Division B
Acceptable Solutions
Part 4 — Structural Design
Section 4.1. Structural Loads and Procedures
4.1.1. General
(See User’s Guide - NBC 2010, Structural Commentaries (Part 4 of Division B).)
NC2010 2010-01-01 R1
4.1.1.General
(See User’s Guide - NBC 2010, Structural Commentaries (Part 4 of Division B).)
4.1.1.1. Scope
4.1.1.2. Definitions
4.1.1.3. Design Requirements
1)
Buildings and their structural members and connections, including formwork and falsework, shall be designed
to have sufficient structural capacity and structural integrity to
safely and effectively resist all loads, effects of loads and influences
that may reasonably be expected, having regard to the expected service
life of
buildings, and shall in any case satisfy the requirements of this Section. (See
Appendix A.)
3) 
All permanent and temporary structural members, including the formwork and falsework of a
building, shall be protected against loads exceeding the specified loads during the construction period except when, as
verified by analysis or test, temporary overloading of a structural member would
result in no impairment of that member or any other member.
4) 
Falsework, scaffolding, and formwork shall be designed in conformance with
5) 
Precautions shall be taken during all phases of construction to ensure that the
building is not damaged or distorted due to loads applied during construction.
4.1.1.4. Structural Drawings and Related Documents
4.1.1.5. Design Basis
1) 
Except as provided in
Sentence (2),
buildings and their structural members shall be designed in conformance with the procedures and practices
provided in this Part.
2) 
Provided the design is carried out by a person especially qualified in the specific methods applied and provided the design demonstrates
a level of safety and performance in accordance with the requirements
of Part 4,
buildings and their structural components falling within the scope of Part 4 that are not amenable
to analysis using a generally established theory may be designed by
a) evaluation of a full-scale structure or a prototype by a loading
test, or
b) studies of model analogues.
(See Appendix A.) 4.1.2. Specified Loads and Effects
(See User’s Guide - NBC 2010, Structural Commentaries (Part 4 of Division B).)
NC2010 2010-01-01 R1
4.1.2.Specified Loads and Effects
(See User’s Guide - NBC 2010, Structural Commentaries (Part 4 of Division B).)
4.1.2.1. Loads and Effects
(See Appendix A.)1) 
Except as provided in
Article 4.1.2.2., the following categories of loads, specified loads and effects shall be taken into
consideration in the design of a
building and its structural members and connections:
Eearthquake
load and effects – a rare load due to an earthquake, as specified
in Subsection 4.1.8.,
Ha permanent
load due to lateral earth pressure, including groundwater,
Clive load due to cranes including self weight, Cdself weight of all cranes positioned for maximum effects,
C7crane bumper impact load,
Ppermanent
effects caused by pre-stress,
Teffects
due to contraction, expansion, or deflection caused by temperature
changes, shrinkage, moisture changes, creep, ground settlement, or
a combination thereof (see Appendix A), and
where
a) load means the imposed deformations (i.e. deflections, displacements
or motions that induce deformations and forces in the structure),
forces and pressures applied to the
building structure,
b) permanent load is a load that changes very little once it has
been applied to the structure, except during repair,
c) variable load is a load that frequently changes in magnitude,
direction or location, and
d) rare load is a load that occurs infrequently and for a short
time only.
2) 
Minimum specified values of the loads described in
Sentence (1), as set forth in
Subsections 4.1.4. to
4.1.8., shall be increased to account
for dynamic effects where applicable.
Table 4.1.2.1. Importance Categories for Buildings Forming part of Sentence 4.1.2.1.(3) |
Use and Occupancy | Importance Category |
Buildings that represent a low direct or indirect hazard to human life in the
event of failure, including:
- low human-occupancy buildings, where it can be shown that collapse is not likely to cause injury or other serious
consequences
- minor storage buildings
|
Low(1) |
All buildings except those listed in Importance Categories Low, High and Post-disaster
|
Normal |
Buildings that are likely to be used as post-disaster shelters, including
buildings whose primary use is:
- as an elementary, middle or secondary
school
- as a community centre
Manufacturing and storage facilities containing toxic,
explosive or other hazardous substances in sufficient quantities to
be dangerous to the public if released(1) |
High |
Post-disaster buildings are buildings that are essential to the provision of services in the event of a
disaster, and include:
- hospitals, emergency treatment facilities
and blood banks
- telephone exchanges
- power generating stations and electrical
substations
- control centres for air, land and marine
transportation
- public water treatment and storage
facilities, and pumping stations
- sewage treatment facilities
buildings having critical national defence functions - buildings of the following types, unless exempted from this designation by
the authority having jurisdiction:(2)
- emergency response
facilities
- fire, rescue and police stations,
and housing for vehicles, aircraft or boats used for
such purposes
- communications facilities, including
radio and television stations
|
Post-disaster |

NC2010 2010-01-01 R1
Table 4.1.2.1. Importance Categories for Buildings Forming part of Sentence 4.1.2.1.(3)
|
Use and Occupancy |
Importance Category |
Buildings
that represent a low direct or indirect hazard to human life in the
event of failure, including:
- low human-occupancy buildings, where it can be shown
that collapse is not likely to cause injury or other serious
consequences
- minor storage buildings
|
Low(1)
|
All buildings except those listed in Importance Categories
Low, High and Post-disaster
|
Normal |
Buildings
that are likely to be used as post-disaster shelters, including
buildings whose primary use is:
- as an elementary, middle or secondary
school
- as a community centre
Manufacturing and storage facilities containing toxic,
explosive or other hazardous substances in sufficient quantities to
be dangerous to the public if released(1)
|
High |
Post-disaster
buildings are buildings that
are essential to the provision of services in the event of a
disaster, and include:
- hospitals, emergency treatment facilities
and blood banks
- telephone exchanges
- power generating stations and electrical
substations
- control centres for air, land and marine
transportation
- public water treatment and storage
facilities, and pumping stations
- sewage treatment facilities
sewage treatment facilities and buildings having critical national
defence functions
- buildings of the
following types, unless exempted from this designation by
the authority having
jurisdiction:(2)
- emergency response
facilities
- fire, rescue and police stations,
and housing for vehicles, aircraft or boats used for
such purposes
- communications facilities, including
radio and television stations
|
Post-disaster |
4.1.2.2. Loads Not Listed
1) 
Where a
building or structural member can be expected to be subjected to loads, forces or other effects
not listed in
Article 4.1.2.1., such effects shall be taken into account in the design based on the most appropriate information
available.
4.1.3. Limit States Design
(See Appendix A.)
4.1.3.1. Definitions
1) 
In this Subsection, the term
a) limit states means those conditions of a
building structure that result in the
building ceasing to fulfill the function for which it was designed (those limit states concerning safety are called ultimate
limit states (ULS) and include exceeding the load-carrying capacity,
overturning, sliding and fracture; those limit states that restrict
the intended use and
occupancy of the
building are called serviceability limit states (SLS) and include deflection, vibration, permanent deformation and
local structural damage such as cracking; and those limit states that
represent failure under repeated loading are called fatigue limit
states),
b) specified loads (
C,
D,
E,
H,
L,
P,
S,
T and
W) means those loads defined in
Article 4.1.2.1.,
c) principal load means the specified variable load or rare load
that dominates in a given load combination,
d) companion load means a specified variable load that accompanies
the principal load in a given load combination,
e) service load means a specified load used for the evaluation
of a serviceability limit state,
f) principal-load factor means a factor applied to the principal
load in a load combination to account for the variability of the load
and load pattern and the analysis of its effects,
g) companion-load factor means a factor that, when applied to a
companion load in the load combination, gives the probable magnitude
of a companion load acting simultaneously with the factored principal
load,
i) factored load means the product of a specified load and its
principal-load factor or companion-load factor,
j) effects refers to forces, moments, deformations or vibrations
that occur in the structure,
k) nominal resistance, R, of a member, connection or structure,
is based on the geometry and on the specified properties of the structural
materials,
l) resistance factor, φ, means a factor applied to a specified
material property or to the resistance of a member, connection or
structure, and that, for the limit state under consideration, takes
into account the variability of dimensions and material properties,
workmanship, type of failure and uncertainty in the prediction of
resistance, and
m) factored resistance, φR, means the product of nominal resistance
and the applicable resistance factor.
4.1.3.2. Strength and Stability
1) 
A
building and its structural components shall be designed to have sufficient strength and stability so that
the factored resistance, φR, is greater than or equal to the effect
of factored loads, which shall be determined in accordance with
Sentence 4.1.3.2.(2).
2) 

Except as provided in
Sentence (3)
, the effect of factored loads for a
building or structural component shall be determined in accordance with

the requirements of this Article and the following load combination cases,

the applicable combination being that which results in the most critical effect:
a)

for load cases without crane loads, the load combinations listed in
Table 4.1.3.2.A, and

b)

for load cases with crane loads, the load combinations listed in
Table 4.1.3.2.B
.
(See Appendix A.) 4) 
Where the effects due to lateral earth pressure,
H, restraint effects from pre-stress,
P, and imposed deformation,
T, affect the structural safety, they shall be taken into account in the calculations, with load factors of 1.5,
1.0 and 1.25 assigned to
H,
P and
T respectively.
(See
Appendix A.)
5) 
Except as provided in
Sentence 4.1.8.16.(1), the counteracting factored
dead load—0.9
D in load combination cases 2, 3 and 4 and 1.0
D in load combination case 5

in
Table 4.1.3.2.A, and 0.9D in load combination cases 1 to 5 and 1.0D in load combination case 6 in
Table 4.1.3.2.B
—shall be used when the
dead load acts to resist overturning, uplift, sliding, failure due to stress reversal, and to determine anchorage requirements and the factored
resistance of members. (See
Appendix A.)
8) 

Except as provided in
Sentence (9),

the load factor 1.25 for
dead load,
D, for
soil, superimposed earth, plants and trees given in
Tables 4.1.3.2.A and 4.1.3.2.B
shall be increased to 1.5, except that when the
soil depth exceeds 1.2 m, the factor may be reduced to 1 + 0.6/h
s but not less than
1.25, where h
s is the depth of
soil in metres supported by the structure.
9) 

A principal-load factor of 1.5 shall be applied to the weight of saturated
soil used in load combination case 1 of
Table 4.1.3.2.A.

11) 
Provision shall be made to ensure adequate stability of the structure as a whole and adequate lateral, torsional and local stability
of all structural parts.
12) 
Sway effects produced by vertical loads acting on the structure in its displaced configuration shall be taken into account in the
design of
buildings and their structural members.
4.1.3.3. Fatigue
1) 
A
building and its structural components, including connections, shall be checked for fatigue failure under
the effect of cyclical loads, as required in the standards listed
in
Section 4.3. (See
Appendix A.)
2) 
Where vibration effects, such as resonance and fatigue resulting from machinery and equipment, are likely to be significant, a dynamic
analysis shall be carried out. (See
Appendix A.)
4.1.3.4. Serviceability
4.1.3.5. Deflection
1) 
In proportioning structural members to limit serviceability problems resulting from deflections, consideration shall be given
to
a) the intended use of the
building or member,
b) limiting damage to non-structural members made of materials
whose physical properties are known at the time of design,
c) limiting damage to the structure itself, and
d) creep, shrinkage, temperature changes and pre-stress.
(See Appendix A.) 2) 
The lateral deflection of
buildings due to service wind and gravity loads shall be checked to ensure that structural elements and non-structural elements whose nature
is known at the time the structural design is carried out will not
be damaged.
3) 
Except as provided in
Sentence (4), the total drift per
storey under service wind and gravity loads shall not exceed 1/500 of the
storey height unless other drift limits are specified in the design standards referenced in
Section 4.3. (See
Appendix A.)
4) 
The deflection limits required in
Sentence (3) do not apply to industrial
buildings or sheds if experience has proven that greater movement will have no significant adverse effects on the strength and function of the
building.
4.1.3.6. Vibration
1) 
Floor systems susceptible to vibration shall be designed so that vibrations will have no significant adverse effects on the intended
occupancy of the
building.
(See Appendix A.) 2) 
Where the fundamental vibration frequency of a structural system supporting an
assembly occupancy used for rhythmic activities, such as dancing, concerts, jumping exercises
or gymnastics, is less than 6 Hz, the effects of resonance
shall be investigated by means of a dynamic analysis. (See
Appendix A.)
4.1.4. Dead Loads
4.1.4.1. Dead Loads
1) 
The specified
dead load for a structural member consists of
a) the weight of the member itself,
b) the weight of all materials of construction incorporated into the
building to be supported permanently by the member,
d) the weight of permanent equipment, and
e) the vertical load due to earth, plants and trees.
3) 
The
partition weight allowance referred to in
Sentence (2) shall be determined from the actual or anticipated weight of the
partitions placed in any probable position, but shall be not less than 1 kPa over the area of floor being considered.
6) 
Except for structures where the
dead load of
soil is part of the load-resisting system, where the
dead load due to
soil, superimposed earth, plants and trees is counteractive, it shall not be included in the design calculations. (See
Appendix A.)
4.1.5. Live Loads Due to Use and Occupancy
(See User’s Guide - NBC 2010, Structural Commentaries (Part 4 of Division B).)
NC2010 2010-01-01 R1
4.1.5.Live Loads Due to Use and Occupancy
(See User’s Guide - NBC 2010, Structural Commentaries (Part 4 of Division B).)
4.1.5.1. Loads Due to Use of Floors and Roofs
4.1.5.2. Uses Not Stipulated
1) 
Except as provided in
Sentence (2), where the use of an area of floor or roof is not provided for in
Article 4.1.5.3., the specified
live loads due to the use and
occupancy of the area shall be determined from an analysis of the loads resulting from the weight of
a) the probable assembly of persons,
b) the probable accumulation of equipment and furnishings, and
c) the probable storage of materials.
4.1.5.3. Full and Partial Loading
1) 
The uniformly distributed
live load shall be not less than the value listed in
Table 4.1.5.3., which may be reduced as provided in
Article 4.1.5.8., applied uniformly over the entire area or on any portions of the area, whichever produces the most critical effects in the members
concerned.
Table 4.1.5.3. Specified Uniformly Distributed Live Loads on an Area of Floor or
Roof Forming part of Sentence 4.1.5.3.(1) |
Use of Area of Floor or
Roof |
Minimum Specified Load, kPa |
Assembly Areas |
4.8 |
a) Except for the areas listed under
b), c), d) and e), assembly areas with or without fixed seats including
|
Arenas (1) (areas without fixed seats that have
backs) |
Auditoria |
Churches (areas without fixed seats that have
backs) |
Dance
floors |
Dining areas(2) |
Foyers and entrance
halls |
Grandstands (1) (areas without fixed seats that have
backs), reviewing stands and bleachers |
Gymnasia |
Lecture halls(1) (areas without fixed seats that have backs) |
Museums |
Promenades |
Rinks |
Stadia (1) (areas without fixed seats that have
backs) |
Theatres (areas without fixed seats that have backs) |
Other areas with similar
uses |
b) Classrooms and courtrooms with or without fixed seats (1) |
2.4 |
c) Portions of assembly areas with fixed seats that have backs for the following
uses: |
2.9(1) |
Arenas |
Grandstands |
Stadia |
d) Portions of assembly areas with fixed seats that have backs for the following
uses: |
2.4 |
Churches |
Lecture halls(1) |
Theatres |
e) Vomitories, exits, lobbies and corridors(1) |
4.8 |
Attics (1) | |
Accessible by a stairway in
residential occupancies only |
1.4 |
Having limited accessibility so
that there is no storage of equipment or
material |
0.5 |
Balconies |
|
Exterior |
4.8 |
Interior and mezzanines that could be used by an assembly of people as a viewing area(1) | 4.8 |
Interior and mezzanines other than above |
(3) |
Corridors, lobbies and aisles (1) | |
Other than those listed
below |
4.8 |
Not more than 1 200
mm in width and all upper floor corridors of residential
areas only of apartments, hotels and motels (that cannot be used by
an assembly of people as a viewing area)(1) |
(1)(3) |
Equipment areas and service rooms including  |
3.6(4) |
Generator
rooms |
Mechanical equipment exclusive
of elevators |
Machine
rooms |
Pump rooms |
Transformer
vaults |
Ventilating or air-conditioning
equipment |
Exits and fire escapes
|
4.8 |
Factories |
6.0(4) |
Footbridges |
4.8 |
Garages for |
|
Vehicles not exceeding 4 000 kg gross weight | 2.4 |
Vehicles exceeding 4 000 kg but not exceeding 9 000 kg gross
weight | 6.0 |
Vehicles exceeding 9 000 kg gross weight |
12.0 (1) |
Kitchens (other than residential) |
4.8 |
Libraries |
|
Stack
rooms |
7.2 |
Reading and study
rooms |
2.9 |
Office areas (not including record storage
and computer rooms) located in
|
|
Basement and the first storey |
4.8 |
Floors above the first storey | 2.4 |
Operating rooms and laboratories |
3.6 |
Patients' bedrooms |
1.9 |
Recreation areas that cannot be used for
assembly purposes including
|
3.6 |
Billiard
rooms |
Bowling
alleys |
Pool rooms |
Residential areas (within the scope of
Article 1.3.3.2. of Division A) |
|
Sleeping and living quarters in
apartments, hotels, motels, boarding schools and
colleges |
1.9 |
Residential areas (within the scope of
Article 1.3.3.3. of Division A) |
|
Bedrooms |
1.9
|
Other
areas |
1.9 |
Stairs within dwelling units | 1.9 |
Retail and wholesale areas |
4.8 |
Roofs |
1.0 (1) (5) |
Sidewalks and driveways over areaways
and basements |
12.0 (1)(5) |
Storage areas |
4.8(4) |
Toilet areas |
2.4 |
Underground slabs with earth cover |
(5) |
Warehouses |
4.8(4) |
4.1.5.4. Loads for Occupancy Served
1) 
The following shall be designed to carry not less than the specified load required for the
occupancy they serve, provided they cannot be used by an assembly of people as a viewing
area:
a) corridors, lobbies and aisles not more than 1 200 mm wide,
b) all corridors above the
first storey of residential areas of apartments, hotels and motels, and
4.1.5.5. Loads on Exterior Areas
(See Appendix A.)
1) 
Exterior areas accessible to vehicular traffic shall be designed for their intended use, including the weight of firefighting equipment,
but not for less than the snow and rain loads prescribed in
Subsection 4.1.6. 3) 
Exterior areas accessible to pedestrian traffic, but not vehicular traffic, shall be designed for their intended use, but not for less
than the greater of
4) 
Roof parking decks shall be designed for either the uniformly distributed
live loads specified in
Table 4.1.5.3., the concentrated
live loads listed in
Table 4.1.5.9.
, or the roof snow load, whichever produces the most critical effect in the members concerned.
4.1.5.6. Loads for Dining Areas
1) 
The minimum specified
live load listed in
Table 4.1.5.3. for dining areas may be reduced to 2.4 kPa for areas in
buildings that are being converted to dining areas, provided that the
floor area does not exceed 100 m
2 and the dining area will not be used for other assembly purposes, including dancing.
4.1.5.7. More Than One Occupancy
1) 
Where an area of floor or roof is intended for 2 or more
occupancies at different times, the value to be used from
Table 4.1.5.3. shall be the greatest value for any of the
occupancies concerned.
4.1.5.8. Variation with Tributary Area
(See Appendix A.)
2) 
Where a structural member supports a tributary area of a floor or a roof, or a combination thereof, that is greater than 80 m
2 and either used for
assembly occupancies designed for a
live load of 4.8 kPa or more, or used for storage, manufacturing, retail stores, garages or as a footbridge, the specified
live load due to use and
occupancy is the load specified in
Article 4.1.5.3. multiplied by
where A is the tributary area in square metres for this type of use and
occupancy.
3) 
Where a structural member supports a tributary area of a floor or a roof, or a combination thereof, that is greater than 20 m
2 and used
for any use or
occupancy other than those indicated in
Sentences (1) and (2), the specified
live load due to use and
occupancy is the load specified in
Article 4.1.5.3. multiplied by
where B is the tributary area in square metres for this type of use and
occupancy.
4.1.5.9. Concentrated Loads
1) 
The specified
live load due to possible concentrations of load resulting from the use of an area of floor
or roof shall not be less than that listed in
Table 4.1.5.9. applied over

the loaded area noted and

located so as to cause maximum effects, except that for
occupancies not listed in
Table 4.1.5.9., the concentrations of load shall be determined in accordance with
Article 4.1.5.2.
4.1.5.10. Sway Forces in Assembly Occupancies
1) 
The floor assembly and other structural elements that support fixed seats in any
building used for
assembly occupancies accommodating large numbers of people at one time, such as grandstands, stadia and
theatre balconies, shall be designed to resist a horizontal force equal to not less than 0.3 kN for each metre length
of seats acting parallel to each row of seats, and not less than 0.15 kN for each metre length of seats acting at right angles
to each row of seats, based on the assumption that these forces are
acting independently of each other.
4.1.5.11. Crane-Supporting Structures and Impact of Machinery and Equipment
(See Appendix A.)3) 
Crane runway structures shall be designed to resist a horizontal force applied normal to the top of the rails equal to not less than 20% of the sum of the weights
of the lifted load and the crane trolley (excluding other parts of the
crane).
4) 
The force described in
Sentence (3) shall be equally distributed on each side of the runway and shall be assumed to act in either direction.
5) 
Crane runway structures shall be designed to resist a horizontal force applied parallel to the top of the rails equal to not less than 10% of the maximum wheel loads of the
crane.
Table 4.1.5.11. Factors for the Calculation of Impact Loads Forming part of Sentence 4.1.5.11.(1) |
Cause of Impact |
Factor |
Operation of cab or
radio-operated cranes
|
1.25 |
Operation of pendant or
hand-operated cranes
|
1.10 |
Operation of elevators |
(1) |
Supports for light machinery,
shaft or motor-driven
|
1.20 |
Supports for
reciprocating machinery (e.g. compressors) |
1.50 |
Supports for
power-driven units (e.g. piston engines) |
1.50 |
4.1.5.12. Bleachers
1) 
Bleacher seats shall be designed for a uniformly distributed
live load of 1.75 kN for each linear metre or for a concentrated load of 2.2 kN distributed
over a length of 0.75 m, whichever produces the most
critical effect on the supporting members.
2) 
Bleachers shall be checked by the erector after erection to ensure that all structural members, including bracing specified in
the design, have been installed.
3) 
Telescopic bleachers shall be provided with locking devices to ensure stability while in use.
4.1.5.13. Helicopter Landing Areas
1) 
Helicopter landing areas on roofs shall be constructed in conformance with the requirements

for heliports

contained in the “Canadian Aviation Regulations – Part III,” published by Transport
Canada.
4.1.5.14. Loads on Guards
(See Appendix A.)1) 
The minimum specified horizontal load applied inward or outward at the

minimum required height

of every required
guard shall be
a) 3.0 kN/m

for open viewing stands without fixed seats and

for
means of egress in grandstands, stadia, bleachers and arenas,
b) a concentrated load of 1.0 kN applied at any point
for access ways to equipment platforms, contiguous stairs and similar
areas where the gathering of many people is improbable, and
c) 0.75 kN/m or a concentrated load of 1.0 kN applied at any point, whichever governs for locations other than
those described in
Clauses (a) and (b).
2) 
Individual elements within the
guard, including solid panels and pickets, shall be designed for a load of 0.5 kN applied over an area of 100 mm by 100 mm located at any point in the element or elements
so as to produce the most critical effect.
4) 
The minimum specified load applied vertically at the top of every required
guard shall be 1.5 kN/m and need not be considered to act simultaneously with
the horizontal load provided for in
Sentence (1).
4.1.5.15. Loads on Vehicle Guardrails
1) 
Vehicle guardrails shall be designed for a concentrated load of 22 kN applied horizontally outward at any point 500 mm above the floor surface. (See
Appendix A.)
4.1.5.16. Loads on Walls Acting As Guards
1) 
Where the floor elevation on one side of a wall, including a wall around a shaft, is more than 600 mm higher than
the elevation of the floor or ground on the other side, the wall shall
be designed to resist the appropriate lateral design loads prescribed
elsewhere in this Section or 0.5 kPa, whichever produces
the more critical effect.
4.1.5.17. Firewalls
(See Appendix A.)1)
Firewalls shall be designed to resist the maximum effect due to
a) the appropriate lateral design loads prescribed elsewhere in
this Section, or
b) a factored lateral load of 0.5 kPa under fire conditions,
as described in
Sentence (2).
2) 
Under fire conditions, where the
fire-resistance rating of the structure is less than that of the
firewall,
a) lateral support shall be assumed to be provided by the structure on one side only, or
b) another structural support system capable of resisting the loads imposed by a
fire on either side of the
firewall shall be provided.
4.1.6. Loads Due to Snow and Rain
(See User's Guide - NBC 2010, Structural Commentaries (Part 4 of Division B).)
NC2010 2010-01-01 R1
4.1.6.Loads Due to Snow and Rain
(See User's Guide - NBC 2010, Structural Commentaries (Part 4 of Division B).)
4.1.6.1. Specified Load Due to Rain or to Snow and Associated Rain
1) 
The specified load on a roof or any other
building surface subject to snow and associated rain shall be the snow load specified in
Article 4.1.6.2., or the rain load specified in
Article 4.1.6.4., whichever produces the more critical effect.
4.1.6.2. Specified Snow Load
(See Appendix A.)1) The specified load,
S, due to snow and associated rain accumulation on a roof or any other
building surface subject to snow accumulation shall be calculated using the formula


where
Ss= 1-in-50-year ground snow load, in kPa, determined in accordance
with Subsection 1.1.3.,
Sr= 1-in-50-year associated rain load, in kPa, determined in
accordance with Subsection 1.1.3., but not greater than Ss(C
bCwCsCa).

NC2010 2010-01-01 R1
1) 
The specified load,
S, due to snow and associated rain accumulation on a roof or any other
building surface subject to snow accumulation shall be calculated using
the formula
where
Is= importance factor for snow load as provided in Table 4.1.6.2.,
Ss= 1-in-50-year ground snow load, in kPa, determined in accordance
with Subsection 1.1.3.,
Cb= basic roof snow load factor in Sentence (2),
Cw= wind exposure factor in Sentences (3) and (4),
Cs= slope factor in Sentences (5), (6) and (7),
Ca= shape factor in Sentence (8), and
Sr= 1-in-50-year associated rain load, in kPa, determined in
accordance with Subsection 1.1.3., but not greater than Ss(C
bCwCsCa).
Table 4.1.6.2. Importance Factor for Snow Load, IS Forming part of Sentence 4.1.6.2.(1) |
Importance Category |
Importance
Factor, Is |
ULS |
SLS |
Low |
0.8 |
0.9 |
Normal |
1 |
0.9 |
High |
1.15 |
0.9 |
Post-disaster |
1.25 |
0.9 |
2) 
The basic roof snow load factor, C
b, shall be 0.8, except that for large roofs it shall be
a) 1.0 - (30/lc)2, for roofs with Cw = 1.0 and lc greater than or equal to 70 m, or
b) 1.3 - (140/lc)2, for roofs with Cw = 0.75 or 0.5 and lc greater than or equal to 200 m,
where
lc= characteristic length of the upper or lower roof, defined
as 2w−w2/l, in
metres,
w= smaller plan dimension of the roof, in metres,
l= larger plan dimension of the roof, in metres.
3) 
Except as provided for in
Sentence (4), the wind exposure factor, C
w, shall be 1.0.
4) 
For
buildings in the Low and Normal Importance Categories as set out in
Table 4.1.2.1., the wind exposure factor given in
Sentence (3) may be reduced to 0.75, or to 0.5 in exposed areas north of the treeline, where
a) the
building is exposed on all sides to wind over open terrain as defined in
Clause 4.1.7.1.(5)(a), and is expected to remain so during its life,
b) the area of roof under consideration is exposed to the wind on all sides with
no significant obstructions on the roof, such as parapet walls, within a
distance of at least 10 times the difference between the height of
the obstruction and C
bC
wS
s/ϒ metres, where ϒ is
the unit weight of snow on roofs (see
Appendix A), and
c) the loading does not involve the accumulation of snow due to drifting from
adjacent surfaces.
5) 
Except as provided for in
Sentences (6) and (7), the slope factor, C
s, shall be
a) 1.0 where the roof slope, ∝, is equal to or less than 30°,
b) (70° − ∝)/40° where ∝ is greater than
30° but not greater than 70°, and
c) 0 where ∝ exceeds 70°.
6) 
The slope factor, C
s, for unobstructed slippery roofs where snow and ice can slide completely off the roof shall be
a) 1.0 where the roof slope, ∝, is equal to or less than 15°,
b) (60° − ∝)/45° where ∝ is greater than
15° but not greater than 60°, and
c) 0 where ∝ exceeds 60°.
7) 
The slope factor, C
s, shall be 1.0 when used in conjunction with shape factors for increased snow loads as given in
Clauses (8)(b) and (e).
8) 
The shape factor, C
a, shall be 1.0, except that where appropriate for the shape of the roof, it shall be assigned other
values that account for
a) non-uniform snow loads on gable, arched or curved roofs and
domes,
b) increased snow loads in valleys,
c) increased non-uniform snow loads due to snow drifting onto a
roof that is at a level lower than other parts of the same
building or at a level lower than another
building within 5 m of it,
d) increased non-uniform snow loads on areas adjacent to roof projections,
such as penthouses, large
chimneys and equipment, and
e) increased snow or ice loads due to snow sliding or meltwater
draining from adjacent roofs.
4.1.6.3. Full and Partial Loading
1) 
A roof or other
building surface and its structural members subject to loads due to snow accumulation
shall be designed for the specified load given in
Sentence 4.1.6.2.(1), distributed over the entire loaded area.
2) 
In addition to the distribution mentioned in
Sentence (1), flat roofs and shed roofs, gable roofs of 15° slope or less, and arched or curved roofs
shall be designed for the specified uniform snow load indicated in
Sentence 4.1.6.2.(1), which shall be calculated using C
a = 1.0, distributed on any one portion of the loaded area and half of
this load on the remainder of the loaded area, in such a way as to
produce the most critical effects on the member concerned.
(See Appendix A.) 4.1.6.4. Specified Rain Load
1) 
Except as provided in
Sentence (4), the specified load,
S, due to the accumulation of rainwater on a surface whose position, shape and
deflection under load make such an accumulation possible, is that
resulting from the one-day rainfall determined in conformance with
Subsection 1.1.3. and applied over the horizontal projection
of the surface and all tributary surfaces. (See
Appendix A.)
2) 
The provisions of
Sentence (1) apply whether or not the surface is provided with a means of drainage, such
as rainwater leaders.
3) 
Except as provided in
Sentence 4.1.6.2.(1), loads due to rain need not be considered to act simultaneously with loads due
to snow. (See
Appendix A.)
4) 
Where scuppers are provided and where the position, shape and deflection of the loaded surface make an accumulation of rainwater
possible, the loads due to rain shall be the lesser of either the
one-day rainfall determined in conformance with
Subsection 1.1.3. or a depth of rainwater equal to 30 mm above the level of the scuppers, applied over the horizontal projection
of the surface and tributary areas.
4.1.7. Wind Load
(See User's Guide - NBC 2010, Structural Commentaries (Part 4 of Division B).)4.1.7.1. Specified Wind Load
1) 
The specified external pressure or suction due to wind on part or all of a surface of a
building shall be calculated using the formula
where
p= specified external pressure acting statically and in a direction
normal to the surface, either as a pressure directed towards the surface
or as a suction directed away from the surface,
q= reference velocity pressure, as provided in Sentence (4), Cp= external pressure coefficient, averaged over the area of the
surface considered.
(See Appendix A.)
Table 4.1.7.1. Importance Factor for Wind Load, IW Forming part of Sentences 4.1.7.1.(1) and (3) |
Importance Category |
Importance Factor, IW |
ULS |
SLS |
Low |
0.8 |
0.75 |
Normal |
1 |
0.75 |
High |
1.15 |
0.75 |
Post-disaster |
1.25 |
0.75 |
2) 
The net wind load for the
building as a whole shall be the algebraic difference of the loads on the windward and leeward surfaces, and in
some cases, may be calculated as the sum of the products of the external pressures
or suctions and the areas of the surfaces over which they are averaged as provided
in
Sentence (1).
(See Appendix A.) 3) 
The net specified pressure due to wind on part or all of a surface of a
building shall be the algebraic difference of the external pressure or suction as provided in
Sentence (1) and the specified internal pressure or suction due to wind calculated using the
following formula:
where
pi= specified internal pressure acting statically and in a direction
normal to the surface, either as a pressure directed towards the surface
or as a suction directed away from the surface,
q= reference velocity pressure, as provided in Sentence (4), Cgi= internal gust effect factor, as provided in Sentence (6), and Cpi= internal pressure coefficient.
(See
Appendix A.)
4) 
The reference velocity pressure, q, shall be the appropriate value determined in conformance with
Subsection 1.1.3., based on a probability of being
exceeded in any one year of 1 in 50.
5) 
The exposure factor, C
e, shall be
a) (h/10)
0.2 but not less than 0.9 for open terrain, where open terrain is level terrain with only scattered
buildings, trees or other obstructions, open water or shorelines thereof, h being the reference height above
grade in metres for the surface or part of the surface (see
Appendix A),
b) 0.7(h/12)
0.3 but not less than 0.7 for rough terrain, where
rough terrain is suburban, urban or wooded terrain extending upwind from the
building uninterrupted for at least 1 km or

20 times the height of the
building
, whichever is greater, h being the reference height above
grade in metres for the surface or part of the surface (see
Appendix A),
c) an intermediate value between the two exposures defined in
Clauses (a) and (b) in cases where the site is less than 1 km or

20 times the height of the
building
from a change in terrain conditions, whichever is greater, provided an appropriate
interpolation method is used (see
Appendix A), or
d) if a dynamic approach to the action of wind gusts is used, an appropriate
value depending on both height and shielding (see
Appendix A).
6) 
The gust effect factor, C
g, shall be one of the following values:
b) for external pressures and suctions on small elements including cladding,
Cg = 2.5,
c) for internal pressures, C
gi = 2.0 or a value determined by detailed
calculation that takes into account the sizes of the openings in the
building envelope, the internal volume and the flexibility of the
building envelope (see
Appendix A), or
d) if a dynamic approach to wind action is used, C
g is a value that is
appropriate for the turbulence of the wind and the size and natural frequency of
the structure (see
Appendix A).

BC2012 2012-01-01 R1NC2010 2010-01-01 R1
4.1.7.1. Specified Wind Load
1) The specified external pressure or suction due to wind on part or all of a surface
of a
building shall be calculated using the
formula
where
p= specified external pressure acting statically and in a direction
normal to the surface, either as a pressure directed towards the surface
or as a suction directed away from the surface,
IW= importance factor for wind load, as provided in Table 4.1.7.1.,
q= reference velocity pressure, as provided in Sentence (4),
Ce= exposure factor, as provided in Sentence (5),
Cg= gust effect factor, as provided in Sentence (6), and
Cp= external pressure coefficient, averaged over the area of the
surface considered.
(See Appendix A.)
Table Importance Factor for Wind Load, IW Forming part of Sentences 4.1.7.1.(1) and (3)
|
Importance Category |
Importance Factor, IW |
|
ULS |
SLS |
Low |
0.8 |
0.75 |
Normal |
1 |
0.75 |
High |
1.15 |
0.75 |
Post-disaster |
1.25 |
0.75 |
2) The net wind load for the building as a whole shall be
the algebraic difference of the loads on the windward and leeward surfaces, and in
some cases, may be calculated as the sum of the products of the external pressures
or suctions and the areas of the surfaces over which they are averaged as provided
in Sentence (1). (See Appendix A.)
3) The net specified pressure due to wind on part or all of a surface of a
building shall be the algebraic difference of the external
pressure or suction as provided in Sentence (1) and
the specified internal pressure or suction due to wind calculated using the
following formula:
where
pi= specified internal pressure acting statically and in a direction
normal to the surface, either as a pressure directed towards the surface
or as a suction directed away from the surface,
IW= importance factor for wind load, as provided in Table 4.1.7.1.,
q= reference velocity pressure, as provided in Sentence (4),
Ce= exposure factor, as provided in Sentence (5),
Cgi= internal gust effect factor, as provided in Sentence (6), and
Cpi= internal pressure coefficient.
(See Appendix A.)
4) The reference velocity pressure, q, shall be the appropriate value determined in
conformance with Subsection 1.1.3., based on a probability of being
exceeded in any one year of 1 in 50.
5) The exposure factor, C
e, shall be
a) (h/10)0.2 but not less than 0.9 for open terrain, where open
terrain is level terrain with only scattered buildings, trees or other obstructions, open water or shorelines
thereof, h being the reference height above grade in
metres for the surface or part of the surface (see Appendix A),
b) 0.7(h/12)0.3 but not less than 0.7 for rough terrain, where
rough terrain is suburban, urban or wooded terrain extending upwind from the
building uninterrupted for at least 1
km or 20 times the height of the building height, whichever is greater, h being the
reference height above grade in metres for the
surface or part of the surface (see Appendix A),
c) an intermediate value between the two exposures defined in Clauses (a) and (b) in cases where the
site is less than 1 km or 20
times the height of the building height from
a change in terrain conditions, whichever is greater, provided an appropriate
interpolation method is used (see Appendix A), or
d) if a dynamic approach to the action of wind gusts is used, an appropriate
value depending on both height and shielding (see Appendix A).
6) The gust effect factor, C
g, shall be one of the following
values:
a) for the building as a whole and main structural
members, Cg = 2.0 (see Appendix A),
b) for external pressures and suctions on small elements including cladding,
Cg = 2.5,
c) for internal pressures, Cgi = 2.0 or a value determined by detailed
calculation that takes into account the sizes of the openings in the building envelope, the internal volume and the
flexibility of the building envelope (see Appendix A), or
d) if a dynamic approach to wind action is used, Cg is a value that is
appropriate for the turbulence of the wind and the size and natural frequency of
the structure (see Appendix A).
4.1.7.1. Specified Wind Load
1) 
The specified external pressure or suction due to wind on part or all of a surface of a
building shall be calculated using the
formula
where
p= specified external pressure acting statically and in a direction
normal to the surface, either as a pressure directed towards the surface
or as a suction directed away from the surface,
IW= importance factor for wind load, as provided in Table 4.1.7.1.,
q= reference velocity pressure, as provided in Sentence (4),
Ce= exposure factor, as provided in Sentence (5),
Cg= gust effect factor, as provided in Sentence (6), and
Cp= external pressure coefficient, averaged over the area of the
surface considered.
(See Appendix A.)
Table Importance Factor for Wind Load, IW Forming part of Sentences 4.1.7.1.(1) and (3)
|
Importance Category |
Importance Factor, IW |
|
ULS |
SLS |
Low |
0.8 |
0.75 |
Normal |
1 |
0.75 |
High |
1.15 |
0.75 |
Post-disaster |
1.25 |
0.75 |
2) 
The net wind load for the
building as a whole shall be the algebraic difference of the loads on the windward and leeward surfaces, and in
some cases, may be calculated as the sum of the products of the external pressures
or suctions and the areas of the surfaces over which they are averaged as provided
in Sentence (1).
(See Appendix A.)
3) 
The net specified pressure due to wind on part or all of a surface of a
building shall be the algebraic difference of the external pressure or suction as provided in Sentence (1) and
the specified internal pressure or suction due to wind calculated using the
following formula:
where
pi= specified internal pressure acting statically and in a direction
normal to the surface, either as a pressure directed towards the surface
or as a suction directed away from the surface,
IW= importance factor for wind load, as provided in Table 4.1.7.1.,
q= reference velocity pressure, as provided in Sentence (4),
Ce= exposure factor, as provided in Sentence (5),
Cgi= internal gust effect factor, as provided in Sentence (6), and
Cpi= internal pressure coefficient.
(See Appendix A.)
4) 
The reference velocity pressure, q, shall be the appropriate value determined in conformance with Subsection 1.1.3., based on a probability of being
exceeded in any one year of 1 in 50.
5) 
The exposure factor, C
e, shall be
a) (h/10)0.2 but not less than 0.9 for open terrain, where open
terrain is level terrain with only scattered buildings, trees or other obstructions, open water or shorelines
thereof, h being the reference height above grade in
metres for the surface or part of the surface (see Appendix A),
b) 0.7(h/12)0.3 but not less than 0.7 for rough terrain, where
rough terrain is suburban, urban or wooded terrain extending upwind from the
building uninterrupted for at least 1
km or 20 times the height of the building height, whichever is greater, h being the
reference height above grade in metres for the
surface or part of the surface (see Appendix A),
c) an intermediate value between the two exposures defined in Clauses (a) and (b) in cases where the
site is less than 1 km or 20
times the height of the building height from
a change in terrain conditions, whichever is greater, provided an appropriate
interpolation method is used (see Appendix A), or
d) if a dynamic approach to the action of wind gusts is used, an appropriate
value depending on both height and shielding (see Appendix A).
6) 
The gust effect factor, C
g, shall be one of the following values:
a) for the building as a whole and main structural
members, Cg = 2.0 (see Appendix A),
b) for external pressures and suctions on small elements including cladding,
Cg = 2.5,
c) for internal pressures, Cgi = 2.0 or a value determined by detailed
calculation that takes into account the sizes of the openings in the building envelope, the internal volume and the
flexibility of the building envelope (see Appendix A), or
d) if a dynamic approach to wind action is used, Cg is a value that is
appropriate for the turbulence of the wind and the size and natural frequency of
the structure (see Appendix A).
4.1.7.2. Dynamic Effects of Wind
1) 

Except as provided in
Sentence (2),
buildings whose height is greater than 4 times their minimum effective width, which is defined in
Sentence (3), or greater than

60 m,

and
buildings whose

lowest natural frequency is less than 1 Hz, as determined by rational analysis (see
Appendix A),

shall be designed
a) by experimental methods for the danger of dynamic overloading, vibration and
the effects of fatigue, or
b) by using a dynamic approach to the action of wind gusts (see
Appendix A).
2) 
Buildings whose lowest natural frequency is less than ¼ Hz, as determined by rational analysis,
shall be designed by experimental methods in accordance with
Clause (1)(a). (See
Appendix A.)

3) 
The effective width, w, of a
building shall be calculated using
where the summations are over the height of the
building for a given wind direction, h
i is the height above
grade to level i, as defined in
Sentence 4.1.7.1.(5), and w
i is the width normal to the wind direction at height h
i; the minimum effective width is the lowest value
of the effective width considering all possible wind directions.
4.1.7.3. Full and Partial Loading
1)
Buildings and structural members shall be capable of withstanding the effects of
a) the full wind loads acting along each of the 2 principal horizontal axes
considered separately,
b) the wind loads as described in
Clause (a) but with 100% of the load removed from any portion of the area,
c) the wind loads as described in
Clause (a) but considered simultaneously at 75% of their full value, and
d) the wind loads as described in
Clause (c) but with 50% of these loads removed from any portion of the area.
(See Appendix A.) 4.1.7.4. Interior Walls and Partitions
1) 
In the design of interior walls and
partitions, due consideration shall be given to differences in air pressure on opposite sides of the wall or
partition which may result from
a) pressure differences between the windward and leeward sides of a
building,
b) stack effects due to a difference in air temperature between
the exterior and interior of the
building, and
c) air pressurization by the mechanical services of the
building.
4.1.8. Earthquake Load and Effects
(See User's Guide - NBC 2010, Structural Commentaries (Part 4 of Division B).)4.1.8.1. Analysis
1) 
The deflections and specified loading due to earthquake motions shall be determined according to the requirements in this Subsection,
except that the requirements in this Subsection need not be considered
in design if S(0.2), as defined in
Sentence 4.1.8.4.(7), is less than or equal to 0.12.
4.1.8.2. Notation
1) 
In this Subsection
Ar= response amplification factor to account for type of attachment of mechanical/electrical
equipment, as defined in
Sentence 4.1.8.18.(1)
, Ax= amplification factor at level x to account for variation of response of mechanical/electrical
equipment with elevation within the building, as defined in
Sentence 4.1.8.18.(1)
, Dnx= plan dimension of the building at level x perpendicular to the direction of seismic loading being considered, ex= distance measured perpendicular to the direction of earthquake loading between centre
of mass and centre of rigidity at the level being considered (see Appendix A), hi, hn, hx= the height above the base (i = 0) to level i, n, or x respectively, where the base
of the structure is the level at which horizontal earthquake motions are considered
to be imparted to the structure,
hs= interstorey height (hi - hi-1),
Jx= numerical reduction coefficient for overturning moment at level x, as defined in
Sentence 4.1.8.11.(7), Level i= any level in the building, i = 1 for first level above the base, Level n= level that is uppermost in the main portion of the structure,
Level x= level that is under design consideration,
N̅60= Average Standard Penetration Resistance for the top 30 m, corrected to a rod energy efficiency of 60% of the theoretical maximum,
PGA= Peak Ground Acceleration expressed as a ratio to gravitational acceleration, as
defined in Sentence 4.1.8.4.(1), PI= plasticity index for clays,
Rd= ductility-related force modification factor reflecting the capability of a structure
to dissipate energy through
reversed cyclic
inelastic behaviour, as given in Article 4.1.8.9., Ro= overstrength-related force modification factor accounting for the dependable portion
of reserve strength in a structure designed according to these provisions, as defined
in Article 4.1.8.9., S(T)= design spectral response acceleration, expressed as a ratio to gravitational acceleration,
for a period of T, as defined in
Sentence 4.1.8.4.(7)
, Sa(T)= 5% damped spectral response acceleration, expressed as a ratio to gravitational
acceleration, for a period of T, as defined in Sentence 4.1.8.4.(1), SFRS= Seismic Force Resisting System(s) is that part of the structural system that has
been considered in the design to provide the required resistance to the earthquake
forces and effects defined in Subsection 4.1.8.,
su= average undrained shear strength in the top 30 m of soil, T= period in seconds,
Ta= fundamental lateral period of vibration of the building or structure in seconds in the direction under consideration, as defined in Sentence 4.1.8.11.(3), V= lateral earthquake design force at the base of the structure, as determined by Article 4.1.8.11., Vd= lateral earthquake design force at the base of the structure, as determined by Article 4.1.8.12., Ve= lateral earthquake elastic force at the base of the structure, as determined by
Article 4.1.8.12.,
Ved= lateral earthquake design elastic force at the base of the structure, as determined by Article 4.1.8.12.,
V̅s= average shear wave velocity in the top 30 m of soil or rock, Wi, Wx= portion of W that is located at or is assigned to level i or x respectively,
Wp= weight of a part or portion of a structure, e.g., cladding, partitions and appendages,
4.1.8.3. General Requirements
1) 
The
building shall be designed to meet the requirements of this Subsection and of the design standards referenced in
Section 4.3. 2) 
Structures shall be designed with a clearly defined load path, or paths, that will transfer the inertial forces generated in an earthquake
to the supporting ground.
3) 
The structure shall have a clearly defined Seismic Force Resisting System(s) (SFRS), as defined in
Article 4.1.8.2. 4) 
The SFRS shall be designed to resist 100% of the earthquake loads and their effects. (See
Appendix A.)
5) 
All structural framing elements not considered to be part of the SFRS must be investigated and shown to behave elastically or to
have sufficient non-linear capacity to support their gravity loads
while undergoing earthquake-induced deformations calculated from the
deflections determined in
Article 4.1.8.13. 6) 
Stiff elements that are not considered part of the SFRS, such as concrete, masonry, brick or pre-cast walls or panels, shall be
a) separated from all structural elements of the
building such that no interaction takes place as the
building undergoes deflections due to earthquake effects as calculated in this Subsection, or
b) made part of the SFRS and satisfy the requirements of this Subsection.
(See Appendix A.) 7) 
Stiffness imparted to the structure from elements not part of the SFRS, other than those described in
Sentence (6), shall not be used to resist earthquake deflections but shall be accounted for
a) in calculating the period of the structure for determining forces if the added
stiffness decreases the fundamental lateral period by more than 15%,
b) in determining the irregularity of the structure, except the additional
stiffness shall not be used to make an irregular SFRS regular or to reduce the
effects of torsion (see
Appendix A), and
c) in designing the SFRS if inclusion of the elements not part of the SFRS in the
analysis has an adverse effect on the SFRS (see
Appendix A).
8) 
Structural modelling shall be representative of the magnitude and spatial distribution of the mass of the
building and of the stiffness of all elements of the SFRS, including stiff elements that are not
separated in accordance with
Sentence (6), and shall account for
a) the effect of cracked sections in reinforced concrete and reinforced masonry elements,
b) the effect of the finite size of members and joints,
c) sway effects arising from the interaction of gravity loads with the displaced
configuration of the structure, and
d) other effects that influence the lateral stiffness of the
building.
(See Appendix A.) 4.1.8.4. Site Properties
1) 
The peak ground acceleration (PGA) and the 5% damped spectral response acceleration values, S
a(T), for the reference ground conditions (Site
Class C in
Table 4.1.8.4.A) for periods T of 0.2 s, 0.5 s, 1.0 s, and 2.0 s, shall
be determined in accordance with
Subsection 1.1.3. and
are based on a 2% probability of exceedance in 50 years.
Table 4.1.8.4.A Site Classification for Seismic Site Response
Forming part of Sentences 4.1.8.4.(1) to (3) |
Site Class |
Ground Profile Name |
Average Properties in Top 30 m , as per Appendix A |
Average Shear Wave Velocity,
V̅s (m/s)
|
Average Standard Penetration
Resistance, N̅60 |
Soil Undrained Shear Strength, su |
A |
Hard rock<(1)><(2)> |
V̅s >
1500
|
n/a |
n/a |
B |
Rock (2) |
760 < V̅s ≤ 1500
|
n/a |
n/a |
C |
Very dense soil and soft rock |
360 < V̅s < 760
|
N̅60 >
50
|
su >
100 kPa
|
D |
Stiff soil |
180 < V̅s < 360
|
15 ≤ N̅60 ≤ 50
|
50 kPa < su ≤ 100
kPa
|
E |
Soft soil |
V̅s <
180
|
N̅60 <
15
|
su <
50 kPa
|
Any profile with more than 3 m of soil with the following characteristics:
- plasticity index: PI > 20
- moisture content: w ≥ 40%, and
- undrained shear strength: su <
25 kPa
|
F |
Other soils<(3)> |
Site-specific evaluation required |
2) 
Site classifications for ground shall conform to
Table 4.1.8.4.A and shall be determined using V̅
s except as provided in
Sentence (3).
3) 
If average shear wave velocity, V̅
s, is not known, Site Class shall be determined from energy-corrected Average Standard Penetration Resistance, N̅
60, or from
soil average undrained shear strength, s
u, as noted in
Table 4.1.8.4.A, N̅
60 and s
u being calculated based on rational analysis. (See
Appendix A.)
4) 
Acceleration- and velocity-based site coefficients, F
a and F
v, shall conform to
Tables 4.1.8.4.B and 4.1.8.4.C using linear interpolation for intermediate values of S
a(0.2)
and S
a(1.0).
Table 4.1.8.4.B Values of Fa as a Function of Site Class and
Sa(0.2) Forming part of Sentence 4.1.8.4.(4) |
Site
Class |
Values of Fa |
Sa(0.2)
≤ 0.25
|
Sa(0.2) =
0.50
|
Sa(0.2) =
0.75
|
Sa(0.2) =
1.00
|
Sa(0.2)
≥ 1.25
|
A |
0.7 |
0.7 |
0.8 |
0.8 |
0.8 |
B |
0.8 |
0.8 |
0.9 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
C |
1.0 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
D |
1.3 |
1.2 |
1.1 |
1.1 |
1.0 |
E |
2.1 |
1.4 |
1.1 |
0.9 |
0.9 |
F |
(1) |
(1) |
(1) |
(1) |
(1) |
Table 4.1.8.4.C Values of Fv as a Function of Site Class and
Sa(1.0) Forming part of Sentence 4.1.8.4.(4) |
Site
Class |
Values of Fv |
Sa(1.0)
≤ 0.1
|
Sa(1.0) =
0.2
|
Sa(1.0) =
0.3
|
Sa(1.0) =
0.4
|
Sa(1.0)
≥ 0.5
|
A |
0.5 |
0.5 |
0.5 |
0.6 |
0.6 |
B |
0.6 |
0.7 |
0.7 |
0.8 |
0.8 |
C |
1.0 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
D |
1.4 |
1.3 |
1.2 |
1.1 |
1.1 |
E |
2.1 |
2.0 |
1.9 |
1.7 |
1.7 |
F |
(1) |
(1) |
(1) |
(1) |
(1) |
6) 

For structures with a fundamental period of vibration equal to or less than 0.5 s that are built on liquefiable soils,
Site Class and the corresponding values of F
a and F
v may be determined as described in
Tables 4.1.8.4.A, B,
and C by assuming that the soils are not liquefiable. (See
A-4.1.8.4.(3) and Table 4.1.8.4.A. in Appendix A.)

7) 
The design spectral acceleration values of S(T) shall be determined as follows, using linear interpolation for intermediate values of
T:
S(T)= FaSa(0.2) for T ≤ 0.2 s= FvSa(0.5) or FaSa(0.2), whichever is smaller for T = 0.5 s= FvSa(1.0) for T = 1.0 s = FvSa(2.0) for T = 2.0 s= FvSa(2.0)/2 for T ≥ 4.0 s
4.1.8.5. Importance Factor
1) 
The earthquake importance factor, I
E, shall be determined according to
Table 4.1.8.5.
Table 4.1.8.5. Importance Factor for Earthquake Loads and Effects, IE Forming part of Sentence 4.1.8.5.(1) |
Importance Category |
Importance Factor, IE |
ULS |
SLS(1) |
Low |
0.8 |
(2) |
Normal |
1.0 |
High |
1.3 |
Post-disaster |
1.5 |
4.1.8.6. Structural Configuration
1) 
Structures having any of the features listed in
Table 4.1.8.6. shall be designated irregular.
2) 
Structures not classified as irregular according to
Sentence (1) may be considered regular.
3) 
Except as required by
Article 4.1.8.10., in cases where I
EF
aS
a(0.2) is equal to or
greater than 0.35, structures designated as irregular must satisfy
the provisions referenced in
Table 4.1.8.6.
Table 4.1.8.6. Structural Irregularities(1) Forming part of Sentence 4.1.8.6.(1) |
Type |
Irregularity Type and Definition |
Notes |
1 |
Vertical
Stiffness Irregularity
Vertical stiffness
irregularity shall be considered to exist when the lateral stiffness
of the SFRS in a storey is less than 70% of the stiffness of any adjacent storey, or less than 80% of the average stiffness of the three storeys above or below.
|
(2)(3)(4) |
2 |
Weight (mass)
Irregularity
Weight irregularity shall be
considered to exist where the weight, Wi, of any storey is more than 150% of the weight of an adjacent storey. A roof that is lighter than the floor below need not be considered.
|
(2) |
3 |
Vertical
Geometric Irregularity
Vertical geometric
irregularity shall be considered to exist where the horizontal
dimension of the SFRS in any storey is more than 130% of that in an adjacent storey.
|
(2)(3)(4)(5) |
4 |
In-Plane
Discontinuity in Vertical Lateral-Force-Resisting
Element
Except for braced frames and moment-resisting frames, an in-plane discontinuity shall
be considered to exist where there is an offset of a lateral-force-resisting element of the SFRS or a reduction in
lateral stiffness of the resisting element in the storey below.
|
(2)(3)(4)(5) |
5 |
Out-of-Plane
Offsets
Discontinuities in a lateral
force path, such as out-of-plane offsets of the vertical elements of
the SFRS.
|
(2)(3)(4)(5) |
6 |
Discontinuity
in Capacity - Weak Storey
A weak storey is one in which the storey shear strength is less than that in the storey above. The storey shear strength is the total strength of all seismic-resisting elements of the SFRS sharing the storey shear for the direction under consideration.
|
(3) |
7 |
Torsional
Sensitivity (to be considered when diaphragms are not
flexible)
Torsional sensitivity shall be
considered to exist when the ratio B calculated according to
Sentence 4.1.8.11.(9) exceeds 1.7.
|
(2)(3)(4)(6) |
8 |
Non-orthogonal
Systems
A non-orthogonal system
irregularity shall be considered to exist when the SFRS is not
oriented along a set of orthogonal axes.
|
(4)(7) |
4.1.8.7. Methods of Analysis
1) 
Analysis for design earthquake actions shall be carried out in accordance with the Dynamic Analysis Procedure described in
Article 4.1.8.12. (see
Appendix A), except that the Equivalent Static Force Procedure described in
Article 4.1.8.11. may be used for structures that meet any of the following criteria:
a) in cases where IEFaSa(0.2)
is less than 0.35,
b) regular structures that are less than 60 m in height
and have a fundamental lateral period, T
a, less than 2 s in each of two orthogonal directions as defined in
Article 4.1.8.8., or
c) structures with structural irregularity, of Type 1, 2, 3, 4,
5, 6 or 8 as defined in
Table 4.1.8.6., that are less than 20 m in height and have a fundamental lateral period,
T
a, less than 0.5 s in each of two orthogonal directions
as defined in
Article 4.1.8.8. 4.1.8.8. Direction of Loading
1) 
Earthquake forces shall be assumed to act in any horizontal direction, except that the following shall be considered to provide adequate design force levels in the
structure:
a) where components of the SFRS are oriented along a set of orthogonal axes,
independent analyses about each of the principal axes of the structure shall be
performed,
b) where the components of the SFRS are not oriented along a set of orthogonal
axes and IEFaSa(0.2) is less than 0.35,
independent analyses about any two orthogonal axes is permitted, or
c) where the components of the SFRS are not oriented along a set of orthogonal
axes and IEFaSa(0.2) is equal to or greater
than 0.35, analysis of the structure independently in any two orthogonal
directions for 100% of the prescribed earthquake loads applied in one direction
plus 30% of the prescribed earthquake loads in the perpendicular direction, with
the combination requiring the greater element strength being used in the
design.
4.1.8.9. SFRS Force Reduction Factors, System Overstrength Factors, and General Restrictions
1) 
The values of R
d and R
o and the corresponding system restrictions shall conform to
Table 4.1.8.9. and the requirements of this Subsection.
2) 
When a particular value of R
d is required by this Article, the corresponding R
o shall be used.
3) 
For combinations of different types of SFRS acting in the same direction in the same
storey, R
dR
o shall be taken as the lowest value of R
dR
o corresponding to these systems.
4) 
For vertical variations of R
dR
o, excluding

rooftop structures not exceeding two
storeys in height

whose weight is less than

the greater of

10% of

W and 30% of W
i
of the level below, the value of R
dR
o used in the design of any
storey shall be less than or equal to the lowest value of R
dR
o used in the given direction for the
storeys above, and the requirements of
Sentence 4.1.8.15.(5) must be satisfied. (See
Appendix A.)
5) 
If it can be demonstrated through testing, research and analysis that the seismic performance of a structural system is at least equivalent
to one of the types of SFRS mentioned in
Table 4.1.8.9., then such a structural system will qualify for values of R
d and R
o corresponding to the equivalent type in that Table. (See
Appendix A.)
4.1.8.10. Additional System Restrictions
1) 
Except as required by
Clause (2)(b), structures with a Type 6 irregularity, Discontinuity in Capacity - Weak Storey, as described in
Table 4.1.8.6., are not permitted unless I
EF
aS
a(0.2) is less
than 0.2 and the forces used for design of the SFRS are multiplied
by R
dR
o.
2)
Post-disaster buildings shall
a) not have any irregularities conforming to Types 1, 3, 4, 5 and 7 as described in
Table 4.1.8.6., in cases where I
EF
aS
a(0.2) is equal to or greater than 0.35,
c) have an SFRS with an Rd of 2.0 or greater, and
d)

have no
storey with a lateral stiffness that is less than that of the
storey above it.

3) 
For
buildings having fundamental lateral periods, T
a, of 1.0 s or greater, and where I
EF
vS
a(1.0) is greater than 0.25, walls
forming part of the SFRS shall be continuous from their top to the
foundation and shall not have irregularities of Type 4 or 5 as described in
Table 4.1.8.6. 4.1.8.11. Equivalent Static Force Procedure for Structures Satisfying the Conditions of Article 4.1.8.7.
1) 
The static loading due to earthquake motion shall be determined according to the procedures given in this Article.
2) 
The minimum lateral earthquake force, V, shall be calculated using the following formula:
except
a)

for walls, coupled walls and wall-frame systems, V shall not be less than

b)

for moment-resisting frames, braced frames, and other systems,

V shall not be less than
c) for
buildings located on a site other than Class F and having

an SFRS with an R
d equal to or greater than 1.5, V need not be greater than
3) 
The fundamental lateral period, T
a, in the direction under consideration in
Sentence (2), shall be determined as:
a) for moment-resisting frames that resist 100% of the required lateral forces
and where the frame is not enclosed by or adjoined by more rigid elements that
would tend to prevent the frame from resisting lateral forces, and where
h
n is in metres:
i) 0.085 (hn)3/4 for steel moment
frames,
ii) 0.075 (hn)3/4 for concrete moment
frames, or
iii) 0.1 N for other moment frames,
b) 0.025hn for braced frames where hn is in
metres,
c) 0.05 (hn)3/4 for shear wall and other
structures where hn is in metres, or
d) other established methods of mechanics using a structural model that complies
with the requirements of
Sentence 4.1.8.3.(8), except that
i) for moment-resisting frames, Ta shall not be taken greater than 1.5 times that determined in Clause (a), ii) for braced frames, Ta shall not be taken greater than 2.0 times that determined in Clause (b), iii) for shear wall structures, Ta shall not be taken greater than 2.0 times that determined in Clause (c), iv)
for other structures, Ta shall not be taken greater than that determined in Clause (c), and
v) for the purpose of calculating the deflections, the period without the upper limit specified
in Subclauses (d)(i) to (d)(iv) may be
used, except that, for walls, coupled walls and wall-frame systems,
Ta shall not exceed 4.0 s, and for
moment-resisting frames, braced frames, and other systems, Ta
shall not exceed 2.0 s.
(See Appendix A.) 4) 
The weight,
W, of the
building shall be calculated using the following formula:
5) 
The higher mode factor, M
v, and its associated base overturning moment reduction factor, J, shall conform to
Table 4.1.8.11.
6) 
The total lateral seismic force, V, shall be distributed such that a portion, F
t, shall be assumed to be concentrated at the top of the
building, where F
t is equal to 0.07 T
aV but need not exceed 0.25 V and may be
considered as zero where the fundamental lateral period, T
a, does not
exceed 0.7 s; the remainder, V - F
t, shall be
distributed along the height of the
building, including the top level, in accordance with the following formula:
7) 
The structure shall be designed to resist overturning effects caused by the earthquake forces determined in
Sentence (6) and the overturning moment at level x, M
x, shall be determined using the
following equation:
where
Jx= 1.0 for hx ≥ 0.6hn, and
Jx= J + (1 - J)(hx / 0.6hn) for hx
< 0.6hn
where
8) 
Torsional effects that are concurrent with the effects of the forces mentioned in
Sentence (6) and are caused by the

simultaneous actions of the

following torsional moments shall be considered in the design of the structure according to
Sentence (10):
a) torsional moments introduced by eccentricity between the centres of mass and resistance and their dynamic amplification,

and

b) torsional moments due to accidental eccentricities.
9) 
Torsional sensitivity shall be determined by calculating the ratio B
x for each level x according to the following equation for each orthogonal direction
determined independently:
where
B= maximum of all values of Bx in both orthogonal
directions, except that the Bx for one-storey penthouses with a weight less than 10% of the level below need not be considered,
δmax= maximum storey displacement at the extreme points of the structure, at level x in the direction of the
earthquake induced by the equivalent static forces acting at distances
± 0.10 Dnx from the centres of mass at each
floor, and
δave= average of the displacements at the extreme points of the
structure at level x produced by the above-mentioned forces.
10) 
Torsional effects shall be accounted for as follows:
a) for a
building with B ≤ 1.7

or where I
EF
aS
a(0.2) is less than 0.35,

by applying torsional moments about a vertical axis at each level throughout the
building, derived for each of the following load cases considered separately:
i) Tx = Fx(ex + 0.10 Dnx), and
ii) Tx = Fx(ex - 0.10 Dnx)
where F
x is the lateral force at each level determined according to
Sentence (6) and where each element of the
building is designed for the most severe effect of the above load cases, or
b) for a
building with B > 1.7, in cases where I
EF
aS
a(0.2) is equal
to or greater than 0.35, by a Dynamic Analysis Procedure as specified
in
Article 4.1.8.12. 4.1.8.12. Dynamic Analysis Procedure
1) 
The Dynamic Analysis Procedure shall be in accordance with one of the following methods:
a) Linear Dynamic Analysis by either the Modal Response Spectrum
Method or the Numerical Integration Linear Time History Method using
a structural model that complies with the requirements of
Sentence 4.1.8.3.(8) (see
Appendix A), or
b) Non-linear Dynamic Analysis, in which case a special study shall
be performed (see
Appendix A).
2) 
The spectral acceleration values used in the Modal Response Spectrum Method shall be the design spectral acceleration values,
S(T), defined in
Sentence 4.1.8.4.(7)
.
3) 
The ground motion histories used in the Numerical Integration Linear Time History Method shall be compatible with a response spectrum
constructed from the design spectral acceleration values, S(T), defined
in
Sentence 4.1.8.4.(7)
. (See
Appendix A.)
4) 
The effects of accidental torsional moments acting concurrently with the lateral earthquake forces that cause them shall be accounted
for by the following methods:
a) the static effects of torsional moments due to (± 0.10
D
nx)F
x at each level x, where F
x is

either determined from the elastic dynamic analysis or

determined from
Sentence 4.1.8.11.(6) 
multiplied by R
dR
o/I
E
, shall be combined with the effects determined by dynamic analysis (see
Appendix A), or
b) if B, as defined in
Sentence 4.1.8.11.(9), is less than 1.7, it is permitted to use a three-dimensional dynamic analysis with
the centres of mass shifted by a distance of –0.05 D
nx and
+ 0.05 D
nx.
5) 

Except as provided in
Sentence (6), the design elastic base shear, V
ed, is equal to the elastic base shear,
V
e, obtained from a Linear Dynamic Analysis.
6) 
For structures located on sites other than Class F that have an SFRS with R
d equal to or greater than 1.5, the elastic base shear obtained from
a Linear Dynamic Analysis may be multiplied by the following factor to obtain the
design elastic base shear, V
ed:

7) 
The

design elastic base shear, V
ed
, shall be multiplied by the importance factor, I
E, as determined in
Article 4.1.8.5., and shall be divided by R
dR
o, as determined in
Article 4.1.8.9., to obtain the

design

base shear, V
d.
8) Except as required by
Sentences (9)
or (12), if the base shear,
V
d, obtained in
Sentence (7)
is less than 80% of the lateral earthquake design force, V, of
Article 4.1.8.11., V
d shall be taken as 0.8 V.

NC2010 2010-01-01 R1
8) 
Except as required by Sentences (9)
or (12), if the base shear, V
d, obtained in Sentence (7) is
less than 80% of the lateral earthquake design force, V, of Article 4.1.8.11., V
d shall be taken as 0.8 V.
9) 
For irregular structures requiring dynamic analysis in accordance with
Article 4.1.8.7., V
d shall be taken as the larger of the V
d determined in
Sentence (7) and 100% of V.
10) 
Except as required by
Sentence (11)
, the values of elastic
storey shears,
storey forces, member forces, and deflections obtained from the Linear Dynamic Analysis

, including the effect of accidental torsion determined in
Sentence (4),

shall be multiplied by V
d/V
e to determine their design values, where
V
d is the base shear.
12) The base shear, V
d, shall be taken as 100% of the lateral earthquake
design force, V, as determined by
Article 4.1.8.11. for
buildingsb) having an SFRS of nailed shear walls with wood-based panels, and
4.1.8.13. Deflections and Drift Limits
1) 
Lateral deflections of a structure shall be calculated in accordance with the loads and requirements defined in this Subsection.
2) 
Lateral deflections obtained from a linear elastic analysis using the methods given in
Articles 4.1.8.11. and 4.1.8.12. and incorporating the effects of torsion, including accidental torsional moments, shall
be multiplied by R
dR
o/I
E to give
realistic values of anticipated deflections.
4.1.8.14. Structural Separation
1) 
Adjacent structures shall either be separated by the square root of the sum of the squares of their individual deflections calculated
in
Sentence 4.1.8.13.(2), or shall be connected to each other.
2) 
The method of connection required in
Sentence (1) shall take into account the mass, stiffness, strength, ductility and anticipated motion of the connected
buildings and the character of the connection.
3) 
Rigidly connected
buildings shall be assumed to have the lowest R
dR
o value of
the
buildings connected.
4)
Buildings with non-rigid or energy-dissipating connections require special studies.
4.1.8.15. Design Provisions
1) 

Except as provided in
Sentences (2) and (3), diaphragms, collectors, chords, struts

and connections shall be designed so as not to yield, and the design shall account for the shape of the diaphragm, including openings,
and for the forces generated in the diaphragm due to the following
cases, whichever one governs (see
Appendix A):
a) forces due to loads determined in
Article 4.1.8.11. or 4.1.8.12. applied to the diaphragm are increased to reflect the lateral load capacity of the SFRS, plus
forces in the diaphragm due to the transfer of forces between elements
of the SFRS associated with the lateral load capacity of such elements
and accounting for discontinuities and changes in stiffness in these
elements, or
b) a minimum force corresponding to the design-based shear divided
by N for the diaphragm at level x.
2) 

Steel deck roof diaphragms in
buildings of less than 4
storeys or wood diaphragms that are designed and detailed according to the applicable
referenced design standards to exhibit ductile behaviour shall meet
the requirements of
Sentence (1), except that they may yield and the forces shall be
a) for wood diaphragms acting in combination with vertical wood
shear walls, equal to the lateral earthquake design force,
b) for wood diaphragms acting in combination with other SFRS, not
less than the force corresponding to RdRo =
2.0, and
c) for steel deck roof diaphragms, not less than the force corresponding
to RdRo = 2.0.
3) 
Where diaphragms are designed in accordance with
Sentence (2), the struts shall be designed in accordance with
Clause 4.1.8.15.(1)(a) and the collectors, chords and connections between the diaphragms and the vertical elements of the SFRS
shall be designed for forces corresponding to the capacity of the diaphragms in
accordance with the applicable CSA standards. (See
Appendix A.)

4) 
In cases where I
EF
aS
a(0.2) is equal to or greater than 0.35, the elements supporting any discontinuous
wall, column or braced frame shall be designed for the lateral load
capacity of the components of the SFRS they support. (See
Appendix A.)
5) 
Where structures have vertical variations of R
dR
o satisfying
Sentence 4.1.8.9.(4), the elements of the SFRS below the level where the change in R
dR
o occurs shall be designed for the forces associated with the lateral
load capacity of the SFRS above that level. (See
Appendix A.)
6) 
Where earthquake effects can produce forces in a column or wall due to lateral loading along both orthogonal axes, account shall be
taken of the effects of potential concurrent yielding of other elements
framing into the column or wall from all directions at the level under
consideration and as appropriate at other levels. (See
Appendix A.)
7) 
Except as provided in
Sentence (8), the design forces

associated with the lateral capacity of the SFRS

need not exceed the forces determined in accordance with
Sentence 4.1.8.7.(1) 
with R
dR
o taken as 1.0, unless otherwise provided by the applicable referenced design standards for elements, in which case
the design forces associated with the lateral capacity of the SFRS
need not exceed the forces determined in accordance with
Sentence 4.1.8.7.(1) with R
dR
o taken as 1.3.

(See
Appendix A.)
4.1.8.16. Foundation Provisions
2) 
The design of
foundations shall be such that they are capable of transferring earthquake loads and effects
between the
building and the ground without exceeding the capacities of the
soil and
rock.
3) 
In cases where I
EF
aS
a(0.2) is equal to or greater than 0.35, the following requirements shall
be satisfied:
a)
piles or
pile caps, drilled piers, and
caissons shall be interconnected by continuous ties in not less than two directions
(see
Appendix A),
b)
piles, drilled piers, and
caissons shall be embedded a minimum of 100 mm into the
pile cap or structure, and
c)
piles, drilled piers, and
caissons, other than wood
piles, shall be connected to the
pile cap or structure for a minimum tension force equal to 0.15 times the factored
compression load on the
pile.
4) 
At sites where I
EF
aS
a(0.2) is equal to or greater than 0.35,
basement walls shall be designed to resist earthquake lateral pressures from backfill or natural ground. (See
Appendix A.)
5) 
At sites where I
EF
aS
a(0.2) is greater than 0.75, the following requirements shall be satisfied:
a)
piles, drilled piers, or
caissons shall be designed and detailed to accommodate cyclic inelastic behaviour when the design moment in the element due to earthquake
effects is greater than 75% of its moment capacity (see
Appendix A), and
b) spread footings founded on
soil defined as Site Class E or F shall be interconnected by continuous ties in not less than two
directions.
6) 
Each segment of a tie between elements that is required by
Clauses (3)(a) or (5)(b) shall be designed to carry by tension or compression a horizontal force at least equal to the greatest
factored
pile cap or column vertical load in the elements it connects, multiplied by a factor of 0.10
I
EF
aS
a(0.2), unless it can be demonstrated that
equivalent restraints can be provided by other means. (See
Appendix A.)
7) 
The potential for liquefaction of the
soil and its consequences, such as significant ground displacement and loss of
soil strength and stiffness, shall be evaluated based on the ground motion parameters referenced in
Subsection 1.1.3. and shall be taken into account in the design
of the structure and its
foundations. (See
Appendix A.)
4.1.8.17.
Site Stability
1) 
The potential for slope instability and its consequences, such as slope displacement, shall be evaluated based on site-specific material
properties and ground motion parameters referenced in
Subsection 1.1.3. and shall be taken into account in the design
of the structure and its
foundations. (See
Appendix A.)

4.1.8.18. Elements of Structures, Non-structural Components and Equipment
(See Appendix A.)
1) 
Except as provided in
Sentences (2) and (8), elements and components of
buildings described in
Table 4.1.8.18. and their connections to the structure shall be designed to accommodate the
building deflections calculated in accordance with
Article 4.1.8.13. and the element or component deflections calculated in accordance with
Sentence (10), and shall be designed for a lateral force, V
p,

distributed according to the distribution of mass:

where
Sp= CpArAx/Rp (the
maximum value of Sp shall be taken as 4.0 and the minimum
value of Sp shall be taken as 0.7), whereCp = element or component factor from Table 4.1.8.18.,Ar = element or component force amplification factor from Table 4.1.8.18.,Ax = height factor (1 + 2 hx / hn),Rp = element or component response modification factor
from Table 4.1.8.18., and Wp= weight of the component or element.
4) 
For the purpose of applying
Sentence (1) and Categories 11 and 12 of
Table 4.1.8.18., elements or components shall be assumed to be flexible or flexibly connected
unless it can be shown that the fundamental period of the element
or component and its connection is less than or equal to 0.06
s, in which case the element or component is classified as
being rigid or rigidly connected.
5) 
The weight of access floors shall include the
dead load of the access floor and the weight of permanent equipment, which shall not be taken
as less than 25% of the floor
live load.
6) 
When the mass of a tank plus its contents

or the mass of a flexible or flexibly connected piece of machinery, fixture or equipment

is greater than 10% of the mass of the supporting floor, the lateral forces shall be determined by rational analysis.
7) 
Forces shall be applied in the horizontal direction that results in the most critical loading for design, except for Category 6 of
Table 4.1.8.18., where the forces shall be applied up and down vertically.
8) 
Connections to the structure of elements and components listed in
Table 4.1.8.18. shall be designed to support the component or element for gravity loads, shall conform to the requirements of
Sentence (1), and shall also satisfy these additional requirements:
a) friction due to gravity loads shall not be considered to provide resistance to
seismic forces,
b) Rp for non-ductile connections, such as adhesives or power-actuated
fasteners, shall be taken as 1.0,
c) Rp for anchorage using shallow expansion, chemical, epoxy or
cast-in-place anchors shall be 1.5, where shallow anchors are those with a ratio
of embedment length to diameter of less than 8,
d) power-actuated fasteners and drop-in anchors shall not be used for tension
loads,
e) connections for non-structural elements or components of Category 1, 2 or 3 of
Table 4.1.8.18. attached to the side of a
building and above the first level above
grade shall satisfy the following requirements:
i) for connections where the body of the connection is ductile, the body shall be designed for values of Cp, Ar and
Rp given in Table 4.1.8.18., and
all of the other parts of the connection,
such as anchors, welds, bolts and inserts,
shall be capable of developing 2.0 times the nominal yield resistance of the body of the connection,
and ii) connections where the body of the connection is not ductile shall be designed for values of Cp = 2.0, Rp = 1.0 and
Ar given in Table 4.1.8.18., and f) for the purpose of applying
Clause (e), a ductile connection is one where the body of the connection

is capable of dissipating energy through cyclic inelastic behaviour

.
9) 
Floors and roofs acting as diaphragms shall satisfy the requirements for diaphragms stated in
Article 4.1.8.15. 10) 
Lateral deflections of elements or components shall be based on the loads defined in
Sentence (1) and lateral deflections obtained from an elastic analysis shall be multiplied
by R
p/I
E to give realistic values of the anticipated
deflections.
11) 
The elements or components shall be designed so as not to transfer to the structure any forces unaccounted for in the design, and rigid
elements such as walls or panels shall satisfy the requirements of
Sentence 4.1.8.3.(6).
12) 
Seismic restraint for suspended equipment, pipes, ducts, electrical cable trays, etc. shall be designed to meet the force and displacement
requirements of this Article and be constructed in a manner that will
not subject hanger rods to bending.
13) 
Isolated suspended equipment and components, such as pendent lights, may be designed as a pendulum system provided that adequate
chains or cables capable of supporting 2.0 times the
weight of the suspended component are provided and the deflection
requirements of
Sentence (11) are satisfied.
Table 4.1.8.18. Elements of Structures and Non-structural Components and
Equipment Forming part of Sentence 4.1.8.18.(1) |
Category |
Part or Portion of Building |
Cp |
Ar |
Rp |
1 |
All exterior and interior walls except
those in Category 2 or 3(1) |
1.00 |
1.00 |
2.50 |
2 |
Cantilever parapet and other cantilever
walls except retaining walls(1) |
1.00 |
2.50 |
2.50 |
3 |
Exterior and interior ornamentations
and appendages(1) |
1.00 |
2.50 |
2.50 |
4 |
Floors and roofs acting as
diaphragms(2) |
- |
- |
- |
5 |
Towers, chimneys, smokestacks and penthouses when connected to or forming part of a building |
1.00 |
2.50 |
2.50 |
6 |
Horizontally cantilevered floors, balconies,
beams, etc.
|
1.00 |
1.00 |
2.50 |
7 |
Suspended ceilings, light fixtures and other
attachments to ceilings with independent vertical support
|
1.00 |
1.00 |
2.50 |
8 |
Masonry veneer connections |
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.50 |
9 |
Access floors |
1.00 |
1.00 |
2.50 |
10 |
Masonry or concrete fences more than 1.8 m
tall
|
1.00 |
1.00 |
2.50 |
11 |
Machinery, fixtures, equipment, ducts and
tanks (including contents)
|
|
|
|
that are rigid and rigidly
connected(3) | 1.00 |
1.00 |
1.25 |
that are flexible or flexibly
connected(3) | 1.00 |
2.50 |
2.50 |
12 |
Machinery, fixtures, equipment, ducts
and tanks (including contents) containing toxic or explosive
materials, materials having a flash point below 38°C or firefighting fluids
|
|
|
|
that are rigid and rigidly
connected(3) | 1.50 |
1.00 |
1.25 |
that are flexible or flexibly
connected(3) | 1.50 |
2.50 |
2.50 |
13 |
Flat bottom tanks (including contents)
attached directly to a floor at or below grade within a building |
0.70 |
1.00 |
2.50 |
14 |
Flat bottom tanks (including contents)
attached directly to a floor at or below grade within a building containing toxic or explosive materials, materials having a flash point below 38°C or firefighting fluids
|
1.00 |
1.00 |
2.50 |
15 |
Pipes, ducts, cable trays (including
contents)
|
1.00 |
1.00 |
3.00 |
16 |
Pipes, ducts (including contents) containing
toxic or explosive materials
|
1.50 |
1.00 |
3.00 |
17 |
Electrical cable trays, bus ducts,
conduits
|
1.00 |
2.50 |
5.00 |
18 |
Rigid components with ductile material and
connections
|
1.00 |
1.00 |
2.50 |
19 |
Rigid components with non-ductile material or
connections
|
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
20 |
Flexible components with ductile material and
connections
|
1.00 |
2.50 |
2.50 |
21 |
Flexible components with non-ductile material
or connections
|
1.00 |
2.50 |
1.00 |