in shear shall be the value selected from Table 9.6 or shall be
determined from the lesser of Formula (9.7-5) or Formula (9.7-6).
B v = 1070 4 f ′ mA b (9.7-5)
For FPS:
B v = 350 4 f ′ mA b
B v = 0 . 12 A b f y (9.7-6)
Where the anchor bolt edge distance lbe in the direction of load is less than 12 bolt diameters, the
value of Bv in Formula (9.7-5) shall be reduced by linear interpolation to zero at an lbe distance of
40 mm (1.5 inches). Where adjacent anchors are spaced closer than 8db, the allowable shear of the
9-25
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
adjacent anchors determined by Formula (9.7-5) shall be reduced by linear interpolation to 0.75
times the allowable shear value at a center-to-center spacing of four bolt diameters.
9.7.1.5.4 Combined shear and tension. Anchor bolts subjected to combined shear and tension
shall be designed in accordance with Formula (9.7-7).
bt b
+ v ≤ 1 .0 (9.7-7)
Bt Bv
9.7.1.6 Compression in walls and columns.
9.7.1.6.1 Walls, axial loads. Stresses due to compressive forces applied at the centroid of wall
may be computed by Formula (9.7-8) assuming uniform distribution over the effective area.
P
f a= (9.7-8)
Ae
9.7.1.6.2 Columns, axial loads. Stresses due to compressive forces applied at the centroid of
columns may be computed by Formula (9.7-8) assuming uniform distribution over the effective
area.
9.7.1.6.3 Columns, bending or combined bending and axial loads. Stresses in columns due to
combined bending and axial loads shall satisfy the requirements of Section 9.7.2.7 where fa/Fa is
replaced by P/Pa. Columns subjected to bending shall meet all applicable requirements for flexural
design.
9.7.1.7 Shear walls, design loads. When calculating shear or diagonal tension stresses, shear
walls which resist seismic forces in Seismic Zones 3 and 4 shall be designed to resist 1.5 times the
forces required by Section 5.30.
9.7.1.8 Design, Composite construction
9.7.1.8.1 General. The requirements of this section govern multiwythe masonry in which at
least one wythe has strength or composition characteristics different from the other wythe or
wythes and is adequately bonded to act as a single structural element.
The following assumptions shall apply to the design of composite masonry:
1. Analysis shall be based on elastic transformed section of the net area.

2. The maximum computed stress in any portion of composite masonry shall not
exceed the allowable stress for the material of that portion.
9.7.1.8.2 Determination of moduli of elasticity. The modulus of elasticity of each type of

masonry in composite construction shall be measured by tests if the modular ratio of the respective
types of masonry exceeds 2 to 1 as determined by Section 9.6.2.12.
9.7.1.8.3 Structural continuity.
9.7.1.8.3.1 Bonding of wythes. All wythes of composite masonry elements shall be tied together
as specified in Section 9.6.1.5.2 as a minimum requirement. Additional ties or the combination of
grout and metal ties shall be provided to transfer the calculated stress.
9.7.1.8.3.2 Material properties. The effect of dimensional changes of the various materials and
different boundary conditions of various wythes shall be included in the design.
9-26
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
9.7.1.8.4 Design procedure, transformed sections. In the design of transformed sections, one
material is chosen as the reference material, and the other materials are transformed to an
equivalent area of the reference material by multiplying the areas of the other materials by the
respective ratios of the moduli of elasticity of the other materials to that of the reference material.
Thickness of the transformed area and its distance perpendicular to a given bending axis remain
unchanged. Effective height or length of the element remains unchanged.
9.7.1.9 Reuse of masonry units. The allowable working stresses for reused masonry units shall
not exceed 50 percent of those permitted for new masonry units of the same properties.
9.7.2 Design of Reinforced Masonry.
9.7.2.1 Scope. The requirements of this section are in addition to the requirements of Sections
9.6 and 9.7.1, and govern masonry in which reinforcement is used to resist forces.
9.7.2.2 Reinforcement.
9.7.2.2.1 Maximum reinforcement size. The maximum size of reinforcement shall be 32 mm

(No. 11 bars). Maximum reinforcement area in cells shall be 6 percent of the cell area without
splices and 12 percent of the cell area with splices.
9.7.2.2.2 Cover. All reinforcing bars, except joint reinforcement, shall be completely embedded
in mortar or grout and have a minimum cover, including the masonry unit, of at least 20 mm (3/4
inch), 40 mm (1.5 inches) of cover when the masonry is exposed to weather and 50 mm (2 inches)
of cover when the masonry is exposed to soil.
9.7.2.2.3 Development length. The required development length ld for deformed bars or
deformed wire shall be calculated by:
l d = 0 .29 d b f s for bars in tension (9.7-9)

For FPS:
l d = 0 . 002 d b f s for bars in tension
l d = 0 .22 d b f s for bars in compression (9.7-10)

For FPS:
l d = 0 .0015 d b f s for bars in compression
Development length for smooth bars shall be twice the length determined by Formula (9.7-9).
9.7.2.2.4 Reinforcement bond stress. Bond stress u in reinforcing bars shall not exceed the
following:
Plain Bars 413 kPa (60 psi)

Deformed Bars 1378 kPa (200 psi)
Deformed Bars without Special Inspection 689 kPa (100 psi)
9.7.2.2.5 Hooks.
1. The term “standard hook” shall mean one of the following:
9-27
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
1.1 A 180-degree turn plus extension of at least four bar diameters, but not
less than 60 mm (2.5 inches) at free end of bar.
1.2 A 90-degree turn plus extension of at least 12 bar diameters at free end of
bar.
1.3 For stirrup and tie anchorage only, either a 90-degree or a 135-degree turn,
plus an extension of at least six bar diameters, but not less than 60 mm
(2.5 inches) at the free end of the bar.
2. Inside diameter of bend of the bars, other than for stirrups and ties, shall not be
less than that set forth in Table 9.7.
3. Inside diameter of bend for 166 mm (#5) or smaller stirrups and ties shall not be
less than four bar diameters. Inside diameter of bend for 16mm (#5) or larger
stirrups and ties shall not be less than that set forth in Table 9.7.
4. Hooks shall not be permitted in the tension portion of any beam, except at the ends
of simple or cantilever beams or at the freely supported end of continuous or
restrained beams.
5. Hooks shall not be assumed to carry a load which would produce a tensile stress in
the bar greater than 52 MPa (7,500 psi).
6. Hooks shall not be considered effective in adding to the compressive resistance of
bars.
7. Any mechanical device capable of developing the strength of the bar without
damage to the masonry may be used in lieu of a hook. Data must be presented to
show the adequacy of such devices.
9.7.2.2.6 Splices. The amount of lap of lapped splices shall be sufficient to transfer the
allowable stress of the reinforcement as specified in Sections 9.6.3.4, 9.7.2.2.3 and 9.7.2.12. In no
case shall the length of the lapped splice be less than 30 bar diameters for compression or 40 bar
diameters for tension. Welded or mechanical connections shall develop 125 percent of the
specified yield strength of the bar in tension.
Exception: For compression bars in columns that are not part of the seismic-resisting
system and are not subject to flexure, only the compressive strength need be developed.
When adjacent splices in grouted masonry are separated by 75 mm (3 inches) or less, the
required lap length shall be increased 30 percent.
Exception: Where lap splices are staggered at least 24 bar diameters, no increase in lap
length is required. See Section 9.7.2.12 for lap splice increases.
9.7.2.3 Design assumptions. The following assumptions are in addition to those stated in
Section 9.7.1.4:
1. Masonry carries no tensile stress.

2. Reinforcement is completely surrounded by and bonded to masonry material so
that they work together as a homogenous material within the range of allowable
working stresses.
9.7.2.4 Nonrectangular flexural elements. Flexural elements of nonrectangular cross section

shall be designed in accordance with the assumptions given in Sections 9.7.1.4 and 9.7.2.3.
9.7.2.5 Allowable axial compressive stress and force. For members other than reinforced
masonry columns, the allowable axial compressive stress Fa shall be determined as follows:
[
F a = 0 .25 f ′ m 1 − (140h′ r )
2
] for h′
r ≤ 99 (9.7-11)
9-28
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
F a= 0.25 f ′m ( 70h′r )2 for h′ r > 99 (9.7-12)
For reinforced masonry columns, the allowable axial compressive force Pa shall be determined as
follows:
[ ][
P a = 0.25 f m′ Ae + 0.65 A s F sc 1 − (140h′ r )
2
] for h'/r <99 (9.7-13)
[
P a = 0 . 25 f m′ A e + 0 . 65 A s F se ]( )
70 r 2
h′ h'/r >99 (9.7-14)
9.7.2.6 Allowable flexural compressive stress. The allowable flexural compressive stress Fb is:
F b = 0 .33 f m′ , 13.8 MPa (2,000 psi) maximum (9.7-15)
9.7.2.7 Combined compressive stresses, unity formula. Elements subjected to combined axial
and flexural stresses shall be designed in accordance with accepted principles of mechanics or in
accordance with Formula (9.7-16):
fa f
+ b ≤ 1 .0 (9.7-16)
Fa Fb
9.7.2.8 Allowable shear stress in flexural members. Where no shear reinforcement is provided,
the allowable shear stress Fv in flexural members is:
F v = 0 . 083 f m′ , 345 kPa maximum (9.7-17)

For FPS:
F v = 1 .0 f m′ , 50 psi maximum
Exception: For a distance of 1/16 the clear span beyond the point of inflection, the
maximum stress shall be 140 kPa (20 psi). Where shear reinforcement designed to take
entire shear force is provided, the allowable shear stress Fv in flexural members is:
F v = 0 . 25 f ′m , 1.0 Mpa maximum (9.7-18)

For FPS:
F v = 3 .0 f ′m , 150 psi maximum
9.7.2.9 Allowable shear stress in shear walls. Where in plane flexural reinforcement is
provided and masonry is used to resist all shear, the allowable shear stress Fv in shear walls is:
For M <1
Vd
F v= 136(4 − Vd
M
) f ′m , (80− 45VdM ) maximum (9.7-19)
For FPS:
9-29
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
Fv= 13 (4 − Vd
M
) f ′m , (80− 45VdM) maximum
For M ≥1 , F v= 1 f ′m , 240 kPa maximum (9.7-20)

Vd 12
For FPS:
F v = 1 .0 f ′ m , 35 psi maximum
Where shear reinforcement designed to take all the shear is provided, the allowable shear stress Fv
in shear walls is:
For M <1
Vd
F v= 1
24 (4 − VdM ) f m′ ( M
, 120− 45 Vd ) maximum (9.7-21)
For FPS:
F v= 1
2 (4 − VdM ) f m′ , (120 − 45 VdM ) maximum
For M ≥1
Vd
F v = 0.12 f m′ , 520 kPa maximum (9.7-22)
For FPS:
F v = 1.5 f m′ , 75 psi max imum
9.7.2.10 Allowable bearing stress. When a member bears on the full area of a masonry element,
the allowable bearing stress Fbr is:
F br = 0 .26 f ′ m (9.7-23)
When a member bears on one third or less of a masonry element, the allowable bearing stress Fbr
is:
F br = 0 .38 f ′ m (9.7-24)
Formula (9.7-24) applies only when the least dimension between the edges of the loaded and
unloaded areas is a minimum of one fourth of the parallel side dimension of the loaded area. The
allowable bearing stress on a reasonably concentric area greater than one third but less than the full
area shall be interpolated between the values of Formulas (9.7-23) and (9.7-24).
9.7.2.11 Allowable stresses in reinforcement. The allowable stresses in reinforcement shall be

as follows:
1. Tensile stress.
9-30
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
1.1 Deformed bars,
Fs = 0 .50 f y , 165 MPa (24,000 psi) maximum (9.7-25)
1.2 Wire reinforcement,
1.3 Ties, anchors and smooth bars,
2. Compressive stress.
2.1 Deformed bars in columns,
Fsc = 0 .40 f y , 165 MPa (24,000 psi) maximum (9.7-28)
2.2 Deformed bars in flexural members,
2.3 Deformed bars in shear walls which are confined by lateral ties throughout
the distance where compression reinforcement is required and where such
lateral ties are not less than 1/4 inch in diameter and spaced not farther
apart than 16 bar diameters or 48 tie diameters,
9.7.2.12 Lap splice increases. In regions of moment where the design tensile stresses in the
reinforcement are greater than 80 percent of the allowable steel tensile stress Fs, the lap length of
splices shall be increased not less than 50 percent of the minimum required length. Other
equivalent means of stress transfer to accomplish the same 50 percent increase may be used.
9.7.2.13 Reinforcement for columns. Columns shall be provided with reinforcement as

specified in this section.
9.7.2.13.1 Vertical reinforcement. The area of vertical reinforcement shall not be less than 0.005
Ae and not more than 0.04 Ae. At least four No. 3 bars shall be provided. The minimum clear
distance between parallel bars in columns shall be two and one half times the bar diameter.
9.7.2.14 Compression in walls and columns.
9.7.2.14.1 General. Stresses due to compressive forces in walls and columns shall be calculated
in accordance with Section 9.7.2.5.
9.7.2.14.2 Walls, bending or combined bending and axial loads. Stresses in walls due to
combined bending and axial loads shall satisfy the requirements of Section 9.7.2.7 where fa is
9-31
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
given by Formula (9.7-8). Walls subjected to bending with or without axial loads shall meet all
applicable requirements for flexural design.
The design of walls with an h'/t ratio larger than 30 shall be based on forces and moments
determined from an analysis of the structure. Such analysis shall consider the influence of axial
loads and variable moment of inertia on member stiffness and fixed-end moments, effect of
deflections on moments and forces and the effects of duration of loads.
9.7.2.15 Flexural design, rectangular flexural elements. Rectangular flexural elements shall be
designed in accordance with the following formulas or other methods based on the assumptions
given in Sections 9.7.1.4, 9.7.2.3 and this section.
1. Compressive stress in the masonry:
M ⎛ 2 ⎞
F b= ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ (9.7-31)
bd 2 ⎝ jk ⎠
2. Tensile stress in the longitudinal reinforcement:
M
Fs = (9.7-32)
As jd
3. Design coefficients:
k= ( nρ ) 2 +2 nρ − nρ (9.7-33)
1
k = f (9.7-34)
1+ nf
s
b
k
j = 1− (9.7-35)
3
9.7.2.16 Bond of flexural reinforcement. In flexural members in which tensile reinforcement is
parallel to the compressive face, the bond stress shall be computed by the formula:
V
u= (9.7-36)
∑o jd
9.7.2.17 Shear in flexural members and shear walls. The shear stress in flexural members and
shear walls shall be computed by:
V
fv = (9.7-37)
bjd
For members of T or I section, b' shall be substituted for b. Where fv as computed by Formula (9.7-
37) exceeds the allowable shear stress in masonry, Fv, web reinforcement shall be provided and
designed to carry the total shear force. Both vertical and horizontal shear stresses shall be
9-32
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
considered. The area required for shear reinforcement placed perpendicular to the longitudinal
reinforcement shall be computed by:
sV
Av= (9.7-38)
Fsd
Where web reinforcement is required, it shall be so spaced that every 45-degree line extending
from a point at d/2 of the beam to the longitudinal tension bars shall be crossed by at least one line
of web reinforcement.
9.7.3 Design of Unreinforced Masonry.
9.7.3.1 General. The requirements of this section govern masonry in which reinforcement is
not used to resist design forces and are in addition to the requirements of Sections 9.6 and 9.7.1.
9.7.3.2 Allowable axial compressive stress. The allowable axial compressive stress Fa is:
[
F a = 0 .25 f m′ 1 − (140h ′ r )
2
] for h ′ r ≤ 99 (9.7-39)
F a= 0.25 f m′ ( 70h ′r )2 for h ′ r > 99 (9.7-40)
9.7.3.3 Allowable flexural compressive stress. The allowable flexural compressive stress Fb is:
F b = 0 .33 f ′ m , 13.8 MPa (2000 psi) maximum (9.7-41)
9.7.3.4 Combined compressive stresses, unity formula.Elements subjected to combined axial

and flexural stresses shall be designed in accordance with accepted principles of mechanics or in
accordance with the Formula (9.7-42):
fa f
+ b ≤ 1 .0 (9.7-42)
Fa Fb
9.7.3.5 Allowable tensile stress. Resultant tensile stress due to combined bending and axial
load shall not exceed the allowable flexural tensile stress, Ft.
The allowable tensile stress for walls in flexure without tensile reinforcement using
portland cement and hydrated lime, or using mortar cement Type M or S mortar, shall not exceed
the values in Table 9.11.
Values in Table 9.11 for tension normal to head joints are for running bond; no
tension is allowed across head joints in stack bond masonry. These values shall not be used for
horizontal flexural members.
9.7.3.6 Allowable shear stress in flexural members. The allowable shear stress Fv in flexural
members is:
F v = 0 . 083 f m′ , 345 kPa maximum (9.7-43)

For FPS:
9-33
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
F v = 1 .0 f m′ , 50 psi maximum
Exception: For a distance of 1/16th the clear span beyond the point of inflection, the
maximum stress shall be 138 kPa (20 psi).
9.7.3.7 Allowable shear stress in shear walls. The allowable shear stress Fv in shear walls is
as follows:
1. Clay units Fv = 0.025 f 'm , 551 kPa maximum (9.7-44)
For FPS:
Fv = 0.3 f 'm , 80 psi maximum
2. Concrete units with Type M or S mortar, Fv = 234 kPa (34 psi) maximum.
3. Concrete units with Type N mortar, Fv = 158 kPa (23 psi) maximum.
4. The allowable shear stress in un-reinforced masonry may be increased by 0.2 fmd.
9.7.3.8 Allowable bearing stress. When a member bears on the full area of a masonry element,
the allowable bearing stress Fbr shall be:
F br = 0 .26 f ′ m (9.7-45)
When a member bears on one-third or less of a masonry element, the allowable bearing stress Fbr
shall be:
F br = 0 .38 f ′ m (9.7-46)
Formula (9.7-46) applies only when the least dimension between the edges of the loaded and
unloaded areas is a minimum of one fourth of the parallel side dimension of the loaded area. The
allowable bearing stress on a reasonably concentric area greater than one third but less than the full
area shall be interpolated between the values of Formulas (9.7-45) and (9.7-46).
9.7.3.9 Combined bending and axial loads, compressive stresses. Compressive stresses due to
combined bending and axial loads shall satisfy the requirements of Section 9.7.3.4.
9.7.3.10 Compression in walls and columns. Stresses due to compressive forces in walls and
columns shall be calculated in accordance with Section 9.7.2.5.
9.7.3.11 Flexural design. Stresses due to flexure shall not exceed the values given in Sections
9.7.1.2, 9.7.3.3 and 9.7.3.5, where:
Mc
fb = (9.7-47)
I
9.7.3.12 Shear in flexural members and shear walls. Shear calculations for flexural members
and shear walls shall be based on Formula (9.7-48).
V
fv = (9.7-48)
Ae
9-34
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
9.7.3.13 Corbels. The slope of corbelling (angle measured from the horizontal to the face of the
corbelled surface) of unreinforced masonry shall not be less than 60 degrees. The maximum
horizontal projection of corbelling from the plane of the wall shall be such that allowable stresses
are not exceeded.
9.7.3.14 Stack bond. Masonry units laid in stack bond shall have longitudinal reinforcement of
at least 0.00027 times the vertical cross-sectional area of the wall placed horizontally in the bed
joints or in bond beams spaced vertically not more than 1200 mm (48 inches) apart.
9.8 Strength Design of Masonry
9.8.1 General
9.8.1.1 General provisions. The design of hollow-unit clay and concrete masonry structures
using strength design shall comply with the provisions of Section 9.6 and this section.
Exception: Two-wythe solid-unit masonry may be used under Sections 9.8.2.1 and 9.8.2.4.
9.8.1.2 Special inspection during construction shall be provided as set forth in Section 6.1.5,
Item 7.
9.8.1.3 Required strength. The required strength shall be determined in accordance with the
factored load combinations of Section 5.12.2.
9.8.1.4 Design strength. Design strength is the nominal strength, multiplied by the strength-
reduction factor, Ф, as specified in this section. Masonry members shall be proportioned such that
the design strength exceeds the required strength.
9.8.1.4.1 Beams, piers and columns
9.8.1.4.1.1 Flexure. Flexure with or without axial load, the value of shall be determined from
Formula (9.8-1):
Pu
φ = 0.8 − (9.8-1)
Ae f ′ m
and 0.60 ≤ ≤ 0.80
9.8.1.4.1.2 Shear. Shear: = 0.60
9.8.1.4.2 Wall design for out-of-plane loads.
9.8.1.4.2.1 Walls with unfactored axial load of 0.04 f 'm or less. Flexure: = 0.80.
9.8.1.4.2.2 Walls with unfactored axial load greater than 0.04 f 'm. Axial load and axial load with
flexure: = 0.80. Shear: = 0.60.
9.8.1.4.3 Wall design for in-plane loads.
9.8.1.4.3.1 Axial load. Axial load and axial load with flexure: = 0.65. For walls with
symmetrical reinforcement in which fy does not exceed 413 MPa (60,000 psi), the value of may
be increased linearly to 0.85 as the value of Pn decreases from 0.10 f 'm Ae or 0.25 Pb to zero. For
solid grouted walls, the value of Pb may be calculated by Formula (9.8-2)
9-35
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
P b = 0.85 f m′ ba b (9.8-2)
Where:
ab=0.85d[emu/[emu+(fy/Es)] (9.8-3)
9.8.1.4.3.2 Shear. Shear: = 0.60. The value of may be 0.80 for any shear wall when its
nominal shear strength exceeds the shear corresponding to development of its nominal flexural
strength for the factored-load combination.
9.8.1.4.4 Moment-resisting wall frames.
9.8.1.4.4.1 Flexure with or without axial load. The value of shall be as determined from
Formula (9.8-4); however, the value of shall not be less than 0.65 nor greater than 0.85.
⎛ Pu ⎞
φ = 0.85 − 2⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ (9.8-4)
⎝ Ae f ′ m ⎠
9.8.1.4.4.2 Shear. Shear: = 0.80.
9.8.1.4.5 Anchor. Anchor: = 0.80.
9.8.1.4.6 Reinforcement.
9.8.1.4.6.1 Development. Development: = 0.80.
9.8.1.4.6.2 Splices. Splices: = 0.80.
9.8.1.5 Anchor bolts.
9.8.1.5.1 Required strength. The required strength of embedded anchor bolts shall be
determined from factored loads as specified in Section 9.8.1.3.
9.8.1.5.2 Nominal anchor bolt strength. The nominal strength of anchor bolts times the
strength-reduction factor shall equal or exceed the required strength. The nominal tensile capacity
of anchor bolts shall be determined from the lesser of Formula (9.8-5) or (9.8-6).
B m = 0.084 A p f ′m (9.8-5)
For FPS:
B m = 1 .0 A p f ′m
B m = 0 .4 A b f y (9.8-6)
The area Ap shall be the lesser of Formula (9.8-7) or (9.8-8) and where the projected areas of
adjacent anchor bolts overlap, the value of Ap of each anchor bolt shall be reduced by one half of
the overlapping area.
A p = π l b2 (9.8-7)
A p = π l be2 (9.8-8)
9-36
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
The nominal shear capacity of anchor bolts shall be determined from the lesser of Formula (9.8-9)
or (9.8-10).
B sn = 2750 4 f m′ A b (9.8-9)
For FPS:
Bsn = 900 4 f m′ A b
B sn = 0 . 25 A b f y (9.8-10)
Where the anchor bolt edge distance, lbe, in the direction of load is less than 12 bolt diameters, the
value of Bsn in Formula (9.8-9) shall be reduced by linear interpolation to zero at an lbe distance of
40 mm (1.5 inches). Where adjacent anchor bolts are spaced closer than 8db, the nominal shear
strength of the adjacent anchors determined by Formula (9.8-9) shall be reduced by linear
interpolation to 0.75 times the nominal shear strength at a center-to-center spacing of four bolt
diameters. Anchor bolts subjected to combined shear and tension shall be designed in accordance
with Formula (9.8-11).
b tu b su
+ ≤ 1 .0 (9.8-11)
ϕ B tn ϕ B sn
9.8.1.5.3 Anchor bolt placement. Anchor bolts shall be placed so as to meet the edge distance,
embedment depth and spacing requirements of Sections 9.6.2.14.2, 9.6.2.14.3 and 9.6.2.14.4.
9.8.2 Reinforced Masonry.
9.8.2.1 General.
9.8.2.1.1 Scope. The requirements of this section are in addition to the requirements of Sections
9.6 and 9.8.1 and govern masonry in which reinforcement is used to resist forces.
9.8.2.1.2 Design assumptions. The following assumptions apply:
Masonry carries no tensile stress greater than the modulus of rupture. Reinforcement is completely
surrounded by and bonded to masonry material so that they work together as a homogeneous
material.
Nominal strength of singly reinforced masonry wall cross sections for combined flexure and axial
load shall be based on applicable conditions of equilibrium and compatibility of strains. Strain in
reinforcement and masonry walls shall be assumed to be directly proportional to the distance from
the neutral axis.
Maximum usable strain, emu, at the extreme masonry compression fiber shall:
1. Be 0.003 for the design of beams, piers, columns and walls.

2. Not exceed 0.003 for moment-resisting wall frames, unless lateral reinforcement
as defined in Section 9.8.2.6.2.6 is utilized.
Strain in reinforcement and masonry shall be assumed to be directly proportional to the

distance from the neutral axis. Stress in reinforcement below specified yield strength fy for grade of
reinforcement used shall be taken as Es times steel strain.
9-37
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
For strains greater than that corresponding to fy, stress in reinforcement shall be considered
independent of strain and equal to fy. Tensile strength of masonry walls shall be neglected in
flexural calculations of strength, except when computing requirements for deflection. Relationship
between masonry compressive stress and masonry strain may be assumed to be rectangular as
defined by the following:
Masonry stress of 0.85 f 'm shall be assumed uniformly distributed over an equivalent
compression zone bounded by edges of the cross section and a straight line located parallel to the
neutral axis at a distance a = 0.85c from the fiber of maximum compressive strain. Distance c from
fiber of maximum strain to the neutral axis shall be measured in a direction perpendicular to that
axis.
9.8.2.2 Reinforcement requirements and details.
9.8.2.2.1 Maximum reinforcement. The maximum size of reinforcement shall be 288 mm

diameter(#9). The diameter of a bar shall not exceed one fourth the least dimension of a cell. No
more than two bars shall be placed in a cell of a wall or a wall frame.
9.8.2.2.2 Placement. The placement of reinforcement shall comply with the following:
In columns and piers, the clear distance between vertical reinforcing bars shall not be less than one
and one-half times the nominal bar diameter, nor less than 40 mm (1.5 inches).
9.8.2.2.3 Cover. All reinforcing bars shall be completely embedded in mortar or grout and shall
have a cover of not less than 40 mm (1.5 inches) nor less than 2.5 db.
9.8.2.2.4 Standard hooks. A standard hook shall be one of the following:
1. A 180-degree turn plus an extension of at least four bar diameters, but not less
than 63 mm (2.5 inches) at the free end of the bar.
2. A 135-degree turn plus an extension of at least six bar diameters at the free end of
the bar.
3. A 90-degree turn plus an extension of at least 12 bar diameters at the free end of
the bar.
9.8.2.2.5 Minimum bend diameter for reinforcing bars. Diameter of bend measured on the
inside of a bar other than for stirrups and ties in sizes 10 mm diameter (#3) through 16 mm
diameter (#5) shall not be less than the values in Table 9.7. Inside diameter of bends for stirrups
and ties shall not be less than 4db for 16 mm (#5) bars and smaller. For bars larger than 16mm (#5),
diameter of bend shall be in accordance with Table 9.7.
9.8.2.2.6 Development. The calculated tension or compression reinforcement shall be developed

in accordance with the following provisions:
The embedment length of reinforcement shall be determined by Formula (9.8-12).
ld = lde φ (9.8-12)
Where:
1 . 8 d b2f y
ld= ≤ 52 d b (9.8-13)
K f ′m
For FPS:
9-38
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
0 . 15 d b2f y
ld= ≤ 52 d b
K f ′m
K shall not exceed 3db. The minimum embedment length of reinforcement shall be 300 mm (12
inches).
9.8.2.2.7 Splices. Reinforcement splices shall comply with one of the following:
1. The minimum length of lap for bars shall be 300 mm (12 inches) or the length
determined by Formula (9.8-14).
ld = lde φ (9.8-14).
Bars spliced by non contact lap splices shall be spaced transversely a distance not
greater than one fifth the required length of lap or more than 200 mm (8 inches).
2. A welded splice shall have the bars butted and welded to develop in tension 125
percent of the yield strength of the bar, fy.
3. Mechanical splices shall have the bars connected to develop in tension or
compression, as required, at least 125 percent of the yield strength of the bar, fy.
9.8.2.3 Design of beams, piers and columns.
9.8.2.3.1 General. The requirements of this section are for the design of masonry beams, piers
and columns. The value of f 'm shall not be less than 10 MPa (1,500 psi). For computational
purposes, the value of f 'm shall not exceed 28 MPa (4,000 psi).
9.8.2.3.2 Design assumptions. Member design forces shall be based on an analysis which
considers the relative stiffness of structural members. The calculation of lateral stiffness shall
include the contribution of all beams, piers and columns. The effects of cracking on member
stiffness shall be considered. The drift ratio of piers and columns shall satisfy the limits specified
in Chapter 16 of UBC 97.
9.8.2.3.3 Balanced reinforcement ratio for compression limit state. Calculation of the balanced
reinforcement ratio, ρb, shall be based on the following assumptions:
1. The distribution of strain across the section shall be assumed to vary linearly from
the maximum usable strain, emu, at the extreme compression fiber of the element,
to a yield strain of fy/Es at the extreme tension fiber of the element.
2. Compression forces shall be in equilibrium with the sum of tension forces in the
reinforcement and the maximum axial load associated with a loading combination
1.0D + 1.0L + (1.4E or 1.3W).
3. The reinforcement shall be assumed to be uniformly distributed over the depth of
the element and the balanced reinforcement ratio shall be calculated as the area of
this reinforcement divided by the net area of the element.
4. All longitudinal reinforcement shall be included in calculating the balanced
reinforcement ratio except that the contribution of compression reinforcement to
resistance of compressive loads shall not be considered.
9.8.2.3.4 Required strength. Except as required by Sections 9.8.2.3.6 through 9.8.2.3.12, the
required strength shall be determined in accordance with Section 9.8.1.3.
9-39
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
9.8.2.3.5 Design strength. Design strength provided by beam, pier or column cross sections in
terms of axial force, shear and moment shall be computed as the nominal strength multiplied by
the applicable strength-reduction factor, , specified in Section 9.8.1.4.
9.8.2.3.6 Nominal strength.
9.8.2.3.6.1 Nominal axial and flexural strength. The nominal axial strength, Pn, and the nominal
flexural strength, Mn, of a cross section shall be determined in accordance with the design
assumptions of Section 9.8.2.1.2 and 9.8.2.3.2. The maximum nominal axial compressive strength
shall be determined in accordance with Formula (9.8-15).
[
P n = 0 . 80 0 . 85 f ′ m ( A e − A s ) + f yA s ] (9.8-15)
9.8.2.3.6.2 Nominal shear strength. The nominal shear strength shall be determined in accordance
with Formula (9.8-16).
Vn = Vm + Vs (9.8-16)
Where:
V m= 0.083C d Ae f ′ m , 63C d Ae maximum (9.8-17)
For FPS:
V m=C d Ae f ′m , 63C d Ae maximum
and
V s= A e ρ n f y (9.8-18)
1. The nominal shear strength shall not exceed the value given in Table 9.12.
2. The value of Vm shall be assumed to be zero within any region subjected to net
tension factored loads.
3. The value of Vm shall be assumed to be 172 kPa (25 psi) where Mu is greater than
0.7 Mn. The required moment, Mu, for seismic design for comparison with the 0.7
Mn value of this section shall be based on an R of 3.
9.8.2.3.7 Reinforcement.
1. Where transverse reinforcement is required, the maximum spacing shall not

exceed one half the depth of the member nor 1200 mm (48 inches).
2. Flexural reinforcement shall be uniformly distributed throughout the depth of the
element.
3. Flexural elements subjected to load reversals shall be symmetrically reinforced.
4. The nominal moment strength at any section along a member shall not be less than
one fourth of the maximum moment strength.
5. The flexural reinforcement ratio, ρ, shall not exceed 0.5 ρ b.
6. Lap splices shall comply with the provisions of Section 9.8.2.2.7.
7. Welded splices and mechanical splices which develop at least 125 percent of the
specified yield strength of a bar may be used for splicing the reinforcement. Not
more than two longitudinal bars shall be spliced at a section. The distance between
9-40
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
splices of adjacent bars shall be at least 750 mm (30 inches) along the longitudinal
axis.
8. Specified yield strength of reinforcement shall not exceed 413 MPa (60,000 psi).
The actual yield strength based on mill tests shall not exceed 1.3 times the
specified yield strength.
9.8.2.3.8 Seismic design provisions. The lateral seismic load resistance in any line or story level
shall be provided by shear walls or wall frames, or a combination of shear walls and wall frames.
Shear walls and wall frames shall provide at least 80 percent of the lateral stiffness in any line or
story level.
Exception: Where seismic loads are determined based on R not greater than 2 and where
all joints satisfy the provisions of Section 9.8.2.6.2.9, the piers may be used to provide
seismic load resistance.
9.8.2.3.9 Dimensional Limits. Dimensions shall be in accordance with the following:
1. Beams.
1.1 The nominal width of a beam shall not be less than 150 mm (6 inches).
1.2 The clear distance between locations of lateral bracing of the compression side of
the beam shall not exceed 32 times the least width of the compression area.
1.3 The nominal depth of a beam shall not be less than 200 mm (8 inches).
2. Piers.
2.1 The nominal width of a pier shall not be less 150 mm (6 inches) and shall not
exceed 400 mm (16 inches).
2.2 The distance between lateral supports of a pier shall not exceed 30 times the
nominal width of the piers except as provided for in Section 9.8.2.3.9, Item 2.3.
2.3 When the distance between lateral supports of a pier exceeds 30 times the nominal
width of the pier, the provisions of Section 9.8.2.4 shall be used for design.
2.4 The nominal length of a pier shall not be less than three times the nominal width
of the pier. The nominal length of a pier shall not be greater than six times the
nominal width of the pier. The clear height of a pier shall not exceed five times the
nominal length of the pier.
Exception: The length of a pier may be equal to the width of the pier when the
axial force at the location of maximum moment is less than 0.04 f 'm Ag.
3. Columns.
3.1 The nominal width of a column shall not be less than 300 mm (12 inches).
3.2 The distance between lateral supports of a column shall not exceed 30 times the
nominal width of the column.
3.3 The nominal length of a column shall not be less than 300 mm (12 inches) and not
greater than three times the nominal width of the column.
9.8.2.3.10 Beams.
9.8.2.3.10.1 Scope. Members designed primarily to resist flexure shall comply with the
requirements of this section. The factored axial compressive force on a beam shall not exceed 0.05
Ae f 'm.
9-41
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
9.8.2.3.10.2 Longitudinal reinforcement.
1. The variation in the longitudinal reinforcing bars shall not be greater than one bar
size. Not more than two bar sizes shall be used in a beam.
2. The nominal flexural strength of a beam shall not be less than 1.3 times the
nominal cracking moment strength of the beam. The modulus of rupture, fr, for
this calculation shall be assumed to be 1.6 MPa (235 psi).
9.8.2.3.10.3 Transverse reinforcement. Transverse reinforcement shall be provided where Vu

exceeds Vm. Required shear, Vu, shall include the effects of drift. The value of Vu shall be based on
ΔM. When transverse shear reinforcement is required, the following provisions shall apply:
1. Shear reinforcement shall be a single bar with a 180-degree hook at each end.
2. Shear reinforcement shall be hooked around the longitudinal reinforcement.
3. The minimum transverse shear reinforcement ratio shall be 0.0007.
4. The first transverse bar shall not be more than one fourth of the beam depth from
the end of the beam.
9.8.2.3.10.4 Construction. Beams shall be solid grouted.
9.8.2.3.11 Piers.
9.8.2.3.11.1 Scope. Piers proportioned to resist flexure and shear in conjunction with axial load
shall comply with the requirements of this section. The factored axial compression on the piers
shall not exceed 0.3 Ae f 'm.
9.8.2.3.11.2 Longitudinal reinforcement. A pier subjected to in-plane stress reversals shall be

longitudinally reinforced symmetrically on both sides of the neutral axis of the pier.
1. One bar shall be provided in the end cells.

2. The minimum longitudinal reinforcement ratio shall be 0.0007.
9.8.2.3.11.3 Transverse reinforcement. Transverse reinforcement shall be provided where Vu

exceeds Vm. Required shear, Vu, shall include the effects of drift. The value of Vu shall be based on
ΔM. When transverse shear reinforcement is required, the following provisions shall apply:
1. Shear reinforcement shall be hooked around the extreme longitudinal bars with a
180-degree hook. Alternatively, at wall intersections, transverse reinforcement
with a 90-degree standard hook around a vertical bar in the intersecting wall shall
be permitted.
2. The minimum transverse reinforcement ratio shall be 0.0015.
9.8.2.3.12 Columns.
9.8.2.3.12.1 Scope. Columns shall comply with the requirements of this section.
9.8.2.3.12.2 Longitudinal reinforcement. Longitudinal reinforcement shall be a minimum of

four bars, one in each corner of the column.
1. Maximum reinforcement area shall be 0.03 Ae.

2. Minimum reinforcement area shall be 0.005 Ae.
9.8.2.3.12.3 Lateral ties.
1. Lateral ties shall be provided in accordance with Section 9.6.3.6.
9-42
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
2. Minimum lateral reinforcement area shall be 0.0018 Ag.
9.8.2.3.12.4 Construction. Columns shall be solid grouted.
9.8.2.4 Wall design for out-of-plane loads
9.8.2.4.1 General. The requirements of this section are for the design of walls for out-of-
plane loads.
9.8.2.4.2 Maximum reinforcement. The reinforcement ratio shall not exceed 0.5ρb.
9.8.2.4.3 Moment and deflection calculations. All moment and deflection calculations in
Section 9.8.2.4 are based on simple support conditions top and bottom. Other support and fixity
conditions, moments and deflections shall be calculated using established principles of mechanics.
9.8.2.4.4 Walls with axial load of 0.04 f 'm or less. The procedures set forth in this section,
which consider the slenderness of walls by representing effects of axial forces and deflection in
calculation of moments, shall be used when the vertical load stress at the location of maximum
moment does not exceed 0.04 f 'm as computed by Formula (9.8-19). The value of f 'm shall not
exceed 41 MPa (6,000 psi).
P w +P f
≤ 0.04 f m′ (9.8-19)
Ag
Walls shall have a minimum nominal thickness of 150 mm (6 inches). Required moment
and axial force shall be determined at the mid height of the wall and shall be used for design. The
factored moment, Mu, at the mid height of the wall shall be determined by Formula (9.8-20).
wu h 2 e
M u= + Puf + P u Δ u (9.8-20)
8 2
Where:
Δu = deflection at midheight of wall due to factored loads
Pu = Puw + Puf (9.8-21)
The design strength for out-of-plane wall loading shall be determined by Formula (9.8-22).
Mu≤ Mn (9.8-22)
Where:
Mn = Ase fy (d – a/2) (9.8-23)
Ase = (As fy + Pu) / fy, effective area of steel (9.8-24)
a = (Pu + As fy) / 0.85 f 'm b, depth of stress block due to factored loads (9.8-25)
9.8.2.4.5 Wall with axial load greater than 0.04 f 'm. The procedures set forth in this section
shall be used for the design of masonry walls when the vertical load stresses at the location of
maximum moment exceed 0.04 f 'm but are less than 0.2 f 'm and the slenderness ratio h'/t does not
exceed 30. Design strength provided by the wall cross section in terms of axial force, shear and
moment shall be computed as the nominal strength multiplied by the applicable strength-reduction
9-43
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
factor, Ф, specified in Section 9.8.1.4. Walls shall be proportioned such that the design strength
exceeds the required strength. The nominal shear strength shall be determined by Formula (9.8-26).
V n= 0.166Amv f m′ (9.8-26)
For FPS:
V n= 2 Amv f m′
9.8.2.4.6 Deflection design. The mid height deflection, Δs, under service lateral and vertical loads
(without load factors) shall be limited by the relation:
Δ s = 0.007h (9.8-27)
P-Δ effects shall be included in deflection calculation. The mid height deflection shall be
computed with the following formula:
5M sh 2
Δs = for M ser≤M cr (9.8-28)
48E m I g
5M sh 2 5(M ser−M cr)h 2
Δs = + for M cr<M ser<M n (9.8-29)
48E m I g 48E m I cr
The cracking moment strength of the wall shall be determined from the formula:
Mcr = Sfr (9.8-30)
The modulus of rupture, fr, shall be as follows:
1. For fully grouted hollow-unit masonry,
f r= 0 . 33 f m′ , 1.6 MPa maximum (9.8-31)

For FPS:
f r= 4 . 0 f m′ , 235 psi maximum
2. For partially grouted hollow-unit masonry,
f r= 0 . 21 f m′ , 861 MPa maximum (9.8-32)

For FPS:
f r= 2 . 5 f m′ 125 psi maximum
3. For two-wythe brick masonry,
f r= 0 . 166 f m′ 861 MPa maximum (9.8-33)

For FPS:
f r= 2 . 0 f m′ 125 psi maximum
9-44
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
9.8.2.5 Wall design for in-plane loads.
9.8.2.5.1 General. The requirements of this section are for the design of walls for in-plane loads.
The value of f 'm shall not be less than 10 MPa (1,500 psi) nor greater than 28 MPa (4,000 psi).
9.8.2.5.2 Reinforcement. Reinforcement shall be in accordance with the following:
1. Minimum reinforcement shall be provided in accordance with Section 9.6.1.12.4,

Item 2.3, for all seismic areas using this method of analysis.
2. When the shear wall failure mode is in flexure, the nominal flexural strength of the
shear wall shall be at least 1.8 times the cracking moment strength of a fully
grouted wall or 3.0 times the cracking moment strength of a partially grouted wall
from Formula (9.8-30).
3. The amount of vertical reinforcement shall not be less than one half the horizontal
reinforcement.
4. Spacing of horizontal reinforcement within the region defined in Section 9.8.2.5.5,
Item 3, shall not exceed three times the nominal wall thickness nor 600 mm (24
inches).
9.8.2.5.3 Design strength. Design strength provided by the shear wall cross section in terms of
axial force, shear and moment shall be computed as the nominal strength multiplied by the
applicable strength-reduction factor, Ф, specified in Section 9.8.1.4.3.
9.8.2.5.4 Axial strength. The nominal axial strength of the shear wall supporting axial loads
only shall be calculated by Formula (9.8-34).
P n = 0 . 85 f m′ ( A e − A s ) + f yA (9.8-34)
Axial design strength provided by the shear wall cross section shall satisfy Formula (9.8-35).
P u ≤ 0 . 80 ϕ P o (9.8-35)
9.8.2.5.5 Shear strength. Shear strength shall be as follows:
1. The nominal shear strength shall be determined using either Item 2 or 3 below.
Maximum nominal shear strength values are determined from Table 9.12.
2. The nominal shear strength of the shear wall shall be determined from Formula
(9.8-36), except as provided in Item 3 below:
Vn = Vm + Vs (9.8-36)
Where:
V m= 0.083C d Ae f ′ m (9.8-37)
For FPS:
V m=C d Ae f ′ m
and
V s= Amv ρ n f y (9.8-38)
9-45
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
3. For a shear wall whose nominal shear strength exceeds the shear corresponding to
development of its nominal flexural strength, two shear regions exist. For all cross
sections within the region defined by the base of the shear wall and a plane at a
distance Lw above the base of the shear wall, the nominal shear strength shall be
determined from Formula (9.8-39).
V n= Amv ρ n f y (9.8-39)
The required shear strength for this region shall be calculated at a distance Lw/2
above the base of the shear wall, but not to exceed one half story height. For the
other region, the nominal shear strength of the shear wall shall be determined from
Formula (9.8-36).
9.8.2.5.6 Boundary members. Boundary members shall be as follows:
1. Boundary members shall be provided at the boundaries of shear walls when the
compressive strains in the wall exceed 0.0015. The strain shall be determined
using factored forces and R equal to 1.5.
2. The minimum length of the boundary member shall be three times the thickness of
the wall, but shall include all areas where the compressive strain per Section
9.8.2.6.2.7 is greater than 0.0015.
3. Lateral reinforcement shall be provided for the boundary elements. The lateral
reinforcement shall be a minimum of 10 mm (#3) bars at a maximum of 200 mm
(8-inch) spacing within the grouted core or equivalent confinement which can
develop an ultimate compressive masonry strain of at least 0.006.
9.8.2.6 Design of moment-resisting wall frame
9.8.2.6.1 General requirements.
9.8.2.6.1.1 Scope. The requirements of this section are for the design of fully grouted moment-
resisting wall frames constructed of reinforced open-end hollow-unit concrete or hollow-unit clay
masonry.
9.8.2.6.1.2 Dimensional limits. Dimensions shall be in accordance with the following.
Beams. Clear span for the beam shall not be less than two times its depth. The nominal depth of
the beam shall not be less than two units or 400 mm (16 inches), whichever is greater. The nominal
beam depth to nominal beam width ratio shall not exceed 6. The nominal width of the beam shall
be the greater of 200 mm (8-inch) or 1/26 of the clear span between pier faces.
Piers. The nominal depth of piers shall not exceed 2400 mm (96 inches). Nominal depth shall not
be less than two full units or 800 mm (32 inches), whichever is greater. The nominal width of piers
shall not be less than the nominal width of the beam, nor less than 200 mm (8-inch)or 1/14 of the
clear height between beam faces, whichever is greater. The clear height-to-depth ratio of piers
shall not exceed 5.
9.8.2.6.1.3 Analysis. Member design forces shall be based on an analysis which considers the
relative stiffness of pier and beam members, including the stiffening influence of joints. The
calculation of beam moment capacity for the determination of pier design shall include any
contribution of floor slab reinforcement. The out-of-plane drift ratio of all piers shall satisfy the
drift ratio limits specified in Section 5.30.10.2.
9.8.2.6.2 Design procedure.
9-46
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
9.8.2.6.2.1 Required strength. Except as required by Sections 9.8.2.6.2.7 and 9.8.2.6.2.8, the
required strength shall be determined in accordance with Section 9.8.1.3.
9.8.2.6.2.2 Design strength. Design strength provided by frame member cross sections in terms of
axial force, shear and moment shall be computed as the nominal strength multiplied by the
applicable strength-reduction factor, , specified in Section 9.8.1.4.4. Members shall be
proportioned such that the design strength exceeds the required strength.
9.8.2.6.2.3 Design assumptions for nominal strength. The nominal strength of member cross
sections shall be based on assumptions prescribed in Section 9.8.2.1.2.
The value of f 'm shall not be less than 10 MPa (1,500 psi) or greater than 28 MPa
(4,000 psi).
9.8.2.6.2.4 Reinforcement. The nominal moment strength at any section along a member shall not
be less than one fourth of the higher moment strength provided at the two ends of the member. Lap
splices shall be as defined in Section 9.8.2.2.7. The center of the lap splice shall be at the center of
the member clear length. Welded splices and mechanical connections may be used for splicing the
reinforcement at any section provided not more than alternate longitudinal bars are spliced at a
section, and the distance between splices of alternate bars is at least 610 mm (24 inches) along the
longitudinal axis.
Reinforcement shall not have a specified yield strength greater than 413 MPa (60,000
psi). The actual yield strength based on mill tests shall not exceed the specified yield strength
times 1.3.
9.8.2.6.2.5 Flexural members (beams). Requirements of this section apply to beams proportioned
primarily to resist flexure as follows:
The axial compressive force on beams due to factored loads shall not exceed 0.10 An f 'm.
1. Longitudinal reinforcement. At any section of a beam, each masonry unit through the
beam depth shall contain longitudinal reinforcement.
The variation in the longitudinal reinforcement area between units at any section shall not
be greater than 50 percent, except multiple 12 mm diameter (#4) bars shall not be greater than 100
percent of the minimum area of longitudinal reinforcement contained by any one unit, except
where splices occur.
Minimum reinforcement ratio calculated over the gross cross section shall be 0.002.
Maximum reinforcement ratio calculated over the gross cross section shall be 0.15 f 'm / fy.
2. Transverse reinforcement. Transverse reinforcement shall be hooked around top and

bottom longitudinal bars with a standard 180-degree hook, as defined in Section 9.8.2.2.4, and
shall be single pieces. Within an end region extending one beam depth from pier faces and at any
region at which beam flexural yielding may occur during seismic or wind loading, maximum
spacing of transverse reinforcement shall not exceed one fourth the nominal depth of the beam.
The maximum spacing of transverse reinforcement shall not exceed one half the nominal
depth of the beam. Minimum reinforcement ratio shall be 0.0015. The first transverse bar shall not
be more than 100 mm (4 inches) from the face of the pier.
9-47
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
9.8.2.6.2.6 Members subjected to axial force and flexure. The requirements set forth in this
subsection apply to piers proportioned to resist flexure in conjunction with axial loads.
1. Longitudinal reinforcement. A minimum of four longitudinal bars shall be provided at all

sections of every pier.
Flexural reinforcement shall be distributed across the member depth. Variation in reinforcement
area between reinforced cells shall not exceed 50 percent.
Minimum reinforcement ratio calculated over the gross cross section shall be 0.002.
Maximum reinforcement ratio calculated over the gross cross section shall be 0.15 f 'm / fy.
Maximum bar diameter shall be one eighth nominal width of the pier.
2. Transverse reinforcement. Transverse reinforcement shall be hooked around the extreme

longitudinal bars with standard 180-degree hook as defined in Section 9.8.2.2.4.
Within an end region extending one pier depth from the end of the beam, and at any region
at which flexural yielding may occur during seismic or wind loading, the maximum spacing of
transverse reinforcement shall not exceed one fourth the nominal depth of the pier.
The maximum spacing of transverse reinforcement shall not exceed one half the nominal
depth of the pier. The minimum transverse reinforcement ratio shall be 0.0015.
3. Lateral reinforcement. Lateral reinforcement shall be provided to confine the grouted core
when compressive strains due to axial and bending forces exceed 0.0015, corresponding to
factored forces with Rw equal to 1.5. The unconfined portion of the cross section with strain
exceeding 0.0015 shall be neglected in computing the nominal strength of the section.
The total cross-sectional area of rectangular tie reinforcement for the confined core shall
not be less than:
Ash = 0.09shc f 'm / fyh (9.8-40)
Alternatively, equivalent confinement which can develop an ultimate compressive strain of at least
0.006 may be substituted for rectangular tie reinforcement.
9.8.2.6.2.7 Pier design forces. Pier nominal moment strength shall not be less than 1.6 times the
pier moment corresponding to the development of beam plastic hinges, except at the foundation
level. Pier axial load based on the development of beam plastic hinges in accordance with the
paragraph above and including factored dead and live loads shall not exceed 0.15 An f 'm. The drift
ratio of piers shall satisfy the limits specified in Chapter 5.
The effects of cracking on member stiffness shall be considered. The base plastic hinge of
the pier must form immediately adjacent to the level of lateral support provided at the base or
foundation.
9.8.2.6.2.8 Shear design
1. General. Beam and pier nominal shear strength shall not be less than 1.4 times the shears
corresponding to the development of beam flexural yielding. It shall be assumed in the calculation
of member shear force that moments of opposite sign act at the joint faces and that the member is
loaded with the tributary gravity load along its span.
9-48
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
2. Vertical member shear strength. The nominal shear strength shall be determined from
Formula (9.8-41):
Vn = Vm + Vs (9.8-41)
Where:
V m= 0.083C d Amv f ′ m (9.8-42)

For FPS:
V m=C d Amv f ′ m
and
V s= Amv ρ n f y (9.8-43)
The value of Vm shall be zero within an end region extending one pier depth from beam faces and
at any region where pier flexural yielding may occur during seismic loading, and at piers subjected
to net tension factored loads. The nominal pier shear strength Vn, shall not exceed the value
determined from Table 9.12.
3. Beam shear strength. The nominal shear strength shall be determined from Formula (9.8-
44),
Where:
V m= 0.01Amv f ′ m (9.8-44)
For FPS:
V m= 1.2 Amv f ′ m
The value of Vm shall be zero within an end region extending one beam depth from pier faces and
at any region at which beam flexural yielding may occur during seismic loading.
The nominal beam shear strength Vn, shall be determined from Formula (9.8-45).
V n≤ 0.33Amv f ′ m (9.8-45)
For FPS:
V n≤ 4 Amv f ′ m
9.8.2.6.2.9 Joints.
1. General requirements. Where reinforcing bars extend through a joint, the joint dimensions
shall be proportioned such that
d bb
h p > 400 (9.8-46)
f ′g
For FPS:
9-49
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
d bb
h p > 4800 and
f ′g
d bp
h b > 150 (9.8-47)
f ′g
For FPS:
d bp
h b >1800
f ′g
The grout strength shall not exceed 35 MPa (5,000 psi) for the purposes of Formulas (9.8-46) and
(9.8-47). Joint shear forces shall be calculated on the assumption that the stress in all flexural
tension reinforcement of the beams at the pier faces is 1.4 fy. Strength of joint shall be governed by
the appropriate strength reduction factors specified in Section 9.8.1.4.4.
Beam longitudinal reinforcement terminating in a pier shall be extended to the far face of
the pier and anchored by a standard 90- or 180-degree hook, as defined in Section 9.8.2.2.4, bent
back to the beam. Pier longitudinal reinforcement terminating in a beam shall be extended to the
far face of the beam and anchored by a standard 90- or 180-degree hook, as defined in Section
9.8.2.2.4, bent back to the beam.
2. Transverse reinforcement. Special horizontal joint shear reinforcement crossing a potential

corner-to-corner diagonal joint shear crack, and anchored by standard hooks, as defined in Section
9.8.2.2.4, around the extreme pier reinforcing bars shall be provided such that
Ajh = 0.5 Vjh / fy (9.8-48)
Vertical shear forces may be considered to be carried by a combination of masonry shear-resisting

mechanisms and truss mechanisms involving intermediate pier reinforcing bars.
3. Shear strength. The nominal horizontal shear strength of the joint shall not exceed
0.58 f ′ m (For FPS: 7 f ′ m ) or 2.4MPa (350 psi), whichever is less.
9.9 Empirical Design
9.9.1 Scope
Simple residential buildings having no vertical or horizontal irregularities as defined in Table 5.11
and 5.12 may be designed according to provisions of this section provided that
9-50
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
9.9.1.1 The plan shape is rectangular having the length of the building not exceeding four times its
width. In cases where longer building is required, provide seismic isolation joint to maintain
specified length to width ratio.
9.9.1.2 The walls of the building shall be continuous from the foundations to the top of the
building with the inter-storey height not exceeding 3m (10 ft).
9.9.1.3 A minimum of two parallel shear walls should be placed in each orthogonal direction. The
walls to be categorized as shear walls shall have a minimum thickness of 200 mm (8”). The height
to thickness ratio (h/t) and length to height ratio l/h shall conform to values given in Table No.
9.14.
9.9.1.4 At least 75 % of the vertical loads should be supported by the shear walls.
9.9.1.5 In each of the two directions, shear walls should be placed with a spacing not exceeding:
i. 6.75 m (22 ft) for masonry buildings with seismic
bands
ii. 7.5 m (25 ft) for Confined Masonry buildings
iii. 9.0 m (30 ft) for Reinforced masonry buildings
9.9.1.6 For each storey, the ratio of the total cross-sectional area of shear walls in horizontal plane
of the walls to the total floor area, should not be less than the values indicated in the Table 9.15 for
each of the two orthogonal directions.
9.9.1.7 For each storey it should be verified that:
σ = N / A ≤ 0.15 f'm
where:
N is the total vertical load at the base of the
considered wall.
A is the total area of the load-bearing walls (for
vertical loads) of the same floor.
f'm is the compressive strength in vertical direction of the masonry.
9.9.1.8 Masonry bearing walls built in mortar, as specified in 9.9.2.2 unless rationally designed as
reinforced masonry shall not be built of greater height than 15 m (50 ft.) subject to a maximum of
four storeys when measured from the mean ground level to the roof slab or ridge level. The
masonry bearing walls shall be strengthened to ensure seismic resistance in accordance with
section 9.9.3, 9.9.4 or 9.9.5.
9.9.1.9 The bearing walls in both directions shall be straight and symmetrical in plan as far as
possible.
9.9.1.10 Openings in the Bearing Walls
a) Door and window openings shall be as per guidelines given in Table 9.16 and Figure 9.1.
b) Openings in any storey shall have their top at the same level so that a continuous Band
could be provided over them, including the lintels throughout the building.
9-51
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
c) Where openings do not comply with the guidelines of Table 9.16, they should be
strengthened by providing reinforced concrete or reinforcing the brickwork, as shown in Figure 9.2
with Grade 60 deformed steel bars of 8mm diameter (# 3) and the quantity in accordance with
9.9.3.10.
d) If a window or ventilator is to be projected out, the projection shall be in reinforced

masonry or concrete and well anchored.
e) If an opening is tall from bottom to almost top of a storey, thus dividing the wall into two
portions, these portions shall be reinforced with horizontal reinforcement of at least 6mm diameter
bars at not more then 450 mm (18 in.) intervals, one on inner and one on outer face, properly tied
to vertical steel at jambs, corners or junction of walls, where used.
f) The use of arches to span over the openings is a source of weakness and shall be avoided.
Otherwise, steel or reinforced concrete ties should be provided.
9.9.2 Materials
9.9.2.1 Masonry Units
The compressive strength of masonry units shall not be less than 8.25 MPa (1200 psi) for solid
clay bricks and 11.75 MPa (1700 psi) for solid/hollow concrete blocks.
9.9.2.2 Mortar
The compressive strength of mortar shall not be less than 5.5 MPa (800 psi) and not greater than
75% of the compressive strength of masonry unit. The material strengths as specified in sections
9.9.2.1 and 9.9.2.2 may be relaxed by 20% in seismic Zone 1.
9.9.2.3 Where steel reinforcing bars are provided in masonry, the bars shall be embedded in
cement sand mortar with minimum clear cover of 15 mm (0.6 in) or bar diameter whichever more.
9.9.3 Masonry with Seismic Bands
9.9.3.1 Masonry with seismic bands shall be designed by the methods, as specified and
detailed in subsequent clauses. Figures 9.3 and 9.4 show, schematically, the overall strengthening
arrangements to be adopted for Seismic Zone 3 & 4 comprising horizontal bands of reinforcement
at critical levels and vertical reinforcing bars at corners, junctions of walls and jambs of opening.
The strengthening requirements are listed in Table 9.17.
9.9.3.2 Lintel band is a band provided at lintel level on all load bearing internal, external
longitudinal and cross walls. The specifications of the band are given in 9.9.3.5.
Note: Lintel band if provided in panel or partition walls also will improve their stability
during severe earthquake
9.9.3.3 Roof band is a band provided immediately below the roof or floors. The specifications
of the band are given in 9.9.3.5. Such a band need not be provided underneath reinforced concrete
or brick–work slabs resting on bearing walls, provided that the slabs are continuous over the
intermediate wall up to the expansion joints, if any, and cover the width of end walls, fully or at
least ¾ of the wall thickness.
9.9.3.4 Gable band is a band provided at the top of gable masonry below the purlins. The
specifications of the band are given in 9.9.3.5. This band shall be made continuous with the roof
band at the eaves level.
9-52
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
9.9.3.5 Section and Reinforcement of Band
The band shall be made of reinforced concrete having a minimum compressive cylinder strength of
17 MPa (2500 psi) at 28 days. The bands shall be of the full width of the wall, not less than 75 mm
(3 in.) in depth and reinforced with steel, as indicated in Table 9.18.
If the height of the gable exceeds 1200 mm (4 ft), vertical concrete element/elements shall be
provided with a minimum width of 150 mm (6 in.). One element at the center and others
symmetrically placed on both sides of the central element spaced not more than 8 ft shall be
provided. The element shall be reinforced with a minimum longitudinal steel area of 1.0% of the
gross area of the cross-section, or 260 mm2 (0.40 in2), whichever is greater. The stirrups shall be at
least 6.4 mm (¼ in.) in diameter and spaced at not more than 150 mm (6 in.).
Note: a) In coastal areas, the concrete shall have a minimum compressive cylinder
strength of 21 MPa (3000 psi) at 28 days.
b) For full integrity of walls at corners and junctions and effective horizontal
bending resistance of bands, continuity of reinforcement is essential. The details as
shown in Figure 9.5 are recommended.
9.9.3.6 Plinth band is a band provided at plinth level on top of the foundation wall. This is to
be provided where strip footings of masonry (other than reinforced concrete or reinforced
masonry) are used and the soil is either soft or uneven in its properties, as frequently happens in
hill areas. Where used, its section may be kept same as in 9.9.3.5.
9.9.3.7 In seismic Zone 3 and 4, steel dowel bars shall be used at corners and T-junctions of walls
at the sill level of windows for a length of 900 mm (3 ft) from the inside corner in each wall. Such
dowels may be in the form of U stirrups of 8 mm diameter (# 3). Where used, such bars shall have
a minimum cover of 10 mm (0.4 in.) on all sides to minimize corrosion.
9.9.3.8 Vertical Reinforcement
Vertical steel at corners and junctions of walls, which are up to 340 mm (1.5 brick) thick, shall be
provided as specified in Table 9.19. For walls thicker than 340 mm, the area of the bars shall be
proportionately increased. No vertical steel need be provided in Seismic Zone 1 and 2A.
9.9.3.9 The vertical reinforcement shall be properly embedded in foundations and roof slab or
roof band so as to develop its tensile strength in bond. It shall be passing through the lintel bands
and floor level bands in all storeys. Bars in different storeys shall suitably lapped.
Note: Typical details of providing vertical steel in brickwork masonry with rectangular
solid units at corners and T-junctions are shown in Figure 9.6.
9.9.3.10 Vertical reinforcement at jambs of window and door openings shall be provided as per
Table 9.19. It may start from foundation and terminate in lintel band, in case of window openings
with sill bands, the reinforcement may start from sill level.
9.9.4 Confined Masonry
9.9.4.1 For buildings not having reinforced concrete floors/roof, horizontal reinforced concrete
beams shall be placed over all walls at every floor level. These beams shall form
continuous bonding elements physically connected to each other.
9-53
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
9.9.4.2 The beam mentioned in section 9.9.4.1 shall have a minimum depth of 225 mm (9 in.) and
shall be reinforced with a minimum longitudinal steel area of 1.0% of the gross area of the
cross-section, or 515 mm2 (0.8 in2), whichever is greater. The stirrups shall be at least 6
mm (1/4 in.) in diameter and spaced at not more than 115 mm (4½ in).
9.9.4.3 All masonry walls of the building shall be connected at the lintel level by a continuous
reinforced concrete beam. The beam shall have a minimum depth of 150 mm (6 in). and
shall be reinforced with a minimum longitudinal steel area of 1.0% of the gross area of the
cross-section, or 258 mm2 (0.40 in2), whichever is greater. The stirrups shall be at least 6
mm (¼ in). in diameter and spaced at not more than 150 mm (6 in.). Such beams need not
to be provided in buildings located in Zone 1. However, the minimum bearing length of
lintels shall be at least 229 mm (9 in.) on each end.
9.9.4.4 Concrete beam shall also be provided over the gable walls with a minimum depth of 225
mm (9 in). The beam shall be reinforced with a minimum longitudinal steel area of 1.0%
of the gross area of the cross-section, or 515 mm2 (0.8 in2), whichever is greater. The
stirrups shall be at least 6 mm (¼ in.) in diameter and spaced at not more than 150 mm
(6 in.).
9.9.4.5 If the height of the gable exceeds 1200 mm (4 ft), vertical concrete element/elements shall
be provided with a minimum width of 150 mm (6 in.). One element at the center and
others symmetrically placed on both sides of the central element spaced not more than 8 ft
shall be provided. The element shall be reinforced with a minimum longitudinal steel area
of 1.0% of the gross area of the cross-section, or 258 mm2 (0.40 in2) whichever is greater.
The stirrups shall be at least 6 mm (¼ in.) in diameter and spaced at not more than 150
mm (6 in.).
9.9.4.6 Masonry walls shall be tied to the vertical confining elements(refer 9.9.4.9) by providing
horizontal reinforcement 2–6 mm (2 - ¼ in.) diameter bars spaced at a maximum spacing
of 600 mm (24 in.). These bars should be properly anchored with ties of vertical confining
elements and shall also be extended in to the wall up to a distance of 1200 mm (2 ft.).
9.9.4.7 In order to obtain an effective bond between the confining elements and the masonry, the
concrete of the confining elements shall be cast after the masonry has been built with
proper toothing in place.
9.9.4.8 The cross-sectional dimensions of both horizontal and vertical confining elements shall
not be less than 150 mm (6 in.).
9.9.4.9 Vertical confining elements shall be placed

i. At the free edges of each structural wall element;
ii. At both sides of any wall opening with an area of more than:
a) 1.40 m2 (15 ft2) for Zone 3 and 4,
b) 1.86 m2 (20 ft2) for Zone 2 and
c) 2.32 m2 (25ft2) for Zone 1
iii. Within the wall if necessary in order not to exceed a spacing of 4.5 m
(15 ft) between the confining elements;
iv. At the intersections of structural walls, wherever the confining
elements imposed by the above provisions are at a distance larger
than 1.5 m (5 ft) for Zones 2, 3, and 4 and 2 m (7 ft) for Zone 1.
9.9.4.10 Horizontal confining elements shall be placed in the plane of the wall at every floor level
and in any case with a vertical spacing of not more than 3 m (10 ft.).
9-54
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
9.9.4.11 The longitudinal reinforcement of vertical confining elements shall not have a cross-
sectional area less than 258 mm2 (0.4 in2), nor more than 1% of the cross-sectional area of the
confining element. Stirrups not less than 6.4 mm (¼ in.) in diameter and spaced not more than 150
mm (6 in.) shall be provided around the longitudinal reinforcement.
9.9.4.12 Lap splices shall not be less than 60 bar diameters in length.
9.9.5 Reinforced masonry
In addition to requirements of 9.9.4.1 to 9.9.4.4, the reinforced masonry shall also comply with the
following requirements.
9.9.5.1 Horizontal reinforcement shall be placed in the bed joints or in suitable grooves in the
units, with a vertical spacing not exceeding 600 mm (24 in.).
9.9.5.2 Vertical reinforcement shall be located in pockets, cavities or holes in the masonry walls
or units with a horizontal spacing not exceeding two times the thickness of wall nor 900 mm (36
in).
9.9.5.3 The horizontal and vertical reinforcement spread in the walls, as a percentage of the gross
area of the section of the wall taken perpendicular to the reinforcement shall be at least 0.12% and
0.08% respectively.
9.9.5.4 Vertical reinforcements with a cross-sectional area of not less than 129 mm2 (0.2 in2) shall
be arranged:
i. Within 300 mm (12 in) from the free edge of the wall element;
ii. At every wall intersection;
iii. Within 305 mm (12 in) from free edge on all sides of the
openings having smaller dimension greater than 457 mm (18 in.).
9.9.5.5 Lap splices shall not be less than 60 bar diameters in length.
9-55
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
Tables 9.1 – Mortar Proportions for Unit Masonry

Proportions by Volume (Cementitious Materials) Aggregate
Portland Cement Masonry Mortar Hydrated Lime Measured in a
or Blended Cement1 Cement2 or Lime Damp, Loose
Mortar Type Cement M S N M S N Putty Condition
Cement-lime M 1 - - - - - - ¼
S 1 - - - - - - Over ¼ to ½
N 1 - - - - - - Over ½ to ¼
O 1 - - - - - - Over 1¼ to 2½
Mortar M 1 - - - - - 1 - Not less than 2 ¼ and
Cement M - - - - 1 - - - not more than 3 times
S ½ - - - - - 1 - the sum of the separate
S - - - - - 1 - - volumes of cementitious
N - - - - - - 1 - materials.
Masonry M 1 - - 1 - - - -
Cement M - 1 - - - - - -
S ½ - - 1 - - - -
S - - 1 - - - - -
N - - - 1 - - - -
O - - - 1 - - - -
1
Masonry cement conforming to the requirements of UBC Standard 21-11.
2
Mortar cement conforming to the requirements of UBC Standard 21-14.
Table 9.2 – Grout Proportions by Volume1

Aggregate Measured in a Damp, Loose
Parts by Volume of Parts by Volume Condition
Portland Cement or of Hydrated Lime
Type Blended Cement or Lime Putty Fine Coarse
1 0 to 1/10 2 ¼ to 3 times the sum of
Fine the volumes of the
grout cementitious materials
1 0 to 1/10 2 ¼ to 3 times the sum of 1 to 2 time the sum of the
Coarse the volumes of the volumes of the
grout cementitious materials cementitious materials
1
Grout shall attain a minimum compressive strength at 28 days of 2,000 psi (13.8 MPa). The building official may require a
compressive field strength test of grout made in accordance with UBC standard 9.18.
Table 9.3 – Grouting limitations

Minimum Dimensions of the Total Clear Areas
within Grout Spaces and Cells2,3
Grout Type Grout Pour Maximum Height x25 for mm
(feet)1
304.8 for mm Multiwythe Masonry Hollow-unit Masonry
Fine 1 ¾ 1½x2
Fine 5 1½ 1½x2
Fine 8 1½ 1½x3
Fine 12 1½ 1¾x3
Fine 24 2 3x3
Coarse 1 1½ 1½x3
Coarse 5 2 2½x3
Coarse 8 2 3x3
Coarse 12 2½ 3x3
Coarse 24 3 3x4
1
See also Section 9.4.11.
2
The actual grout space or grout cell dimensions must be larger than the sum of the following items: (1) The required minimum
dimensions of total clear areas in Table 9.3 (2) The width of any mortar projections within the space; and (3) The horizontal
projections of the diameters of the horizontal reinforcing bars within a cross section of the grout space or cell.
3
The minimum dimensions of total clear areas shall be made up of one or more open areas, with at least one area being 20 mm (¾
inch) or greater in width.
9-56
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
Table 9.4 – Specified Compressive Strength of Masonry, f'm (MPa) Based on Specifying
the Compressive Strength of Masonry Units
Specified Compressive Strength of Masonry, f'm
Compressive Strength of Clay Type M or S Mortar3 Type N Mortar3
1,2
Masonry Units (MPa) (MPa)
(MPa)
x 145 for psi
96 or more 36 30
83 32 26
69 28 23
55 23 19
41 19 15
28 14 11
Compressive Strength of Concrete Specified Compressive Strength of Masonry, f'm
Masonry Units2,4 Type M or S Mortar 3
Type N Mortar3
(psi) (psi) (psi)
x 6.89 for kPa
33 or more 21 19
26 17 16
19 14 13
13 10 9
9 7 7
1
Compressive strength of solid clay masonry units is based on gross area. Compressive strength of hollow clay masonry units is based
on minimum net area. Values may be interpolated. When hollow clay masonry units are grouted, the grout shall conform to the
proportions in Table 9.2.
2
Assumed assemblage. The specified compressive strength of masonry f'm is based on gross area strength when using solid units or
solid grouted masonry and net area strength when using ungrouted hollow units.
3
Mortar for unit masonry, proportion specification, as specified in Table 9.1. These values apply to Portland cement-lime mortars
without added air-entraining materials.
4
Values may be interpolated. In grouted concrete masonry, the compressive strength of grout shall be equal to or greater than the
compressive strength of the concrete masonry units.
Table 9.5-1 – Allowable Tension, Bt, for Embedded Anchor

Bolts for Clay and Concrete Masonry, Newton1,2,3
Embedment Length lb, or Edge Distance, lbe (mm))
f'm
50 75 100 125 150 200 250
(kPa)
x 0.145 for x 0.04 for inches
psi x 0.225 for pounds
10,335 1,065 2,445 4,315 6,760 9,745 17,310 27,055
12,400 1,200 2,670 4,760 7,430 10,680 18,955 29,635
13780 1,250 2,800 4,980 7,830 11,210 20,025 31,240
17,225 1,380 3,160 5,605 8,720 12,590 22,380 34,930
20,670 1,515 3,425 6,140 9,565 13,795 24,520 38270
27,560 1,780 3,960 7,075 11,035 15,930 28,300 44185
34,450 1,955 4,450 7,920 12,370 17,800 31,640 49395
41,430 2,135 4,850 8,675 13,525 19,490 34,665 54290
1
The allowable tension values in Table 9.5-1 are based on compressive strength of masonry assemblages. Where yield strength of
anchor bolt steel governs, the allowable tension in pounds is given in Table 9.5-2.
2
Values are for bolts of at least A 307 quality. Bolts shall be those specified in Section 9.6.2.14.1.
3
Values shown are for work with or without special inspection.
Table 9.5-2 – Allowable Tension, Bt, for Embedded Anchor

Bolts for Clay and Concrete Masonry, Newtons1,2
Anchor Bolt Diameter (mm)
x 0.04 for inches
6 10 12 16 20 22 25 28
x 0.225 for pounds
1,555 3,515 6,275 9,835 14,150 19,265 25,140 31,860
1
Values are for bolts of at least A 307 quality. Bolts shall be those specified in Section 9.6.2.14.1.
2
9-57
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
Table 9.6 – Allowable shear, Bv, for Embedded Anchor

Bolts for Clay and Concrete Masonry, Newton1,2
Anchor Bolt Diameter (mm)
fm x 0.04 for inches
(kPa) 10 12 16 20 22 25 28
x 0.225 for pounds
10,335 2,135 3,780 5,915 7,920 8,540 9,120 9,655
12,400 2,135 3,780 5,915 8,275 8,940 9,565 10,145
13780 2,135 3,,780 5,915 8,455 9,165 9,790 10,410
17,225 2,135 3,780 5,915 8,455 9,700 10,365 10,990
20,670 2,135 3,780 5,915 8,455 10,145 10,855 11,525
27,560 2,135 3,780 5,915 8,455 10,900 11,660 12,370
34,450 2,135 3,780 5,915 8,455 11,525 12,325 13,080
41,430 2,135 3,780 5,915 8,455 11,570 12,905 13,705
1
Value are for bolts of at least A 307 quality. Bolts shall be those specified in Section 9.6.2.14.1.
2
Table 9.7 – Minimum Diameters of Bend

Bar Size Minimum Diameter
No. 3 through No. 8 6 bar diameters
No. 9 through no. 11 8 bar diameters
Table 9.8 – Radius of Gyration1 for Concrete Masonry Units2

Nominal Width of Wall (mm)
Grout Spacing x 0.04 for inches
(mm)
x 0.04 for inches 100 150 200 250 300
Solid grouted 26 40 55 69 84
400 29 45 61 76 92
600 30 47 63 79 96
800 31 48 65 81 98
1000 31 48 66 83 99
1200 32 49 67 83 101
1400 32 49 67 84 101
1600 32 50 68 85 102
1800 33 50 68 85 103
No grout 33 52 71 89 107
1
For single-wythe masonry or for an individual wyhte of a cavity wall.
2
The radius of gyration shall be based on the specified dimensions of the masonry units or shall be in accordance with the values
shown which are based on the minimum dimensions of hollow concrete masonry unit face shells and webs in accordance with UBC
Standard 21-4 for two cell units.
Table 9.9 – Radius of Gyration1 for Clay Masonry unit length, 400 mm2
(mm)
x 0.04 for inches 100 150 200 250 300
Solid grouted 26.5 41 56 70 85
400 29 45 61 76 91
600 30 46 63 78 94
800 31 47 64 80 96
1000 31 48 65 81 98
1200 32 48 65 82 98
1400 32 49 66 82 99
1600 32 49 66 83 99
1800 32 49 66 83 100
No grout 33 51 69 86 103
9-58
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
1
For single-wythe masonry or for an individual wythe of a cavity wall.
r = I Ae
2
shown which are based on the minimum dimensions of hollow concrete masonry face shells and webs in accordance with UBC
Table 9.10 – Radius of Gyration1 for Clay Masonry unit length, 300 mm2
(mm)
x 0.04 for inches 100 150 200 250 300
Solid grouted 27 41 56 71 85
300 29 44 60 75 90
450 30 46 62 77 93
600 30 46 63 78 94
750 31 47 63 79 95
900 31 47 64 79 96
1050 31 47 64 80 96
1200 31 48 64 80 96
1350 31 48 65 80 97
1500 32 48 65 80 97
1650 32 48 65 81 97
1800 32 48 65 81 97
No grout 32 49 66 82 99
1
For single-wythe masonry or for an individual wyhte of a cavity wall.
r = I Ae
2
shown which are based on the minimum dimensions of hollow concrete masonry face shells and webs in accordance with UBC
Table 9.11 – Allowable Flexural Tension (kPa)

Mortar Type
Cement-lime and Mortar Cement Masonry Cement
M OR S N M OR S N
Unit Type x 0.145 for kPa
Normal to bed joints
Solid 276 207 165 103
Hollow 172 131 103 62
Normal to head joints
Solid 550 413 331 207
Hollow 345 262 207 124
Table 9.12 –Maximum Nominal Shear Strength Values1,2

M/Vd1 Cd
≤ 0.25
322 Ae f m′ ≤ 1691Ae (6.0 Ae f m ≤ 380 Ae )
≥ 1.00
214 Ae f m′ ≤ 1113 Ae (4.0 Ae f m ≤ 250 Ae )
1
M is the maximum bending moment that occurs simultaneously with the shear load V at the section under consideration.
Interpolation may be by straight line for M/Vd values between 0.25 and 1.00.
2
Vn is in N (lb) and f'm is in kPa (psi).
Table 9.13–Nominal Shear Strength Coefficient

M/Vd1 Cd
≤ 0.25 2.4
≥ 1.00 1.2
1
M is the maximum bending moment that occurs simultaneously with the shear load V at the section under consideration.
Interpolation may be by straight line for M/Vd values between 0.25 and 1.00.
9-59
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
Table 9.14: Geometric requirements for shear walls
Type of Masonry (h /t)max (l/h)min *
Masonry with seismic bands 12 0.4
Confined masonry 15 0.3**
Reinforced masonry 15 No restriction
*. (l/h)min may be reduced by 20% for zone 1

** Opening can be provided at the end of wall provided vertical confining element is
provided on both sides of opening.
Table 9.15 Minimum Area of the resistant walls in term of percentage of floor area in each
orthogonal direction for simple buildings
Seismic Coefficient Ca
Number of Zone 1 Zone 2a Zone 2b Zone 3 Zone 4
Type of structure storeys
1 3.50 % 4.00% 4.00 % 5.50% 6.00%
Masonry with seismic 2 4.00 % 4.50% 5.00% 6.00%

bands
3 4.5 % 5.00% 5.50%
1 3.00% 3.50% 3.50% 4.00% 5.00%

Confined masonry 2 4.00% 4.00% 4.00% 4.50% 6.00%
3 4.5 % 4.5 % 5.00% 5.50%
1 3.00 % 3.00% 3.00 % 3.50 % 4.50 %
2 3.50 % 3.50% 3.50 % 4.00 % 5.00 %

Reinforced masonry
3 4.00% 4.00% 4.50% 5.00 %
Table 9.16-Size and Position of Openings in Bearing Walls (Refer figure 9.1)
Sr. Position of Opening Details of Opening
No. Zone 1 & 2A Zone 2B Zone 3 & 4
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
i) Distance bs from the inside corner of outside wall, Min. 0 230 mm 450 mm
ii) For total length of openings, the ratio (b1+b2+b3)/l1 or (b6+b7)/ l2 shall
not exceed:
a) one-storeyed building 0.60 0.55 0.50
b) two-storeyed building 0.50 0.46 0.42
c) three or four-storeyed building 0.42 0.37 0.33
iii) Pier width between consecutive openings b4, Min 340 mm 450 mm 560 mm
iv) Vertical distance between two openings one above the other h3, Min 600 mm 600 mm 600 mm
v) Width of opening of ventilator bs, Max 900 mm 900 mm 900 mm
9-60
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
Table 9.17-Strengthening Arrangements Recommended for Masonry Buildings

(Rectangular Masonry Units)
Seismic Zone Number of Storeys Strengthening to be Provided in
all Storeys
(1) (2) (3)
1 & 2A i) 1 to 3 a
ii) 4 a, b, c
2B i) 1 to 3 a, b, c, f, g
ii) 4 a, b c, d, f g
3 i) 1 and 2 a, c, d, f, g
ii) 3 and 4 a to g
4 i) 1 and 2 a to g
ii) 3 and 4 a to h
Where
a – Masonry mortar as specified in 9.9.2.2.
b – Lintel band
c – Roof band and gable band where necessary
d – Vertical steel at corners and junctions of walls
e – Vertical steel at jambs of openings
f – Bracing in plan at tie level of roofs
g – Plinth band where necessary, and
h – Dowel bars
Seismic Zone 2B
NOTE – In case of four storey buildings of seismic Zone 2B, the requirements of vertical steel may be checked through a
seismic analysis. If the analysis shows that vertical steel is not required, the designer may take the decision accordingly.
Table 9.18-Recommended Longitudinal Steel in Reinforced Concrete Bands

Seismic Zone Seismic Zone 3 Seismic Zone 4
2B
Span No. of Dia No. of Dia No. of Dia
Bars Bars Bars
mm mm mm
m
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7)
5 or less 2 8 2 8 2 8
6 2 8 2 8 2 10
7 2 8 2 10 2 12
8 2 10 2 12 4 10
NOTES
1 Span of wall shall be the distance between centre lines of its cross walls or buttresses. For spans greater than 8 m (26 ft.) insert
pilasters or buttresses to reduce the span or special calculations shall be made to determine the strength of wall and section of band.
2 The number and diameter of bars given above pertain to high strength deformed bars. If plain mild steel bars are used keeping the
same number, the following diameters may be used:
High strength deformed steel bar diameter 8 10 12 16 20

Mild steel plain deformed bar diameter 10 12 16 20 25
3 Width of RC band is assumed same as the thickness of the wall. Wall thickness shall be 200 mm (8 in.) minimum. A clear cover of
20 mm (0.75 in.) from face of wall will be maintained.
9-61
BCP
SP-2007 CH-09
4 The vertical thickness of RC band be kept 75 mm ( 3 in.) minimum, where two longitudinal bars are specified, one on each face;
and 150 mm, where four bars are specified.
5 The longitudinal steel bars shall be held in position by steel links or stirrups 6 mm dia spaced at 150 mm (6 in.) apart.
Table 9.19-Vertical Steel Reinforcement in Masonry Walls with

Rectangular Masonry Units
No. of Storeys Storey Diameter of Single Bar in mm at each Critical Section
(1) (2) Zone 2 B Zone 3 Zone 4
(3) (4) (5)
One - Nil Nil 10
Two Top Nil Nil 10

Bottom Nil Nil
Three Top Nil 10 10

Middle Nil 10 12
Bottom Nil 12 12
Four Top 10 10 10
Third 10 10 12
Second 10 12 16
Bottom 12 12 20
NOTES
1 The diameters given above are for high strength deformed steel bars. For mild steel plain bars, use equivalent diameters as given in
Table 9.18 (Note 2).
2 The vertical bars will be covered with concrete 1:2:4 or mortar 1:3 in suitably created pockets around the bars. This will ensure their
safety from corrosion and good bond with masonry.
9-62
BCP
SP-2007 CH-10
CHAPTER 10
ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS
Fc = Seismic force applied to a component of a building at its center of gravity

Z = Seismic Zone Factor from Table 5.9
Cc = Seismic coefficient for architectural components from Table 10.1
P = Performance criteria factor from Table 10.1
Wc = Weight of the architectural component
10.2 Seismic Loads Applied to Architectural Components
Architectural components and their means of attachment shall be designed for seismic forces
determined in accordance with the following:
Fc = ZC c PWc (10.2 − 1)
The force shall be applied independently along all orthogonal directions in combination with the
static loads of the component. Performance criteria factor P based on occupancy categories are
defined in Table 10.1.
10.2.1 Component Force Application
The component seismic force shall be applied at the center of gravity of the component
nonconcurrently in any horizontal direction.
10.2.2 Component Force Transfer
Components shall be attached such that the component forces are transferred to the structural
system of the building. Component seismic attachments shall be positive connections without
consideration of the frictional resistance.
10.2.3 Architectural Component Deformation
Architectural components shall be designed for the design storey drift of the seismic force-
resisting system as determined in Section 5.30.10 and shall also be designed for vertical deflection
due to joint rotation of cantilever structural members with the exception that components having a
performance criteria factor P of 0.5 are to be designed for 50 percent of the design storey drift.
The interrelationship of systems or components and their effect on each other shall be
considered so that the failure of an architectural component shall not cause the failure of an
architectural system or component with a higher performance criteria factor P. The effect on the
response of the structural system and deformational capability of architectural components shall be
considered where these systems or components interact with the structural system.
10.2.4 Out-of-Plane Bending
Transverse or out-of-plane bending or deformation of a component or system that is subjected to

forces as determined in Equation 10.2-1 shall not exceed the deflection capability of the
component or system.
10-1
BCP
SP-2007 CH-10
10.3 Suspended Ceilings
Provision shall be made for the lateral support and/or interaction of other components that may be
incorporated into the ceiling and may impose seismic forces into the ceiling system.
10.3.1 Seismic Forces
The weight of the ceiling Wc shall include the ceiling, grid and panels; light fixtures if attached to,
clipped to, or laterally supported by the ceiling grid, and other components that are laterally
supported by the ceiling. Wc shall be taken as not less than 0.19 kPa (4 psf).
The seismic force, Fc shall be transmitted through the ceiling attachments to the building
structural elements or the ceiling structure boundary.
10.3.2 Integral Construction
The sprinkler system and ceiling grid are permitted to be designed and tied together as an integral
unit as an alternate to providing large clearances around sprinkler system penetrations through
ceiling systems. Such a design shall consider the mass and flexibility of all elements involved,
including the ceiling system, sprinkler system, light fixtures, mechanical, HVAC appurtenances
etc. Such design shall be performed by a registered design professional.
10.3.3 Access Floors
10.3.3.1 General
The weight of the access floor Wc shall include the weight of the floor system, 100 percent of the
weight of all equipment fastened to the floor and 25 percent of the weight of all equipment
supported by, but not fastened to the floor. The seismic force Fc, shall be transmitted from the top
surface of the access floor to the supporting structure. Overturning effects of equipment fastened to
the access floor panels with pedestals also shall be considered. Where checking individual
pedestals for overturning effects, the maximum concurrent axial load shall not exceed the portion
of Wc assigned to the pedestal under consideration.
10.3.3.2 Special Access Floors
Access floors shall be considered to be “special access floors” if they are designed to comply with
the following considerations:
1. Connections transmitting seismic loads consist of mechanical fasteners, anchors

satisfying the requirements of Appendix D of ACI 318, welding, or bearing. Design load
capacities comply with recognized design codes and/or certified test results.
2. Seismic loads are not transmitted by friction, power actuated fasteners, adhesives, or by
friction produced solely by the effects of gravity.
3. The design analysis of the bracing system includes the destabilizing effects of individual
members buckling in compression.
4. Bracing and pedestals are of structural or mechanical shapes produced to ASTM
specifications that specify minimum mechanical properties. Electrical tubing shall not be
used.
5. Floor stringers that are designed to carry axial seismic loads and that are mechanically
fastened to the supporting pedestals are used.
10.4 Partitions
10-2
BCP
SP-2007 CH-10
10.4.1 General
Partitions that are tied to the ceiling and all partitions greater than 1.8 m (6 ft) in height shall be
laterally braced to the building structure. Such bracing shall be independent of any ceiling splay
bracing. Bracing shall be spaced to limit horizontal deflection at the partition head
Exceptions: Partitions that meet all of the following conditions:
1. The partition height does not exceed 3 meter (10 feet).

2. The linear weight of the partition does not exceed the product of 0.479 kPa (10 psf) times
the height in meter (feet) of the partition.
3. The partition horizontal seismic load does not exceed 0.24 kPa (5 psf).
10.4.2 Glass in Glazed Curtain Walls, Glazed Storefronts and Glazed Partitions
10.4.2.1 General
Glass in glazed curtain walls, glazed storefronts, and glazed partitions shall meet the relative
displacement requirement of Eq. 10.4.1.
Δ fallout ≥ 1.25 ID p (10 .4 .1)
or 13 mm (1/2 in), whichever is greater
Where:
Δfallout = Relative seismic displacement (drift) at which glass fallout from the curtain wall,
storefront wall, or partition occurs
Dp = Relative seismic displacement that the component must be designed to accommodate.
Dp shall be applied over the height of the glass component under consideration.
I = Occupancy Importance factor (Chapter 5, Table 5.10).
Exceptions:
1. Glass with sufficient clearances from its frame such that physical contact between the
glass and frame shall not occur at the design drift, as demonstrated by Eq. 10.4.2, need not
comply with this requirement:
Dclear ≥ 1.25D p (10 .4.2)
where:
Dclear = Relative horizontal (drift) displacement, measured over the height of the glass
panel under consideration, which causes initial glass-to-frame contact. For rectangular
glass panels within rectangular wall frame:
⎛ hc ⎞
Dclear = 2c1 ⎜1 + p 2 ⎟ (10 .4.3)
⎜ bp c1 ⎟⎠
⎝
where:
hp = the height of the rectangular glass panel

bp = the width of the rectangular glass panel
c1 = the clearance (gap) between the vertical glass edges and the frame
c2 = the clearance (gap) between the horizontal glass edges and the frame
10-3
BCP
SP-2007 CH-10
2. Fully tempered monolithic glass in Occupancy Categories 1, 2, and 3 located no more than
3 meter (10 feet) above a walking surface need not comply with this requirement.
3. Annealed or heart-strengthened laminated glass in single thickness with interlayer no less
than 0.76 mm (1/32 in) that is captured mechanically in a wall system glazing pocket, and
whose perimeter is secured to the frame by a wet glazed gunable curing elastomeric
sealant perimeter bead of 13 mm (1/2 in) minimum glass contact width, or other approved
anchorage system need not comply with this requirement.
10.4.2.2 Seismic Drift Limits for Glass Components
The drift causing glass fallout from the curtain wall, storefront, or partition shall be determined by
a rational engineering analysis or in accordance with manufacturer’s standards and specifications.
10-4
BCP
SP-2007 CH-10
Table 10.1–Architectural Component Seismic Coefficient (Cc) and

Performance Criteria Factor (P)a
Component Performance Criteria Factor

Seismic (P)
Architectural Component
Coefficient Occupancy Category
(Cc) 1 2&3 4 &5
Exterior nonbearing wall 0.9 1.0d 1.5b 1.5
Interior nonbearing wallsh
Stair enclosures 1.5 1.5 1.0c 1.5
Elevator shaft enclosures 1.5 0.5e 0.5c 1.5
Other vertical shaft enclosures 0.9 1.0 1.0 1.5
Other nonbearing walls and partitions 0.9 1.0 1.0 1.5
Cantilever elements parapets, chimneys or stacks 3.0 1.5 1.5 1.5
Wall attachments 3.0 1.0d 1.5b 1.5
Veneer connections 3.0 0.5 1.0g 1.0
Penthouses 0.6 NR 1.0 1.0
Structural fireproofing 0.9 0.5f 1.0c 0.5
Ceilings
Fire-rated membrane 0.9 1.0 1.0 1.5
Nonfire-rated membrane 0.6 0.5 1.0 1.0
Storage racks more than 2.5 m high(contents included)ij 1.5 1.0 1.0 1.5
Access floors (supported equipment included) 0.9 0.5 1.0 1.5
Elevator and counterweight guide rails and supports 1.25 1.0 1.0 1.5
Appendages
1.0b
Roofing units 0.6 NR 1.0b
1.0
Containers and miscellaneous components (free standing) 1.5 NR 1.0
NR = Not required.
a
Exceptions:
1. Architectural components in buildings assigned to Seismic Zones 1 are exempt from the requirements of
Chapter 10.
2. Architectural components and systems in buildings assigned to Seismic Zone 2 and Occupancy Category 1 that
have a Performance Criteria Factor of 0.5 are exempt from the requirements of Chapter 10.
b
P may be reduced by 0.5 if the area facing the exterior wall is normally inaccessible for a distance of 3 meter (10 feet)
and the building is only one storey.
c
P shall be increased by 0.5 if the building is more than four storeys or 12 meter (40 feet) in height.
d
P shall be increased by 0.5 if the area facing the exterior wall is normally accessible within a distance of 3 meter (10
feet) plus 0.3 meter (1 foot) for each floor height.
e
P may be reduced to NR if the building is less than 12 meter (40 feet) in height.
f
P shall be increased by 0.5 for an occupancy containing flammable gases, liquids or dust.
g
P may be reduced by 0.5 if the area facing the exterior wall is normally inaccessible for a distance of 3 meter (10 feet)
plus 0.3 meter (1 foot) of each floor of height.
h
Exterior and interior bearing walls and their anchorage shall be designed for a force normal to the surface equal to Z
times the weight of wall Wc, with a minimum force of 10 percent of the weight of the wall.
i
The contents included in Wc may be reduced to 50% of the rated capacity for steel storage rack systems arranged such
that in each direction the lines of framing that are designed to resist lateral forces consist of at least four columns
connected to act as braced frames or moment resisting frames.
j
Storage shelving under 2.5 meter (8 feet) high, shall be considered miscellaneous components.
10-5
BCP
SP-2007 CH-11
CHAPTER 11
MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

Fm = Seismic force applied to an equipment or its component at its center of

gravity
Z = Seismic Zone Factor from Table 5.9
Cc = Seismic coefficient for mechanical and electrical equipments from Table
11.1
P = Performance criteria factor from Table 11.1
ac = Amplification factor from Table 11.2
Wm = Weight of the equipment or its components
Tm = Component fundamental period
g = Gravitational acceleration
Km = Stiffness of resilient support system of the component and attachment,
determined in terms of load per unit deflection at the center of gravity of the
component
11.2 Seismic Loads Applied to Mechanical and Electrical Components
Mechanical and electrical components and their supports shall satisfy the requirements of this
section. The design criteria for systems or components shall be included as part of the design
documents.
An analysis of a component supporting mechanism based on established principles of

structural dynamics may be performed to justify reducing the forces determined in this section.
The attachment of mechanical and electrical components and their supports to the structure shall
consider dynamic effects of the components, their contents, and their supports. Attachments for
floor- or roof-mounted equipment weighing less than 2.0 kN and furniture need not be designed.
Attachments shall include anchorages and required bracing. Friction resulting from gravity loads
shall not be considered to provide resistance to seismic forces. Combined states of stress, such as
tension and shear in anchor bolts, shall be investigated in accordance with established principles of
mechanics.
When the structural failure of the lateral-force-resisting systems of equipment would cause
a life hazard, such systems shall be designed to resist the following seismic forces:
Fm = ZC c Pa cWm (11.2.1)
The force shall be applied independently in all orthogonal directions in combination with
the static loads of the component. Performance criteria factor P shall be based on occupancy
categories. Alternatively, the seismic forces are to be determined by a properly substantiated
dynamic analysis subject to approval by the authority having jurisdiction.
11.2.1 Component Force Application
The component seismic force shall be applied at the center of gravity of the component non-
concurrently in any horizontal direction. Mechanical and electrical components and systems shall
be designed for an additional vertical force of 33 percent of the horizontal force acting up or down.
11- 1
BCP
SP-2007 CH-11
11.2.2 Component Force Transfer
Components shall be attached such that the component forces are transferred to the structural
system of the building. Component seismic attachments shall be positive connections without
consideration of the frictional resistance.
11.2.3 Component Period
The fundamental period of the mechanical and electrical components (and their attachment to the
building), Tm, shall be determined by the following equation provided that the component and
attachment can be reasonably represented analytically by a simple spring and mass single degree-
of-freedom system:
Wm
Tm = 2π (11.2 − 2)
Km g
Alternatively, the fundamental period of the component is permitted to be determined

from experimental test data or by a properly substantiated analysis.
11.2.4 Component Attachment
The interrelationship of systems or components and their effect on each other shall be considered
so that the failure of mechanical or electrical system or component shall not cause the failure of a
mechanical or electrical system or component with a higher performance criteria factor P. The
effect on the response of the structural system and deformational capability of electrical and
mechanical systems or components shall be considered where these systems or components
interact with the structural system.
11.2.5 Provision shall be made to eliminate seismic impact for components vulnerable to
impact, for components constructed of nonductile materials, and in cases where material ductility
will be reduced due to service conditions (e.g. low temperature applications).
11.2.6 The possibility of loads imposed on components by attached utility or service lines,
due to differential movement of support points on separate structures, shall be evaluated.
11.2.7 Where piping or HVAC ductwork components are attached to structures that could
displace relative to one another and for isolated structures where such components cross the
isolation interface, the components shall be designed to accommodate the seismic relative
displacements.
11.3 Elevator Design Requirements
The design and construction of elevators and components shall conform to the requirements of
ANSI/ASME A17.1-1987, American National Standard Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators,
including Appendix F, “Recommended Elevator Safety Requirements for Seismic Zone 2B, or
greater.”
11- 2
BCP
SP-2007 CH-11
TABLE 11.1–Mechanical and Electrical Components and Systems Seismic Coefficient (Cc)
and Performance Criteria Factor (P)a
Component Performance Criteria Factor

Seismic (P)
Mechanical and Electrical Component or System
Coefficient Occupancy Category
(Cc)b 1 2&3 4 &5
Fire protection equipment and systems 2.0 1.5 1.5 1.5
Emergency or stand-by electrical systems 2.0 1.5 1.5 1.5
Elevator drive, suspension system, and controller anchorage 1.25 1.0 1.0 1.5
General equipment
Boilers, furnaces, incinerators, water heaters and other
equipment using combustible energy sources or high-
temperature sources, chimneys, flues, smoke stacks and vents
Communication systems
Electrical bus ducts, conduit and cable traysc 2.0 0.5 1.0 1.5
Electrical motor control centers, motor control devices,
switchgear, transformers and unit substations
Reciprocating or rotating equipment
Tanks, heat exchangers and pressure vessels
Utility and service interfaces
Manufacturing and process machinery 0.67 0.5 1.0 1.5
Pipe systems
Gas and high hazard piping 2.0 1.5 1.5 1.5
Fire suppression piping 2.0 1.5 1.5 1.5
Other pipe systemsd 0.67 NR 1.0 1.5
HVAC and service ductse 0.67 NR 1.0 1.5
Electrical panel boards and dimmers 0.67 NR 1.0 1.5
Lighting fixturesf 0.67 0.5 1.0 1.5
Conveyor systems (non personnel) 0.67 NR NR 1.5
NR= Not required.
a
Exceptions:
1. Mechanical and electrical components and systems in buildings assigned to Seismic Zone 2 and
ccupancy Category 1 that have a Performance Criteria Factor of 0.5 are exempt from the requirements of
Chapter 11.
2. Mechanical and electrical components and systems in buildings assigned to Seismic Zones 1are exempt
from the requirements of Chapter 11.
3. Elevator components and system in buildings assigned to Seismic Zone 1 are exempt from requirement
of Chapter 11.
b
Cc values are for horizontal forces; Cc values for vertical forces shall be taken as one-third of the horizontal values.
c
Seismic restraints are not required for electrical conduit and cable trays for any of the following conditions: (1) conduit
and cable trays suspended by individual hangers 300 mm (12 inches) or less in length from the top of the conduit to the
supporting structure, (2) conduit in boiler and mechanical rooms that has less than 31 mm (1.25inch) inside diameter,
(3) conduit in other areas that has less than 60 mm (2.5 inch) inside diameter.
d
Seismic restraints are not required for any of the following conditions for other pipe systems: (1) piping suspended by
individual hangers 300 mm (12 inches) or less in length from the top of the pipe to the supporting structure, (2) piping
in boiler and mechanical rooms that has less than 30 mm (1.25 inch) inside diameter, (3) piping in other areas that has
less 60 mm (2.5 inch) inside diameter.
e
Seismic restraints are not required for any one of the following conditions for HVAC or service ducts: (1) ducts
suspended by hangers 300 mm (12 inches) or less in length from the top of the duct to the supporting structure, (2)
ducts that have a cross sectional area less than 0.55 square meter (6 square feet).
f
Pendulum lighting fixtures shall be designed using a Component Seismic Coefficient (C) of 1.5. The vertical support
shall be designed with a factor of safety of 4.0.
11-3
BCP
SP-2007 CH-11
TABLE 11.2–Attachment Amplification Factor (ac)
Component Supporting Mechanism Attachment Amplification Factor (ac)

Fixed or direct connection 1.0
Seismic-activated restraining device 1.0
Resilient support system wherea:
Tm/T < 0.6 or Tm/T > 1.4 1.0
Tm/T ≥ 0.6 or Tm/T ≤ 1.4 2.0
a
T is the fundamental period of the building in seconds determined by 5.30.2.2.
Tm is the fundamental period in seconds of the component and its means of attachment determined by 11.2.3.
11-4
BCP
SP-2007 References
REFERENCES
1. UBC (1997), Uniform Building Code, International Conference of Building Officials,

Whittier, California, USA.
2. ACI (2005), Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete, ACI 318-05,
American Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills, MI.
3. ACI (1991), Recommendations for Design of Beam-column Joints in Monolithic
Reinforced Concrete Structures, ACI352R, American Concrete Institute, Farmington
Hills, MI.
4. ANSI/AISC 341-05, Seismic Provisions for Structural Steel Buildings, American
Institute of Steel Construction, Inc., Chicago, IL.
5. ANSI/AISC 360-05, Specification for Structural Steel Buildings, American Institute
of Steel Construction, Inc., Chicago, IL.
6. ASCE (2005), Minimum Design Loads for Building and Other Structures, SEI/ASCE
7-05, American Society of Civil Engineers, Reston, VA.
7. ASCE (1993), Minimum Design Loads for Building and Other Structures,
ANSI/ASCE 7-93, American Society of Civil Engineers, Reston, VA.
8. National Building Code of India NBCI (2005), Bureau of Indian Standards.
9. NBC (1995), National Building Code of Nepal; Requirements for State-of-the-Art
Design.
10. IBC (2006), International Building Code 2006.
11. Building Code of Pakistan, PBC (1986), Ministry of Housing and Works,
Government of Pakistan.
12. NWFP, University of Engineering, Peshawar (2003-2007), Department of Civil
Engineering: Research data on masonry structures.
13. Building Code of Pakistan, Seismic Hazard Evaluation Studies (2007), Ministry of
Housing and Works, Government of Pakistan.
BCP
SP-2007 Appendix A
APPENDIX A
BACKGROUND FOR SEISMIC ZONING MAP
A.1 Symbols and Notations
a = Co-efficient of magnitude-frequency curve

b = Co-efficient of magnitude-frequency curve
m = Magnitude
Mw = Moment Magnitude
ML = Local Magnitude
Mb = Body-wave magnitude
Ms = Surface-wave magnitude
Mo = Seismic Moment
PGA = Peak Ground Acceleration
Vs = Shear wave velocity
A.2 Overview
A.2.1 General
Being located close to the collision boundary of the Indian and Eurasian plates, Pakistan lies in a
seismically active zone. Owing to high population density near seismically active areas, it is
imperative that buildings should withstand the seismic hazard to which these may be exposed
during their life time.
This appendix is based on a rigorous exercise based on compilation of geological,

tectonic and seismicity data from Pakistan and its immediate surroundings. Only a brief account
of salient seismotectonic features, seismicity and methodology adopted for seismic hazard
zonation is included in this appendix. A separate document titled “Building Code of Pakistan,
Seismic Hazard Evaluation Studies (2007)” contains details of geodynamics, tectonic zones,
major faults, historical and instrumental seismicity catalogue, and procedures adopted for seismic
hazard evaluation.
A.2.2 Major Faults of Pakistan
Pakistan is characterized by extensive zones of moderate to high seismicity, induced by the

regional collisional tectonics associated with Indian and Eurasian plates and resulting in
manifestation of great Himalayan and associated mountain ranges. The geographic domain of
Pakistan comprises a network of active seismotectonic features of regional extent, generally
associated with collisional mountain ranges. These define four broad seismotectonic zones
including 1) the Himalayan seismotectonic zone in the north, 2) Suleiman-Kirthar thrust-fold belt,
3) Chaman-Ornach Nal Transform Fault Zone, and 3) Makran Subduction Zone in the west, and
4) Rann of Kutch Seismotectonic Zone in the southeast. The Pamir-Hindukush Seismic Zone
A-1
BCP
SP-2007 Appendix A
straddles across Afghanistan and Tajikistan outside Pakistan but in close vicinity of the NW
Pakistan comprising District Chitral.
A great diversity of geological faults constitutes these seismotectonic zones. The most
prominent fault types of the region include transform, wrench, thrust, and basement geofractures.
Major active faults of Pakistan and surrounding areas that strongly influence the seismic hazard
are listed below:
Main Karakoram Thrust
Main Mantle Thrust
Raikot Fault
Main Boundary Thrust
Panjal-Khairabad Thrust
Himalayan Frontal Thrust
Riasi Thrust
Jhelum Fault
Salt Range Thrust
Kalabagh Fault
Bannu Fault
Kurram Fault
Chaman Transform Fault
Ornach-Nal Transform Fault
Quetta-Chiltan Fault
Kirthar Fault
Pab Fault
Kutch Mainland Fault
Allah Bund Fault
Nagar Parkar Fault
Hoshab Fault
Nai Rud Fault
Makran Coastal Fault
A.2.3 Seismicity
The information about earthquakes in this region is available in two forms i.e. historically
recorded and instrumentally recorded earthquakes. The instrumentally recorded earthquake data is
available only since 1904. Before this, the source of earthquake information is through the
historical records and published literature which is also limited. The number of seismic stations
remained small in South Asian region until 1960 when the installation of high quality
seismograph under World Wide Standard Seismograph Network (WWSSN) increased the quality
of earthquake recording. In the present seismic studies, two classes of instrumental earthquake
data have been used. The first one is based upon earthquake data from regional data catalogues
A-2
BCP
SP-2007 Appendix A
compiled by International Seismological Centre (ISC) and National Earthquake Information

Centre (NEIC) of USGS, and the other from earthquakes recorded by local networks of Pakistan
Meteorological Department, Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) and Water & Power
Development Authority (WAPDA).
A composite list of earthquakes recorded in and around Pakistan was prepared from the
data collected from regional as well as local networks mentioned above. The duplicate
earthquakes appearing in different catalogues were removed based on reported time and where
time is not available based on the epicentral data. In preparation of this composite list preference
was given to ISC catalogue as they have relocated and reviewed earthquake data after
incorporating the available data from local stations also. The fault plane solutions available in the
literature and provided by PAEC and Quaid-e-Azam University were also used to assess the
source characteristics.
A.3 Seismic Hazard Evaluation Procedure
As per international practice and guidelines for seismic hazard evaluation and seismic hazard
mapping for Building Codes, probabilistic seismic hazard assessment (PSHA) procedure was
employed for seismic hazard analysis of Pakistan.
A.3.1 PSHA Methodology
In probabilistic hazard evaluation, the seismic activity of seismic source (line or area) is specified
by a recurrence relationship, defining the cumulative number of events per year versus the
magnitude. Distribution of earthquakes is assumed to be uniform within the source zone and
independent of time.
The principle of the analysis, first developed by Cornell (1968) and later refined by
various researchers, is to evaluate at the site of interest the probability of exceedance of a ground
motion parameter (e.g. peak ground acceleration) due to the occurrence of a strong event around
the site. This approach combines the probability of exceedance of the earthquake size (recurrence
relationship), and probability on the distance from the epicenter to the site.
Each seismic source zone is split into elementary zones at a certain distance from the site.
Integration is carried out within each zone by summing the effects of the various elementary
source zones taking into account the attenuation effect with distance. Total hazard is finally
obtained by adding the influence of various sources. The results are expressed in terms of a
ground motion parameter associated with return period (return period is the inverse of the annual
frequency of exceedance of a given level of ground motion).
A seismic hazard model is developed based on findings of the seismotectonic synthesis.

The seismic hazard model relies upon the concept of seismotectonic zones. Each seismic source
zone is defined as a zone with homogenous seismic and tectonic features, inferred from
geological, tectonic and seismic data. These zones are first defined, and then a maximum
earthquake and an earthquake recurrence equation are elaborated for each of these seismic source
zones.
The seismic parameters attached to the various seismic source zones are: a recurrence
relationship relating the number of events for a specific period of time to the magnitude; the
maximum earthquake giving an upper bound of potential magnitude in the zone; and an
attenuation relationship representing the decrease of acceleration with distance.
A-3
BCP
SP-2007 Appendix A
A.3.2 Source Modeling – Area and Fault Seismic Sources

For the definition of seismic sources, either line (i.e. fault) or area sources can be used for
modeling. Because of uncertainty in the epicenters location, it is not possible to relate the
recorded earthquakes to the faults and to develop recurrence relationship for each fault and use
them as exponential model. The whole area of Pakistan was therefore divided into seventeen area
source zones (area sources) based on their homogeneous tectonic and seismic characteristics,
keeping in view the geology, tectonics and seismicity of each area source zone. The eight area
seismic source zones in the northern part of Pakistan are named Hindukush, Pamir, Kohistan,
Hazara, Himalayas, Salt Range-Potwar, Bannu and Punjab seismic source zones. The nine area
source zones in southern part of Pakistan are named Suleiman, Sibbi, Kirthar, Kurram-Chaman,
Indus plateform, Rann of Kutch, Cholistan-Thar desert, Chagai and Makran.
Each of these area sources was assigned a maximum magnitude based on maximum
recorded seismicity and a minimum magnitude based on threshold magnitude observed in the
magnitude-frequency curve for the zone. As the shallow earthquakes are of more concern to
seismic hazard, the minimum depth of the earthquakes is taken as 5-10 km for all sources except
for Punjab seismic source zone where the minimum depth of earthquakes is taken as 20 km and
for Hindukush zone where minimum depth was taken as 70 km.
The area source zones do not completely account for the long term seismicity associated
with major active faults. In order to account for seismicity with large return period, the major
active faults of Pakistan listed in Section A.2.2 were also modeled as characteristic fault sources
for PSHA.
A.3.3 Earthquake Recurrence Model
A general equation that described earthquake recurrence may be expressed as follows:

N (m) = f (m, t) (1)
Where N (m) is the number of earthquakes with magnitude equal to or greater than m, and
t is time period.
The simplest form of equation (1) that has been used in most engineering applications is
the well known Richter’s law which states that the cumulated number of earthquakes occurred in a
given period of time can be approximated by the relationship
Log N(m) = a–bm (2)
Equation (2) assumes spatial and temporal independence of all earthquakes, i.e. it has the
properties of a Poisson model. Coefficients ‘a’ and ‘b’ can be derived from seismic data related to
the source of interest. Coefficient ‘a’ is related to the total number of events occurred in the source
zone and depends on its area, while coefficient ‘b’ represents the coefficient of proportionality
between log N (m) and the magnitude.
The composite list of earthquakes prepared for areas in and around Pakistan provided the
necessary database for the computation of b-value for each area source zone.
The updated composite seismic data from 1904-2006 contain magnitude values in the form
of surface wave, body wave, local or duration magnitude type. Since each attenuation relationship
is based on magnitude of given type, a single type must be selected. For data to be used in seismic
hazard analysis, all the magnitudes were therefore converted to moment magnitude (MW) by the
following equations.
A-4
BCP
SP-2007 Appendix A
Conversion from MS and mb to Mw was achieved through latest equation suggested by

Scordilis (2006):
Mw = 0.67 MS + 2.07 for 3.0< MS < 6.1

Mw = 0.99 MS + 0.08 for 6.2< MS < 8.2
Mw = 0.85 mb + 1.03 for 3.5< mb < 6.2
For ML upto 5.7, the value of ML was taken equal to Mw as suggested by Idriss (1985) and
supported by operators of local networks in Pakistan. Conversion of ML to Mw beyond magnitude
5.7 was done by using the following equations suggested by Ambraseys and Bommer (1990) and
Ambraseys and Bilham (2003):
0.82 (ML) – 0.58 (MS) = 1.20

Log Mo = 19.09 + MS for MS < 6.2
Log Mo = 15.94 + 1.5 MS for MS > 6.2
Mw = (2/3) Log (Mo) – 10.73
Where mb is body–wave magnitude, MS is surface-wave magnitude, ML is local

magnitude, Mw is moment magnitude and Mo is seismic moment.
The composite earthquake list contains limited number of earthquakes prior to 1960 and
only few of these earthquakes have been assigned magnitude values. Due to installation of
WWSSN, the earthquake recording in this region improved and a better and complete recording of
earthquake data are available after 1961. The completeness analysis of the overall data for Pakistan
showed that earthquake data up to magnitude 4.5 is complete after 1960.The converted moment
magnitude for the period between 1961 and 2006 was therefore used in the PSHA after excluding
the aftershocks. A separate list of earthquakes occurring in each area source zone was prepared
through GIS software and magnitude-frequency plots were made for each area source. The b-value
for each area seismic source zone was calculated using linear regression through least square
method. The minimum magnitude for each area source zone was selected from the magnitude-
frequency curve based on completeness checks suggested by Woeffner and Weimer (2005).
A.3.4 Maximum Magnitude
To each area source zone, a maximum magnitude potential was assigned based on the maximum
observed seismicity in the historical seismic record or enhancing by 0.5 magnitude the maximum
observed magnitude in the instrumental seismic record for that area seismic source zone. For the
fault characteristic model, the maximum magnitude of the fault was calculated using well known
fault rupture- magnitude relationship developed by Well and Coppersmith (1994), taking half-
length rupture. The maximum potential magnitude for Himalayan Frontal Thrust was selected
equal to the magnitude of recent Kashmir earthquake which is considered the characteristic
(maximum) for that fault.
A.3.5 Attenuation Equations
Because of lack of sufficient strong–motion data covering a larger range of magnitudes and
distances, attenuation relationships for the South Asian Region could not be developed so far. A
number of attenuation equations have been developed from strong motion data collected in other
parts of the world. As shallow earthquakes are of more concern for hazard analysis, attenuation
equations developed for such conditions were considered for use in the hazard analysis. For
A-5
BCP
SP-2007 Appendix A
probabilistic hazard analysis, the attenuation equation of Boore et al. (1997) was used as it
incorporate the fault type and site characteristics in terms of shear wave velocity. Using this
equation, the ground motions were calculated for rock site condition having shear wave velocity
(Vs) of 760 m/sec. Three other equations developed during 1996 to 2004 along with Boore et al
(1997) equation were also used in PSHA by giving equal weightage (25%) to each equation.
Ground motion amplitudes obtained by these equations are generally same as obtained by using
Boore et al. (1997) equation only.
A.3.6 Results of PSHA
The probabilistic hazard analysis was carried out by using EZ-FRISK software developed by Risk
Engineering Inc. of Colorado, USA. As the purpose of the PSHA was to develop seismic hazard
contour map, Gridded- Multisite module of EZ-FRISK software was used. In this module a
probabilistic hazard analysis is performed for each point on a rectangular grid within the boundary
of the region to be mapped. For ease of analysis, the hazard calculations were performed by
dividing the study area (covering Pakistan and one degree outside Pakistan) into six parts and
ground motion was obtained at each 0.1 degree interval of the rectangular grid (total about 13,000
grid points). The required parameters for all the seventeen area seismic source zones and twenty
eight fault seismic sources (characteristic model) were fed to the software. The results of the
hazard analysis obtained at each grid point are presented in the form of total hazard from all the
seismic sources modeled (areas as well as faults) around 300 km radius of the grid point. The
ground motion associated with 10% probability of exceedance in 50 years (475 years return
period) was calculated at each grid point. From the results obtained at 0.1 degree interval, contours
of Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) values were plotted through GIS software to present the
results in the form of seismic hazard map for 10% probability of exceedance in 50 years (i.e. 475
years return period). This PGA contour map is shown in Figure A-1.
On the basis of PGA values obtained through PSHA, Pakistan was divided into five
seismic zones in line with UBC (1997). The boundaries of these zones are defined on the
following basis:
Zone 1 0.05 to 0.08g

Zone 2A 0.08 to 0.16g
Zone 2B 0.16 to 0.24g
Zone 3 0.24 to 0.32g
Zone 4 > 0.32g
The seismic zoning map of Pakistan developed on this basis is shown in Figure 2.1. Each
site shall be assigned a seismic zone in accordance with Figure 2.1. Each structure shall be
assigned a seismic zone factor Z in accordance with Table 5.9 given in Chapter 5.
A fault map of Pakistan prepared from the available geological maps and used for the
present study is shown in Figure A-2. The indicative locations of faults in areas designated as Zone
4 in Seismic Zoning Map of Pakistan are shown in Figures A-3a to A-3e for general reference.
A-6

11) Building Code of Pakistan

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

11) Building Code of Pakistan

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

11) Building Code of Pakistan

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

BCP

This Code is dedicated to the memory of thousands of

A. Ministry of Housing & Works Experts Committee

1. Mr. Abdur Rauf Chaudhry

2. Mr. Dildar Ahmad Bhatti

3. Mr. Shahid Hameed

4. Mr. Muzaffar Hussain Manjai

B. PEC’s Core Group

1. Engr. Imtiaz Hussain Gillani (Convenor)

2. Engr. Dr. Sahibzada Farooq Ahmad Rafeeqi

3. Engr. Brig. (R) Dr. Khaliq-ur-Rashid Kayani

4. Engr. Dr. Qaisar Ali

5. Engr. Brig Dr. Khaliq ur Rehman Shad

6. Prof. Dr. Sarosh H. Lodi

7. Engr. Dr. Syed Abul Khair Masroor

8. Dr. M. Asif Khan

9. Dr. Muhammad Qaiser

C. NESPAK Team of Experts

1. Engr. Jahangir Akhtar

2. Engg. Geol. Muhammad Ilyas

3. Engr. Mumtaz Javed Shabbir

4. Mr. Muhammad Javed

5. Engg. Geol. Basit Masud

6. Engr. Sohail Kibriya

7. Engr. Ijaz Shafi

8. Engr. Shaukat Qadeer

9. Engr. Asher Sharif

D. International Code Council (ICC) Team

3. Ms. Sylvana Ricciarini

E. American Concrete Institute

1. Dr. Shuaib Ahmad

a) CHAPTER 4 Soils and Foundations

Based on UBC (1997), Uniform Building Code, copyrighted

b) CHAPTER 5 Structural Design Requirements

Based on UBC (1997), Uniform Building Code, copyrighted

c) CHAPTER 6 Structural Tests and Inspections

Based on UBC (1997), Uniform Building Code, copyrighted

d) CHAPTER 7 Reinforced Concrete

ACI (2005), Building Code Requirements for Structural

e) CHAPTER 8 Structural Steel

ANSI/AISC 341-05, Seismic Provisions for Structural Steel

- Based on UBC (1997), Uniform Building Code,

Portions copyrighted © 1997-2007 International Code

- IAEE (1986), Guidelines for earthquake resistant non-

g) CHAPTER 10 Architectural Elements

- ASCE (1993), Minimum Design Loads for Building and

- ASCE (2005), Minimum Design Loads for Building and

h) CHAPTER 11 Mechanical and Electrical Systems

- ASCE (1993), Minimum Design Loads for Building and

- ASCE (2005), Minimum Design Loads for Building and

1.1 Objective and General Principles 1-1

CHAPTER 2: SEISMIC HAZARD

2.1 Scope 2-1

CHAPTER 3: SITE CONSIDERATIONS

3.1 Scope 3-1

CHAPTER 4: SOILS AND FOUNDATIONS

4.1 Symbols and Notations 4-1

CHAPTER 5: STRUCTURAL DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

DIVISION-I General Design Requirements

5.1 Symbols and Notations 5-1