ASCE 7-10 Seismic Loads Significant Changes

Significant Changes to the Seismic Load Provisions of ASCE 7-10: An Illustrated Guide focuses on the changes to the seismic load requirements of the newest edition of Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures, Standard ASCE/SEI 7-10. The seismic load provisions have undergone many significant changes since the 2005 edition of ASCE 7. Generally following the organization of the seismic chapters in ASCE 7-10, this handy reference briefly summarizes each change to the seismic provisions that might affect actual practice and/or enforcement and then presents the precise wording of the change. The impact of a change is explained in clear, straightforward language accompanied by diagrams, examples, and color photographs or illustrations to enrich the reader’s understanding. A summary of the key changes include: New seismic hazard maps to be used in seismic design; Different design force requirements for the anchorage between walls and diaphragms providing lateral support; Modifications to the R-values table and in the rules governing combinations of structural systems; Modifications in approximate fundamental period for eccentrically braced frame (EBF) and buckling-restrained braced frame (BRBF) systems; Modifications in Table 12.6-1, Permitted Analytical Procedures; Recognition of cold-formed steel special bolted moment frames and their inclusion in Table 12.2-1; and Major enhancements introduced in Chapter 13, Nonstructural Components, and in Chapter 15, Nonbuilding Structures.