UFC 3-301-01

11 April 2023
Change 1, 2 October 2023

UNIFIED FACILITIES CRITERIA (UFC)

STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE; DISTRIBUTION UNLIMITED

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UNIFIED FACILITIES CRITERIA (UFC)

STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING

Any copyrighted material included in this UFC is identified at its point of use.
Use of the copyrighted material apart from this UFC must have the permission of the
copyright holder.

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS

NAVAL FACILITIES ENGINEERING SYSTEMS COMMAND (Preparing Activity)

AIR FORCE CIVIL ENGINEER CENTER

Record of Changes (changes are indicated by \1\ ... /1/)

Change No. Date Location

1 Oct 2, 2023 See change summary

This UFC supersedes UFC 3-301-01, dated 11 April 2023.

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FOREWORD
The Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) system is prescribed by MIL-STD 3007 and provides
planning, design, construction, sustainment, restoration, and modernization criteria, and applies
to the Military Departments, the Defense Agencies, and the DoD Field Activities in accordance
with USD (AT&L) Memorandum dated 29 May 2002. UFC will be used for all DoD projects and
work for other customers where appropriate. All construction outside of the United States, its
territories, and possessions is also governed by Status of Forces Agreements (SOFA), Host
Nation Funded Construction Agreements (HNFA), and in some instances, Bilateral
Infrastructure Agreements (BIA). Therefore, the acquisition team must ensure compliance with
the most stringent of the UFC, the SOFA, the HNFA, and the BIA, as applicable.

UFC are living documents and will be periodically reviewed, updated, and made available to
users as part of the Military Department’s responsibility for providing technical criteria for military
construction. Headquarters, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (HQUSACE), Naval Facilities
Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC), and Air Force Civil Engineer Center (AFCEC) are
responsible for administration of the UFC system. Technical content of UFC is the responsibility
of the cognizant DoD working group. Defense Agencies should contact the respective DoD
Working Group for document interpretation and improvements. Recommended changes with
supporting rationale may be sent to the respective DoD working group by submitting a Criteria
Change Request (CCR) via the Internet site listed below.

UFC are effective upon issuance and are distributed only in electronic media from the following
source:
• Whole Building Design Guide website https://www.wbdg.org/ffc/dod.

Refer to UFC 1-200-01, DoD Building Code, for implementation of new issuances on projects.

AUTHORIZED BY:

PETE G. PEREZ, P.E., SES R. DAVID CURFMAN, P.E., SES

Chief, Engineering and Construction Chief Engineer
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command

DAVID H. DENTINO, SES MICHAEL McANDREW, SES

Deputy Director of Civil Engineers Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Con-
DCS/Logistics, Engineering & struction)
Force Protection (HAF/A4C) Office of the Secretary of Defense
HQ United States Air Force
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UNIFIED FACILITIES CRITERIA (UFC)

REVISION SUMMARY SHEET

Document: UFC 3-301-01, Change 1, Dated October 2, 2023

Superseding: UFC 3-301-01, Dated April 11, 2023

Description of changes:
This update to UFC 3 301 01 incorporates a change to Tsunami design provisions
wherein “other utilities”, which would generally refer to elements of secondary or tertiary
importance, may be designed for a reduced risk category where approved by the AHJ.
Additionally, an existing prohibition against the use of fabric hangar doors in windborne
debris regions has been changed to include fabric covered buildings in general in wind-
borne debris regions.

Reason for changes:

Regarding tsunami design change: In some cases it may be infeasible to harden all el-
ements of a utility system against tsunami effects, particularly less critical distributions
systems. Accordingly, it was decided that the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) can
approve the reduction of tsunami risk category for “other utilities”, which can have the
effect of reducing or eliminating tsunami design requirements for secondary and/or ter-
tiary systems.

Regarding fabric covered buildings in windborne debris regions: It became apparent

that there was an omission in DoD structural criteria, wherein an existing prohibition
against the use of fabric covered hangar doors existed, while there was no such prohibi-
tion against using fabric covered buildings in general, which are vulnerable to the same
failure mode. Moreover, this omission would result in a prohibition against the use of a
fabric door on a fabric covered building, which would prove illogical. Awareness of this
omission occurred as a result of a recent emphasis on the utilization of fabric covered
buildings across the Department of Defense. Fabric, unlike other construction materials
is uniquely vulnerable to tearing and tear propagation do to windborne debris. Past ex-
perience with Hurricane Michael at Tyndall Air Force Base has demonstrated this vul-
nerability.

Impact: There are both costs and benefits to these changes

Tsunami design changes: This change will result in substantial cost savings to the De-
partment of Defense over time, likely on the order of hundreds of millions of dollars.

Fabric covered structures: A direct increase in cost will be negligible for this change, as
the life cycle cost for a fabric covered building, compared to a metal clad building, will
not vary significantly for windborne debris regions. Ultimately however, it is expected
that this prohibition will result in considerable savings to DoD, by reducing facility loss
and facility content loss due to damage caused by major hurricanes and typhoons.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................... 1
1-1 BACKGROUND. ....................................................................................... 1
1-2 REISSUE AND CANCELS. ....................................................................... 1
1-3 PURPOSE AND SCOPE. .......................................................................... 1
1-4 APPLICABILITY. ....................................................................................... 2
1-5 CONFLICTS AND MODIFICATIONS. ....................................................... 2
1-6 OVERVIEW OF THIS UFC. ....................................................................... 2
1-7 COMMENTARY. ........................................................................................ 4
1-8 OTHER CRITERIA. ................................................................................... 4
1-8.1 General Building Requirements. ............................................................ 4
1-8.2 Progressive Collapse Analysis and Design. .......................................... 5
1-8.3 Design of Risk Category V Structures. .................................................. 5
1-8.4 Cybersecurity. ........................................................................................ 5
1-9 REFERENCES. ......................................................................................... 5
CHAPTER 2 MODIFICATIONS TO IBC ......................................................................... 7
2-1 IBC CHAPTER 1 - SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION. .............................. 7
2-1.1 Section 101 – GENERAL. ...................................................................... 7
2-1.2 Section 116 - UNSAFE STRUCTURES AND EQUIPMENT. ................. 7
2-2 IBC CHAPTER 2 – DEFINITIONS............................................................. 8
2-2.1 Section 202 – DEFINITIONS. ................................................................ 8
2-3 IBC CHAPTER 4 – SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON
OCCUPANCY AND USE. ....................................................................... 8
2-3.1 Section 423 – STORM SHELTERS. ...................................................... 8
2-4 IBC CHAPTER 16 – STRUCTURAL DESIGN. ......................................... 8
2-4.1 Section 1603 – CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS. ................................ 8
2-4.2 Section 1604 - GENERAL DESIGN REQUIREMENTS. ...................... 10
2-4.3 Section 1605 – LOAD COMBINATIONS. ............................................ 15
2-4.4 Section 1607 - LIVE LOADS. ............................................................... 16
2-4.5 Section 1608 - SNOW LOADS. ........................................................... 18
2-4.6 Section 1609 - WIND LOADS. ............................................................. 18
2-4.7 Section 1613 - EARTHQUAKE LOADS. .............................................. 21
2-4.8 Section 1615 – TSUNAMI LOADS....................................................... 24
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2-4.9 Section 1616 – STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY [Deletion]........................ 25

2-5 IBC CHAPTER 17 - SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS. ................. 25
2-5.1 Section 1701 – GENERAL. .................................................................. 25
2-5.2 Section 1703 – APPROVALS. ............................................................. 26
2-5.3 Section 1704 – SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS, CONTRACTOR
RESPONSIBILITY, AND STRUCTURAL OBSERVATIONS. .............. 26
2-5.4 Section 1705 – REQUIRED SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS... 27
2-6 IBC CHAPTER 18 - SOILS AND FOUNDATIONS. ................................ 28
2-6.1 Section 1808 – FOUNDATIONS. ......................................................... 28
2-6.2 Section 1809 - SHALLOW FOUNDATIONS. ....................................... 29
2-7 IBC CHAPTER 19 – CONCRETE. .......................................................... 29
2-7.1 Section 1901 – GENERAL. .................................................................. 29
2-7.2 Section 1903 – SPECIFICATIONS FOR TESTS AND MATERIALS. .. 30
2-7.3 Section 1904 - DURABILITY REQUIREMENTS. ................................. 35
2-7.4 Section 1905 – MODIFICATIONS TO ACI 318. [Replacement]........... 35
2-7.5 Section 1907 - MINIMUM SLAB PROVISIONS. .................................. 37
2-8 IBC CHAPTER 21 – MASONRY. ............................................................ 38
2-8.1 Section 2101 – GENERAL. .................................................................. 38
2-8.2 Section 2104 – CONSTRUCTION. ...................................................... 39
2-8.3 Section 2106 - SEISMIC DESIGN. ...................................................... 39
2-8.4 Section 2109 - EMPIRICAL DESIGN OF ADOBE MASONRY [Deletion].
............................................................................................................. 41
2-9 IBC CHAPTER 22 – STEEL. ................................................................... 41
2-9.1 Section 2204 – CONNECTIONS. ........................................................ 41
2-9.2 Section 2205 - STRUCTURAL STEEL. ............................................... 41
2-9.3 Section 2210 - COLD-FORMED STEEL.............................................. 42
2-9.4 Section 2211 - COLD-FORMED STEEL LIGHT-FRAME
CONSTRUCTION. ............................................................................... 42
2-10 IBC CHAPTER 23 – WOOD. ................................................................... 43
2-10.1 Section 2308 – CONVENTIONAL LIGHT-FRAME CONSTRUCTION. 43
CHAPTER 3 MODIFICATIONS TO ASCE 7 ................................................................ 45
3-1 ASCE 7-16 CHAPTER 1 – GENERAL. ................................................... 45
3-1.1 Section 1.3 - BASIC REQUIREMENTS. .............................................. 45

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3-1.2 Section 1.5 - CLASSIFICATION OF BUILDINGS AND OTHER

STRUCTURES. ................................................................................... 45
3-2 ASCE 7-16 CHAPTER 2 – COMBINATIONS OF LOADS. ..................... 45
3-2.1 Section 2.3 - LOAD COMBINATIONS FOR STRENGTH DESIGN. .... 45
3-2.2 Section 2.4 – LOAD COMBINATIONS FOR ALLOWABLE STRESS
DESIGN. .............................................................................................. 47
3-2.3 Section 2.5 - LOAD COMBINATIONS FOR EXTRAORDINARY
EVENTS. ............................................................................................. 48
3-3 ASCE 7-16 CHAPTER 6 – TSUNAMI LOADS........................................ 48
3-3.1 Section 6.14 - TSUNAMI VERTICAL EVACUATION REFUGE
STRUCTURES .................................................................................... 48
3-3.2 Section 6.15 - DESIGNATED NONSTRUCTURAL COMPONENTS
AND SYSTEMS ................................................................................... 49
3-3.3 Section 6.5 - ANALYSIS OF DESIGN INUNDATION DEPTH AND
FLOW VELOCITY................................................................................ 49
3-4 ASCE 7-16 CHAPTER 7 – SNOW LOADS. ............................................ 49
3-4.1 Section 7.4 – Sloped Roof Snow Loads, ps [Supplement]. .................. 49
3-5 ASCE 7-16 CHAPTER 11 – SEISMIC DESIGN CRITERIA. ................... 49
3-5.1 Section 11.1 – GENERAL. ................................................................... 49
3-5.2 Section 11.2 – DEFINITIONS. ............................................................. 50
3-5.3 Section 11.4 - SEISMIC GROUND MOTION VALUES........................ 50
3-5.4 Section 11.5 - IMPORTANCE FACTOR AND RISK CATEGORY. ...... 53
3-6 ASCE 7-16 CHAPTER 12 – SEISMIC DESIGN REQUIREMENTS FOR
BUILDING STRUCTURES. ................................................................... 53
3-6.1 Section 12.2 – STRUCTURAL SYSTEM SELECTION. ....................... 53
3-6.2 Section 12.6 - ANALYSIS PROCEDURE SELECTION [Supplement]. 53
3-6.3 Section 12.8 - EQUIVALENT LATERAL FORCE PROCEDURE
[Supplement]........................................................................................ 54
3-6.4 Section 12.10 - DIAPHRAGMS, CHORDS, AND COLLECTORS. ...... 64
3-6.5 Section 12.11 - STRUCTURAL WALLS AND THEIR ANCHORAGE. . 64
3-7 ASCE 7-16 CHAPTER 13 – SEISMIC DESIGN REQUIREMENTS FOR
NONSTRUCTURAL COMPONENTS. .................................................. 65
3-7.1 Section 13.1 – GENERAL. ................................................................... 65
3-7.2 Section 13.2 - GENERAL DESIGN REQUIREMENTS. ....................... 65
3-7.3 Section 13.3 - SEISMIC DEMANDS ON NONSTRUCTURAL
COMPONENTS. .................................................................................. 67
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3-7.4 Section 13.4 - NONSTRUCTURAL COMPONENT ANCHORAGE. .... 67

3-7.5 Section 13.5 - ARCHITECTURAL COMPONENTS. ............................ 68
3-7.6 Section 13.6 - MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS. ... 69
3-8 ASCE 7 CHAPTER 15 – SEISMIC DESIGN REQUIREMENTS FOR
NONBUILDING STRUCTURES. ........................................................... 71
3-8.1 Section 15.4 - STRUCTURAL DESIGN REQUIREMENTS. ................ 71
3-8.2 Section 15.5 - NONBUILDING STRUCTURES SIMILAR TO
BUILDINGS. ........................................................................................ 72
3-8.3 Section 15.7 - TANKS AND VESSELS. ............................................... 72
3-9 ASCE 7 CHAPTER 26 – WIND LOADS: GENERAL REQUIREMENTS. 73
3-9.1 Section 26.12 - ENCLOSURE CLASSIFICATION. .............................. 73
CHAPTER 4 EVALUATION AND RETROFIT OF EXISTING BUILDINGS .................. 75
4-1 GENERAL. .............................................................................................. 75
4-2 MODIFICATIONS TO RP 10. .................................................................. 76
4-2.1 Circumstances Requiring Evaluation and Mitigation (Triggers). .......... 76
4-2.2 Performance Objectives for Evaluation and Retrofit using ASCE 41-17.
............................................................................................................. 76
4-2.3 Exemptions and Benchmark Buildings. ............................................... 83
4-3 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS. ............................................................ 83
4-3.1 Combined Projects. ............................................................................. 83
4-3.2 Existing Structural Elements Carrying Lateral Load............................. 83
4-4 MODIFICATIONS TO IEBC..................................................................... 90
4-4.1 IEBC Part 1 – scope and application. .................................................. 90
4-4.2 IEBC Chapter 5 – prescriptive compliance method. ............................ 90
4-4.3 IEBC Chapter 7 – alterations - level one.............................................. 91
CHAPTER 5 NONBUILDING STRUCTURES .............................................................. 93
5-1 HIGHWAY BRIDGE DESIGN. ................................................................. 93
5-2 RAILROAD BRIDGE DESIGN. ............................................................... 93
5-3 TANKS FOR LIQUID STORAGE. ........................................................... 93
5-4 TANKS FOR PETROLEUM STORAGE. ................................................. 93
5-5 ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING CONCRETE STRUCTURES. ........ 93
5-6 PRESTRESSED CONCRETE TANKS. ................................................... 93
5-7 WATER TREATMENT FACILITIES. ....................................................... 93

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5-8 TRANSMISSION TOWERS AND POLES. .............................................. 93

5-9 ANTENNA TOWERS. ............................................................................. 94
5-10 PEDESTRIAN BRIDGES. ....................................................................... 94
CHAPTER 6 MODIFICATIONS TO THE IBC FOR CRITICAL HEALTHCARE
FACILITIES ................................................................................................................... 95
6-1 IBC CHAPTER 1 – SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION. ........................... 95
6-1.1 Section 101 – GENERAL. .................................................................... 95
6-2 IBC CHAPTER 16 – STRUCTURAL DESIGN. ....................................... 95
6-2.1 Section 1603 – CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS. .............................. 95
6-3 IBC CHAPTER 18 – SOILS AND FOUNDATIONS. ................................ 95
6-3.1 Section 1807 – FOUNDATION WALLS, RETAINING WALLS AND
EMBEDDED POSTS AND POLES. ..................................................... 95
6-4 IBC CHAPTER 19 – CONCRETE. .......................................................... 96
6-4.1 Section 1901 – GENERAL. .................................................................. 96
6-4.2 Section 1903 – SPECIFICATIONS FOR TESTS AND MATERIALS. .. 96
6-4.3 Section 1905 – MODIFICATIONS TO ACI 318.................................... 97
6-5 IBC CHAPTER 21 – MASONRY. ............................................................ 98
6-5.1 Section 2101 – GENERAL. .................................................................. 98
6-5.2 Section 2106 – SEISMIC DESIGN. ..................................................... 98
6-5.3 Section 2107 - ALLOWABLE STRESS DESIGN. .............................. 100
6-5.4 Section 2108 – STRENGTH DESIGN OF MASONRY. ..................... 100
6-6 IBC CHAPTER 22 – STEEL. ................................................................. 101
6-6.1 Section 2204 – CONNECTIONS. ...................................................... 101
6-6.2 Section 2207 – STEEL JOISTS. ........................................................ 101
6-6.3 Section 2210 – COLD-FORMED STEEL. .......................................... 101
6-6.4 Section 2211 – COLD-FORMED STEEL LIGHT-FRAMED
CONSTRUCTION. ............................................................................. 102
CHAPTER 7 MODIFICATIONS TO ASCE 7-16 FOR CRITICAL HEALTHCARE
FACILITIES ................................................................................................................. 103
7-1 ASCE 7-16 CHAPTER 11 – SEISMIC DESIGN CRITERIA. ................. 103
7-1.1 Section 11.1 – GENERAL. ................................................................. 103
7-2 ASCE 7-16 CHAPTER 12 – SEISMIC DESIGN REQUIREMENTS FOR
BUILDING STRUCTURES. ................................................................. 103
7-2.1 Section 12.1 – STRUCTURAL DESIGN BASIS................................. 103

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7-2.2 Section 12.2 – STRUCTURAL SYSTEM SELECTION. ..................... 104

7-2.3 Section 12.3 – DIAPHRAGM FLEXIBILITY, CONFIGURATION
IRREGULARITIES, AND REDUNDANCY. ........................................ 109
7-2.4 Section 12.7 – MODELING CRITERIA. ............................................. 109
7-2.5 Section 12.12 – DRIFT AND DEFORMATION. ................................. 109
7-3 ASCE 7-16 CHAPTER 13 – SEISMIC DESIGN REQUIREMENTS FOR
NONSTRUCTURAL COMPONENTS. ................................................ 109
7-3.1 Section 13.2 – GENERAL DESIGN REQUIREMENTS. .................... 109
7-3.2 Section 13.4 – NONSTRUCTURAL COMPONENT ANCHORAGE... 110
7-3.3 Section 13.5 – ARCHITECTURAL COMPONENTS. ......................... 110
7-3.4 Section 13.6 – MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS. 110
7-4 ASCE 7-16 CHAPTER 17 – SEISMIC DESIGN REQUIREMENTS FOR
SEISMICALLY ISOLATED STRUCTURES. ....................................... 111
7-4.1 Section 17.4 – ANALYSIS PROCEDURE SELECTION. ................... 111
7-5 ASCE 7-16 CHAPTER 18 – SEISMIC DESIGN REQUIREMENTS FOR
STRUCTURES WITH DAMPING SYSTEMS. ..................................... 111
APPENDIX A BEST PRACTICES .............................................................................. 113
A-1 STRUCTURAL DESIGN........................................................................ 113
A-1.1 Building Drift Limits. ........................................................................... 113
A-1.2 Impact Resistant Glazing. .................................................................. 113
A-1.3 Hard Wall Buildings. .......................................................................... 114
A-1.4 Wind and Seismic Loads on Photovoltaic Arrays............................... 114
A-1.5 Wind Loads on Buildings with Large Openings. ................................ 114
A-2 SOILS AND FOUNDATIONS. ............................................................... 115
A-2.1 Gable Bent Footings. ......................................................................... 115
A-2.2 Footings on Expansive Soils. ............................................................. 115
A-2.3 Footing Depth Due to Frost. .............................................................. 115
A-3 CONCRETE........................................................................................... 116
A-3.1 Slab-on-Ground Concrete Strength. .................................................. 116
A-3.2 Slab-on-Ground Joints. ...................................................................... 116
A-3.3 Slab-on-Ground Drying Shrinkage. .................................................... 116
A-3.4 Slab-on-Ground Vapor Retarder/Barrier. ........................................... 118
A-3.5 Post-Installed Adhesive Concrete Anchors. ....................................... 118
A-4 MASONRY. ........................................................................................... 118
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A-4.1 Masonry Veneer Base Detail. ............................................................ 118

A-5 STEEL ............................................................. 118
A-5.1 Shelf Angles for Masonry. .................................................................. 118
A-5.2 Cold-Formed Continuous Beams and Joists. .................................... 118
A-5.3 Masonry Veneer/Steel Stud Wall Detailing. ....................................... 119
A-5.4 Steel Structures in Corrosive Environments. ..................................... 119
A-5.5 Steel Structures in Arctic and Antarctic Zones. .................................. 120
A-5.6 Steel Column Base Plate Shear Transfer. ......................................... 120
A-5.7 Steel Joist Connections. .................................................................... 120
A-6 WOOD. ............................................................. 120
A-6.1 Connections. ...................................................................................... 120
APPENDIX B ALTERNATE DESIGN PROCEDURE FOR BUILDINGS AND OTHER
STRUCTURES IN RISK CATEGORY IV .................................................................... 123
B-1 GENERAL. ............................................................................................ 123
B-1.1 Overview. ........................................................................................... 123
B-1.2 Design Review Panel......................................................................... 124
B-2 DEFINITIONS. ....................................................................................... 125
B-2.1 General. ............................................................. 125
B-3 CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS. ......................................................... 125
B-3.1 General. ............................................................. 125
B-4 GENERAL DESIGN REQUIREMENTS. ................................................ 125
B-4.1 General. ............................................................. 125
B-5 LOAD COMBINATIONS. ...................................................................... 126
B-5.1 General. ............................................................. 126
B-5.2 Seismic Load Combinations. ............................................................. 126
B-6 DEAD LOADS. ...................................................................................... 126
B-6.1 General. ............................................................. 126
B-7 LIVE LOADS. ........................................................................................ 127
B-7.1 General. ............................................................. 127
B-8 SNOW LOADS. ..................................................................................... 127
B-8.1 General. ............................................................. 127
B-9 WIND LOADS........................................................................................ 127
B-9.1 General. ............................................................. 127
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B-10 SOIL LOADS AND HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE. ................................ 127

B-10.1 General. ............................................................................................. 127
B-11 RAIN LOADS. ....................................................................................... 127
B-11.1 General. ............................................................................................. 127
B-12 FLOOD LOADS. .................................................................................... 127
B-12.1 General. ............................................................................................. 127
B-13 ICE LOADS—ATMOSPHERIC ICING. ................................................. 127
B-13.1 General. ............................................................................................. 127
B-14 TSUNAMI LOADS. ................................................................................ 128
B-14.1 General. ............................................................................................. 128
B-15 EARTHQUAKE LOADS – GENERAL. ................................................. 128
B-15.1 Scope. 128
B-16 EARTHQUAKE LOADS – SITE GROUND MOTION. ........................... 128
B-16.1 General Procedure for Determining Design Spectral Response
Accelerations. .................................................................................... 128
B-16.2 Site-specific Response Analysis for Determining Ground Motion
Accelerations. .................................................................................... 129
B-16.3 Ground Motion Hazard Analysis. ....................................................... 129
B-17 EARTHQUAKE LOADS – CRITERIA SECTION. ................................. 129
B-17.1 Structural Design Criteria. .................................................................. 129
B-17.2 Importance Factors. ........................................................................... 129
B-17.3 Site Limitations. ................................................................................. 129
B-17.4 Building Configuration........................................................................ 129
B-17.5 Analysis Procedures. ......................................................................... 130
B-18 EARTHQUAKE LOADS – MINIMUM DESIGN LATERAL FORCE AND
RELATED EFFECTS. ......................................................................... 131
B-18.1 Seismic Load Effect, E. ...................................................................... 131
B-18.2 Redundancy....................................................................................... 132
B-18.3 Deflection and Drift Limits. ................................................................. 132
B-18.4 Seismic Force-resisting Systems. ...................................................... 133
B-19 DYNAMIC ANALYSIS PROCEDURES FOR THE SEISMIC DESIGN OF
BUILDINGS. ........................................................................................ 134
B-19.1 General. ............................................................................................. 134

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B-20 EARTHQUAKE LOADS, SOIL-STRUCTURE INTERACTION EFFECTS.

............................................................................................................ 135
B-20.1 Analysis Procedure. ........................................................................... 135
B-21 SEISMIC DESIGN, DETAILING, AND STRUCTURAL COMPONENT
LOAD EFFECTS. ................................................................................ 135
B-21.1 Structural Component Design and Detailing. ..................................... 135
B-21.2 Structural Integrity.............................................................................. 135
B-21.3 Soils and Foundations. ...................................................................... 135
B-22 SEISMIC DESIGN REQUIREMENTS FOR NONSTRUCTURAL
COMPONENTS. .................................................................................. 135
B-22.1 Component Design. ........................................................................... 135
B-22.2 Performance Objectives. ................................................................... 135
B-22.3 Modification of ASCE 7-16 for Hazards Reduced Design. ................. 136
B-22.4 Modification of ASCE 7-16 for Operational Design. ........................... 136
APPENDIX C GUIDANCE FOR SEISMIC DESIGN OF NONSTRUCTURAL
COMPONENTS .......................................................................................................... 141
C-1 INTRODUCTION. .................................................................................. 141
C-1.1 Design Criteria. .................................................................................. 141
C-1.2 Walk-down Inspections and Seismic Mitigation for Buildings in Risk
Categories IV. .................................................................................... 141
C-2 ARCHITECTURAL COMPONENTS. .................................................... 142
C-2.1 Reference. ......................................................................................... 142
C-2.2 General. 142
C-2.3 Typical Architectural Components. .................................................... 142
C-3 MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS. ........................... 146
C-3.1 Component Support........................................................................... 146
C-3.2 Stacks (Exhaust) Associated with Buildings. ..................................... 155
C-3.3 Elevators. ........................................................................................... 156
C-3.4 Lighting Fixtures in Buildings ............................................................. 160
C-3.5 Bridges, Cranes, and Monorails......................................................... 160
APPENDIX D MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL COMPONENT CERTIFICATION 163
D-1 COMPONENT CERTIFICATION. .......................................................... 163
D-1.1 General. 163

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APPENDIX E MINIMUM UNIFORMLY DISTRIBUTED LIVE LOADS, LO, AND

MINIMUM CONCENTRATED LIVE LOADS ............................................................... 167
E-1 REFERENCES. ..................................................................................... 167
APPENDIX F COMPOSITES FOR BRIDGING APPLICATIONS [ADDITION] .......... 175
F-1 INTRODUCTION. .................................................................................. 175
F-1.1 Purpose and Scope. .......................................................................... 175
F-1.2 Applicability. ....................................................................................... 175
F-1.3 Overview of Appendix. ....................................................................... 175
F-2 GENERAL. ............................................................................................ 176
F-3 THERMOSET FRP COMPOSITE TECHNOLOGIES. ........................... 177
F-3.1 Thermoset FRP Composite Design Considerations. ......................... 177
F-3.2 Thermoset FRP Composite Guidance and Case Studies. ................. 178
F-4 THERMOPLASTIC TECHNOLOGIES. ................................................. 184
F-4.1 Thermoplastic Material Considerations.............................................. 184
F-4.2 Thermoplastic Material Guidance and Case Studies. ........................ 186
F-5 REFERENCES FOR APPENXDIX F. .................................................... 190
F-5.1 Government Publications................................................................... 190
F-5.2 Non-Government Publications ........................................................... 192
F-6 ABBREVIATIONS FOR APPENDIX F .................................................. 194
APPENDIX G GLASS FIBER-REINFORCED POLYMER (GFRP) BARS FOR
CONCRETE STRUCTURES [ADDITION] .................................................................. 195
G-1 INTRODUCTION. .................................................................................. 195
G-1.1 Purpose and Scope. .......................................................................... 195
G-1.2 Applicability. ....................................................................................... 195
G-1.3 Limitations to Use. ............................................................................. 195
G-1.4 Overview of Appendix. ....................................................................... 196
G-2 GENERAL. ............................................................................................ 197
G-3 GFRP REINFORCING BARS................................................................ 197
G-3.1 Material Specification......................................................................... 198
G-3.2 Tensile Strength................................................................................. 198
G-3.3 Material Properties............................................................................. 198
G-4 DESIGN. .............................................................. 199
G-4.1 Shear Design. .................................................................................... 199

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G-4.2 Serviceability...................................................................................... 199

G-4.3 Development and Lap Splices. .......................................................... 200
G-4.4 Other Design Considerations. ............................................................ 200
G-5 DURABILITY ......................................................................................... 201
G-5.1 Strength and Stiffness. ...................................................................... 201
G-5.2 Creep and fatigue. ............................................................................. 201
G-5.3 Exposure to Temperatures and Sunlight. .......................................... 201
G-6 CONSTRUCTION .................................................................................. 202
G-7 REFERENCES FOR APPENDIX G. ...................................................... 202
G-7.1 Government Publications................................................................... 202
G-7.2 Non-Government Publications ........................................................... 203
G-7.3 Other Publications ............................................................................. 204
G-8 ABBREVIATIONS FOR APPENDIX G ................................................. 204
APPENDIX H GLOSSARY ......................................................................................... 205
H-1 ABBREVIATIONS. ................................................................................ 205
APPENDIX I REFERENCES ...................................................................................... 211
I-1 FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ................................................................... 211
I-2 STATE GOVERNMENT ........................................................................ 213
I-3 NON-GOVERNMENT ............................................................................ 214
I-4 PUBLICATIONS. ................................................................................... 220

FIGURES
Figure 2-1 Webbing in Shell Elements ...................................................................... 32
Figure 3-1 Anchorage of Walls to Flexible Diaphragm ............................................ 65

Figure A-1. Design Depth of Bottom of Building Foundation ............................... 117

Figure C-1. Partial Infill Masonry Wall between Two Concrete Columns, Causing
Adverse “Short Column” Effect ........................................................................ 144
Figure C-2. Typical Details for Isolation of Rigid Partition Walls .......................... 145
Figure C-3. Typical Seismic Restraints for Floor-mounted Equipment ................ 147
Figure C-4. Typical Seismic Restraints for Suspended Equipment ...................... 148
Figure C-5. Acceptable Seismic Details for Pipe Sway Bracing ........................... 150
Figure C-6. Pinned-pinned Support Condition for Table C-1 ................................ 152
Figure C-7. Fixed-pinned Support Condition for Table C-2 ................................... 153
Figure C-8. Fixed-fixed Support Condition for Table C-3 ...................................... 154

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Figure C-9. Period Coefficients for Uniform Beams ............................................... 157

Figure C-10. Single Guyed Stacks ........................................................................... 158
Figure C-11. Elevator Details .................................................................................... 159

TABLES
Table 2-1 Wind Induced Deflection Limits for Framing Supporting Exterior Wall
Finishes a,b ............................................................................................................ 10
Table 2-2 Risk Category of Buildings and Other Structures ................................... 12
Table 3-1 Short-Period Site Coefficient, Fa ............................................................... 51
Table 3-2 Long-Period Site Coefficient, Fv ................................................................ 51
Table 3-3 Replacement for ASCE 7-16 Table 12.2-1, Design Coefficients and
Factors for Basic Seismic Force-Resisting Systems........................................ 55
Table 4-1(a) Structural Performance Objectives1,2 ................................................... 79
Table 4-1(b) Nonstructural Performance Objectives1,2,3 .......................................... 81
Table 4-2 Replacement for ASCE/SEI 41-17 Tables 3-2 and 3-3 for Benchmark
Buildings ............................................................................................................... 85
Table 6-1 Minimum Thickness of Masonry Walls1,2 ................................................ 102
Table 7-1 Replacement for ASCE 7-16 Table 12.2-1 Design Coefficients and
Factors for Basic Seismic Force-Resisting Systems...................................... 106
Table B-1 System Limitations for Risk Category IV Buildings Designed Using
Alternate Procedure of Chapter 3 ..................................................................... 138
Table C-1 Maximum Span for Rigid Pipe with Pinned-Pinned Conditions, L ....... 152
Table C-2 Maximum Span for Rigid Pipe with Fixed-Pinned Condition, L ........... 153
Table C-3 Maximum Span for Rigid Pipe with Fixed-Fixed Condition, L .............. 154
Table E-1 Minimum Uniformly Distributed Live Loads and Minimum Concentrated
Live Loadsg ......................................................................................................... 167
Table G-1 Comparison of GFRP and steel material properties ............................. 199

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CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

1-1 BACKGROUND.

UFC 1-200-01 implements and supplements 2021 IBC as the building code for DoD.
Chapter 2 of this UFC further modifies the IBC for structural-specific design
requirements and is organized by the chapter of the IBC that each section modifies.
Apply any section in the 2021 IBC, that is not specifically referenced, as it is written in
the 2021 IBC. Chapter 3 of this UFC further modifies ASCE 7-16 for structural-specific
design requirements and is organized by the chapter of ASCE 7 that each section
modifies. Apply any section in ASCE 7-16, that is referenced by the 2021 IBC but is not
modified in Chapter 3 of this UFC, as it is written in ASCE 7-16.

The 2021 IBC and ASCE 7-16 section modifications are one of four actions, according
to the following legend:

[Addition] – Add new section, including new section number, not shown in 2021
IBC or ASCE 7-16.

[Deletion] – Delete referenced 2021 IBC or ASCE 7-16 section or noted portion
of a section.

[Replacement] – Delete referenced 2021 IBC or ASCE 7-16 section or noted

portion and replace it with the narrative shown.

[Supplement] – Add narrative shown as a supplement to the narrative shown in

the referenced section of 2021 IBC or ASCE 7-16.

1-2 REISSUE AND CANCELS.

This edition of UFC 3-301-01 cancels UFC 3-301-01 dated 1 October 2019.

1-3 PURPOSE AND SCOPE.

This Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) provides requirements for structures designed and
constructed for the Department of Defense (DoD). These technical requirements are
based on the 2021 International Building Code (2021 IBC), as modified by UFC 1-200-
01, DoD Building Code, and the structural standard referenced by the 2021 IBC:
ASCE/SEI 7-16 Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other
Structures (hereinafter referred to simply as ASCE 7-16). The criteria further provides
limited technical guidance for seismic evaluation and strengthening of existing buildings,
and references ICSSC RP 10, Standards of Seismic Safety for Existing Federally
Owned and Leased Buildings (RP 10) as well as ASCE/SEI 41-17, Seismic Evaluation
and Retrofit of Existing Buildings (hereinafter referred to simply as ASCE 41-17).
Additionally, for nonseismic retrofit of existing buildings, the criteria references the 2021
edition of the International Existing Building Code (2021 IEBC). This information is for
use by structural engineers to develop design calculations, specifications, plans, and

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design-build Requests for Proposal (RFPs), and it is meant to serve as the minimum
design requirement for DoD buildings.

1-4 APPLICABILITY.

This UFC applies to all service elements and contractors involved in the planning,
design and construction of DoD facilities worldwide.

1-5 CONFLICTS AND MODIFICATIONS.

The 2021 IBC provisions are directed toward public health, safety, and general welfare,
presenting minimum standards that must be met by the private sector construction
industry. The use of industry standards for DoD projects promotes communication in
the marketplace, improves competition, and results in cost savings. However, the
military sometimes requires higher standards to achieve unique building performance,
or to construct types of facilities that are not used in the private sector. In addition, the
construction of military facilities outside the United States can introduce requirements
that are not addressed in national model building codes. Modifications to the 2021 IBC
and ASCE 7-16 provisions contained herein are intended to fulfill those unique military
requirements. Where conflicts between the 2021 IBC or ASCE 7-16 and this UFC arise,
this UFC prevails.

In addition, for construction outside the United States, conflicts between host nation
building codes and the UFC may arise. In those instances, the more stringent design
provisions prevail.

1-6 OVERVIEW OF THIS UFC.

Brief descriptions of the various chapters and appendices of this UFC follow.

 Chapter 2 – MODIFICATIONS TO IBC. Chapter 2 provides supplemental

requirements for applying the 2021 IBC structural provisions to conventional DoD
building design by listing required modifications for specific 2021 IBC sections.
The 2021 IBC sections that are not referenced in Chapter 2 or otherwise
modified by provisions of Chapter 6 and Appendix B apply as they are written in
the 2021 IBC.

 Chapter 3 – MODIFICATIONS TO ASCE 7. Chapter 3 provides supplemental

requirements for applying the ASCE 7-16 structural and nonstructural component
provisions to conventional DoD building design by listing required modifications
for specific ASCE 7-16 sections. The ASCE 7-16 sections that are adopted by
the 2021 IBC but are not referenced in Chapter 3 or otherwise modified by
provisions of Chapter 7 and Appendix B apply as they are written in ASCE 7-16.

 CHAPTER 4 - EVALUATION AND RETROFIT OF EXISTING BUILDINGS. This

chapter contains provisions for the repair, alteration, change of occupancy,
acquisition, addition to, and relocation of existing buildings. For seismic
evaluation of existing buildings, this chapter adopts by reference the provisions of
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ICSSC RP 10, Standards of Seismic Safety for Existing Federally Owned and
Leased Buildings, cited herein as RP 10, as well as those of ASCE/SEI 41-17,
Seismic Evaluation and Retrofit of Existing Buildings. This chapter also makes
revisions to specific sections in RP 10. Additionally, this chapter contains
modifications to the 2021 IEBC including the scope, and the prescriptive
compliance method for nonseismic evaluation of existing buildings.

 CHAPTER 5 – NONBUILDING STRUCTURES. This chapter lists the names of

various standards and other guidelines to be followed for the design of highway
bridges, railroad bridges, tanks for liquid storage, tanks for petroleum storage,
environmental engineering concrete structures, prestressed concrete tanks,
water treatment facility structures, transmission towers and poles, antenna
towers, and pedestrian bridges.

 CHAPTER 6 – MODIFICATIONS TO THE IBC FOR CRITICAL HEALTHCARE

FACILITIES. This chapter contains a number of additional requirements for
certain critical healthcare facilities identified in the chapter. The requirements are
presented in the form of modifications to Chapters 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22 of
the IBC.

 CHAPTER 7 – MODIFICATIONS TO ASCE 7 FOR CRITICAL HEALTHCARE

FACILITIES. This chapter contains a number of additional requirements for the
same healthcare facilities within the scope of Chapter 6. The requirements are
presented in the form of modifications to Chapters 11, 12, and 13 of ASCE 7.

 Appendix A – BEST PRACTICES. This appendix provides useful

recommendations and guidance on a number of important topics such as
building drift limits, impact resistant glazing, wind and seismic loads on
photovoltaic arrays, etc.

 Appendix B – ALTERNATE DESIGN PROCEDURE FOR BUILDINGS AND

OTHER STRUCTURES IN RISK CATEGORY IV. For buildings assigned to Risk
Category IV, those that are “essential” because of their military function or post-
earthquake recovery role, the 2021 IBC/ASCE 7-16 requires higher design lateral
loads and more stringent structural detailing procedures than those for buildings
assigned to Risk Category I, II, or III. Applying nonlinear analysis procedures
may result in more economical or better-performing Risk Category IV buildings
than linear elastic procedures can provide. While the 2021 IBC/ASCE 7-16
permits nonlinear static analysis procedures, it provides little guidance on how to
perform them. Appendix B presents optional nonlinear static analysis procedures
that may be used for Risk Category IV buildings. Apply the optional nonlinear
procedures outlined in Appendix B only with the approval of the Authority Having
Jurisdiction.

 Appendix C – GUIDANCE FOR SEISMIC DESIGN OF NONSTRUCTURAL

COMPONENTS. Appendix C provides guidance for seismic design of
nonstructural components. Requirements for design of nonstructural

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components in this UFC are supplemented by guidance provided in this

appendix.

 Appendix D – MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL COMPONENT

CERTIFICATION. Appendix D provides guidance in addition to what is available
in ASCE 7-16 Section 13.2.2 on certification of mechanical and electrical
components.

 Appendix E – MINIMUM UNIFORMLY DISTRIBUTED LIVE LOADS, LO, AND

MINIMUM CONCENTRATED LIVE LOADS. This appendix contains Table E-1,
which replaces Table 1607.1 of the 2021 IBC and includes additional occupancy
or use classification for military facilities that are shown in bold italics.

 Appendix F - GUIDANCE FOR COMPOSITE TECHNOLOGIES FOR BRIDGE

APPLICATIONS. The fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) technologies covered in this
Appendix include carbon FRP composite prestressing systems, FRP composite
external strengthening and repair systems, and FRP composite elements
including bridge piles and bridge decks. This appendix also includes information
on thermoplastic materials for replacement of timber bridges including
thermoplastic lumber, thermoplastic piles, and thermoplastic I-beams.

 Appendix G – GLASS FIBER-REINFORCED POLYMER (GFRP) BARS FOR

CONCRETE STRUCTURES. This appendix provides design resources to
structural engineers interested in using glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP)
reinforcement in concrete structures. New standards developed by ASTM and
ACI for GFRP bars are discussed along with other supporting guides and reports.
This appendix identifies the limits on the use of GFRP reinforcement in concrete
structures and key design considerations.

 Appendix H – GLOSSARY. This appendix lists all the abbreviated terms used in
this UFC.

 Appendix I – REFERENCES. The UFC has an extensive list of referenced public

documents. The primary references for this UFC are the 2021 IBC and ASCE 7-
16.

1-7 COMMENTARY.

Limited commentary has been provided in the chapters. Section designations for such
commentary are preceded by a “[C]”, and the commentary narrative is shaded.

1-8 OTHER CRITERIA.

Military criteria other than those listed in this document may be applicable to specific
types of structures. Such structures must meet the additional requirements of the
applicable military criteria.

1-8.1 General Building Requirements.

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Comply with UFC 1-200-01, DoD Building Code. UFC 1-200-01 provides
applicability of model building codes and government unique criteria for typical
design disciplines and building systems, as well as for accessibility,
antiterrorism, security, high performance and sustainability requirements, and
safety. Use this UFC in addition to UFC 1-200-01 and the UFCs and
government criteria referenced therein.

1-8.2 Progressive Collapse Analysis and Design.

Apply UFC 4-023-03, Design of Buildings to Resist Progressive Collapse, if

required by UFC 4-010-01, DoD Minimum Antiterrorism Standards for Buildings.
UFC 3-301-01 and UFC 4-023-03 both apply in that case. Design in
accordance with one does not guarantee compliance with the other.

1-8.3 Design of Risk Category V Structures.

An additional risk category not included in the 2021 IBC/ASCE 7-16, Risk
Category V, has been added to address national strategic military assets.
Structures in this risk category are designed to remain elastic during the MCER.
Refer to Table 2-2 of this UFC for the list of structures that must be assigned to
RC V. Refer to UFC 3-301-02 for the design of all RC V structures.

1-8.4 Cybersecurity.

All facility-related control systems (including systems separate from a utility

monitoring and control system) must be planned, designed, acquired, executed,
and maintained in accordance with UFC 4-010-06, and as required by individual
Service Implementation Policy.

1-9 REFERENCES.

APPENDIX I contains a list of references used in this document. The publication date
of the code or standard is not included in this document. Unless otherwise specified,
the most recent edition of the referenced publication applies.

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CHAPTER 2 MODIFICATIONS TO IBC

2-1 IBC CHAPTER 1 - SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION.

2-1.1 Section 101 – GENERAL.

101.4.7 – Existing Buildings [Replacement]

For seismic evaluation and retrofit of existing buildings, the provisions of Chapter
4 of this UFC apply to all matters governing the repair, alteration, change of
occupancy, acquisition, addition and relocation.

For nonseismic evaluation and retrofit of existing buildings, the provisions of the
International Existing Building Code, as modified by Chapter 4 of this UFC, shall
apply to matters governing the repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition
to and relocation of existing buildings.

[C] 101.4.7 – Existing Buildings [Supplement]

The purpose of this [Replacement] is to direct users to specific provisions for

seismic evaluation and retrofit of existing buildings. Chapter 4 of this UFC cites
a federal recommended practice document (ICSSC RP 10) and a national
standard (ASCE 41-17) for seismic evaluation and retrofit of existing buildings.
The chapter provides some modifications and clarifications to the requirements
of RP 10 and ASCE 41-17.

Additionally, nonseismic retrofit provisions included in Chapter 4 of this UFC

are also referenced here.

2-1.2 Section 116 - UNSAFE STRUCTURES AND EQUIPMENT.

116.5 – Restoration or Abatement [Replacement]

Where the structure or equipment determined to be unsafe by the AHJ is

restored to a safe condition, the owner, the owner’s authorized agent, operator or
occupant of the structure, premises or equipment deemed unsafe must abate or
cause to be abated or corrected such unsafe conditions by repair, rehabilitation,
demolition or other approved corrective action. To the extent that repairs,
alterations or additions are made or a change of occupancy occurs during the
restoration of the structure, such repairs, alterations, additions or change of
occupancy must comply with the requirements of Sections 101.4.7, 105.2.2 and
Chapter 4 of this UFC, as applicable.

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2-2 IBC CHAPTER 2 – DEFINITIONS.

2-2.1 Section 202 – DEFINITIONS.

STRUCTURAL ENGINEER OF RECORD (SER) [Addition]

The Structural Engineer of Record (SER) is a registered design professional who

performs or supervises the analysis, design, and document preparation for the
building structural system. The SER is responsible for the design of the primary
structural system, which is the completed combination of elements that serves to
support the building's self-weight, applicable live loads, and environmental loads
such as wind, seismic, and thermal.

2-3 IBC CHAPTER 4 – SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCU-

PANCY AND USE.

2-3.1 Section 423 – STORM SHELTERS.

423.4 – Critical Emergency Operations [Replacement]

In hurricane-prone regions (see ASCE 7 Section 26.2) and/or in areas where

shelter design wind speeds for tornados equal or exceed 250 mph (see Figure
304.2(1) of ICC 500), the following facilities must comply with Table 1604.5 as
Risk Category IV structures and must be provided with a storm shelter
constructed in accordance with ICC 500:

• 911 call stations

• Emergency operation centers

• Fire and ambulance stations

• Police stations

• Facilities housing critical national defense functions that must be manned

continuously and for which there is no redundant capability at a different
location.

2-4 IBC CHAPTER 16 – STRUCTURAL DESIGN.

2-4.1 Section 1603 – CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS.

1603.1.5 – Earthquake Design Data Item 3 [Replacement]

3. Mapped spectral response acceleration parameters, Ss and S1. If the data are
based on site-specific response analysis, this must be noted. Site-specific source
data must also include whether response spectrum or time-history analyses were
performed.

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1603.1.10 – Systems/Components Requiring Special Inspection for Seismic

Resistance [Addition]

Construction documents and specifications must be prepared for those systems

and components requiring special inspection for seismic resistance, as specified
in 2021 IBC Section 1705.13 as modified by appropriate special inspection
section in UFC 1-200-01 and by the SER. Reference to seismic standards in lieu
of detailed drawings is acceptable.

1603.2 – Delegated Engineered Systems [Addition]

The SER for a structure may delegate responsibility for the design of systems or
components of the structure to a qualified registered professional engineer. Both
the SER for the structure and engineer receiving such delegation must comply
with the requirements of this UFC.

Exception: The SER must design and detail all primary lateral force-resisting
system connections for wind and seismic forces, including steel connections.
This provision does not preclude a pre-engineered structure manufacturer from
designing primary lateral force-resisting connections where the engineer for the
pre-engineered structure is also the SER. This would be the case with pre-
engineered metal buildings and pre-engineered parking garages for example.

The following are some examples of optional delegated designs:

a. Prefabricated wood components

b. Cast-in-place post-tensioned concrete structural systems
c. Precast, prestressed concrete components
d. Open web steel joists and joist girders
e. Specialty foundation systems
f. Simple (shear only) steel connections (lateral must be designed by SER)
g. Cold-formed steel joist/stud/truss framing and pre-fabricated components
h. Seismic design and anchorage of nonstructural components
i. Proprietary track for under-hung cranes and monorails
j. Autoclaved aerated concrete
k. Cross-laminated timber connections

The engineer to whom design responsibility has been delegated must sign and
seal all work they design. The SER must review all submittals that have been
signed and sealed by the said engineer, to verify compliance with the design
intent and the specified design criteria and to ensure coordination with the
contract documents and other shop drawings. All submittals from the engineer to
whom design responsibility has been delegated must be approved by the SER

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prior to the start of fabrication of the system or component and prior to any field
construction that may be affected by the system or component.

2-4.2 Section 1604 - GENERAL DESIGN REQUIREMENTS.

1604.3 - Serviceability [Supplement]

The SER must ensure that the maximum allowable frame drift is suitable for the
proposed structure considering occupancy, use/function, and all details of
construction. See ASCE 7-16 Appendix C “Serviceability Considerations”
including commentary, and Section A-1.1 of UFC 3-301-01 for additional
guidance.

In the wind design of a building or non-building structure, lateral drift must not
exceed H/480 based on a wind speed with a 10-year MRI. See Figure CC.2-1 of
ASCE 7 for wind speeds with a 10-year MRI. Consideration must be given to
cladding systems when evaluating lateral drift as a more stringent drift limitation
may be appropriate for certain cladding system.

1604.3.1 - Deflections [Replacement]

Deflections of structural members must not exceed the most restrictive of the
limitations of Sections 1604.3.2 through 1604.3.5 or those permitted by Table
1604.3, or Table 2-1 of UFC 3-301-01.

Table 2-1 Wind Induced Deflection Limits for Framing Supporting Exterior Wall
Finishes a,b

Brick veneer L/600

Exterior Insulation Finish Systems L/240
Cement board L/360
Stone Masonry VERIFY WITH
STONE SUPPLIER
Plywood and Wood-Based Structural-Use L/240
Panels
Gypsum sheathing L/240
Metal or vinyl siding and insulated metal L/240
panel

Notes to Table 2-1, “Lateral Deflection Limits for Framing Supporting

Exterior Wall Finishes”

a. The wind load is permitted to be taken as 0.42 times the

“component and cladding” wind loads for the purpose of
determining the deflection limits herein.

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b. L must be calculated as L = kl, where k is the theoretical

effective length factor, and l is the actual member length.

Table 1604.5 [Replacement]

Replace Table 1604.5 of the IBC with Table 2-2 of this UFC. All references in
the IBC to Table 1604.5 must be interpreted as a reference to Table 2-2 of this
UFC. Items that are different from those in 2021 IBC Table 1604.5 are shown in
italics.

1604.11 - Fall Prevention and Protection [Addition]

To protect personnel during occupancy and maintenance phases, consider fall

hazards at the planning and design phase of a project and eliminate them to the
maximum extent possible. Also consider safe access to work location at heights.
Fall prevention and protection measures are prescribed in:

• 29 CFR 1910, Subpart D

• ANSI/ASSE A1264.1
• ANSI/ASSE Z359.6

When elimination or prevention of fall hazards is not feasible, include in design

certified and labeled anchorages that are conveniently located to perform the
work safely. The anchorages and the structural elements that support these
anchorages must meet the requirements of 2021 IBC Section 1607.11.4, as
modified by this UFC.

Where fall protection is required near weight-handling equipment, prevent

conflicts between the weight-handling equipment and fall protection measures.

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Table 2-2 Risk Category of Buildings and Other Structures

DoD Sea
Seismic Snow Ice Tsunami Level Rise
Risk
Category
Nature of Occupancy Factor Factor Factor Factor (SLR) Sce-
IE IS Ii ITSU
nario f
Buildings and other structures that
represent a low hazard to human life in N/A
the event of failure, including, but not Tsunami
I limited to: 1.00 0.8 0.80
design
N/A
• Agricultural facilities not
• Certain temporary facilities required
• Minor storage facilities
Buildings and other structures except those Low
II listed in Risk Categories I, III, IV and V
1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
(2065)
Buildings and other structures that represent
a substantial hazard to human life or represent
significant economic loss in the event of fail-
ure, including, but not limited to:
• Buildings and other structures whose primary
occupancy is public assembly with an occupant
load greater than 300 people d
• Buildings and other structures containing one or
more public assembly spaces, each having an oc-
cupant load greater than 300 and a cumulative oc-
cupant load of the public assembly spaces of
greater than 2,500.d
• Buildings and other structures containing ele-
mentary school, secondary school, or daycare fa-
cilities with an occupant load greater than 250 d
• Buildings and other structures containing adult
education facilities, such as colleges and universi-
ties, with an occupant load greater than 500 d
Medium
III • Group I-2, Condition 1 occupancies with 50 or 1.25 1.10 1.25 1.25
(2065)
more care recipients e
• Group I-2, Condition 2 occupancies not having
emergency surgery or emergency treatment facili-
ties e
• Group I-3 occupancies
• Any other occupancy with an occupant load
greater than 5,000 a,d
• Power-generating stations; water treatment facil-
ities for potable water, wastewater treatment facili-
ties, and other public utility \1\ facilitiesd /1/ that
are not included in Risk Categories IV and V
• Buildings and other structures not included in
Risk Categories IV and V containing quantities of
toxic, flammable, or explosive materials that:
Exceed maximum allowable quantities per con-
trol area as given in Table 307.1(1) or 307.1(2)
or per outdoor control area in accordance with
NFPA 1: Fire Code; and are sufficient to pose

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DoD Sea
Seismic Snow Ice Tsunami Level Rise
Risk
Category
Nature of Occupancy Factor Factor Factor Factor (SLR) Sce-
IE IS Ii ITSU
nario f
a threat to the public if released.b

• Facilities protecting high-value equipment (in-

cluding aircraft maintenance hangars) d

Buildings and other structures designed as

essential facilities, including, but not limited
to:
• Group I-2, Condition 2 occupancies having
emergency surgery or emergency treatment facili-
ties e
• Ambulatory care facilities having emergency sur-
gery or emergency treatment facilities e
• Fire, rescue, and police stations, and emergency
vehicle garages e
• Designated earthquake, hurricane, or other
emergency shelters e
• Designated emergency preparedness, commu-
nication, and operation centers, and other facilities
required for emergency response e
• Power-generating stations and other utility facili-
ties required as emergency backup facilities for
Risk Category IV structures. e
• Buildings and other structures containing quanti-
ties of highly toxic materials that:
Exceed maximum allowable quantities per con- High
IV trol area as given in IBC Table 307.1(2) or per 1.50 1.20 1.25 1.25
(2065) g
outdoor control area in accordance with NFPA
1, Fire Code; and are sufficient to pose a threat
to the public if released.b
• Air traffic control tower (ATCT), Radar Approach
Control Facility (RACF) and air traffic control cen-
ters unless the facility is classified as a non-es-
sential facility and is not required for post-disaster
operations (i.e., minor facility, where an alternate
temporary control facility is available, auxiliary out-
lying field, etc.).
• Emergency aircraft hangars that house aircraft
required for post-disaster emergency response; if
no suitable back-up facilities exist
• Buildings and other structures not included in
Risk Category V, having DoD mission-essential
command, control, primary communications, data
handling, and intelligence functions that are not
duplicated at geographically separate locations. e
• Water storage facilities and pump structures re-
quired to maintain water pressure for fire suppres-
sion.

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DoD Sea
Seismic Snow Ice Tsunami Level Rise
Risk
Category
Nature of Occupancy Factor Factor Factor Factor (SLR) Sce-
IE IS Ii ITSU
nario f

Facilities designed as national strategic mili-

tary assets, including, but not limited to:
• Key national defense assets (e.g. National Mis-
sile Defense facilities) without geographically sep-
arated redundant capability.
• Facilities involved in operational missile control,
launch, tracking, or other critical defense capabili-
ties
• Emergency backup power-generating facilities
Highest
Vc required for primary power for Category V occu- 1.0 1.50 1.50 1.25
(2065) g
pancy
• Power-generating stations and other utility facili-
ties required for primary power for Category V oc-
cupancy, if emergency backup power generating
facilities are not available
• Facilities involved in storage, handling, or pro-
cessing of nuclear, chemical, biological, or radio-
logical materials, where structural failure could
have widespread catastrophic consequences.

Notes to Table 2-2, “Risk Category of Buildings and Other Structures”

a. For purposes of occupant load calculations, occupancies required by IBC

Table 1004.5 to use gross floor area are permitted to use net floor area to
determine the total occupant load.
b. Where approved by the AHJ, the classification of buildings and other
structures as Risk Category III or IV based on their quantities of toxic,
highly toxic or explosive materials is permitted to be reduced to Risk
Category II, provided it can be demonstrated by hazard assessment in
accordance with ASCE 7 Section 1.5.3 that a release of the toxic, highly
toxic or explosive material is not sufficient to pose a threat to the public.
c. Risk Category V has been added to address national strategic military
assets. Structures in this risk category are designed to remain elastic
during the MCER. Refer to UFC 3-301-02 for the design of all RC V
structures.
d. These facilities may be designed for Tsunami Risk Category I or II as
approved by the AHJ.
e. These facilities may be designed for Tsunami Risk Category I, II or III as
designated by the AHJ if adequate equivalent facilities are available
outside of the tsunami inundation zone or if adequate equivalent facilities
within the inundation zone have been designed for the effects of tsunami.

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f. Use the site-specific value from the DoD Regional Sea Level (DRSL)
database corresponding to the designated scenario
(low/medium/high/highest) for the year 2065. The DRSL database is
available at
https://sealevelscenarios.serdp-estcp.org
g. Subject to approval by the AHJ, a DoD 2065 sea level rise scenario of
Medium may be used for Risk Category IV and V structures when
designing for a combination of tsunami and sea level rise. Reference
section 3-3.3 within this UFC for specific limitations and requirements.

1604.12 - Expansion Joints [Addition]

Follow the recommendations in NAS Technical Report No. 65 for spacing of

expansion joints.

2-4.3 Section 1605 – LOAD COMBINATIONS.

1605.1.2 – Structural Members Sensitive to Vertical Ground Motion

[Addition]

Where the design earthquake spectral response acceleration parameter at short

periods, SDS, is greater than 1.0g, the components of building and nonbuilding
structures listed below must be designed for additional load combinations given
in Sections 2.3.6 and 2.4.5 in Chapter 3 of this UFC for Strength Design and
Allowable Stress Design, respectively.

Building Structures:

• horizontal or nearly horizontal structural members spanning 65 ft or more

• horizontal or nearly horizontal cantilever components longer than 16 ft
• horizontal or nearly horizontal prestressed components
• building components, excluding foundations, in which demands due to
gravity loads exceed 80% of the nominal strength of the component
• horizontal structural elements supporting discontinuous vertical elements
of the gravity load-resisting system
• base-isolated structures

Nonbuilding Structures:
• long-span roof structures (e.g., stadiums or high-bay aircraft maintenance
hangars)
• electric power generation facilities

Exception: Nonbuilding structures addressed by ASCE 7-16 Section 15.1.4 are

not required to comply with this section.
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[C] 1605.1.2 Structural Members Sensitive to Vertical Ground Motion [Addition]

The effects of vertical earthquake ground motion on buildings have traditionally been
given much less attention than the effects of horizontal ground motion. This is largely
due to the belief that the peak vertical ground acceleration is considerably smaller
than the peak horizontal ground acceleration. A fairly large safety factor against static
vertical loads also exists in engineered buildings. As a result, it is generally
considered adequate to include the effects of vertical ground motions in the simplified
form of 0.2SDSD, as done in the IBC and the ASCE 7-16 standard for many years.
However, certain structural members are particularly vulnerable to vertical ground
motions and require more explicit consideration of such ground motions in their
design. This [Addition] addresses those specific members by incorporating additional
provisions for design considering vertical ground motions.
The threshold value of SDS > 1.0g was derived from a similar requirement in the 2004
edition of Eurocode 8, which specified the peak vertical ground acceleration, avg, to be
greater than 0.25g for its special provisions related to vertical ground motions to
apply. The derivation is as shown below:

1. From the vertical ground motion response spectrum given in ASCE 7-16 Section
11.9.2, the ratio of the peak vertical acceleration (spectral acceleration at T = 0)
and the maximum vertical spectral acceleration (flat top portion of the response
spectrum) is 0.3/0.8 = 0.375.
2. The maximum vertical spectral acceleration has been traditionally assumed to be
2/3SDS.
3. So, the peak vertical ground acceleration can be expressed in terms of SDS as:
avg = 0.375×(2/3SDS) = 0.25SDS
4. So, avg > 0.25g => SDS > 1.0g

1605.2 – Alternative Allowable Stress Design Load Combinations [Deletion]

Delete this section in its entirety.

2-4.4 Section 1607 - LIVE LOADS.

1607.1 - General [Replacement]

Live loads are those loads defined in Section 1607.1. Table E-1 of this UFC
defines minimum uniformly distributed live loads and minimum concentrated live
loads for the design of structures. Table E-1 is IBC Table 1607.1 with additional
Occupancy or Use classifications for military facilities. The classifications that
have been added to IBC Table 1607.1 are shown in bold italics within Table E-1.

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Table 1607.1 [Replacement]

Replace Table 1607.1 of the IBC with Table E-1 of this UFC. (All references in
the IBC to Table 1607.1 must be interpreted as references to Table E-1 of this
UFC.)

1607.8.1 - Loads [Replacement]

Where a structure does not restrict access for vehicles that exceed a 10,000
pound (4536 kg) gross vehicle weight rating, those portions of said structure
subject to such loading must be designed using the vehicular live loads, including
consideration of impact and fatigue, in accordance with the AASHTO Bridge
Design Specification.

1607.11.4 – Fall arrest and lifeline, and rope descent system anchorages
[Replacement]

Fall arrest anchorages must be capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds per
person attached, or be designed, installed and used as part of a complete fall
arrest system which maintains a safety factor of at least 2.0 under the
supervision of a qualified person. See ANSI/ASSE Z359.6 for additional
requirements and design guidance (Note: the 1.6 load factor used in Z359.6 for
active forces must be replaced by 2.0).

Anchorages of horizontal lifelines and the structural elements that support these
anchorages must be designed for the maximum tension that develops in the
horizontal lifeline from the specified live loads.

The responsibility of certifying the horizontal lifeline (HLL) system lies with the
activity that owns or uses the system. Activities should take into consideration
when selecting or designing HLL systems that these systems will require annual
or periodic inspection. The system will also require certification and recertification
by a qualified person/engineer. Activities should budget funds for this effort. The
frequency of re-certification period shall be provided by the designer of the
system. The duration of re-certifying the system shall not exceed 5 years.

1607.11.5 - Hangars [Addition]

The design live load on hangar bay walls supporting floors and balconies must
be increased by 33 percent to account for impact.

In hangars, where HLLs are used as the fall protection solution for aircraft
maintenance, make sure that there will be no interference between the crane
envelope inside the hangar and the HLL system. The cranes usually are 30 to 40
feet above the working level. Additionally, incorporate a Power Tagline System to
bring the snaphook of the self-retracting lanyard (which is attached to the HLL) to
the working level.

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1607.13 - Distribution of Floor Loads [Supplement]

Add the following to the end of the paragraph: “Partial floor live load must be
distributed per ASCE 7 Section 4.3.3”.

2-4.5 Section 1608 - SNOW LOADS.

1608.4 - Specific Locations within the United States [Addition]

Ground snow loads at DoD installations within the United States and its territories
and possessions are identified using the structural load data tool hosted on the
Whole Building Design Guide website at

https://www.wbdg.org/additional-resources/tools/ufcsldt

At locations where the ground snow load is not provided, refer to ASCE 7-16
and, if not available in ASCE 7-16, consult the AHJ.

1608.5 - Specific Locations Outside of the United States [Addition]

Ground snow loads at specific locations outside of the United States and its
territories and possessions are identified using the structural load data tool
hosted on the Whole Building Design Guide website at

https://www.wbdg.org/additional-resources/tools/ufcsldt

At locations where the ground snow load is not provided, use the best locally
available information.

1608.6 - Snow Load Case Studies [Addition]

Snow load case studies may be done to clarify and refine snow loadings at site-
specific locations with the approval of the AHJ. Where required by the AHJ, a
site-specific study must be conducted if the ground snow load is greater than 30
psf (1.4KPa). The methodology used to conduct snow load case studies at site-
specific locations is presented in the Cold Regions Research and Engineering
Laboratory (CRREL) report “Database and Methodology for Conducting Site
Specific Snow Load Case Studies for the United States.”

2-4.6 Section 1609 - WIND LOADS.

1609.1.1 – Determination of Wind Loads [Supplement]

Add the following to the list of exceptions:

7. For winds parallel to the ridge of open buildings, the wind load delivered to the
main wind force resisting system from the bare frames or partially clad end walls

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must be determined in accordance with the provisions of ASCE 7-16 Section

28.3.5.

1609.1.2 – Aircraft Hangar Wind Loads [Addition]

Wind load on main wind force resisting system of aircraft hangars must be
determined based on the following conditions:

• Hangar doors closed for winds at the maximum design wind speed.
Calculate the structural forces based upon the assumption of a “partially
enclosed building.” It is permissible to use the large volume reduction
factor of ASCE 7 in determining the design wind pressures. Assume that a
2-inch (25-mm) strip around the perimeter of all hangar door panels is an
opening and combine this with the area of all unshielded fenestration.

• Hangar doors open to the maximum extent possible with an ultimate

design wind speed (Vult) of 78 mph (125 km/h). Calculate the structural
forces upon the assumption of a “partially enclosed building.” Use the total
open-door area in the large volume reduction factor calculation.

1609.2.4 – Vertical Lift Fabric Hangar Doors (VLFD) [Addition]

Vertical Lift Fabric Doors are prohibited within windborne debris regions.

Additionally, VLFD’s are prohibited for use in aircraft maintenance hangars where
1700-year-MRI wind speeds (IBC Figure 1609.3(2), ASCE 7 Figure 26.5-1C)
equal or exceed wind speeds defining a windborne debris region, namely, 130
mph (58 m/s) within one mile of the coastal mean high-water line or 140 mph
(63.6 m/s) anywhere else.

[C] 1609.2.4 – Vertical Lift Fabric Hangar Doors (VLFD) [Addition]

VLFD’s are prohibited for use in windborne debris regions defined in the IBC
due to failures experienced during hurricane Michael. These failures were
predominately caused by windborne debris.
Additionally, DoD also prohibits VLFD’s in all locations where the 1700-year-
MRI wind speed exceeds the threshold wind speed for windborne debris
regions. This is because the risk of windborne debris damage is the same in
these areas as in areas defined by the IBC as windborne debris regions. In
essence, this has served to slightly expand IBC windborne debris regions.

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1609.2.5 – Roll Up Doors and Sectional Doors in Hurricane Prone Regions

[Addition]

In hurricane prone regions, roll up doors or sectional doors used for risk category
II structures and above must be pressure tested for components and cladding
design wind pressure and shown to pass in accordance with ANSI/DASMA 108,
Standard Method for Testing Sectional Garage Doors and Rolling Doors. This
requirement must be noted on the construction drawings in addition to the project
specifications. The SER must specify the components and cladding design wind
pressure for garage/sectional doors on the construction drawings.

1609.3.2 - Specific Locations Within the United States [Addition]

Basic design wind speeds at DoD installations within the United States and its
territories and possessions can be identified using the structural load data tool
hosted on the Whole Building Design Guide website at:

https://www.wbdg.org/additional-resources/tools/ufcsldt

At locations where the basic design wind speed is not provided, refer to ASCE 7-
16 and, if not available in ASCE 7-16, consult the AHJ.

1609.3.3 - Specific Locations Outside of the United States [Addition]

Basic design wind speeds at specific locations outside of the United States and
its territories and possessions can be identified using the structural load data tool
hosted on the Whole Building Design Guide website at:

https://www.wbdg.org/additional-resources/tools/ufcsldt

At locations where the basic design wind speed is not provided, use the best
locally available information.

1609.3.4 – Design Wind Speed for Temporary Structures [Addition]

For Temporary Structures, as defined in UFC 1-201-01, it is permissible to

multiply the basic wind speed, V, as identified in UFC 3-301-01, by a reduction
factor of 0.78.

This section supersedes Section 3-2.1.5 of UFC 1-201-01.

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[C] 1609.3.4 – Design Wind Speed for Temporary Structures [Addition]

For the purpose of determining design wind speeds for temporary structures
with design life of 5 years or less, UFC 1-201-01, dated 1 January 2013,
permits application of a 0.78 reduction factor to the design wind speeds
determined in accordance with UFC 3-301-01 for regular structures. However,
that allowance is restricted to non-hurricane prone regions only. This [Addition]
revises that provision to expand the applicability of the 0.78 factor to hurricane
prone regions as well.
The revision was based on a study that looked at design wind speeds at a
large number of locations across the United States using a “uniform hazard”
approach. For a given risk category of a temporary structure, wind speeds
were determined for the same probability of exceedance in 5 years as that
used in ASCE 7 for a 50-year design life of regular structures. For example, in
ASCE 7, the design wind speed values for RC II structures are based on a
return period of 700 years, which translates to about 7% probability of
exceedance in 50 years. Assuming the same level of wind hazard is
acceptable for a temporary structure over its 5-yr design life, i.e., a 7%
probability of exceedance in 5 years, wind speeds for temporary structures
assigned to Risk Category II should be determined based on 70-yr wind
events. Similarly, design wind speeds for temporary structures assigned to
Risk Category I, III, and IV need to be determined based on 30, 170 and 300-
yr return period wind events, respectively. These can be determined through
interpolation using the 300-yr wind speeds given in ASCE 7 Chapter 26 and
25-, 50-, and 100-yr wind speeds given in ASCE 7 Appendix CC, where the
return periods are expressed on a log scale.
It was found that, wind speeds determined as described above for a total of
342 locations in the United States matched very closely with the wind speeds
determined by simply reducing the ASCE 7 values by a factor of 0.78 as
permitted in UFC 1-201-01. And this was seen to be as true for hurricane
prone regions as it was for non-hurricane prone regions. As a result, the 0.78
factor is retained for the sake of simplicity, but its applicability is expanded to
hurricane prone regions.
For a more detailed discussion on this change, please refer to the report
produced by S. K. Ghosh Associates LLC titled “An Evaluation of the Wind and
Seismic Provisions of UFC 1-201-01 for Temporary Structures”.

2-4.7 Section 1613 - EARTHQUAKE LOADS.

1613.1 – Scope [Supplement]

For all structures, wherever ASCE 7-16 Table 12.2-1 is referenced, it must be
replaced by Table 3-1 of this UFC.

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[C] 1613.1 – Scope [Supplement]

Although Chapter 14 of ASCE 7-16 is not adopted by the 2021 IBC, occasional
references to ASCE 7-16 Chapter 14 sections are made in this UFC.

1613.2.1.1 - Specific Locations within the United States [Addition]

Seismic parameters at DoD installations within the United States and its
territories and possessions can be identified using the structural load data tool
hosted on the Whole Building Design Guide website at

https://www.wbdg.org/additional-resources/tools/ufcsldt

At locations where the seismic parameters are not provided, refer to ASCE 7-16
and, if not available in ASCE 7-16, consult the AHJ.

1613.2.1.2 - Specific Locations Outside of the United States [Addition]

Seismic ground motion parameters at specific locations outside of the United

States and its territories and possessions can be identified using the structural
load data tool hosted on the Whole Building Design Guide website at

https://www.wbdg.org/additional-resources/tools/ufcsldt.

For locations not shown, the best available information must be used with the
approval of the AHJ.

1613.2.1.3 – Site Specific Seismicity Study Process [Addition]

The site-specific ground motion procedures in Chapter 21 of ASCE 7 may be

used to determine ground motions for any structure.

1613.2.1.4 – Ground Motion Parameters for Temporary Structures

[Addition]

For Temporary Structures, as defined in UFC 1-201-01, it is permissible to

substitute mapped seismic ground motion parameters, SS and S1, with those
corresponding to a seismic hazard of 20% probability of exceedance in 50 years,
which are to be determined in accordance with the provisions of Section
1613.2.1.1 of this UFC. However, for locations not provided in the structural load
data tool hosted on the Whole Building Design Guide website, refer to the USGS
Web Service page given below for the seismic parameters, and if not available
on the USGS page, consult the AHJ.

https://earthquake.usgs.gov/ws/designmaps/asce41-17.html

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The rest of the seismic design, including determination of Seismic Design

Category, is to be performed as required by the IBC and ASCE 7 and as
modified by this UFC.

This section supersedes Section 3-2.1.6 of UFC 1-201-01.

[C] 1613.2.1.4 – Ground Motion Parameters for Temporary Structures

[Addition]
For the purpose of determining design seismic loads for temporary structures
with design life of 5 years or less, UFC 1-201-01, dated 1 January 2013,
permits application of a 0.6 reduction factor to the design seismic loads
determined in accordance with UFC 3-301-01 for regular structures. In
addition, that allowance is restricted to regions of low seismicity only. This
[Addition] revises that provision based on a “uniform hazard” approach that
applies to all locations, and that is more consistent with the way all seismic
requirements are specified for regular structures.
Mapped ground motion parameters, SS and S1, that form the basis of seismic
design of regular structures (50-yr design life) in this UFC correspond to a
seismic hazard of 2% probability of exceedance in 50 years. In other words, it
is deemed adequate to design a structure for a seismic hazard that has a 2%
probability of exceedance in the structure’s design life. The same criterion
could be applied to temporary structures as well where it should be adequate
to design the structure for a reduced seismic hazard of 2% probability of
exceedance in 5 years. In 50-yr term, a 2%-in-5 yr hazard translates to a 20%-
in-50 yr hazard.
This [Addition] also allows the use of the same reduced hazard ground motion
parameters for the purpose of all seismic design requirements, including
determination of Site Coefficients as well as Seismic Design Category, for
temporary structures. As a result, the adoption of a reduced hazard not only
reduces the seismic forces, but also leads to less stringent seismic design and
detailing requirements for temporary structures.
For a more detailed discussion on this change, please refer to the report
produced by S. K. Ghosh Associates LLC titled “An Evaluation of the Wind and
Seismic Provisions of UFC 1-201-01 for Temporary Structures”.

1613.2.3 – Site Coefficients and Adjusted Maximum Considered Earthquake

Spectral Response Acceleration Parameters [Replacement]

Replace the definitions of Fa and Fv as shown below:

Fa = Site coefficient defined in Table 3-1 of this UFC

Fv = Site coefficient defined in Table 3-2 of this UFC

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1613.3 – Ballasted Photovoltaic Panel Systems [Replacement]

Ballasted photovoltaic panel systems are not permitted.

[C] Ballasted Photovoltaic Panel Systems [Replacement]

Ballasted systems are specifically disallowed by UFC 3-110-03, Roofing.

1613.4 - Procedure for Determining MCER and Design Spectral Response

Accelerations [Addition]

Ground motion accelerations, represented by response spectra and coefficients

derived from these spectra, must be determined in accordance with the
procedure of ASCE 7-16 Sections 11.4.2-11.4.6, as modified by Chapter 3 of this
UFC, or the site-specific procedure required by ASCE 7-16 Section 11.4.8 as
modified by Section 3-5.3 of this UFC.

Subject to approval by the AHJ, a site-specific response analysis using the

procedure of ASCE 7-16 Chapter 21 may be used in determining ground motions
for any structure. Such analysis needs to include justification for its use in lieu of
the mapped ground motion data.

A site response analysis using the procedures of ASCE 7-16 Section 21.1 must
be used for structures on sites classified as Site Class F (see ASCE 7-16 Section
20.3.1), unless at least one of the following conditions is applicable:

1. The structure is exempted from site response analysis requirement in

accordance with ASCE 7-16 Section 20.3.1.

2. The mapped Risk-Targeted Maximum Considered Earthquake (MCER)

spectral response acceleration at short periods, Ss, and the mapped
MCER spectral response acceleration at 1-second period, S1, as
determined in accordance with UFC 3-301-01, are less than or equal to
0.25 and 0.10, respectively.

Ss and S1 must be determined for installations within the United States from
Section 1613.2.1.1, added by this UFC. For installations located outside the
United States, Ss and S1 must be determined from Section 1613.2.1.2, added by
this UFC.

2-4.8 Section 1615 – TSUNAMI LOADS.

1615.1 – General [Replacement]

The design and construction of buildings and structures located in a Tsunami

Design Zone, as defined by the Tsunami Design Geodatabase or by DoD

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tsunami mapping for at risk OCONUS installations, must be in accordance with

Chapter 6 of ASCE 7, as modified by Section 3-3 of this UFC.

For at risk Pacific and Pacific Rim OCONUS installations, see the following link to
access tsunami inundation and flow maps:

https://www.wbdg.org/ffc/dod/unified-facilities-criteria-ufc/tsunami-inundation-
mapping

Maps are formatted as KMZ files, which can be downloaded and opened with
Google Earth, ARCGIS, or an equivalent KMZ compatible geo map application.

2-4.9 Section 1616 – STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY [Deletion].

Delete this section in its entirety.

2-5 IBC CHAPTER 17 - SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS.

2-5.1 Section 1701 – GENERAL.

1701.1 - Scope [Supplement]

Add the following paragraph:

Contractual relationships and the composition of the architect / engineer /

construction (AEC) team differ from those contemplated by the language of the
2021 IBC, when doing DoD construction. When performing design or
construction using typical methods for in-house design, AE design, and
contracting for construction, 2021 IBC/ASCE 7-16 terms of Authority Having
Jurisdiction and Building Official must be as defined in MIL STD 3007

Unless noted otherwise, apply the following substitutions for implementing the
IBC:
• “Building official” - defined as “Authority Having Jurisdiction” as referenced
in MIL STD 3007).
• “Owner” - defined as “Authority Having Jurisdiction”
• “Permit applicant” - defined as “contractor”

[C] 1701.1 - Scope [Supplement]

The context of the IBC terms “permit”, “permit application”, “permit applicant”,
and “owner” must be modified for DoD projects. DoD functions as the building
department/jurisdiction and the AHJ functions as the building official. When
DoD advertises a project, the building permit is effectively implied/granted.
However, the overall project may still require other permits related to site storm
water, air quality, demolition disposal, etc.

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2-5.2 Section 1703 – APPROVALS.

1703.4 - Performance [Replacement]

New, unusual, or innovative materials, systems or methods previously untried

may be incorporated into designs when evidence shows that such use is in the
best interest of the Government from the standpoint of economy, lower life-cycle
costs, and quality of construction. Supporting data, where necessary to assist in
the approval of materials or assemblies not specifically provided for in the code,
must consist of valid evaluation reports from International Code Council –
Evaluation Service (ICC-ES), or other qualified testing and evaluation service
with the prior approval of the AHJ.

1703.4.1 - Research and Investigation [Deletion]

Delete this section in its entirety.

1703.4.2 - Research Reports [Deletion]

Delete this section in its entirety.

2-5.3 Section 1704 – SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS, CONTRACTOR

RESPONSIBILITY, AND STRUCTURAL OBSERVATIONS.

1704.2.3 Statement of special inspections. [Replacement]

Replace the first paragraph with the following:

The SER must submit a Statement of Special Inspections in accordance with

Section 107.1. This statement must be in accordance with Section 1704.3. A
template ‘Statement of Special Inspections’ and a template ‘Schedule of Special
Inspections’ may be found on the WBDG at the following link under ‘related
material’:

https://www.wbdg.org/ffc/dod/unified-facilities-criteria-ufc/ufc-3-301-01

1704.6 – Structural Observations [Replacement]

Replace the first two sentences with the following:

Where required by the provisions of Section 1704.6.1, structural observations

must be performed by the SER, or their designated representative, who must be
a Registered Design Professional. Structural observation does not include or
waive the responsibility for the inspections in Section 110 or the special
inspections in Section 1705 or other sections of this code.

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1704.6.1 – Structural Observations for Structures [Replacement]

Replace Item 1 with the following:

1 - The structure is classified as Risk Category III or IV in accordance with Table

2-2 of this UFC.

Replace Item 4 with the following:

4 – Such observation is required by the SER.

1704.7 – Special Inspector of Record [Addition]

When the provisions of Section 1704.6.1 apply, the services of a Special

Inspector of Record (SIOR) must be retained by the Contractor as a third-party
quality assurance agent (see UFC 1-200-01). The SIOR must be a licensed
professional engineer in a state acceptable to the AHJ. The SIOR must submit
qualifications acceptable to the AHJ.

1704.7.1 – Duties of the Special Inspector of Record (SIOR) [Addition]

The duties of the SIOR are defined in the following UFGS specifications:

Design-Bid-Build projects - specification 01 45 35

Design-Build projects - specification 01 45 35.05

1704.7.2 – Final Inspection Report [Addition]

When the work requiring Special Inspections is completed and all nonconforming
items are resolved to the satisfaction of the SER, the Contractor needs to notify
the SIOR to submit a Final Special Inspection Report to the Contracting Officer,
the SER, and the Contractor. The Final Special Inspection Report must attest
that Special Inspection was performed on all work requiring Special Inspection
and that all nonconforming work and corrections of all discrepancies noted in the
daily reports was resolved to the satisfaction of the SER and the Contracting
Officer. The Final Special Inspection Report must be signed, dated, and must
bear the seal of the SIOR.

2-5.4 Section 1705 – REQUIRED SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS.

1705.3.3 – Adhesive Anchors [Addition]

The SER is required to determine the proof load (see ACI 318-19 Section
26.7.1(k)) to be used for field-testing and to indicate in the construction
documents which anchors are considered critical for testing.

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1705.13.6 – Plumbing, Mechanical and Electrical Components [Supplement]

Add the following before the existing text:

Special inspection and verification are required for Designated Seismic Systems
and must be performed as required by the Statement of Special Inspections, and
the Schedule of Special Inspections, which must be prepared for each project.
Templates for these documents may be downloaded at the following link, under
“Related Materials”:

https://www.wbdg.org/ffc/dod/unified-facilities-guide-specifications-ufgs/ufgs-01-
45-35

The SER must prepare a Statement of Special Inspections in accordance with

Section 1704 for the Designated Seismic Systems. The Statement of Special
Inspections must define the periodic walk-down inspections that must be
performed to ensure that the nonstructural elements satisfy life safety mounting
requirements. The walk-down inspections must be performed by design
professionals who are familiar with the construction and installation of
mechanical and electrical components, and their vulnerabilities to earthquakes.
The selection of the design professional is subject to the approval of the SER.

Designated Seismic Systems require a final walk-down inspection by the SER.

The final review must be documented in a report. The final report prepared by the
SER must include the following:

1. Record/observations of final site visit

2. Documentation that all required inspections were performed in accordance
with the Statement of Special Inspections.
3. Documentation that the Designated Seismic Systems were installed in
accordance with the construction documents and inspected in accordance
with the requirements of Chapter 17, as modified by this section.

2-6 IBC CHAPTER 18 - SOILS AND FOUNDATIONS.

2-6.1 Section 1808 – FOUNDATIONS.

1808.4 - Vibratory Loads [Supplement]

Add the following to the end of the paragraph:

Design foundations in accordance with ACI 351.3R or ACI 351.4R, as applicable,

and UFC 3-220-01.

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1808.8.2.1 - Reinforcement [Addition]

For footings over three feet (914 mm) thick, the minimum ratio of reinforcement
area to gross concrete area in each direction must be 0.0015, with not less than
one-half nor more than two-thirds of the total reinforcement required placed near
any one face. Use a bar size no smaller than No. 4 (#13M) with a maximum
spacing of 12 inches (305 mm). [See 13.3.4.4 of ACI 318-19].

2-6.2 Section 1809 - SHALLOW FOUNDATIONS.

1809.5.2 - Frost Line Depth [Addition]

Frost line depth at DoD installations within the United States and its territories
and possessions and outside the United States are identified using the structural
load data tool hosted on the Whole Building Design Guide website at

https://www.wbdg.org/additional-resources/tools/ufcsldt

At locations where frost line depths are not provided, use the best locally
available information. For additional guidance, contact the AHJ. For guidance
on the depth of footings considering frost, see Appendix Section A-2.3.

2-7 IBC CHAPTER 19 – CONCRETE.

2-7.1 Section 1901 – GENERAL.

1901.8 - Construction Joints [Addition]

Provide construction, contraction, and expansion joints in structures in

accordance with ACI 224.3R and ACI 318-19, Section 26.5.6.

1901.9 – Lightweight Concrete Water Content [Addition]

All coarse lightweight aggregate used in a concrete mixture must be saturated

surface dry prior to mixing. The total allowable water in the concrete mixture
must account for the water in the aggregate and admixtures. The water-to-
cementitious materials ratio must not exceed 0.50.

1901.10 – Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) Reinforcement [Addition]

Design and construct structural concrete which utilizes glass fiber reinforced
polymer (GFRP) reinforcement in accordance with ACI CODE 440.11-22,
Structural Concrete Reinforced with Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (GFRP)
Bars--Code and Commentary. The use of GFRP reinforcement is preferred
where corrosion is a durability concern. GFRP does not corrode making it an
economical solution for the structures that require regular repair due to exposure
to salts and seawater. GFRP is also 1/4 of the weight of steel reinforcement,
making it easier to transport, handle, and place.

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GFRP reinforcement has limitations to consider before deciding on its use. Fire
ratings for GFRP in structures are not standardized and are low. For this reason,
GFRP reinforcement is:

• Not permitted in structures that have a fire rating above zero. Also not
permitted in structures that may not have a fire rating but could collapse
due to fire and threaten life safety (for example, GFRP reinforcing not
allowed for upper deck of double-deck piers, and comparable structures
similarly affected by heat zones).

• Allowed for use in architectural precast concrete; however, all connections

must use steel.

Other limitations on the use of GFRP according to ACI CODE 440.11-22:

• Do not use in seismic force-resisting systems of structures assigned to

Seismic Design Categories B, C, D, E, and F.

• GFRP is permitted in structural members not part of the seismic force-

resisting systems of structures assigned to Seismic Design Categories A,
B, and C.

• Not recommended for lightweight concrete due to insufficient research

data.

• Prestressed concrete systems are not currently covered.

The limitations on seismic force-resisting systems are because GFRP

reinforcement is elastic until failure. The current seismic force-resisting systems
are designed to yield in certain regions to dissipate the energy generated by
seismic excitation. GFRP reinforcement will be permitted if the reinforcement is
designed to remain fully elastic.

Appendix G provides guidance in the design and construction of GFRP in

concrete structures.

2-7.2 Section 1903 – SPECIFICATIONS FOR TESTS AND MATERIALS.

1903.5 – Additively Constructed Concrete (3D Printed Concrete) [Addition]

Pursuant to UFC 1-200-01 Section 104.11, concrete produced using additive

construction, hereafter referred to as Additively Constructed Concrete (ACC), is
allowed as alternative material, design and method of construction when
complying with the following requirements and when approved in writing by the
AHJ.

ACC structures are limited to one-story, Risk Category I or II structures in

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Seismic Design Categories A and B only. Additionally, the following general

requirements or limitations apply:

• Unreinforced concrete construction is not allowed

• ACC elements are not allowed as part of the Lateral Force-resisting
System (LRFS) in Seismic Design Category B unless LFRS assemblies
have been shake table tested with relevant loading or wind loads can be
demonstrated to govern over seismic loads using an R-factor of 1.0.
• Provide a full description of concrete mixes, including how mixes will differ
from region to region as applicable. Include admixtures in description,
where utilized.
• Provide a narrative description of Quality Assurance and Quality Control
procedures for concrete placement, including hot and cold weather
placement constraints for ACC elements. if applicable
• Maintain minimum cover over reinforcement per ACI 318. Cover shall not
consist of printed materials unless demonstrated through testing that ACI
318 development length requirements can be met using applicable load
factors.
• Cast-in-place or post-installed anchors must not depend on printed
material for shear or tensile strength unless site tested to 150% of design
load.
• Diaphragm to wall connections must be shown by calculation or testing to
resist in plane and out of plane forces with applicable load factors.
Anchorage may not be solely dependent on printed shell material.
• Provide complete design drawings, including connection detailing
sufficient to adequately depict continuous vertical and lateral load path to
foundation.
• Provide complete mathematical demand and capacity calculations based
on ACI 318 for all applicable ASCE 7 loads and affected elements.
Calculations must demonstrate a complete vertical and lateral load path
and may not rely on printed shell elements to resist loads except for pure
compression. Alternatively, webbing may be employed with shell
elements as indicated in the Figure 2-1, but only with third-party load
testing validation of composite assemblies for all relevant loading. Load
capacity values must be published as part of a third-party testing report
and tested assemblies must be applicable to constructed assemblies.

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Figure 2-1 Webbing in Shell Elements

• Design must be peer reviewed by the government a minimum of 90 days

prior to construction start and will include review by subject matter experts
at United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Construction
Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL). All comments and concerns
must be resolved to the government’s satisfaction.

Allowable ACC Elements and Limitations

• ACC is limited to reinforced walls no taller than ten feet, reinforced

embedded wall pilasters and non-participating stay-in-place formwork for
simple reinforced continuous wall footings.
• Suspended elements, including but not limited to beams, girders, or floor
and roof diaphragm elements are not approved for ACC.
• ACC wall elements must consist of two printed concrete face shells acting
as stay-in-place forms with a minimum interior core width of four inches
and a maximum core width of twelve inches. Provide print stabilizers
spanning between face shells to occur at no greater than twelve inches on
center horizontally and six inches on center vertically. Provide corner
stabilizers spanning from interior wall corners to exterior face shell in both
directions (e.g., either side of interior corner). Larger print stabilizer
spacing require print-stability testing.
• Embedded pilasters must consist of printed shells and interior monolithic,
reinforced, cast-in-place concrete cores that are six to eight inches by six
to eight inches. Larger sections require print-stability testing.
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• Wall cavities adjacent to pilasters that are without webbing or monolithic

cast-in-place concrete shall not be permitted unless this portion is
considered to be non-structural.

Third Party Independent Testing Requirements

ACC structures must conform to the requirements noted in this section and ICC
AC509 - 3D Automated Construction Technology for 3D Concrete Walls. If AC
509 is in conflict, this UFC supersedes. Compliance to this section must be
demonstrated by obtaining an ICC ES evaluation report (or equivalent) that
conforms to both ICC-AC509 and the following modifications to ICC-AC509

ICC AC509 4.2.1 [Replacement] Cast specimens for compressive testing

shall be tested in accordance with ASTM C31 for monolithically cast
portions of wall. Cast specimens following ASTM C31 or ASTM C109 shall
be permitted for printable material mixture development only. Prior to
construction, conduct compressive strength testing in accordance with
ASTM C109 with specimens extracted by saw cutting in accordance with
ASTM C42 and prepared to meet planeness requirements according to
ASTM C109. Specimens shall capture at least one interface and shall be
tested for compression in the directions parallel to print direction,
perpendicular to print direction, and transverse to print direction.

ICC AC509 4.2.2 [Replacement] Prior to specimen creation, the flow of the
printable material shall be tested in accordance with ASTM C230. For
materials that exhibit slump prior to entering the printer, the mix may be
tested in accordance with ASTM C143 or C1611. Printable materials shall
be tested in accordance to ASTM C230 prior to placement and within 5
minutes after leaving the printer.

ICC AC509 4.2.4 [Replacement] Unconfined compression Strength (UCS)

Testing: Shall be performed in accordance with ASTM D2166, with
cylindrical specimen sizes representative of the bead geometry, where the
diameter or height of the specimen must be at least 5 times the maximum
particle size. Prior to construction, the UCS shall be performed at 0, 15,
30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after mixing and the elastic limit at each
age shall be determined. This shall be used to report the time to next layer
limit based on weight of successive layers expected. Printable materials
shall be tested in accordance with this test method prior to placement
during printing and within 5 minutes of leaving the printer.

ICC AC509 4.3.3 [Supplement] Freeze-Thaw specimens of printed

materials shall be extracted from printed components through saw cutting
in accordance with ASTM C666. Specimen sizes shall be as described in
ASTM C666 to include specimens with at least 1 interface on each side
parallel to the length of the specimen and specimens with at least 3 layers
perpendicular to the length of the specimen. For regions where freeze-

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thaw is not a concern this test may be forgone.

ICC AC509 4.4.1 [Replacement] Perform tests on 3D printed specimens in

accordance with ASTM C341. Length change specimens of printed
materials shall be extracted from printed components. Specimens shall
have at least 1 interface on each side parallel to the length of the
specimen. Components that will be in contact with soils with high sulfate
content or exposed to salts must be tested according to ASTM C1012.

ICC AC509 4.6.2 [Addition] Tensile bond strength shall be in accordance

with ASTM C496 or ASTM C1583. Shear bond strength shall be tested as
described below.

4.6.2.1 Tensile bond strength tested in accordance with ASTM C496 shall
use prismatic specimens consisting of at least two layers with a
single interface loaded along the interface. Specimens shall be
tested transverse to the print with the height being equal to a
single shell width, and the height being equal to two times a single
shell width, and the length being equal to at least 3 times a single
shell width.
4.6.2.2 Specimens for direct shear testing shall be loaded in single or
double shear using prismatic specimens consisting of at least two
layers for single shear and three layers for double shear.
Specimens shall have dimensions that are representative of the
wall shell dimensions and a length of at least 3 times the shell
width. Loading rate shall in accordance to ASTM C496.
4.6.2.3 Specimens for interface testing shall be extracted by saw cutting
in accordance with ASTM C42 and prepared to meet planeness
requirements in ASTM C109.

ICC AC509 4.8 [Addition] For construction geometries, a print stability test
must be performed, which consists of a print mock-up representative of
the wall geometry used in construction, to ensure that there are no stability
issues prior to construction. Time between layers and construction shall
be representative of field conditions. This is permitted to be done as part
of the development of structural test samples.

ICC AC509 4.9 [Addition] Dynamic Testing

4.9.1 Testing for blast overpressure, where applicable, must be in

accordance with ASTM F2247 or ASTM F2927 for door locations
and ASTM F1642 or GSA TS01 for windows locations. Ballistics
testing must be in accordance with MIL STD 662.
4.9.2 Wind and seismic testing shall be performed in accordance with
ASTM E2126 procedure for in-plane shear or out-of-plane
bending. Where structures must meet seismic categories higher
than C, shake table testing shall be performed to meet design

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requirements.
4.9.3 Impact testing shall be performed in accordance with ASTM
E1886 for windborne debris and ASTM E695 for impact loading.

ICC AC509 5.5 [Replacement] Special Inspections shall be performed in

accordance with this UFC. Quality control testing shall be performed by
obtaining samples cured following ASTM C31 for compression testing and
interface testing shall be performed according to Sections 4.2 and 4.6. Fresh
material testing shall be performed in accordance with ASTM C31, with testing
performed in accordance with Sections 4.2.2 and 4.2.4 in place of the slump test.

5.5.1 Representative components for sample extraction shall be printed

at the same time as construction of the printed components to be placed
in service. Each representative component shall be large enough to
extract samples for compliance with Sections 4.2.1, 4.4.1, and 4.6.2.

5.5.2 Data on printing conditions and process shall be documented and

reported to include: start times, print time for each layer, delay times
(includes waiting between layers), reasons for delays, times at which
delays occurred, and hourly temperature and humidity. If delay occurs in
the middle of printing a layer, the time prior to delay and following delay
should be recorded, in addition to the delay.

2-7.3 Section 1904 - DURABILITY REQUIREMENTS.

1904.3 – Environmental Severity Classification and Concrete Cover

[Addition]

Conform to ACI 357.3R Table 5.5.4 for minimum concrete cover for exterior
exposed concrete at project locations with an Environmental Severity
Classification (ESC) C3 thru C5. See UFC 1-200-01 for determination of ESC for
project locations. Exposed concrete is any concrete that is not enclosed within a
building envelope. In addition, concrete with a minimum of two coats of exterior
grade paint is not considered exposed where properly maintained. Corrosion
inhibitor coatings/additives would not qualify as a paint coating. This requirement
does not apply to galvanized, stainless or epoxy coated reinforcement. Refer to
ACI 318 cover requirements in these cases.

2-7.4 Section 1905 – MODIFICATIONS TO ACI 318. [Replacement]

1905.1.8 ACI 318, Section 17.10.

Modify ACI 318 Sections 17.10.5.2, 17.10.5.3(d) and 17.10.6.2 to read as

follows:

• 17.10.5.2 – Where the tensile component of the strength-level earthquake-

induced force applied to anchors exceeds 20 percent of the total factored
anchor tensile force associated with the same load combination, anchors
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and their attachments shall be designed in accordance with 17.10.5.3. The

anchor design tensile strength shall be determined in accordance with
17.10.5.4.

Exception: Anchors designed to resist wall out-of-plane forces with design

strengths equal to or greater than the force determined in accordance with
ASCE 7, Equation 12.11-1 or 12.14-10, and Section 1604A.8.2 of this
code shall be deemed to satisfy Section 17.10.5.3(d).

• 17.10.5.3(d) – The anchor or group of anchors shall be designed for the

maximum tension obtained from design load combinations that include 𝐸𝐸,
with 𝐸𝐸 increased by Ω𝑜𝑜 . The anchor design tensile strength shall be
calculated in accordance with 17.10.5.4.

• 17.10.6.2 – Where the shear component of the strength-level earthquake

force applied to anchors exceeds 20 percent of the total factored anchor
shear force associated with the same load combination, anchors and their
attachments shall be designed in accordance with 17.10.6.3. The anchor
design shear strength for resisting earthquake forces shall be determined
in accordance with 17.7.

Exceptions:

1. For the calculation of the in-plane shear strength of anchor bolts

attaching wood sill plates of bearing or nonbearing walls of light-
frame wood structures to foundations or foundation stem walls, the
in-plane shear strength in accordance with 17.7.2 and 17.7.3 need
not be computed and 17.10.6.3 shall be deemed to be satisfied
provided all of the following are met:

1.1. The allowable in-plane shear strength of the anchor is

determined in accordance with ANSI/AWC NDS Table 12E
for lateral design values parallel to grain.

1.2. The maximum anchor nominal diameter is 5/8 inch (16 mm).

1.3. Anchor bolts are embedded into concrete a minimum of 7

inches (178 mm).

1.4. Anchor bolts are located a minimum of 1-3/4 inches (45 mm)
from the edge of the concrete parallel to the length of the
wood sill plate.

1.5. Anchor bolts are located a minimum of 15 anchor diameters

from the edge of the concrete perpendicular to the length of
the wood sill plate.

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1.6. The sill plate is 2-inch (51 mm) or 3-inch (76 mm) nominal
thickness.

2. For the calculation of the in-plane shear strength of anchor bolts

attaching cold-formed steel track of bearing or nonbearing walls of
light-frame construction to foundations or foundation stem walls, the
in-plane shear strength in accordance with 17.7.2 and 17.7.3 need
not be computed and 17.10.6.3 shall be deemed to be satisfied
provided all of the following are met:

2.1. The maximum anchor nominal diameter is 5/8 inch (16 mm).

2.2. Anchors are embedded into concrete a minimum of 7 inches

(178 mm).

2.3. Anchors are located a minimum of 1-3/4 inches (45 mm)

from the edge of the concrete parallel to the length of the
track.

2.4. Anchors are located a minimum of 15 anchor diameters from

the edge of the concrete perpendicular to the length of the
track.

2.5. The track is 33 to 68 mil (0.84 mm to 1.73 mm) designation

thickness. Allowable in-plane shear strength of exempt
anchors, parallel to the edge of concrete, shall be permitted
to be determined in accordance with AISI S100 Section
J3.3.1.

3. In light-frame construction bearing or nonbearing walls, shear

strength of concrete anchors less than or equal to 1 inch [25 mm] in
diameter attaching sill plate or track to foundation or foundation
stem wall need not satisfy 17.10.6.3(a) through (c) when the design
strength of the anchors is determined in accordance with
17.7.2.1(c).

[C] 1905.1.8 - ACI 318, Section 17.10. [Replacement]

Many ACI 318 Chapter 17 section numbers referenced in IBC Section 1905.1.8
are incorrect. This [Replacement] corrects those errors.

2-7.5 Section 1907 - MINIMUM SLAB PROVISIONS.

1907.1 - General [Replacement]

Concrete slabs supported directly on the ground must be designed in accordance

with the UFC 3-320-06A, DoD Slabs-on-Ground for Building Facilities.

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1907.2 – Slab-on-Ground Design [Addition]

Slabs-on-ground supporting warehouses must have minimum reinforcing

according to UFC 4-440-01.

1907.2.1 - Slab-on-Ground Over Permafrost [Addition]

Design and construction of slabs-on-ground over permafrost must be in

accordance with UFC 3-130-01.

1907.2.2 - Post-Tensioned Slab-on-Ground [Addition]

The design of post-tensioned slabs-on-ground must be in accordance with PTI

DC10.1.

2-8 IBC CHAPTER 21 – MASONRY.

2-8.1 Section 2101 – GENERAL.

Renumber Section 2101.2.1 as 2101.2.4.

2101.2.1 - Allowable Stress Design [Addition]

Masonry must be designed as reinforced unless the element is isolated from the
structure so that vertical and lateral forces are not imparted to the element.

2101.2.2 - Strength Design [Addition]

Masonry must be designed as reinforced unless the element is isolated from the
structure so that vertical and lateral forces are not imparted to the element.

2101.2.3 - Empirical Design [Addition]

Do not design masonry according to the empirical method.

2101.4 - Shear Wall Construction [Addition]

Shear walls must be of running bond construction only; stack bond construction
is not permitted.

2101.5 - Prohibition [Addition]

The following material is not permitted:

Celersap (common European in place clay tile forming system for

concrete floors)

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2-8.2 Section 2104 – CONSTRUCTION.

Renumber Sections 2104.1.1 and 2104.1.2 as 2104.1.4 and 2104.1.5,

respectively.

2104.1.1 - Placing Mortar and Units [Addition]

Masonry walls below grade and elevator shaft walls must be grouted solid.

2104.1.2 - Installation of Wall Ties [Addition]

Use of corrugated metal brick ties is not permitted.

2104.1.3 - Joint Reinforcement [Addition]

Horizontal wall reinforcement must be continuous around wall corners and

through wall intersections, unless the intersecting walls are separated.
Reinforcement that is spliced in accordance with the applicable provisions of
TMS 402-16 is permitted to be considered continuous.

2104.1.6 - Concrete Masonry Control Joints [Addition]

Spacing and placement of control joints must be in accordance with NCMA TEK
10-2C or 10-3.

2104.1.7 - Vertical Brick Expansion Joints [Addition]

Spacing, placement, and size of vertical brick expansion joints must be in

accordance with BIA Technical Notes 18 and 18A.

2-8.3 Section 2106 - SEISMIC DESIGN.

2106.2 - Additional Requirements for Masonry Systems [Addition]

2106.2.1 - Minimum Reinforcement for Special or Intermediate Masonry

Walls, SDC B-F [Addition]

In addition to the minimum reinforcement requirements of Sections 7.3.2.5 and

7.3.2.6 of TMS 402-16, the following applies:

Only horizontal reinforcement that is continuous in the wall or element is

permitted to be included in computing the area of horizontal reinforcement.
Intermediate bond beam steel properly designed at control joints is
permitted be considered continuous.

2106.2.2 - Joints in Structures assigned to SDC B or Higher [Addition]

Where concrete abuts structural masonry and the joint between the materials is
not designed as a separation joint, the concrete must be roughened so that the
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average height of aggregate exposure is 1/8 in. (3 mm) and must be bonded to
the masonry in accordance with these requirements as if it were masonry.
Vertical joints not intended to act as separation joints are required to be crossed
by horizontal reinforcement as required by Section 5.1.1.2 of TMS 402-16.

2106.2.3 - Coupling Beams in Structures Assigned to SDC D or Higher

[Addition]

Structural members that provide coupling between shear walls must be designed
to reach their moment or shear nominal strength before either shear wall reaches
its moment or shear nominal strength. Analysis of coupled shear walls must
comply with accepted principles of mechanics.

The design shear strength, ϕVn, of the coupling beams is required to satisfy the
following criterion:

1.25 ( Mn1 + Mn2 )

ϕVn ≥ + 1.4Vg
Lc

Where:

Mn1 and Mn2 = nominal moment strengths at the ends of the beam
Lc = length of the beam between the shear walls
Vg = unfactored shear force due to gravity loads

The calculation of the nominal moment strength needs to include the

reinforcement in reinforced concrete roof and floor systems. The width of the
reinforced concrete slab used for inclusion of reinforcement must be six times the
floor or roof slab thickness.

2106.2.4 - Anchoring to Masonry [Addition]

Anchors in masonry must be designed in accordance with TMS 402-16.

Additionally, at least one of the following must be satisfied for structures assigned
to SDC C or higher.

a. Anchors in tension are designed to be governed by the tensile strength of

a ductile steel element.

b. Anchors are designed for the maximum load that can be transmitted to the
anchors from a ductile attachment, considering both material overstrength
and strain hardening of the attachment.

c. Anchors are designed for the maximum load that can be transmitted to the
anchors by a non-yielding attachment.

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d. Anchors are designed for the maximum load obtained from design load
combinations that include E, where the effect of horizontal ground motion,
QE, is multiplied by Ω0.

[C] 2106.2.4 - Anchoring to Masonry [Addition]

This [Addition] harmonizes design of anchors embedded in masonry with
that of anchors embedded in concrete. These provisions are intended to
prevent brittle failure in the connections. ACI 318-19 Chapter 17 includes
similar provisions to prevent brittle failure of anchors embedded in concrete.
These requirements are simplified versions of those in ACI 318-19. Note
Option a is available only for anchors in tension, and not for anchors in shear.
Also, Item d requires that the anchor design forces produced by the
horizontal ground motions only (QE) be multiplied by the overstrength factor
Ω0. Anchor design forces produced by the vertical earthquake ground
motions (Ev) do not need to be amplified.

2-8.4 Section 2109 - EMPIRICAL DESIGN OF ADOBE MASONRY [Deletion].

Delete this section in its entirety.

2-9 IBC CHAPTER 22 – STEEL.

2-9.1 Section 2204 – CONNECTIONS.

2204.2 – Bolting [Supplement]

Add the following to the end of the paragraph:

Compressible-washer-type direct tension indicators or twist-off-type tension-

control bolts conforming to Research Council on Structural Connections (RCSC)
Specification for Structural Joints Using High-Strength Bolts must be provided at
all high-strength bolted connections.

2-9.2 Section 2205 - STRUCTURAL STEEL.

2205.1 – General [Supplement]

Add the following to the end of the paragraph:

Design structural steel floor framing systems for vibration serviceability in

accordance with AISC Design Guide 11.

2205.3 – Steel Structures in Corrosive Environments [Addition]

Protect exposed steel in corrosion prone environments with hot- dipped

galvanizing or use stainless alloy. See UFC 1-200-01, section 4-1.3 for definition

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of corrosion prone environments. Coatings may be used alone in other

environments. Select the appropriate system or material to suit the anticipated
exposure. For exposed exterior steel deck and cold-formed steel members,
provide ASTM A653/A653M G90 galvanizing and connect with corrosion-
resistant fasteners. See Section A-5.4 of UFC 3-301-01 for additional guidance.

2-9.3 Section 2210 - COLD-FORMED STEEL.

2210.1.1.2 – Steel Roof Deck [Supplement]

Add the following to the end of the paragraph:

Steel roof deck is not permitted to be thinner than 22-gauge.

2210.1.1.4 – Steel Deck Diaphragms [Addition]

Design steel deck diaphragms for in-plane and out-of-plane loads in accordance
with SDI DDM03.

2-9.4 Section 2211 - COLD-FORMED STEEL LIGHT-FRAME CONSTRUCTION.

2211.1.1 - Seismic Requirements for Cold-Formed Steel Structural Systems

[Replacement]

Design cold-formed steel light-frame construction to resist seismic forces in

accordance with the provisions of Section 2211.1.1.1, and Section 2211.1.1.2 or
Section 2211.1.1.3.

Renumber Sections 2211.1.1.1 and 2211.1.1.2 as 2211.1.1.2 and 2211.1.1.3,

respectively.

2211.1.1.1 – Diagonal Bracing Material [Addition]

For diagonal bracing, use ASTM A653/A653M steel without rerolling.

[C] 2211.1.1.1 - Diagonal Bracing Material [Addition]

Rerolling induces strain hardening and reduces the elongation of the material
and is therefore not desirable for performance under seismic loading.

2211.3 – Floor Vibrations [Addition]

Design cold-formed steel framing systems for vibration serviceability in

accordance with the proposed design procedure in Floor Vibration Design
Criterion for Cold-Formed C-Shaped Supported Residential Floor Systems by
Kraus. The proposed design procedure is based on residential construction but
is suitable for most applications of cold-formed steel floor construction.

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2211.4 – Brick Veneer/Steel Stud Walls [Addition]

Follow the recommendations of BIA Technical Note 28B for the Design of steel
stud backup for brick veneer. In particular, follow recommendations for minimum
stud gage, minimum galvanization, minimum anchorage of studs to track,
welding of studs, use of deflection track, allowable stud deflection, wall
sheathing, and water-resistant barriers.

2211.5 – Cold-Formed Steel Connections [Addition]

Interconnect cold-formed steel members with screw fasteners or by welding. The

use of pneumatic nailing is permitted only for the connection of cold-formed steel
members to members made of other materials.

2211.6 – Galvanized Cold-Formed Framing [Addition]

Cold-formed steel members exposed to spray from salt, salt water, brackish
water, or seawater must be galvanized with ASTM A653/A653M G90 galvanizing
and all fasteners must be hot-dipped galvanized or made of stainless steel.

2-10 IBC CHAPTER 23 – WOOD.

2-10.1 Section 2308 – CONVENTIONAL LIGHT-FRAME CONSTRUCTION.

2308.2.6 – Risk category limitation [Replacement]

The use of the provisions for conventional light-frame construction in this section
is not permitted for RC IV buildings assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D,
E, or F, as determined per 2021 IBC Section 1613.2.5.

2-11 IBC CHAPTER 31 – SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION.

2-11.1 Section 3102 – MEMBRANE STRUCTURES.

\1\ 3102.1 – Membrane Structures [Addition]

Structures with fabric envelopes or cladding, including but not limited to frame-
supported, air-supported, cable net supported, grid shell supported, and
geodesic dome supported are prohibited within windborne debris regions for Risk
Categories II-V. Additionally, this prohibition applies where 1700-year-MRI wind
speeds (IBC Figure 1609.3(2), ASCE 7 Figure 26.5-1C) equal or exceed wind
speeds defining a windborne debris region, namely, 130 mph (58 m/s) within one
mile of the coastal mean high-water line or 140 mph (63.6 m/s) anywhere else.

[C] 3102.1 – Membrane Structures [Addition]

Structures with fabric envelopes or cladding are prohibited for use in windborne
debris regions due to the fabric's vulnerability to sharp flying debris. While a

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supporting frame may be designed to remain stable even with the loss of the
fabric, risk to life and/or high value content remains. This prohibition is supported
by lessons learned during Hurricane Michael at Tyndall Air Force Base and is
applicable to global DoD facilities subject to hurricanes, typhoons or cyclones.

Additionally, DoD also prohibits Structures with fabric envelopes or cladding for
use in all locations where the 1700-year-MRI wind speed exceeds the threshold
wind speed for windborne debris regions. This is because the risk of windborne
debris damage is the same in these areas as in areas defined by the IBC as
windborne debris regions. In essence, this has served to slightly expand IBC
windborne debris regions. /1/

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CHAPTER 3 MODIFICATIONS TO ASCE 7

3-1 ASCE 7-16 CHAPTER 1 – GENERAL.

3-1.1 Section 1.3 - BASIC REQUIREMENTS.

1.3.1 – Strength and Stiffness [Supplement]

Add to the end of Item c.: During the design concept stage of development,
documentation must be submitted to the AHJ for approval of the performance-
based design approach.

1.3.1.3 – Performance-Based Procedures [Replacement]

Structural and nonstructural components and their connections must be

demonstrated by a combination of analysis and testing to provide a reliability not
less than that expected for similar components designed in accordance with the
Strength Procedures of Section 1.3.1.1 when subject to the influence of dead,
live, environmental, and other loads. Consideration must be given to
uncertainties in loading and resistance.

1.3.1.3.3 – Documentation [Replacement]

Submit reports for approval to the AHJ and to an independent peer reviewer
(where required), which document compliance with this section and the results of
analysis and testing.

3-1.2 Section 1.5 - CLASSIFICATION OF BUILDINGS AND OTHER STRUCTURES.

Tables 1.5-1 and 1.5-2 [Replacement]

Replace Tables 1.5-1 and 1.5-2 of ASCE 7 with Table 2-2 of this UFC. All
references in ASCE 7 to Tables 1.5-1 and 1.5-2 must be interpreted as a
reference to Table 2-2 of this UFC. Items that are different from those in 2021
IBC Table 1604.5 are shown in italics.

3-2 ASCE 7-16 CHAPTER 2 – COMBINATIONS OF LOADS.

3-2.1 Section 2.3 - LOAD COMBINATIONS FOR STRENGTH DESIGN.

2.3.4 – Load Combinations Including Self-Straining Forces and Effects

[Supplement]

Add to the end of the paragraph: The effect of load T needs to be taken into
consideration on a structure. For further information see ASCE 7 Section C2.3.4.

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[C] 2.3.4 - Load Combinations Including Self-Straining Forces and Effects

[Supplement]

ASCE 7-16 Section 2.3.4 does not provide specific load factors to use with T.
Commentary Section C.2.3.4 contains such load factors. The entire text of the
commentary should be read and understood before using the load
combinations in the commentary. The impact of T on serviceability and long-
term performance of the facility may also need to be evaluated.

2.3.6 – Basic Combinations with Seismic Load Effects [Supplement]

Add before EXCEPTION: The following additional load combinations with

seismic load effects must be considered for elements of buildings and
nonbuilding structures specified in Section 1605.1.2 in Chapter 2 of this UFC.
Provisions in the EXCEPTION that apply to combination 6 and 7 also apply to
combinations 8 and 9, respectively.

Where the prescribed seismic load effect, E = f(Ev, Eh), defined in ASCE 7
Section 12.4.2 or 12.14.3.1, is combined with the effects of other loads, the
following seismic load combinations apply:

8. 1.2D + 1.0Ev0 + 0.3Eh + L + 0.2S

9. 0.9D – 1.0Ev0 + 0.3Eh

Where the seismic load effect with overstrength, Em = f(Ev, Emh), defined in ASCE
7 Section 12.4.3, is combined with the effects of other loads, the following
seismic load combinations apply:

8. 1.2D + 1.0Ev0 + 0.3Emh + L + 0.2S

9. 0.9D – 1.0Ev0 + 0.3Emh

The effect of vertical ground motion, Ev0, can be determined from one of the
following:

• Ev0 = 0.67SDSD

• Ev0 is determined directly from the design vertical response spectrum

given in ASCE 7 Section 11.9.

[C] 2.3.6 – Basic Combinations with Seismic Load Effects [Supplement]

The additional load combinations were derived using the 100+30 rule of
combining the effects from orthogonal seismic loads. The code-specified
vertical ground motion effect (0.2SDSD) can be derived by first assuming peak
vertical ground motion component to be 2/3rd of the corresponding peak
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horizontal component, and then combining 30% of that (0.3×0.67SDS = 0.2SDS)

with 100% of the horizontal seismic load effects. This section simply adds two
more load combinations where 100% of the vertical seismic load effect is
combined with 30% of the horizontal seismic load effect.

3-2.2 Section 2.4 – LOAD COMBINATIONS FOR ALLOWABLE STRESS DESIGN.

2.4.4 – Load Combinations Including Self-Straining Forces and Effects

[Supplement]

Add to the end of the paragraph: The effect of load T needs to be taken into
consideration on a structure. For further information, see ASCE 7 Section
C2.4.4.

[C] 2.4.4 - Load Combinations Including Self-Straining Forces and Effects

[Supplement]

ASCE 7-16 Section 2.4.4 does not provide specific load factors to use with T.
Commentary Section C.2.4.4 contains such load factors. The entire text of the
commentary should be read and understood before using the load combinations
in the commentary. The impact of T on serviceability and long-term
performance of the facility may also need to be evaluated.

2.4.5 – Basic Combinations with Seismic Load Effects [Supplement]

Add before EXCEPTIONS: The following additional load combinations with

seismic load effects are to be considered for elements of buildings and
nonbuilding structures specified in Section 1605.1.2 in Chapter 2 of this UFC.
Provisions in the EXCEPTIONS that apply to combination 8, 9 and 10 also apply
to combinations 11, 12 and 13, respectively.

Where the prescribed seismic load effect, E = f(Ev, Eh), defined in ASCE 7
Section 12.4.2 or 12.14.3.1, is combined with the effects of other loads, the
following seismic load combinations apply:

11. 1.0D + 0.7Ev0 + 0.21Eh

12. 1.0D + 0.525Ev0 + 0.1575Eh + 0.75L + 0.75S

13. 0.6D – 0.7Ev0 + 0.21Eh

Where the seismic load effect with overstrength, Em = f(Ev, Emh), defined in ASCE
7 Section 12.4.3, is combined with the effects of other loads, the following
seismic load combinations apply:

11. 1.0D + 0.7Ev0 + 0.21Emh

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12. 1.0D + 0.525Ev0 + 0.1575Emh + 0.75L + 0.75S

13. 0.6D – 0.7Ev0 + 0.21Emh

The effect of vertical ground motion, Ev0, can be determined from one of the
following:

• Ev0 = 0.67SDSD

• Ev0 is determined directly from the design vertical response spectrum

given in ASCE 7 Section 11.9.

[C] 2.4.5 – Basic Combinations with Seismic Load Effects [Supplement]

See the commentary to Section 2.3.6 above for some background on how the
additional load combinations were derived.

3-2.3 Section 2.5 - LOAD COMBINATIONS FOR EXTRAORDINARY EVENTS.

2.5.1 – Applicability [Replacement]

Where required by UFC 4-023-03, strength and stability must be checked to

ensure that structures are capable of resisting the effects of progressive collapse
with the load combinations provided in UFC 4-023-03.

2.5.2 – Load Combinations [Deletion]

Delete this section in its entirety.

2.5.3 – Stability Requirements [Deletion]

Delete this section in its entirety.

3-3 ASCE 7-16 CHAPTER 6 – TSUNAMI LOADS.

3-3.1 Section 6.14 - TSUNAMI VERTICAL EVACUATION REFUGE STRUCTURES

6.14.1 - Minimum Inundation Elevation and Depth [Supplement]

Where a factor of 1.3 is required to amplify the maximum considered tsunami

inundation elevation, this factor need not be applied to the sea level rise
component of maximum considered inundation elevation. Where a 1.3 factor is
required, it is not cumulative to the Tsunami factor in Table 2-2, but rather
supplants the tsunami factor in Table 2-2.

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3-3.2 Section 6.15 - DESIGNATED NONSTRUCTURAL COMPONENTS AND

SYSTEMS

6.15.1 – Performance Requirements [Supplement]

Design mission critical systems according to the requirements of Section 6.15.1.

In addition to projected seal level rise (see Table 2-2), mission critical systems
must be situated above maximum inundation elevation factored up by 1.3, unless
designed directly for tsunami effects and if inundation would not inhibit critical
function during and after a tsunami.

3-3.3 Section 6.5 - ANALYSIS OF DESIGN INUNDATION DEPTH AND FLOW

VELOCITY

6.5.3 – Sea Level Change [Supplement]

Subject to approval by the AHJ, a medium 2065 DoD Regional Sea Level Rise
(DRSL) target may be utilized for Risk Category IV and V structures in tsunami
prone regions when designing for a combination of tsunami and sea level rise.
Design must incorporate future construction adaptation to either the High 2065 or
Highest 2065 DRSL scenarios according to Table 2-2 for RC IV and V structures.
Cost and risk must be considered when selecting adaptive design features. The
adaptive design features must be included in the design analysis and in the
design drawings and should be labeled, “Not in Contract (NIC)”, to permit future
construction as needed with negligible additional design cost or effort. The
DRSL database is available at:
https://sealevelscenarios.serdp-estcp.org

3-4 ASCE 7-16 CHAPTER 7 – SNOW LOADS.

3-4.1 Section 7.4 – Sloped Roof Snow Loads, ps [Supplement].

Add to the end of the paragraph: Where obstructions occur on the roof from equipment
such as photovoltaic panels, lightning cable systems, etc., the potential for snow buildup
around the obstructions needs to be considered.

3-5 ASCE 7-16 CHAPTER 11 – SEISMIC DESIGN CRITERIA.

3-5.1 Section 11.1 – GENERAL.

11.1.2 – Scope [Supplement]

The design and detailing of the components of the seismic force-resisting system
must comply with the applicable provisions of ASCE 7-16 Section 11.7 and
ASCE 7-16 Chapter 12, as modified by this UFC and UFC 3-301-02 (for RC V
structures), in addition to the nonseismic requirements of the 2021 IBC.

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11.1.3 – Applicability [Supplement]

Add the following at the end of the section: Buildings or structures that are not
routinely occupied, but whose primary purpose is to support human activities,
such as training towers, are not to be classified as non-building structures unless
specifically approved by the AHJ.

3-5.2 Section 11.2 – DEFINITIONS.

DESIGNATED SEISMIC SYSTEMS [Replacement]

The designated seismic system of a structure consists of those nonstructural

components that require design in accordance with Chapter 13 and for which the
component importance factor, Ip, is greater than 1.0. This designation applies to
systems that are required to be operational following the design earthquake.
Designated seismic systems will be identified by Owner and will have an
importance factor, Ip = 1.5.

FRAME:

Moment Frame [Replacement]

A frame in which members and joints resist lateral forces by flexure as well as
along the axis of the members. Moment frames are categorized as intermediate
moment frames (IMF), ordinary moment frames (OMF), and special moment
frames (SMF). Every joint must be restrained against rotation.

3-5.3 Section 11.4 - SEISMIC GROUND MOTION VALUES.

11.4.4 - Site Coefficients and Risk-Targeted Maximum Considered

Earthquake (MCER) Spectral Response Acceleration Parameters
[Supplement]

Tables 3-1 and 3-2 of this UFC must be used in lieu of ASCE 7-16 Tables 11.4-1
and 11.4-2, respectively.

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Table 3-1 Short-Period Site Coefficient, Fa

Mapped Risk-Targeted Maximum Considered Earthquake (MCER) Spectral

Response Acceleration Parameter at Short Period
Site Class
SS ≤ 0.25 SS = 0.5 SS = 0.75 SS = 1.0 SS = 1.25 SS ≥ 1.5

A 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8

B 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9
C 1.3 1.3 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2
D 1.6 1.4 1.2 1.1 1.0 1.0
E 2.4 1.7 1.3 1.2 a
1.2 a
1.2a
F See Section 11.4.8 of this UFC

Note: Use linear interpolation for intermediate values of Ss.

a
See requirements for site-specific ground motions in Section 11.4.8 of this UFC. These
values of Fa shall only be used for calculation of Ts, determination of Seismic Design Category,
linear interpolation for intermediate values of Ss, and when taking the exception under Item 2
within Section 11.4.8 of this UFC.

Table 3-2 Long-Period Site Coefficient, Fv

Mapped Risk-Targeted Maximum Considered Earthquake (MCER) Spectral

Response Acceleration Parameter at 1-s Period
Site Class
SS ≤ 0.1 SS = 0.2 SS = 0.3 SS = 0.4 SS = 0.5 SS ≥ 0.6

A 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8

B 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8
C 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.4
D 2.4 2.2 a
2.0a
1.9a
1.8a
1.7a
E 4.2 3.3a 2.8a 2.4a 2.2a 2.0a
F See Section 11.4.8 of this UFC

Note: Use linear interpolation for intermediate values of S1.

a
See requirements for site-specific ground motions in Section 11.4.8 of this UFC. These values
of Fv shall only be used for calculation of TS, determination of Seismic Design Category, linear
interpolation for intermediate values of S1, and when taking the exceptions under Items 1 and
2 of Section 11.4.8 of this UFC for the calculation of SD1.

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[C] 11.4.4 - Site Coefficients and Risk-Targeted Maximum Considered

Earthquake (MCER) Spectral Response Acceleration Parameters
[Supplement]
See the commentary to Section 11.4.8 of this UFC.

11.4.8 - Site-Specific Ground Motion Procedures [Replacement]

For structures on Site Class F sites, see Section 1613.4 of this UFC. A ground
motion hazard analysis must be performed in accordance with ASCE 7-16
Section 21.2 for the following:

1. Structures on Site Class D sites with S1 greater than or equal to 0.2.

EXCEPTION: A ground motion hazard analysis is not required where the

value of the parameter SM1 determined by ASCE 7-16 Eq. (11.4-2) is
increased by 50% for all applications of SM1 in ASCE 7-16 and this UFC. The
resulting value of the parameter SD1 determined by ASCE 7-16 Eq. (11.4-4)
shall be used for all applications of SD1 in ASCE 7-16 and this UFC.
2. Structures on Site Class E sites with Ss greater than or equal to 1.0 or S1
greater than or equal to 0.2.

EXCEPTION: A ground motion hazard analysis is not required:

a. where the equivalent lateral force procedure is used for design and the
value of Cs is determined by ASCE 7-16 Eq. (12.8-2) for all values of T,
or
b. where (i) the value of Sai is determined by ASCE 7-16 Eq. (15.7-7) for
all values of Ti and (ii) the value of the parameter SD1 is replaced with
1.5SD1 in ASCE 7-16 Eq. (15.7-10) and ASCE 7-16 Eq. (15.7-11).

For performance of site response analysis, when not required by the above
provisions, see Section 1613.4 of this UFC.

When the procedures of either ASCE 7-16 Section 21.1 or ASCE 7-16 Section
21.2 are used, the design response spectrum is to be determined in accordance
with ASCE 7-16 Section 21.3, the design acceleration parameters are to be
determined in accordance with ASCE 7-16 Section 21.4 and, if required, the
MCEG peak ground acceleration is to be determined in accordance with ASCE 7-
16 Section 21.5.

[C] 11.4.8 - Site-Specific Ground Motion Procedures [Replacement]

ASCE 7-16 Table 11.4-2 for determining long-period site coefficient, Fv,
contained a major error for when one wanted to use the table in conjunction
with the requirements of Section 11.4.8. Supplement 1 to ASCE 7-16
attempted to correct the error but introduced a new error in the process.
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Finally, in Supplement 3 to ASCE 7-16, both Tables 11.4-1 and 11.4-2 were
updated and Section 11.4.8 was significantly revised in order to correct all
problems. A detailed description of the issue can be found in the two blog posts
listed below.
1. https://www.skghoshassociates.com/blog/a-few-things-you-need-to-
know-about-the-new-site-coefficients-in-asce-7-16/
2. https://www.skghoshassociates.com/blog/new-site-coefficients-in-asce-
7-16-2/
Separate from the above issue, Supplement 3 to ASCE 7-16 also removed the
requirement that a ground motion hazard analysis be performed for seismically
isolated structures and structures with damping systems on sites with S1
greater than or equal to 0.6. This was because the requirements were already
removed from ASCE 7-16 Chapters 17 and 18, but remained in Chapter 11
inadvertently.
Since the 2021 IBC does not reference Supplement 3 to ASCE 7-16, this
[Replacement] and Tables 3-1 and 3-2 are introduced to incorporate the
revised versions of Tables 11.4-1 and 11.4-2 and Section 11.4.8 in this UFC.

3-5.4 Section 11.5 - IMPORTANCE FACTOR AND RISK CATEGORY.

11.5.1 - Importance Factor [Replacement]

A seismic importance factor, Ie, must be assigned to each structure in

accordance with Table 2-2 of this UFC.

3-6 ASCE 7-16 CHAPTER 12 – SEISMIC DESIGN REQUIREMENTS FOR

BUILDING STRUCTURES.

3-6.1 Section 12.2 – STRUCTURAL SYSTEM SELECTION.

12.2.1 - Selection and Limitations [Supplement]

Table 3-3, Replacement for ASCE 7-16 Table 12.2-1, must be used in lieu of
ASCE 7-16 Table 12.2-1.

3-6.2 Section 12.6 - ANALYSIS PROCEDURE SELECTION [Supplement].

Add at the end of the section:

For RC IV structures designed using the alternate procedure of Appendix B of

this UFC, only nonlinear static or nonlinear response history procedure in
accordance with the provisions of Appendix B is permitted.

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3-6.3 Section 12.8 - EQUIVALENT LATERAL FORCE PROCEDURE [Supplement].

When the ELF procedure is used, provisions of ASCE 7-16 Section 12.8 must be
used. This procedure may be applied to the design of buildings assigned to RCs I
through IV as permitted by ASCE 7-16 Table 12.6-1.

[C] 12.8 - EQUIVALENT LATERAL FORCE PROCEDURE [Supplement]

The ELF procedure is the primary design method for seismic design of military
buildings. Several restrictions on using the ELF procedure for buildings in
SDCs D - F are imposed by ASCE 7-16 Table 12.6-1. These restrictions are
predicated on the presence of horizontal and vertical irregularities. The
Simplified Design Procedure of ASCE 7-16 Section 12.14 is a simplification of
the ELF procedure that may be applied to low-rise buildings that meet a set of
pre-conditions given in ASCE 7-16 Section 12.14.1.1. Some of the pre-
conditions are onerous to the point of rendering the simplified design procedure
of Section 12.14 less than useful.

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Table 3-3 Replacement for ASCE 7-16 Table 12.2-1,

Design Coefficients and Factors for Basic Seismic Force-Resisting Systems

RESPONSE DEFLECTION STRUCTURAL SYSTEM LIMITATIONS INCLUD-

BASIC SEISMIC FORCE-RESISTING DETAILING REFER- MODIFICATION OVERSTRENGTH AMPLIFICATION ING STRUCTURAL HEIGHT, hn, (FEET) LIMITS
COEFFICIENT FACTOR, Cdc BY SEISMIC DESIGN CATEGORYd
SYSTEM ENCE SECTION FACTOR, Ω0b
Ra B C De Ee Ff

A. Bearing Wall Systems

1. Special reinforced concrete shear
(18.2.1.6)s 5 2-1/2 5 NL NL 160 160 100
wallsg,h
2. Ordinary reinforced concrete shear
(18.2.1.6)s 4 2-1/2 4 NL NL NP NP NP
wallsg

3. Detailed plain concrete shear wallsg (1905.1.6)u 2 2-1/2 2 NL NP NP NP NP

4. Ordinary plain concrete shear wallsg (Chapter 14)s 1-1/2 2-1/2 1-1/2 NL NP NP NP NP

(18.2.1.6)s,
5. Intermediate precast shear wallsg 4 2-1/2 4 NL NL 40i 40i 40i
(1905.1.3)u

6. Ordinary precast shear wallsg (Chapter 11)s 3 2-1/2 3 NL NP NP NP NP

7. Special reinforced masonry shear

(7.3.2.6)t 5 2-1/2 3-1/2 NL NL 160 160 100
walls
8. Intermediate reinforced masonry
(7.3.2.5)t 3-1/2 2-1/2 2-1/4 NL NL NP NP NP
shear walls
9. Ordinary reinforced masonry shear
(7.3.2.4)t 2 2-1/2 1-3/4 NL 160 NP NP NP
walls

10. Detailed plain masonry shear walls This system is not permitted by UFC, but is permitted by ASCE 7-16 for SDC B

11. Ordinary plain masonry shear walls This system is not permitted by UFC, but is permitted by ASCE 7-16 for SDC B

(7.3.2.10, 7.3.2.11,
12. Prestressed masonry shear walls 1-1/2 2-1/2 1-3/4 NL NP NP NP NP
7.3.2.12)t

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Table 3-3 (Continued) Replacement for ASCE 7-16 Table 12.2-1

Design Coefficients and Factors for Basic Seismic Force-Resisting Systems
RESPONSE DEFLECTION STRUCTURAL SYSTEM LIMITATIONS INCLUD-
BASIC SEISMIC FORCE-RESISTING DETAILING REFER- MODIFICATION SYSTEM OVER- AMPLIFICATION ING STRUCTURAL HEIGHT, hn, (FEET) LIMITS
SYSTEM ENCE SECTION COEFFICIENT STRENGTH FAC- FACTOR, Cdc BY SEISMIC DESIGN CATEGORYd
TOR, Ω 0
b
Ra B C De Ee Ff
13. Ordinary reinforced AAC masonry
(7.3.2.9)t 2 2-1/2 2 NL 35 NP NP NP
shear walls
14. Ordinary plain AAC masonry
(7.3.2.7)t 1-1/2 2-1/2 1-1/2 NL NP NP NP NP
shear walls
15. Light-frame (wood) walls
sheathed with wood structural (2301-2307)u 6-1/2 3 4 NL NL 65 65 65
panels rated for shear resistance
16. Light-frame (cold-formed steel)
walls sheathed with wood struc-
(2211, 2301-2307)u 6-1/2 3 4 NL NL 65 65 65
tural panels rated for shear re-
sistance or with steel sheets
17. Light-frame walls with shear pan-
(2211, 2301-2307)u 2 2-1/2 2 NL NL 35 NP NP
els of all other materials
18. Light-frame (cold-form steel) wall
(2211, 2301-2307)u 4 2 3-1/2 NL NL 65 65 65
systems using flat strap bracing
B. Building Frame Systems
1. Steel eccentrically braced frames (F3)r 8 2 4 NL NL 160 160 100
2. Steel special concentrically braced
(F2)r 6 2 5 NL NL 160 160 100
frames
3. Steel ordinary concentrically braced
(F1)r 3-1/4 2 3-1/4 NL NL 35j 35j NPj
frames
4. Special reinforced concrete shear
(18.2.1.6)s 6 2-1/2 5 NL NL 160 160 100
wallsg,h

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Table 3-3 (Continued) Replacement for ASCE 7-16 Table 12.2-1

Design Coefficients and Factors for Basic Seismic Force-Resisting Systems
RESPONSE DEFLECTION STRUCTURAL SYSTEM LIMITATIONS INCLUD-
BASIC SEISMIC FORCE-RESISTING DETAILING REFER- MODIFICATION SYSTEM OVER- AMPLIFICATION ING STRUCTURAL HEIGHT, hn, (FEET) LIMITS
SYSTEM ENCE SECTION COEFFICIENT STRENGTH FAC- FACTOR, Cdc BY SEISMIC DESIGN CATEGORYd
a
TOR, Ω0b
R B C De Ee Ff
5. Ordinary reinforced concrete shear
(18.2.1.6)s 5 2-1/2 4-1/2 NL NL NP NP NP
wallsg
6. Detailed plain concrete shear wallsg (1905.1.6)u 2 2-1/2 2 NL NP NP NP NP
7. Ordinary plain concrete shear wallsg (Chapter 14)s 1-1/2 2-1/2 1-1/2 NL NP NP NP NP
8. Intermediate precast shear wallsg (18.2.1.6)s,
5 2-1/2 4-1/2 NL NL 40i 40i 40i
(1905.1.3)u
9. Ordinary precast shear wallsg (Chapters 1 - 18)s 4 2-1/2 4 NL NP NP NP NP
10. Steel and concrete composite ec-
(H3)r 8 2 4 NL NL 160 160 100
centrically braced frames
11. Steel and concrete composite spe-
(H2)r 5 2 4-1/2 NL NL 160 160 100
cial concentrically braced frames
12. Steel and concrete composite ordi-
(H1)r 3 2 3 NL NL NP NP NP
nary braced frames
13. Steel and concrete composite plate
(H6)r 6-1/2 2-1/2 5-1/2 NL NL 160 160 100
shear walls
14. Steel and concrete composite spe-
(H5)r 6 2-1/2 5 NL NL 160 160 100
cial shear walls
15. Steel and concrete composite ordi-
(H4)r 5 2-1/2 4-1/2 NL NL NP NP NP
nary shear walls
16. Special reinforced masonry shear
(7.3.2.6)t 5-1/2 2-1/2 4 NL NL 160 160 100
walls
17. Intermediate reinforced masonry
(7.3.2.5)t 4 2-1/2 4 NL NL NP NP NP
shear walls
18. Ordinary reinforced masonry shear
(7.3.2.4)t 2 2-1/2 2 NL 160 NP NP NP
walls

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Table 3-3 (Continued) Replacement for ASCE 7-16 Table 12.2-1

Design Coefficients and Factors for Basic Seismic Force-Resisting Systems
RESPONSE DEFLECTION STRUCTURAL SYSTEM LIMITATIONS INCLUD-
BASIC SEISMIC FORCE-RESISTING DETAILING REFER- MODIFICATION SYSTEM OVER- AMPLIFICATION ING STRUCTURAL HEIGHT, hn, (FEET) LIMITS
SYSTEM ENCE SECTION COEFFICIENT STRENGTH FAC- FACTOR, Cdc BY SEISMIC DESIGN CATEGORYd
a
TOR, Ω0b
R B C De Ee Ff
19. Detailed plain masonry shear walls This system is not permitted by UFC, but is permitted by ASCE 7-16 for SDC B
20. Ordinary plain masonry shear walls This system is not permitted by UFC, but is permitted by ASCE 7-16 for SDC B
21. Prestressed masonry shear walls (7.3.2.10, 7.3.2.11,
1-1/2 2-1/2 1-3/4 NL NP NP NP NP
7.3.2.12)t
22. Light-frame (wood) walls sheathed
with wood structural panels rated (2301-2307)u 7 2-1/2 4-1/2 NL NL 65 65 65
for shear resistance
23. Light-frame (cold-formed steel)
walls sheathed with wood struc-
(2211, 2301-2307)u 7 2-1/2 4-1/2 NL NL 65 65 65
tural panels rated for shear re-
sistance or with steel sheets
24. Light-framed walls with shear pan-
(2211, 2301-2307)u 2-1/2 2-1/2 2-1/2 NL NL 35 NP NP
els of all other materials
25. Steel buckling-restrained braced
(F4)r 8 2-1/2 5 NL NL 160 160 100
frames
26. Steel special plate shear walls (F5)r 7 2 6 NL NL 160 160 100
C. Moment-Resisting Frame Systems
1. Steel special moment frames (E3)r 8 3 5-1/2 NL NL NL NL NL
2. Steel special truss moment frames (E4)r 7 3 5-1/2 NL NL 160 100 NP
3. Steel intermediate moment frames (E2)r 4-1/2 3 4 NL NL 35k NPk NPk
4. Steel ordinary moment frames (E1)r 3-1/2 3 3 NL NL NPl,q NPl,q NPl,q
5. Special reinforced concrete moment
(18.2.1.6)s 8 3 5-1/2 NL NL NL NL NL
framesm

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Table 3-3 (Continued) Replacement for ASCE 7-16 Table 12.2-1

Design Coefficients and Factors for Basic Seismic Force-Resisting Systems
RESPONSE DEFLECTION STRUCTURAL SYSTEM LIMITATIONS INCLUD-
BASIC SEISMIC FORCE-RESISTING DETAILING REFER- MODIFICATION SYSTEM OVER- AMPLIFICATION ING STRUCTURAL HEIGHT, hn, (FEET) LIMITS
SYSTEM ENCE SECTION COEFFICIENT STRENGTH FAC- FACTOR, Cdc BY SEISMIC DESIGN CATEGORYd
a
TOR, Ω0b
R B C De Ee Ff
6. Intermediate reinforced concrete
(18.2.1.6)s 5 3 4-1/2 NL NL NP NP NP
moment frames
7. Ordinary reinforced concrete mo-
(18.2.1.6)s 3 3 2-1/2 NL NP NP NP NP
ment frames
8. Steel and concrete composite spe-
(G3)r 8 3 5-1/2 NL NL NL NL NL
cial moment frames
9. Steel and concrete composite inter-
(G2)r 5 3 4-1/2 NL NL NP NP NP
mediate moment frames
10. Steel and concrete composite par-
(G4)r 6 3 5-1/2 160 160 100 NP NP
tially restrained moment frames
11. Steel and concrete composite ordi-
(G1)r 3 3 2-1/2 NL NP NP NP NP
nary moment frames
12. Cold-formed steel—special bolted
(2210)u 3-1/2 3o 3-1/2 35 35 35 35 35
moment framen
D. Dual Systems with Special Moment Frames Capable of Resisting at Least 25% of Prescribed Seismic Forces [ASCE 7-16 12.2.5.1]
1. Steel eccentrically braced frames (F3)r 8 2-1/2 4 NL NL NL NL NL
2. Steel special concentrically braced
(F2)r 7 2-1/2 5-1/2 NL NL NL NL NL
frames
3. Special reinforced concrete shear
(18.2.1.6)s 7 2-1/2 5-1/2 NL NL NL NL NL
wallsg,h
4. Ordinary reinforced concrete shear
(18.2.1.6)s 6 2-1/2 5 NL NL NP NP NP
wallsg
5. Steel and concrete composite ec-
(H3)r 8 2-1/2 4 NL NL NL NL NL
centrically braced frames

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Table 3-3 (Continued) Replacement for ASCE 7-16 Table 12.2-1

Design Coefficients and Factors for Basic Seismic Force-Resisting Systems
RESPONSE DEFLECTION STRUCTURAL SYSTEM LIMITATIONS INCLUD-
BASIC SEISMIC FORCE-RESISTING DETAILING REFER- MODIFICATION SYSTEM OVER- AMPLIFICATION ING STRUCTURAL HEIGHT, hn, (FEET) LIMITS
SYSTEM ENCE SECTION COEFFICIENT STRENGTH FAC- FACTOR, Cdc BY SEISMIC DESIGN CATEGORYd
a
TOR, Ω0b
R B C De Ee Ff
6. Steel and concrete composite spe-
(H2)r 6 2-1/2 5 NL NL NL NL NL
cial concentrically braced frames
7. Steel and concrete composite plate
(H6)r 7-1/2 2-1/2 6 NL NL NL NL NL
shear walls
8. Steel and concrete composite spe-
(H5)r 7 2-1/2 6 NL NL NL NL NL
cial shear walls
9. Steel and concrete composite ordi-
(H4)r 6 2-1/2 5 NL NL NP NP NP
nary shear walls
10. Special reinforced masonry shear
(7.3.2.6)t 5-1/2 3 5 NL NL NL NL NL
walls
11. Intermediate reinforced masonry
(7.3.2.5)t 4 3 3-1/2 NL NL NP NP NP
shear walls
12. Steel buckling-restrained braced
(F4)r 8 2-1/2 5 NL NL NL NL NL
frames
13. Steel special plate shear walls (F5)r 8 2-1/2 6-1/2 NL NL NL NL NL

E. Dual Systems with Intermediate Moment Frames Capable of Resisting at Least 25% of Prescribed Seismic Forces [ASCE 7-16 12.2.5.1]

1. Steel special concentrically braced

(F2)r 6 2-1/2 5 NL NL 35 NP NP
framesp
2. Special reinforced concrete shear
(18.2.1.6)s 6-1/2 2-1/2 5 NL NL 160 100 100
wallsg,h
3. Ordinary reinforced masonry shear
(7.3.2.4)t 3 3 2-1/2 NL 160 NP NP NP
walls
4. Intermediate reinforced masonry
(7.3.2.5)t 3-1/2 3 3 NL NL NP NP NP
shear walls

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Table 3-3 (Continued) Replacement for ASCE 7-16 Table 12.2-1

Design Coefficients and Factors for Basic Seismic Force-Resisting Systems
RESPONSE DEFLECTION STRUCTURAL SYSTEM LIMITATIONS INCLUD-
BASIC SEISMIC FORCE-RESISTING DETAILING REFER- MODIFICATION SYSTEM OVER- AMPLIFICATION ING STRUCTURAL HEIGHT, hn, (FEET) LIMITS
SYSTEM ENCE SECTION COEFFICIENT STRENGTH FAC- FACTOR, Cdc BY SEISMIC DESIGN CATEGORYd
a
TOR, Ω0b
R B C De Ee Ff
5. Steel and concrete composite spe-
(H2)r 5-1/2 2-1/2 4-1/2 NL NL 160 100 NP
cial concentrically braced frames
6. Steel and concrete composite ordi-
(H1)r 3-1/2 2-1/2 3 NL NL NP NP NP
nary braced frames
7. Steel and concrete composite ordi-
(H4)r 5 3 4-1/2 NL NL NP NP NP
nary shear walls
8. Ordinary reinforced concrete shear
(18.2.1.6)s 5-1/2 2-1/2 4-1/2 NL NL NP NP NP
wallsg
F. Shear Wall-Frame Interactive
System with Ordinary Reinforced
Concrete Moment Frames and Ordi- (18.2.1.6)s 4-1/2 2-1/2 4 NL NP NP NP NP
nary Reinforced Concrete Shear
Wallsg
G. Cantilevered column systems detailed to conform to the requirements for [ASCE 7-16 12.2.5.2]:
1. Steel special cantilever column
(E6)r 2-1/2 1-1/4 2-1/2 35 35 35 35 35
systems
2. Steel ordinary cantilever column
(E5)r 1-1/4 1-1/4 1-1/4 35 35 NPl NPl NPl
systems
3. Special reinforced concrete moment
(18.2.1.6)s 2-1/2 1-1/4 2-1/2 35 35 35 35 35
framesm
4. Intermediate reinforced concrete
(18.2.1.6)s 1-1/2 1-1/4 1-1/2 35 35 NP NP NP
moment frames
5. Ordinary reinforced concrete mo-
(18.2.1.6)s 1 1-1/4 1 35 NP NP NP NP
ment frames
6. Timber frames (2301 – 2307)u 1-1/2 1-1/2 1-1/2 35 35 35 NP NP

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Table 3-3 (Continued) Replacement for ASCE 7-16 Table 12.2-1

Design Coefficients and Factors for Basic Seismic Force-Resisting Systems
RESPONSE DEFLECTION STRUCTURAL SYSTEM LIMITATIONS INCLUD-
BASIC SEISMIC FORCE-RESISTING DETAILING REFER- MODIFICATION SYSTEM OVER- AMPLIFICATION ING STRUCTURAL HEIGHT, hn, (FEET) LIMITS
SYSTEM ENCE SECTION COEFFICIENT STRENGTH FAC- FACTOR, Cdc BY SEISMIC DESIGN CATEGORYd
a
TOR, Ω0b
R B C De Ee Ff
H. Steel Systems Not Specifically AISC 360-16,
Detailed for Seismic Resistance, AISI S100,
Excluding Cantilevered Column 3 3 3 NL NL NP NP NP
AISI S240,
Systems ASCE 8

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TABLE 3-3 (Continued) Replacement for ASCE 7-16 Table 12.2-1

Design Coefficients and Factors for Basic Seismic Force-Resisting Systems
FOR SI: 1 foot (ft) = 304.8 mm, 1 pound per square foot (psf) = 0.0479 kN/m2
a. Response modification coefficient, R, for use throughout. Note R reduces forces to a strength level, not an allowable stress level.
b. Where the tabulated value of the overstrength factor, Ω0, is greater than or equal to 2½, Ω0 is permitted to be reduced by subtracting the value of ½ for structures with
flexible diaphragms.
c. Deflection amplification factor, Cd, for use in ASCE 7-16 Sections 12.8.6, 12.8.7, 12.9.1.2, 12.12.3, and 12.12.4.
d. NL= Not limited and NP = Not permitted. For metric units, use 30 m for 100 ft and 50 m for 160 ft.
e. See ASCE 7-16 Section 12.2.5.4 for a description of seismic force-resisting systems limited to buildings with a structural height, hn, of 240 feet (75 m) or less.
f. See ASCE 7-16 Section 12.2.5.4 for seismic force-resisting systems limited to buildings with a structural height, hn, of 160 feet (50 m) or less.
g. In Section 2.3 of ACI 318, a shear wall is defined as a structural wall.
h. In Section 2.3 of ACI 318, the definition of “special structural wall” includes precast and cast-in-place construction.
i. An increase in structural height, hn, to 45 ft (14 m) is permitted for single story storage warehouse facilities.
j. Steel ordinary concentrically braced frames (OCBFs) are permitted in single-story buildings up to a structural height, hn, of 60 ft (18 m) where the dead load of the
roof does not exceed 20 psf (1.0 kN/m2) and in penthouse structures.
k. See ASCE 7-16 Section 12.2.5.7 for limitations in structures assigned to Seismic Design Categories D, E, or F.
l. See ASCE 7-16 Section 12.2.5.6 for limitations in structures assigned to Seismic Design Categories D, E, or F.
m. In Section 2.3 of ACI 318, the definition of “special moment frame” includes precast and cast-in-place construction.
n. Cold-formed steel – special bolted moment frames must be limited to one-story in height in accordance with ANSI/AISI S400.
o. Alternately, the seismic load effect with overstrength, Emh, is permitted to be based on the expected strength determined in accordance with ANSI/AISI S400.
p. Ordinary moment frame is permitted to be used in lieu of intermediate moment frame for Seismic Design Category B or C.
q. Ordinary Moment Frames are permitted to be used as part of the structural system that transfers forces between isolator units.
r. ANSI/AISC 341-16 section number.
s. ACI 318-19, Section 18.2.1.6 cites appropriate sections in ACI 318-19.
t. TMS 402-16 section number.
u. 2021 IBC section number.

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3-6.4 Section 12.10 - DIAPHRAGMS, CHORDS, AND COLLECTORS.

12.10.2.1 - Collector Elements Requiring Load Combinations with Over-

strength Factor for Seismic Design Categories C through F

Item 3 [Replacement]. Forces calculated using the load combinations of Section

2.3.6 without overstrength factor, with seismic forces determined by Eq. (12.10-
2).

EXCEPTIONS [Replacement]:
1 - In structures or portions thereof braced entirely by wood light-frame shear
walls, collector elements and their connections, including connections to vertical
elements, need only be designed to resist forces using the load combinations of
Section 2.3.6 without overstrength factor, with seismic forces determined in ac-
cordance with Section 12.10.1.1.

[C] 12.10.2.1 - Collector Elements Requiring Load Combinations with

Overstrength Factor for Seismic Design Categories C through F

The two [Replacement] added under this section are intended to clarify that the
load combinations to be used with these two provisions are the ones that do
not include the overstrength factor. The text in ASCE 7-16 simply refers to the
load combinations in Section 2.3.6. However, ASCE 7-16 Section 2.3.6 con-
tains two sets of seismic load combinations – regular load combinations involv-
ing seismic load effects not amplified by the overstrength factor of the struc-
ture, and load combinations where the seismic load effects are amplified by the
overstrength factor.

3-6.5 Section 12.11 - STRUCTURAL WALLS AND THEIR ANCHORAGE.

12.11.2.1 - Wall Anchorage Forces [Supplement]

Refer to Figure 3-1 for determination of the span of flexible diaphragm, Lf.

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Figure 3-1 Anchorage of Walls to Flexible Diaphragm

3-7 ASCE 7-16 CHAPTER 13 – SEISMIC DESIGN REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-

STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS.

3-7.1 Section 13.1 – GENERAL.

13.1.1 - Scope [Supplement]

Add as the second paragraph:

Appendix C of this UFC provides supplementary guidance on architectural,

mechanical, and electrical component design requirements. Section C-2 provides
guidance on architectural component design, including interior and exterior wall
elements. Section C-3 provides guidance on electrical and mechanical systems
design. To the extent that is practicable, subsections of Appendix C reference
relevant sections of ASCE 7-16.

3-7.2 Section 13.2 - GENERAL DESIGN REQUIREMENTS.

13.2.2 - Special Certification Requirements for Designated Seismic Systems

[Supplement]

Appendix D of this UFC provides verification and certification guidance.

When shake table testing is performed, the Required Response Spectra (RRS)
must be either derived using ICC-ES AC156 or developed from a study based on
site-specific in-structure response time history. In the case of the latter, the RRS
for each axis must be generated from the time histories defined in Section 2-15.2
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of UFC 3-301-02, and be peak broadened by 15%. The in-structure response

spectra per Section 2-17.4.4 of UFC 3-301-02 must be used to determine
demand if the Nonstructural Component is not supported at grade.

Testing must be performed in accordance with nationally recognized testing

procedures such as:

1. The requirements of the International Code Council Evaluations Service

(ICC-ES), Acceptance Criteria for Seismic Qualification by Shake-Table
Testing of Nonstructural Components, ICC-ES AC156, November 2010.

2. The CERL Equipment Fragility and Protection Procedure (CEFAPP),

USACERL Technical Report 97/58, Wilcoski, J., Gambill, J.B., and Smith,
S.J., March 1997. The test motions, test plan, and results of this method
require peer review.

3. For power substation equipment only, Institute of Electrical and

Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Recommended Practices for Seismic
Design of Substations, IEEE 693-2018.

Shake table tests must include triaxial motion components that result in the
largest response spectral amplitudes at the natural frequencies of the equipment
for each of the three axes of motion. The Test Response Spectrum (TRS) test
motions, demand RRS, test plan, and test results must be reviewed
independently by a team of Registered Design Professionals. The design
professionals must have documented experience in the appropriate disciplines,
seismic analysis, and seismic testing. The independent review must include, but
need not be limited to, the following:

1. Review of site-specific seismic criteria, including the development of site-

specific spectra and ground motion histories, and all other project-specific
criteria;

2. Review of seismic designs and analyses for both the equipment and all
supporting systems, including the generation of in-structure motions;

3. Review of all testing requirements and results; and,

4. Review of all equipment quality control, quality assurance, maintenance,

and inspection requirements.

13.2.2.1 - Component Certification and O&M Manual [Addition]

For any electrical or mechanical component required by ASCE 7-16 Section

13.2.2 to be certified, evidence demonstrating compliance with the requirement
must be maintained in a file identified as “Equipment Certification
Documentation.” This file must be a part of the Operations & Maintenance (O&M)
Manual that is turned over to the AHJ. The project specifications must require the
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O&M Manual to state that replaced or modified components need to be certified

per the original certification criteria.

13.2.2.2 - Component Identification Nameplate [Addition]

Any electrical or mechanical component required by ASCE 7-16 Section 13.2.2

to be certified is required to bear permanent marking or nameplates constructed
of a durable heat- and water-resistant material. Nameplates must be
mechanically attached to such nonstructural components and placed on each
component for clear identification. The nameplate cannot be less than 5" x 7"
with red letters 1" in height on a white background, stating “Certified Equipment.”
The following statement is required to be on the nameplate: “This
equipment/component is certified. No modifications are allowed unless
authorized in advance and documented in the Equipment Certification
Documentation file.” The nameplate needs to also contain the component
identification number in accordance with the drawings/specifications and the
O&M manuals.

13.2.7 - Construction Documents [Supplement]

Construction documents for architectural, mechanical, and electrical components

must be prepared by a Registered Design Professional for all buildings assigned
to RC IV.

3-7.3 Section 13.3 - SEISMIC DEMANDS ON NONSTRUCTURAL COMPONENTS.

13.3.2 - Seismic Relative Displacements [Supplement]

Egress stairways and ramps must be detailed in accordance with ASCE 7-16
Section 13.5.10.

3-7.4 Section 13.4 - NONSTRUCTURAL COMPONENT ANCHORAGE.

13.4.2.2 - Anchors in Masonry [Replacement]

Anchors in masonry must be designed in accordance with TMS 402-16.

Additionally, at least one of the following must be satisfied in structures assigned
to SDC C or higher.

a. Anchors in tension are designed to be governed by the tensile strength of

a ductile steel element.

b. Anchors are designed for the maximum load that can be transmitted to the
anchors from a ductile attachment, considering both material overstrength
and strain hardening of the attachment.

c. Anchors are designed for the maximum load that can be transmitted to the
anchors by a non-yielding attachment.

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d. Anchors are designed for the maximum load obtained from design load
combinations that include E, where the effect of horizontal ground motion,
QE, is multiplied by Ω0 as given in ASCE 7-16 Tables 13.5-1 and 13.6-1.

[C] 13.4.2.2 - Anchors in Masonry [Replacement]

This [Replacement] harmonizes design of anchors embedded in concrete
and masonry. ASCE 7-16 Section 13.4.2.2 includes provisions to prevent
brittle failure of anchors in masonry attaching nonstructural components.
This [Replacement] simply makes the requirements consistent with those of
ACI 318-19. Note Option a is available only for anchors in tension, and not
those in shear. This [Replacement] also exempts anchors in SDC A and B
structures from these ductility/overstrength requirements, which is
consistent with what is required for anchors in concrete.

13.4.2.3 - Post-Installed Anchors in Concrete and Masonry [Replacement]

In structures assigned to SDC C or higher, post-installed mechanical anchors or

adhesive anchors in concrete are required to be prequalified for seismic
applications in accordance with ACI 355.2 or other approved qualification
procedures. Post-installed adhesive anchors in concrete in structures assigned to
SDC C, D, E, or F are required to be prequalified for seismic applications in
accordance with ACI 355.4 or other approved qualification procedures. In
structures assigned to SDC C or higher, post-installed anchors in masonry are
required to be prequalified for seismic applications in accordance with approved
qualification procedures.

[C] 13.4.2.3 - Post-Installed Anchors in Concrete and Masonry

[Replacement]
This [Replacement] specifies that ACI 355.2 is for prequalification of post-
installed mechanical anchors only and adds a reference to ACI 355.4 for
prequalification of post-installed adhesive anchors, which is not referenced
in ASCE 7-16.

3-7.5 Section 13.5 - ARCHITECTURAL COMPONENTS.

13.5.6 - Suspended Ceilings [Supplement]

For buildings assigned to RC IV, suspended ceilings must be designed to resist

seismic effects using a rigid bracing system, where the braces are capable of
resisting tension and compression forces, or diagonal splay wires, where the
wires are installed taut. Particular attention should be given in walk-down
inspections (see Section 1705.13.6 in Chapter 2 of this UFC) to ensure splay
wires are taut. Positive attachment must be provided to prevent vertical
movement of ceiling elements. Vertical support elements need to be capable of
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resisting both compression and tensile forces. Vertical supports and braces
designed for compression must have a slenderness ratio, Kl/r, of less than 200.
Additional guidance on suspended ceiling design is provided in Section C-2.3.8
of this UFC.

13.5.7 - Access Floors [Supplement]

Installed access floor components that have importance factors, Ip, greater than
1.0 must meet the requirements of Special Access Floors (ASCE 7-16 Section
13.5.7.2). Note: Equipment that requires certification (see Section 13.2.2 in this
UFC) needs to have the motion amplification that occurs because of any
supporting access flooring accounted for.

3-7.6 Section 13.6 - MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS.

13.6.1 - General [Supplement]

Stacks attached to or supported by buildings must be designed to meet the force

and displacement provisions of ASCE 7-16 Sections 13.3.1 and 13.3.2. They
must further be designed in accordance with the requirements of ASCE 7-16
Chapter 15 and the special requirements of ASCE 7-16 Section 15.6.2.
Guidance on stack design may be found in Section C-3.2.

13.6.2 - Mechanical Components [Supplement]

Guidance on the design of piping supports and attachments is found in Section

C-3.1.4 of this UFC.

13.6.3 - Electrical Components [Supplement]

Guidance on the design of electrical equipment supports, attachments, and

certification is found in Appendices C and D of this UFC.

13.6.4 - Component Support [Supplement]

For buildings that are assigned to RC IV, guidance on the design of lighting
fixtures is found in Section C-3.4 of this UFC.

13.6.4.5 - Additional Requirements – Item 5 [Addition]

The local regions of support attachment for all mechanical and electrical
equipment must be evaluated for the effects of load transfer on component walls
and other structural elements.

13.6.11.3 - Seismic Controls for Elevators [Supplement]

For buildings that are assigned to RC IV or to SDC E or F, the trigger level for
seismic switches must be set to 50% of the acceleration of gravity along both

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orthogonal horizontal axes. Elevator systems (equipment, systems, supports,

etc.) in RC IV or SDC E or F buildings will have an Ip = 1.5 and must be designed
to ensure elevator operability at accelerations below 50% of the acceleration of
gravity along both orthogonal horizontal axes. Additional guidance on the design
of elevator systems is found in Section C-3.3 of this UFC.
[C] 13.6.11.3 - Seismic Switches [Supplement]
Note that the 0.50g is consistent with Article 3137, Seismic Requirements for
Elevators, Escalators and Moving Walks, Subchapter 6, Elevator Safety Orders,
California Code of Regulations, Title 8 (https://www.dir.ca.gov/title8/3137.html).

13.6.12 - Rooftop Solar Panels [Deletion]

Delete the exception to this section in its entirety.

[C] 13.6.12 - Rooftop Solar Panels [Deletion]

The exception addresses ballasted solar panels without positive direct
attachment to the roof structure. Ballasted systems are specifically disallowed
by UFC 3-110-03, Roofing.

13.6.14 - Bridges, Cranes, and Monorails [Addition]

Structural supports for those crane systems that are located in buildings and
other structures assigned to SDC C with Ip greater than 1.0, or assigned to SDC
D, E, or F, must be designed to meet the force and displacement provisions of
ASCE 7-16 Section 13.3. Seismic forces, Fp, must be calculated using a
component amplification factor, ap, of 2.5 and a component response
modification factor, Rp, of 2.5, except that crane rail connections must be
designed for the forces resulting from an Rp of 1.5 in all directions. When
designing for forces in either horizontal direction, the weight of crane
components, Wp, need not include any live loads, lifted loads, or loads from
crane components below the bottom of the crane cable. If the crane is not in a
locked position, the lateral force parallel to the crane rails can be limited by the
friction forces that can be applied through the brake wheels to the rails. In this
case, the full rated live load of the crane plus the weight of the crane must be
used to determine the gravity load that is carried by each wheel. Guidance on
the design of these systems is found in Section C-3.5 of this UFC.

13.6.14.1 - Bridges, Cranes, and Monorails for RC IV Buildings [Addition]

In addition to the requirements of Section 13.6.14 of this UFC, for bridges,

cranes, and monorails for all RC IV buildings, vertical earthquake-induced
motions corresponding to the MCER event must be considered. When a site-
specific vertical spectrum is not used, the vertical response spectrum may be
developed following the provisions of ASCE 7-16 Section 11.9.2.
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3-8 ASCE 7 CHAPTER 15 – SEISMIC DESIGN REQUIREMENTS FOR

NONBUILDING STRUCTURES.

3-8.1 Section 15.4 - STRUCTURAL DESIGN REQUIREMENTS.

15.4.5 – Drift Limit [Replacement]

Nonbuilding structures similar to buildings are required to comply with lateral drift
requirements as specified for buildings in ASCE 7-16 Chapter 12.

Exception: The drift limitations of ASCE 7-16 Section 12.12.1 need not apply to
nonbuilding structures if a rational analysis acceptable to the AHJ indicates they
can be exceeded without adversely affecting structural stability or attached or
interconnected components and elements such as walkways and piping. P-delta
effects need to be considered where critical to the function or stability of the
structure.

15.4.9.2 - Anchors in Masonry [Replacement]

Anchors in masonry must be designed in accordance with TMS 402-16.

Additionally, for non-building structures assigned to SDC C, D, E, or F, at least
one of the following must be satisfied.

a. Anchors in tension are designed to be governed by the tensile strength of

a ductile steel element.

b. Anchors are designed for the maximum load that can be transmitted to the
anchors from a ductile attachment, considering both material overstrength
and strain hardening of the attachment.

c. Anchors are designed for the maximum load that can be transmitted to the
anchors by a non-yielding attachment.

d. Anchors are designed for the maximum load obtained from design load
combinations that include E, where the effect of horizontal ground motion,
QE, is multiplied by Ω0 as given in ASCE 7-16 Tables 13.5-1 and 13.6-1.

[C] 15.4.9.2 - Anchors in Masonry [Replacement]

This [Replacement] harmonizes design of anchors embedded in concrete and
masonry. ASCE 7-16 Section 15.4.9.2 includes provisions to prevent brittle
failure of anchors in masonry in nonbuilding structures. This [Replacement]
simply makes the requirements consistent with those of ACI 318-19. Note
Option ‘a’ is available only for anchors in tension, not shear.

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15.4.9.3 - Post-Installed Anchors in Concrete and Masonry [Replacement]

Post-installed mechanical anchors in concrete in non-building structures

assigned to SDC C, D, E, or F are required to be prequalified for seismic
applications in accordance with ACI 355.2 or other approved qualification
procedures. Post-installed adhesive anchors in concrete in non-building
structures assigned to SDC C, D, E, or F are required to be prequalified for
seismic applications in accordance with ACI 355.4 or other approved qualification
procedures. Post-installed anchors in masonry non-building structures assigned
to SDC C, D, E, or F are required to be prequalified for seismic applications in
accordance with approved qualification procedures.

[C] 15.4.9.3 - Post-Installed Anchors in Concrete and Masonry

[Replacement]
This [Replacement] specifies that ACI 355.2 is for prequalification of post-
installed mechanical anchors only and adds a reference to ACI 355.4 for
prequalification of post-installed adhesive anchors, which is not referenced in
ASCE 7-16.

3-8.2 Section 15.5 - NONBUILDING STRUCTURES SIMILAR TO BUILDINGS.

15.5.6.1 - General [Supplement]

UFC 4-152-01, Design: Piers and Wharves, governs the seismic design of piers
and wharves for the DoD.

15.5.6.2 - Design Basis [Deletion]

Delete this section in its entirety.

3-8.3 Section 15.7 - TANKS AND VESSELS.

15.7.5 - Anchorage [Replacement]

Tanks and vessels at grade are permitted to be designed without anchorage

where they meet the requirements for unanchored tanks in reference documents.
Tanks and vessels supported above grade on structural towers or building
structures must be anchored to the supporting structure.

Anchorage must be in accordance with Chapter 17 of ACI 318. Post-installed

anchors are permitted to be used in accordance with Section 15.4.9.3 of this
UFC. For anchors in tension, where the special seismic provisions of ACI 318
Section 17.10.5.2 apply, the requirements of ACI 318 Section 17.10.5.3 (a) must
be satisfied.

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15.7.11.7 – Supports and Attachments for Boilers and Pressure Vessels

Item b. [Replacement]

Anchorage must be in accordance with Chapter 17 of ACI 318. Post-installed

anchors are permitted to be used in accordance with Section 15.4.9.3 of this
UFC. For anchors in tension, where the special seismic provisions of ACI 318
Section 17.10.5.2 apply, the requirements of ACI 318 Section 17.10.5.3(a) must
be satisfied.

3-9 ASCE 7 CHAPTER 26 – WIND LOADS: GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.

3-9.1 Section 26.12 - ENCLOSURE CLASSIFICATION.

26.12.1 - General. [Supplement]

Design all fire station garage bays as partially enclosed structures, with the
assumption that garage bay doors have failed. The remainder of the fire station,
if isolated from garage bay internal pressure, may be designed according to
standard code provisions.

[C] 26.12.1 - General [Supplement]

Damage experienced during Hurricane Michael in 2018 included multiple
instances of roof diaphragm loss due to exterior roll-up and sectional door
failures, including a fire station where bay doors failed, followed by a total loss
of roof diaphragm.

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CHAPTER 4 EVALUATION AND RETROFIT OF EXISTING BUILDINGS

4-1 GENERAL.

For evaluation and retrofit of existing buildings, the provisions of this chapter apply to all
matters governing the repair, alteration, change of occupancy, acquisition, addition, and
relocation. For seismic evaluation and retrofit, the following document is hereby
adopted:

ICSSC RP 10, Standards of Seismic Safety for Existing Federally Owned and
Leased Buildings, cited herein as RP 10, is applicable to all existing DoD owned
and leased buildings at all locations worldwide.

For nonseismic evaluation and retrofit of existing buildings relating to all matters
governing the repair, alteration, change of occupancy, acquisition, addition, and
relocation, the following document is hereby adapted:

International Code Council, 2021 International Existing Building Codes, cited

herein as IEBC.

Modifications are made to specific sections of RP 10 as well as IEBC. It is expected that

designers may highlight or otherwise mark those paragraphs of RP 10, and IEBC that
are modified by this chapter. The required RP 10, and IEBC section modifications are
one of three actions, according to the following legend:

[Addition] – New section added, includes new section number not shown in RP
10.

[Replacement] – Delete referenced RP 10 section and replace it with the

provisions shown.

[Supplement] – Add provisions shown as a supplement to the provisions shown

in the referenced section of RP 10.

[C] 4-1 General

RP 10, Standards of Seismic Safety for Existing Federally Owned and Leased
Buildings, gives exemptions, triggers, scope, and criteria applicable to repair,
alteration, change of occupancy, acquisition, addition to and relocation of existing
buildings. RP 10 uses the national standard ASCE 41-17 as the source of its criteria
for seismic evaluation and retrofit.

This Chapter clarifies certain terms used in RP 10 and the application of RP 10 to

various risk categories. RP 10’s exemptions and benchmarking provisions are also
modified by this chapter.

The IEBC, International Existing Building Code, establishes minimum requirements

for existing buildings using prescriptive and performance-related provisions. It is

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founded on broad-based principles intended to encourage the use and reuse of

existing buildings while requiring reasonable updates and improvements.

This Chapter contains modifications to the 2021 IEBC including the scope, and the
prescriptive compliance method for nonseismic evaluation of existing buildings.

4-2 MODIFICATIONS TO RP 10.

Apply the following modifications to RP 10.

4-2.1 Circumstances Requiring Evaluation and Mitigation (Triggers).

RP10 Section 1.0 [Supplement]. Wherever RP10 cites 2018 IBC and 2018
IEBC, the corresponding section or provision of 2021 IBC and 2021 IEBC is to be
used instead.

RP 10 Section 1.2.1 Item c [Replacement]. An addition, alteration, or repair to

a building assigned to Seismic Design Category (SDC) C, where the project
construction cost is more than 50 percent of the current pre-construction
replacement cost of the building (not including tenant supplied operational
service equipment and fit-outs or seismic mitigation efforts).

RP 10 Section 1.2.1 Item d [Replacement]. An addition, alteration, or repair to

a building assigned to Seismic Design Category (SDC) D, E or F, where the
project construction cost is more than 30 percent of the current pre-construction
replacement cost of the building (not including tenant supplied operational
service equipment and fit-outs or seismic mitigation efforts).

RP 10 Chapter 2 [Replacement]. Performance objectives are to be as specified

in Section 4-2.2 of this UFC.

4-2.2 Performance Objectives for Evaluation and Retrofit using ASCE 41-17.

RP 10 Chapter 2 [Replacement]. Tables 4-1(a) and 4-1(b) of this chapter must

be used for structural and nonstructural components, respectively, in lieu of RP
10 Tables 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3 for determining the required performance objectives
for evaluation and retrofit based on risk category of buildings and the
circumstance that triggered the requirement for evaluation and retrofit. At the
AHJ’s discretion, the nonstructural scope may be waived in areas of the building
not affected by the project and not affecting DoD operations, safety, or post-
earthquake occupancy.

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[C] 4-2.2 - Performance Objectives for Evaluation and Retrofit using

ASCE 41-17. For certain projects, the performance objectives in this UFC are
substantially changed relative to those in the previous edition of UFC 3-301-01
(dated 1 October, 2019). This reflects the change from RP 8 made in RP 10
so that RP 10 would align more closely with the IEBC and adopt its philosophy
of setting performance objectives by the project type. See RP 10 Commentary
section C2.1 for additional explanation.

Tables 4-1(a) and 4-1(b) do not revise the requirements contained in RP 10

Tables 2-1, 2-2 and 2-3, but are meant to present the same requirements with
more clarity. One exception is Item i in Table 4-1(a), Unacceptable Risk
Exposure (URE) trigger, where RP 10 does not provide any clear evaluation
criteria but leaves it to the discretion of each agency to decide which buildings
they choose to assign to the URE designation. However, NIST wanted
agencies to be more proactive about retrofitting at least their URMs and similar
buildings. Thus, Item i in Table 4-1(a) was developed with a focus on URMs. A
fairly low threshold of Collapse Prevention in BSE-1E is used for the evaluation
of these buildings in all risk categories, because these buildings are not
expected to pass any higher evaluation threshold. The retrofit requirements are
the same as those for other project types that require basic performance
objective for existing buildings (BPOE). If attaining the retrofit performance
objectives becomes a challenge for URM buildings in higher risk categories,
the effective solution would be to relocate the activities housed in those
buildings.

RP10 Section 2.1 [Supplement]. For definition of enhanced performance

objective greater than that specified in Table 2-1 in RP10, refer to ASCE 41-17
Section 2.2.2.

Seismic parameters for BSE-1E, BSE-2E, BSE-1N, and BSE-2N earthquakes at

DoD installations within the United States and its territories and possessions can
be determined using the structural load data tool hosted on the Whole Building
Design Guide website at

https://www.wbdg.org/additional-resources/tools/ufcsldt

For locations not provided in the structural load data tool hosted on the Whole
Building Design Guide website, refer to the USGS Web Service page given
below for the seismic parameters, and if not available on the USGS page, consult
the AHJ.

https://earthquake.usgs.gov/ws/designmaps/asce41-17.html

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[C] Section 2.1 [Supplement]. RP 10 references four seismic hazard levels –

BSE-2N (2% probability of exceedance in 50 years), BSE-1N (2/3 of BSE-2N),
BSE-2E (5% probability of exceedance in 50 years) and BSE-1E (20%
probability of exceedance in 50 years). The structural load data tool hosted on
the Whole Building Design Guide website provides seismic ground motion
parameters for all four hazard levels for a number of selected locations.
However, for any location that is not included in the load data tool, seismic
parameters for only the BSE-2N and BSE-1N can be determined from ASCE 7-
16. Therefore, for the purpose of determining the ground motion parameters for
BSE-2E and BSE-1E, the USGS web service webpage is referenced here.
Seismic ground motion parameters for any hazard level can be determined
from the USGS webpage. However, if nothing is specified, the webpage
provides the ground motion parameters for all four hazard levels mentioned
above.

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Table 4-1(a) Structural Performance Objectives1,2

Risk Category I or II Risk Category III Risk Category IV
Trigger Trigger Description
Evaluation Retrofit Evaluation4 Retrofit Evaluation5 Retrofit
RP 10 Section 1.2.1 Items (Mandatory Evaluation Process)
LS in BSE-1N DC in BSE-1N IO in BSE-1N IO in BSE-1N
a Change of Occupancy or use CP in BSE-2N3
CP in BSE-2N
LmS in BSE-2N3
LmS in BSE-2N LS in BSE-2N LS in BSE-2N
LS in BSE-1N DC in BSE-1N IO in BSE-1N IO in BSE-1N
Alteration (Addition) CP in BSE-2N3 LmS in BSE-2N3
LS in BSE-2N
CP in BSE-2N LmS in BSE-2N LS in BSE-2N
b
LS in BSE-1E DC in BSE-1E IO in BSE-1E IO in BSE-1E
Alteration (Alteration) CP in BSE-2E3 LmS in BSE-2E3
LS in BSE-2E
CP in BSE-2E LmS in BSE-2E LS in BSE-2E
SDC C, Project Cost > 50% of Replacement LS in BSE-1N DC in BSE-1N IO in BSE-1N IO in BSE-1N
CP in BSE-2N3 LmS in BSE-2N3
Cost for Addition and Change of Occupancy CP in BSE-2N LmS in BSE-2N LS in BSE-2N LS in BSE-2N
c
SDC C, Project Cost > 50% of Replacement LS in BSE-1E DC in BSE-1E IO in BSE-1E IO in BSE-1E
CP in BSE-2E3 LmS in BSE-2E3
Cost for Alteration and Repair CP in BSE-2E LmS in BSE-2E LS in BSE-2E LS in BSE-2E
SDC D – F, Project Cost > 30% of Replacement LS in BSE-1N DC in BSE-1N IO in BSE-1N IO in BSE-1N
CP in BSE-2N3 LmS in BSE-2N3
Cost for Addition and Change of Occupancy CP in BSE-2N LmS in BSE-2N LS in BSE-2N LS in BSE-2N
d
SDC D – F, Project Cost > 30% of Replacement LS in BSE-1E DC in BSE-1E IO in BSE-1E IO in BSE-1E
CP in BSE-2E3 LmS in BSE-2E3
Cost for Alteration and Repair CP in BSE-2E LmS in BSE-2E LS in BSE-2E LS in BSE-2E
LS in BSE-1E DC in BSE-1E IO in BSE-1E IO in BSE-1E
e Repair of substantial structural damage CP in BSE-2E3 LmS in BSE-2E3
LS in BSE-2E
CP in BSE-2E LmS in BSE-2E LS in BSE-2E
LS in BSE-1E DC in BSE-1E IO in BSE-1E IO in BSE-1E
f Acquisition by purchase or donation CP in BSE-2E3 LmS in BSE-2E3
LS in BSE-2E
CP in BSE-2E LmS in BSE-2E LS in BSE-2E
LS in BSE-1E DC in BSE-1E IO in BSE-1E IO in BSE-1E
g Lease or lease renewal CP in BSE-2E3 LmS in BSE-2E3
LS in BSE-2E
CP in BSE-2E LmS in BSE-2E LS in BSE-2E
LS in BSE-1N DC in BSE-1N3 DC in BSE-1N IO in BSE-1N IO in BSE-1N
h Relocation CP in BSE-2N3
CP in BSE-2N LmS in BSE-2N3 LmS in BSE-2N LS in BSE-2N LS in BSE-2N
LS in BSE-1E DC in BSE-1E IO in BSE-1E
i Unacceptable risk exposure CP in BSE-1E CP in BSE-1E CP in BSE-1E
CP in BSE-2E LmS in BSE-2E LS in BSE-2E
LS in BSE-1E DC in BSE-1E IO in BSE-1E IO in BSE-1E
RP 10 Section 1.2.2 Items (Voluntary Evaluation Process) CP in BSE-2E3 LmS in BSE-2E3
LS in BSE-2E
CP in BSE-2E LmS in BSE-2E LS in BSE-2E

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1 CP = Collapse Prevention; LmS = Limited Safety; LS = Life Safety; DC = Damage Control; IO = Immediate Occupancy
2 See ASCE 41-17 for definitions of BSE-1E, BSE-2E, BSE-1N, and BSE-2N
3 At the AHJ’s discretion, Tier 3 evaluation at BSE-1 hazard level may also be required, for performance levels required for corresponding retrofit.
4For Risk Category III, Tier 1 screening or Tier 2 evaluation at the Limited Safety level are to use the Tier 1 checklists and Tier 2 procedures for Collapse
Prevention performance, but Ms-factors and other quantitative limits are to be taken as the average of Life Safety and Collapse Prevention values.
5 For Risk Category IV, Tier 1 screening or Tier 2 evaluation at the Life Safety level are to use the Tier 1 checklists and Tier 2 procedures for Collapse Preven-
tion performance, but Ms-factors and other quantitative limits are to be taken as Life Safety values.

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Table 4-1(b) Nonstructural Performance Objectives1,2,3

Risk Category I or II Risk Category III Risk Category IV
Trigger Trigger Description
Evaluation Retrofit Evaluation Retrofit Evaluation Retrofit
RP 10 Section 1.2.1 Items (Mandatory Evaluation Process)
PR in BSE-1N4 PR in BSE-1N4 PR in BSE-1N PR in BSE-1N OP in BSE-1N OP in BSE-1N
a Change of Occupancy or Use
HR in BSE-2N HR in BSE-2N HR in BSE-2N HR in BSE-2N HR in BSE-2N HR in BSE-2N
PR in BSE-1N4 PR in BSE-1N4 PR in BSE-1N PR in BSE-1N OP in BSE-1N OP in BSE-1N
Alteration (Addition)
HR in BSE-2N HR in BSE-2N HR in BSE-2N HR in BSE-2N HR in BSE-2N HR in BSE-2N
b
LS in BSE-1E LS in BSE-1E PR in BSE-1E PR in BSE-1E PR in BSE-1E PR in BSE-1E
Alteration (Alteration)
HR in BSE-2E HR in BSE-2E HR in BSE-2E HR in BSE-2E HR in BSE-2E HR in BSE-2E

SDC C, Project Cost > 50% of Replacement PR in BSE-1N4 PR in BSE-1N4 PR in BSE-1N PR in BSE-1N OP in BSE-1N OP in BSE-1N
Cost for Addition and Change of Occupancy HR in BSE-2N HR in BSE-2N HR in BSE-2N HR in BSE-2N HR in BSE-2N HR in BSE-2N
c
SDC C, Project Cost > 50% of Replacement LS in BSE-1E LS in BSE-1E PR in BSE-1E PR in BSE-1E PR in BSE-1E PR in BSE-1E
Cost for Alteration and Repair HR in BSE-2E HR in BSE-2E HR in BSE-2E HR in BSE-2E HR in BSE-2E HR in BSE-2E

SDC D – F, Project Cost > 30% of Replacement PR in BSE-1N4 PR in BSE-1N4 PR in BSE-1N PR in BSE-1N OP in BSE-1N OP in BSE-1N
Cost for Addition and Change of Occupancy HR in BSE-2N HR in BSE-2N HR in BSE-2N HR in BSE-2N HR in BSE-2N HR in BSE-2N
d
SDC D – F, Project Cost > 30% of Replacement LS in BSE-1E LS in BSE-1E PR in BSE-1E PR in BSE-1E PR in BSE-1E PR in BSE-1E
Cost for Alteration and Repair HR in BSE-2E HR in BSE-2E HR in BSE-2E HR in BSE-2E HR in BSE-2E HR in BSE-2E
LS in BSE-1E LS in BSE-1E PR in BSE-1E PR in BSE-1E PR in BSE-1E PR in BSE-1E
e Repair of substantial structural damage
HR in BSE-2E HR in BSE-2E HR in BSE-2E HR in BSE-2E HR in BSE-2E HR in BSE-2E
LS in BSE-1E LS in BSE-1E PR in BSE-1E PR in BSE-1E PR in BSE-1E PR in BSE-1E
f Acquisition by purchase or donation
HR in BSE-2E HR in BSE-2E HR in BSE-2E HR in BSE-2E HR in BSE-2E HR in BSE-2E
LS in BSE-1E LS in BSE-1E PR in BSE-1E PR in BSE-1E PR in BSE-1E PR in BSE-1E
g Lease or lease renewal
HR in BSE-2E HR in BSE-2E HR in BSE-2E HR in BSE-2E HR in BSE-2E HR in BSE-2E
PR in BSE-1N4 PR in BSE-1N4 PR in BSE-1N PR in BSE-1N OP in BSE-1N OP in BSE-1N
h Relocation
HR in BSE-2N HR in BSE-2N HR in BSE-2N HR in BSE-2N HR in BSE-2N HR in BSE-2N
i Unacceptable risk exposure Not required Not required Not required Not required Not required Not required
LS in BSE-1E LS in BSE-1E PR in BSE-1E PR in BSE-1E PR in BSE-1E PR in BSE-1E
RP 10 Section 1.2.2 Items (Voluntary Evaluation Process)
HR in BSE-2E HR in BSE-2E HR in BSE-2E HR in BSE-2E HR in BSE-2E HR in BSE-2E

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1 LS = Life Safety; PR = Position Retention; OP = Operational; HR = Hazard Reduced

2 See ASCE 41-17 for definitions of BSE-1E, BSE-2E, BSE-1N, and BSE-2N
3 If initial evaluation indicates that damage to nonstructural components would pose an unacceptable risk exposure to the occupants or to the agency’s mis-
sion, the agency may supplement the initial scope with evaluation considering the ‘LS’ performance level at the BSE-2E or BSE-2N seismic hazard level
4For buildings assigned to Risk Category I or II, a nonstructural component need only be evaluated for the ‘LS’ performance level if evaluation for the ‘PR’
performance level would, in the judgment of the federal agency, disproportionately affect project feasibility.

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4-2.3 Exemptions and Benchmark Buildings.

4-2.3.1 Exemptions.
Where applied to projects involving change of occupancy, exemptions in RP 10
Section 1.3 based on occupancy or use apply to the new or intended occupancy.

RP 10 Section 1.3, Item e [Replacement]. Risk Category I or II building

structures intended for incidental human occupancy not exceeding two persons
per 100 ft2 of space for a total of less than 2 hours a day.

4-2.3.2 Benchmark Buildings.

RP 10 Section 1.4 [Supplement]. Where the Benchmark Building provisions of
ASCE 41-17 apply, Table 4-2 of this chapter is to replace ASCE 41-17 Table 3-2,
Benchmark Building Codes and Standards for Life Safety Structural Performance
at BSE-1E and Table 3-3, Benchmark Building Codes and Standards for
Immediate Occupancy Structural Performance at BSE-1E.

4-3 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS.

4-3.1 Combined Projects.

Alteration work performed in conjunction with an addition project must comply

with the provisions for alteration projects. Repair work performed in conjunction
with an addition project must comply with the provisions for repair projects.

[C] 4-3.1 Combined Projects

In general, RP 10 makes provisions based on the intended project type. This
added section addresses cases where multiple project types, one of which is
an addition, are undertaken. The provision is primarily a pointer to the
requirements in this chapter.

4-3.2 Existing Structural Elements Carrying Lateral Load.

Where an addition is structurally independent of the existing structure, existing

seismic force-resisting structural elements are permitted to remain unaltered.
Where the addition is not structurally independent of the existing structure, the
existing structure and its addition acting together as a single structure must be
shown to meet the requirements of 2021 IBC Sections 1609 and 1613. For the
purposes of this section, compliance with ASCE 41, using a Tier 3 procedure and
the retrofit performance objective given in Table 4-1(a) of this chapter is to be
deemed to meet the requirements of Section 1613.

Exception: Any existing seismic force-resisting structural element whose

demand-capacity ratio with the addition considered is no more than 10 percent

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greater than its demand-capacity ratio with the addition ignored is permitted to
remain unaltered provided the addition neither creates new structural
irregularities, as defined in ASCE 7-16 Section 12.3.2, nor makes existing
structural irregularities more severe. For purposes of calculating demand-
capacity ratios, the demand must consider applicable load combinations that
include wind or earthquake load effects. For purposes of this exception,
comparisons of demand-capacity ratios and calculation of design lateral loads,
forces and capacities must account for the cumulative effects of additions and
alterations since original construction.

4-3.2.1 Alterations
If no alterations are made to an existing structure that receives a new structurally
independent addition, then seismic evaluation of the existing structure is not
required. If alterations are made to an existing structure that receives a new
structurally independent addition, the requirements of RP 10 must be met for the
existing structure.

4-3.2.2 Repairs
If no repairs are made to an existing structure that receives a new structurally
independent addition, then seismic evaluation of the existing structure is not
required. If repairs are made to an existing structure that receives a new
structurally independent addition, the requirements of RP 10 must be met for the
existing structure.

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Table 4-2 Replacement for ASCE/SEI 41-17 Tables 3-2 and 3-3 for Benchmark Buildings

Seismic Evaluation or Retrofit

Building Seismic Design Provisions Tri-Services Criteria8
Provisions
Building Type1,2,3 Evaluation
FEMA 310/ FEMA 356/ Original Design
FEMA or Retrofit
NBCLS SBCLS UBCLS IBCLS NEHRPLS ASCE ASCE
178LS
31LS4, IO5 41LS6, IO7 LS IO LS, IO
Wood Frame, Wood
Shear Panels (Types W1 1993 1994 1976 2000 1985 NBM 1998 2000 1982 1986 1999
& W2)

Wood Frame, Wood

Shear Panels (Type NBM NBM 1997 2000 1997 NBM 1998 2000 1998 1998 1999
W1A)

Steel Moment-Resisting
NBM NBM 19949 2000 1997 NBM 1998 2000 1998 1998 1999
Frame (Types S1 & S1A)

Steel Concentrically
Braced Frame (Types S2 NBM NBM 1997 2000 NBM NBM 1998 2000 1992 1992 1999
& S2A)

Steel Eccentrically
Braced Frame (Types S2 NBM NBM 19889 2000 1997 NBM NBM 2000 1992 1992 1999
& S2A)

Buckling-Restrained
Braced Frame (Types S2 NBM NBM NBM 2006 NBM NBM NBM 2000 1992 1992 1999
& S2A)

Metal Building Frames

NBM NBM NBM 2000 NBM 1992 1998 2000 199210 199810 1999
(Type S3)

Steel Frame w/Concrete

1993 1994 1994 2000 1985 NBM 1998 2000 1982 1986 1999
Shear Walls (Type S4)

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Seismic Evaluation or Retrofit

Building Seismic Design Provisions Tri-Services Criteria8
Provisions
Building Type1,2,3 Evaluation
FEMA 310/ FEMA 356/ Original Design
FEMA or Retrofit
NBCLS SBCLS UBCLS IBCLS NEHRPLS ASCE ASCE
178LS
31LS4, IO5 41LS6, IO7 LS IO LS, IO
Steel Frame with URM
NBM NBM NBM 2000 NBM NBM 1998 2000 NBM NP 1999
Infill (Types S5 & S5A)

Steel Plate Shear Wall

NBM NBM NBM 2006 NBM NBM NBM 2000 NBM NBM NBM
(Type S6)

Cold-Formed Steel Light-

Frame Construction – 200011
NBM NBM 199711 2000 199711 NBM NBM NBM NBM NBM
shear wall system (Type (LS only)
CFS1)

Cold-Formed Steel Light-

Frame Construction –
NBM NBM NBM 2003 2003 NBM NBM NBM NBM NBM NBM
Strap-Braced Wall Sys-
tem (Type CFS2)

Reinforced Concrete Mo-

ment-Resisting Frame 1993 1994 1994 2000 1997 NBM 1998 2000 1982 1986 1999
(Type C1)12

Reinforced Concrete
Shear Walls (Types C2 1993 1994 1994 2000 1985 NBM 1998 2000 1982 1986 1999
& C2A)

Concrete Frame with

URM Infill (Types C3 & NBM NBM NBM 2000 NBM NBM 1998 2000 NBM NP 1999
C3A)

Tilt-up Concrete (Types

NBM NBM 1997 2000 NBM NBM 1998 2000 1998 1998 1999
PC1 & PC1A)

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Seismic Evaluation or Retrofit

Building Seismic Design Provisions Tri-Services Criteria8
Provisions
Building Type1,2,3 Evaluation
FEMA 310/ FEMA 356/ Original Design
FEMA or Retrofit
NBCLS SBCLS UBCLS IBCLS NEHRPLS ASCE ASCE
178LS
31LS4, IO5 41LS6, IO7 LS IO LS, IO
Precast Concrete Frame
NBM NBM NBM 2000 NBM 1992 1998 2000 1998 1998 1999
(Types PC2 & PC2A)

Reinforced Masonry
Bearing Walls w/Flexi-
NBM NBM 1997 2000 NBM NBM 1998 2000 1998 1998 1999
ble Diaphragms (Type
RM1)

Reinforced Masonry
Bearing Walls w/Stiff
1993 1994 1994 2000 1985 NBM 1998 2000 1982 1986 1999
Diaphragms (Type
RM2)

Unreinforced Masonry
Bearing Walls w/Flexi- 1999
NBM NBM 1991 2000 NBM NBM 1998NBM 2000 NBM NP
ble Diaphragms (Type (LS only)
URM)

Unreinforced Masonry
Bearing Walls w/Stiff
NBM NBM NBM 2000 NBM NBM 1998 2000 NBM NP 1999
Diaphragms (Type
URMA)

Seismic Isolation or
NBM NBM 1991 2000 NBM NBM NBM 2000 NBM NBM NBM
Passive Dissipation

Load-Bearing Cold-
Formed Steel Framing
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 2000 199813 199813 1999
(Not listed in ASCE/SEI
41-17)

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LSOnly buildings designed and constructed or evaluated in accordance with these documents and being evaluated to the Life-Safety Performance Level may be
considered Benchmark Buildings.
Buildings designed and constructed or evaluated in accordance with these documents and being evaluated to the Immediate Occupancy Performance Level
IO

may be considered Benchmark Buildings.

NBM - No benchmark year; buildings need to be evaluated.
NP – Not Permitted. Tri-Services guidance does not permit the use of URM.
1 Building Type refers to one of the Common Building Types defined in ASCE 41-17 Table 3-1.
2 Buildings on hillside sites must not be considered Benchmark Buildings.
3 For buildings in areas of Very Low Seismicity, the benchmark provisions are to be limited to the IBC, FEMA 310/ASCE 31, and FEMA 356/ASCE 41.
4 Life Safety Structural Performance Level for the seismic hazard as defined by those provisions.
5 Immediate Occupancy Structural Performance Level for the seismic hazard as defined by those provisions.
6 Life Safety Structural Performance Level for BSE-1 seismic hazard as defined by those provisions.
7 Immediate Occupancy Structural Performance Level for BSE-1 seismic hazard as defined by those provisions.
8
The Tri-Services Criteria Benchmark Year provisions apply only to the structural aspects of the evaluation; older retrofits designed using Tri-Services
Criteria need to be evaluated for compliance with the new standards. Nonstructural and foundation elements are required to have a minimum Tier 1
evaluation, in accordance with ASCE 41-17, except under the following circumstances:
a. The building was designed and constructed in accordance with TI 809-04 or later Tri-Services criteria; or,
b. The building was evaluated in accordance with TI 809-05 or later Tri-Services criteria, and the building evaluation and rehabilitation included
structural, nonstructural, geotechnical, and foundation measures.
49 Steel moment-resisting frames and eccentrically braced frames with links adjacent to columns must comply with the 1994 UBC Emergency Provisions, pub-
lished September/October 1994, or subsequent requirements.
10
Pre-engineered metal buildings designed in accordance with 1992 criteria using ASCE 7 loading may be considered as Benchmark Buildings for Life
Safety Performance Objective, only if all other applicable restrictions are met. Pre-engineered metal buildings designed in accordance with 1998 crite-
ria, including TI 809-30, Metal Building Systems, may be considered as Benchmark Buildings for both the Life Safety and Immediate Occupancy Perfor-
mance Objectives, only if all other applicable restrictions are met.
11 Cold-formed steel shear walls with wood structural panels only.

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12 Flat slab concrete moment frames must not be considered Benchmark Buildings.
13
This benchmark year is based in the initial publication of TI 809-07, Design of Cold-Formed Load-Bearing Steel System and Masonry Veneer Steel
Stud Walls, 1998.
NBC – Building Code Officials and Code Administrators International (BOCA), National Building Code, 1993.
SBC – Southern Building Code Congress International (SBCC), Standard Building Code, 1994.
UBC – International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO), Uniform Building Code, year as shown in table.
GSREB – ICBO, Guidelines for Seismic Retrofit of Existing Buildings, 2001.
IBC – International Code Council, International Building Code, 2000.
NEHRP – Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), NEHRP Recommended Provisions for the Development of Seismic Regulations for New Buildings.
Years shown in table refer to editions of document.
FEMA 178 – FEMA, NEHRP Handbook for the Seismic Evaluation of Existing Buildings, 1992.
FEMA 310 – FEMA, Handbook for the Seismic Evaluation of Buildings – A Prestandard, 1998. FEMA 310 was superseded by ASCE 31-03, which in turn has
been superseded by ASCE 41-13 and ASCE 41-17.
FEMA 356 - FEMA, Prestandard and Commentary for the Seismic Rehabilitation of Existing Buildings - FEMA 356 was superseded by ASCE 41-06, which in
turn has been superseded by ASCE 41-13 and ASCE 41-17.
ASCE 31 – ASCE, Seismic Evaluation of Existing Buildings, 2003
ASCE 41 – ASCE, Seismic Rehabilitation of Existing Buildings, 2006

Tri-Services Criteria:
1982 – TM 5-809-10; NAVFAC P-355; AFM 88-3, Ch 13, Seismic Design for Buildings, 1982.
1986 – TM 5-809-10-1; NAVFAC P-355.1; AFM 88-3, Ch 13, Sec A, Seismic Design Guidelines for Essential Buildings, 1986.
1988 – TM 5-809-10-2; NAVFAC P-355.2; AFM 88-3, Ch 13, Sec B, Seismic Design Guidelines for Upgrading Existing Buildings, 1988.
1992 – TM 5-809-10; NAVFAC P-355; AFM 88-3, Ch 13, Seismic Design for Buildings, 1992.

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4-4 MODIFICATIONS TO IEBC.

4-4.1 IEBC Part 1 – scope and application.

101.2 – Scope [Supplement]

ASCE 7-16 Chapter 6, Tsunami Loads and Effects, does not apply to Repairs,
Alterations, and Changes of Occupancy of Existing Buildings and Other
Structures as defined by the 2021 International Existing Building Code (IEBC).

[C] 101.2 - Scope [Supplement]

The IEBC does not currently incorporate Tsunami requirements. Accordingly,
this supplement is provided as clarification. This may change with future
editions of the IEBC.

4-4.2 IEBC Chapter 5 – prescriptive compliance method.

503.12 – Roof Diaphragms Resisting Wind Loads in High-wind Regions

[Replacement]

When a building alteration or repair is performed where the basic design wind
speed for RC II structures is greater than 130 mph (58 m/s) or where it is a
special wind region in accordance with this UFC, roof diaphragms, diaphragm
connections to roof framing members, and diaphragm-to-wall connections must
be evaluated for wind loads specified in this UFC, provided at least one of the
following conditions occurs and this provision has not been invoked in the
previous 25 years:

1. The cost of the alteration or repair exceeds 50% of replacement value for
the building.

2. Reroofing a risk category III or IV building that involves removal of more

than 50 percent of roofing material.

If the diaphragm and/or diaphragm connections are found incapable of resisting

75 percent of the current UFC design wind loads, they must be replaced or
strengthened in accordance with current design wind loads specified in this UFC.

Exception: The following building types are exempt from this requirement:

• Reinforced concrete buildings with concrete diaphragms

• Reinforced concrete masonry unit buildings with concrete diaphragms.

• Detached one- and two-family dwellings

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• Multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) with less than eight attached

dwelling units not more than three stories above grade.

• Risk Category I buildings

[C] 503.12 – Roof Diaphragms Resisting Wind Loads in High-wind

Regions [Replacement]
High-Wind region is defined in the 2021 IEBC as areas where the design wind
speed equals or exceeds 130 mph (58 m/s).

4-4.3 IEBC Chapter 7 – alterations - level one.

706.3.2 - Roof Diaphragms Resisting Wind Loads in High-wind Regions

[Replacement]

Apply section 503.12 of this UFC.

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CHAPTER 5 NONBUILDING STRUCTURES

5-1 HIGHWAY BRIDGE DESIGN.

Design of highway bridges is required to be in accordance with AASHTO LRFD Bridge

Design Specifications. Design examples are available in the PCI Bridge Design Manual
and the following links

• LRFD Design Examples (https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/bridge/lrfd/exam-

ples.cfm)
• Reference Manual (https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/bridge/pubs/nhi15047.pdf)

5-2 RAILROAD BRIDGE DESIGN.

Design of railroad bridges is required to be in accordance with the AREMA Manual for
Railway Engineering.

5-3 TANKS FOR LIQUID STORAGE.

Design of tanks for liquid storage is required to be in accordance with NFPA 22, AWWA
D100, AWWA D103, AWWA D107, AWWA D115, AWWA D110 and AWWA D120 as
applicable.

5-4 TANKS FOR PETROLEUM STORAGE.

Design of tanks for petroleum storage is required to be in accordance with UFC 3-460-
01.

5-5 ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING CONCRETE STRUCTURES.

Design of environmental engineering concrete structures is required to be in

accordance with ACI 350.

5-6 PRESTRESSED CONCRETE TANKS.

Design of prestressed concrete tanks is required to be in accordance with ACI 372R.

5-7 WATER TREATMENT FACILITIES.

Design of water treatment facilities is required to be in accordance with the Water

Environment Federation (WEF) Manual of Practice (MOP) 8.

5-8 TRANSMISSION TOWERS AND POLES.

Design of transmission towers is required to be in accordance with ASCE 10. Design of

transmission poles is required to be in accordance with IEEE Standards Association’s
National Electric Safety Code.

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5-9 ANTENNA TOWERS.

Design of antenna towers is required to be in accordance with ANSI/TIA-222-H.

5-10 PEDESTRIAN BRIDGES.

Design of pedestrian bridges is required to be in accordance with the AASHTO LRFD

Guide Specifications for Design of Pedestrian Bridges.

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CHAPTER 6 MODIFICATIONS TO THE IBC FOR CRITICAL HEALTHCARE

FACILITIES

6-1 IBC CHAPTER 1 – SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION.

6-1.1 Section 101 – GENERAL.

101.2 – Scope. [Supplement]

For the seismic design of the facilities listed below assigned to SDC D, E, or F,
the modifications to 2021 IBC Chapters 16, 18, 19, 21, and 22 included in this
chapter apply in addition to those in Chapter 2 of this UFC. Where the provisions
of this chapter and those in the 2021 IBC or in Chapter 2 of this UFC are in
conflict, the provisions of this chapter govern.

• Group I-2, Condition 2 occupancies, as defined in 2021 IBC Section

308.3, having emergency surgery or emergency treatment facilities.

• Ambulatory care facilities having emergency surgery or emergency

treatment facilities.

6-2 IBC CHAPTER 16 – STRUCTURAL DESIGN.

6-2.1 Section 1603 – CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS.

1603.1.5 – Earthquake Design Data. [Supplement]

Add the following three items to the list:

12. Applicable horizontal structural irregularities.

13. Applicable vertical structural irregularities.
14. Location of base as defined in ASCE 7-16 Section 11.2.

6-3 IBC CHAPTER 18 – SOILS AND FOUNDATIONS.

6-3.1 Section 1807 – FOUNDATION WALLS, RETAINING WALLS AND

EMBEDDED POSTS AND POLES.

1807.1.1 – Design Lateral Soil Loads. [Replacement]

Foundation walls must be designed for the lateral soil loads determined by a
geotechnical investigation, in accordance with Section 1803.

1807.1.3 – Rubble Stone Foundation Walls. [Replacement]

Rubble stone foundation walls are not permitted.

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1807.1.4 – Permanent Wood Foundation Systems. [Replacement]

Permanent wood foundation systems are not permitted.

1807.2.2 – Design Lateral Soil Loads [Replacement]

Retaining walls shall be designed for the lateral soil loads determined by a
geotechnical investigation in accordance with Section 1803 and shall not be less
than eighty percent of the lateral soil loads determined in accordance with
Section 1610. For use with the load combinations, lateral soil loads due to gravity
loads surcharge shall be considered gravity loads and seismic earth pressure
increases due to earthquake shall be considered as seismic loads. For structures
assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or F, the design of retaining walls
supporting more than 6 feet (1829 mm) of backfill height shall incorporate the
additional seismic lateral earth pressure in accordance with the geotechnical
investigation where required in Section 1803.2.

6-4 IBC CHAPTER 19 – CONCRETE.

6-4.1 Section 1901 – GENERAL.

1901.5 – Construction Documents [Supplement]

Add the following item to the list:

12. Openings larger than 12 inches (305 mm) in any dimension must be
detailed on the structural drawings.

6-4.2 Section 1903 – SPECIFICATIONS FOR TESTS AND MATERIALS.

1903.4 – Flat Wall Insulating Concrete Form (ICF) Systems. [Replacement]

Insulating concrete form material used for forming flat concrete walls shall not be
permitted for hospitals or correctional treatment centers; they shall conform to
ASTM E2634 for skilled nursing and intermediate care facilities and clinics.

1903.5 – Aggregates – Modify ACI 318 Section 26.4.1.2.1(a).(1) as follows:

[Addition]

(1) Normal weight aggregate: Aggregate shall be nonreactive as determined by

one of the methods in ASTM C33 Appendix XI: Methods for Evaluating Potential
for Deleterious Expansion Due to Alkali Reactivity of an Aggregate. Aggregates
deemed to be deleterious or potentially deleterious may be used with the addition
of a material that has been shown to prevent harmful expansion in accordance
with Appendix XI of ASTM C33, when approved by the Authority Having
Jurisdiction.

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1903.6 – Limits on Cementitious Materials. [Addition]

For hospitals and correctional treatment centers, modify ACI 318 Section
26.4.2.2(b) as follows:

The maximum percentage of pozzolans, including fly ash and silica fume, and
slag cement in concrete assigned to all exposure categories shall be in
accordance with Table 26.4.2.2(b) and Section 26.4.2.2(b) Items (1) and (2).

Where pozzolans are used as cementitious materials, duration for minimum

specified compressive strength of concrete (𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐′ ) that exceeds 28 days shall be
considered an alternative system.

1903.7 – Steel Fiber Reinforcement [Addition]

Steel fiber reinforcement is not permitted.

6-4.3 Section 1905 – MODIFICATIONS TO ACI 318.

1905.1.3 – ACI 318, Section 9.6.1.3. [Modification]

Modify ACI 318, Section 9.6.1.3 by adding the following:

This section shall not be used for members that resist seismic loads, except for
the following condition:

Foundation members designed for seismic load combinations including the

overstrength factor in hospitals and correctional treatment centers.

The 𝐴𝐴𝑠𝑠 provided shall not be less than that required by 1.2 times the cracking
load based upon 𝑓𝑓𝑟𝑟 defined in Section 19.2.3.

1905.1.4 – ACI 318, Section 11.2.4.1. [Replacement]

Replace ACI 318, Section 11.2.4.1 as follows:

11.2.4.1 – Walls shall be anchored to intersecting elements such as floors or

roofs; or to columns, pilasters, buttresses, of intersecting walls and footings with
reinforcement at least equivalent to No. 4 bars at 12 inches (305 mm) on center
for each layer of reinforcement.

1905.1.9 – ACI 318, Section 12.7.3 [Addition]

Add Section 12.7.3.4 to ACl 318 as follows:

12.7.3.4 - At least two No. 5 bars in diaphragms having two layers of

reinforcement in both directions and one No. 5 bar in diaphragms having a single
layer of reinforcement in both directions must be provided around openings
larger than 12 inches in any dimension in addition to the minimum reinforcement
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required by Section 12.6. Extend bars beyond the opening sufficient to develop
their capacity.

1905.1.10 – ACI 318, Section 18.12.6 [Addition]

Add Section 18.12.6.2 to ACl 318 as follows:

18.12.6.2 – Collector and boundary elements in topping slabs placed over

precast floor and roof elements shall not be less than 3 inches (76 mm) or 6db
thick, where db is the diameter of the largest reinforcement in the topping slab.

1905.1.11 – ACI 318, Section 26.12.2.1(a). [Replacement]

Replace ACI 318 Section 26.12.2.1(a) by the following:

26.12.2.1(a) Samples for strength tests of each class of concrete placed each
day shall be taken not less than once a day, or not less than once for each 50
cubic yards (345 m3) of concrete, or not less than once for each 2,000 square
feet (186 m2) of surface area for slabs or walls. Additional samples for 7-day
compressive strength tests shall be taken for each class of concrete at the
beginning of the concrete work or whenever the mix or aggregate is changed.

6-5 IBC CHAPTER 21 – MASONRY.

6-5.1 Section 2101 – GENERAL.

2101.1.1 – Prohibition [Addition]

The following design methods, systems, and materials in TMS 402-16 are not
permitted:

1 Unreinforced masonry
2 Autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) masonry
3 Empirical design of masonry
4 Adobe construction
5 Ordinary reinforced masonry shear walls
6 Intermediate reinforced masonry shear walls
7 Prestressed masonry shear walls
8 Simplified Direct Design procedure for masonry
6-5.2 Section 2106 – SEISMIC DESIGN.

2106.1.1 – TMS 402-16, Sections 5.3.1.4(a) and 5.3.1.4(b) [Addition]

Replace TMS 402-16, Sections 5.3.1.4(a) and 5.3.1.4(b) as follows:

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a. Ties must be at least 3/8 inch (10 mm) in diameter and must be embedded in
grout. Top tie must be within 2 inches (51 mm) of the top of the column or of the
bottom of the horizontal bar in the supported beam.

b. The spacing of column ties must be as follows: not greater than 8 bar
diameters, 24 tie diameters, or one half the least dimension of the column, or 8
inches (203 mm) for the full column height.

2106.1.2 – TMS 402-16, Chapter 5 [Addition]

Add TMS 402-16, Section 5.6 as follows:

5.6 – Lateral Support of Members

5.6.1 – Lateral support of masonry may be provided by cross walls, columns,

plasters, counterforts or buttresses where spanning horizontally, or by floors,
beams, girts or roofs where spanning vertically. Where walls are supported
laterally by vertical elements, the stiffness of each vertical element shall exceed
that of the tributary area of the wall.

2106.1.3 – TMS 402-16, Sections 7.4.4.1 and 7.4.5.1. [Addition]

Replace TMS 402-16, Section 7.4.4.1 as follows and delete Section 7.4.5.1:

7.4.4.1 – Minimum Reinforcement Requirements for Masonry Walls.

The total area of reinforcement in reinforced masonry walls must not be less than
0.003 times the sectional area of the wall. Neither the horizontal nor the vertical
reinforcement is permitted to be less than one third of the total. Horizontal and
vertical reinforcement must be spaced at not more than 24 inches (610 mm)
center to center. Where stack bond is used in reinforced hollow-unit masonry, the
open-end type of unit shall be used with vertical reinforcement spaced a
maximum of 16 inches (406 mm) on center.

7.4.4.1.1 The smallest bar diameter permitted is No. 4, except that No. 3 bars
may be used for ties and stirrups. Vertical wall reinforcement needs to have
dowels of equal size and equal matched spacing in all footings. Reinforcement
must be continuous around wall corners and through intersections. Only
reinforcement that is continuous in the wall is permitted in computing the
minimum area of reinforcement. Reinforcement with splices conforming to TMS
402-16 can be considered as continuous reinforcement.

7.4.4.1.2 Horizontal reinforcing bars in bond beams must be provided at the top
of footings, at the top of wall openings, at roof and floor levels, and at the top of
parapet walls. For walls 12 inches (nominal) (305 mm) or more in thickness,
horizontal and vertical reinforcement must be equally divided into two layers,
except where designed as retaining walls. Where reinforcement is added above

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the minimum requirements, such additional reinforcement need not be so

divided.

7.4.4.1.3 Provide trim bars around openings in reinforced masonry walls of not
less than one number 5 bar (or two number 4 bars) for all openings greater than
24 inches (406mm) in any direction. Extend said trim bars 24 inches or 48 bar
diameters beyond the corners of the opening, whichever is greater. Trim bars
noted in this requirement are in addition to minimum reinforcement elsewhere.

7.4.4.1.4 When reinforcement in bearing walls is designed, placed, and anchored

in position as for columns, the allowable stresses must be as for columns.

7.4.4.1.5 Joint reinforcement is not permitted to be used as principal

reinforcement in masonry.

6-5.3 Section 2107 - ALLOWABLE STRESS DESIGN.

2107.4 – TMS 402-16, Section 8.3.4.4 Walls [Addition]

Modify TMS 402-16, Section 8.3.4.4 as follows by adding:

8.3.4.4.1 The minimum thickness of walls is given in this section. Stresses must
be determined on the basis of the net thickness of the masonry, with
consideration for reduction, such as raked joints.

8.3.4.4.2 The thickness of masonry walls must be designed so that allowable

maximum stresses specified in Chapter 8 of TMS 402-16 are not exceeded. Also,
masonry walls are not permitted to exceed the height or length-to-thickness ratio
nor be less than the minimum thickness as specified in Chapter 8 of TMS 402-16
and as set forth in Table 6-1.

8.3.4.4.3 Every pier or wall section with a width less than three times its
thickness shall be designed and constructed as required for columns if such pier
is a structural member. Every pier or wall section with a width between three and
five times its thickness or less than one half the height of adjacent openings shall
have all horizontal steel in the form of ties except that in walls 12 inches (305
mm) or less in thickness such steel may be in the form of hairpins.

2107.5 – Masonry Compressive Strength [Addition]

The specified compressive strength of structural masonry must be equal to or

exceed 1,500 psi (10.34 MPa). The value of specified compressive strength used
to determine nominal strength value in Chapter 8 of TMS 402-16 must not
exceed 3,000 psi (20.7 MPa) for concrete masonry and must not exceed 4,500
psi (31.03 MPa) for clay masonry.

6-5.4 Section 2108 – STRENGTH DESIGN OF MASONRY.

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2108.4 – TMS 402, Section 9.1.9.1.1.[Modification]

Modify TMS 402, Section 9.1.9.1.1 as follows:

9.1.9.1.1 – Masonry Compressive Strength. The specified compressive

strength of structural masonry must be equal to or exceed 1,500 psi (10.34 MPa).
The value of specified compressive strength used to determine nominal strength
value in chapter 9 of TMS 402-16 must not exceed 3,000 psi (20.7 MPa) for
concrete masonry and must not exceed 4,500 psi (31.03 MPa) for clay masonry.

6-6 IBC CHAPTER 22 – STEEL.

6-6.1 Section 2204 – CONNECTIONS.

2204.1.1 – Restrained Welded Connections. [Addition]

In hospitals and correctional treatment centers, welded structural steel

connections having a medium or high level of restraint, as defined by AWS D1.1
Annex H, shall have a minimum pre-heat temperature of not less than 150° F
(66° C). Welded structural steel connections with welds to flange, web, wall or
plate having a high level of restraint shall maintain a post-heat temperature of
300° F (149° C) for a minimum of 1 hour after completion of welding

2204.4 – Column Base Plate. [Addition]

When shear and/or tensile forces are intended to be transferred between column
base plates and anchor bolts, provisions shall be made in the design to eliminate
the effects of oversized holes permitted in base plates by AISC 360 by use of
shear lugs into the reinforced concrete foundation element and/or welded shear
transfer plates or other means acceptable to the Authority Having Jurisdiction,
when the oversized holes are larger than the anchor bolt by more than 1/8 inch
(3.2 mm). When welded shear transfer plates and shear lugs or other means
acceptable to the Authority Having Jurisdiction are not used, the anchor bolts
shall be checked for the induced bending stresses in combination with the shear
stresses.

6-6.2 Section 2207 – STEEL JOISTS.

2207.6 – Joist Chord Bracing. [Addition]

The chords of all joists shall be laterally supported at all points where the chords
change direction.

6-6.3 Section 2210 – COLD-FORMED STEEL.

2210.1.1.2 – Steel Roof Deck [Supplement]

Add the following to the end of the paragraph:

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In hospitals and correctional treatment centers, steel roof deck is not permitted to
be thinner than 20-gauge.

6-6.4 Section 2211 – COLD-FORMED STEEL LIGHT-FRAMED CONSTRUCTION.

2211.1.2 – Prescriptive Framing [Replacement]

Prescriptive framing systems are not permitted within the seismic force-resisting
system of a building.

Table 6-1 Minimum Thickness of Masonry Walls1,2

Maximum Ratio of
Nominal Minimum
Unsupported
Type of Masonry Thickness
Height or Length
(Inches)
to Thickness2,3
Bearing or Shear Walls:
1. Stone masonry 14 16
2. Reinforced grouted masonry 25 6
3. Reinforced hollow unit masonry 25 6
Nonbearing Walls:
4. Exterior reinforced walls 30 6
5. Interior reinforced partitions 36 4
1. For varying thickness, use the least thickness when determining the height or length to thickness
ratio.
2. In determining the height or length-to-thickness ratio of a cantilevered wall, use a dimension that is
twice the dimension of the end of the wall from the lateral support.
3. Cantilevered walls not part of a building and not carrying applied vertical loads need not meet
these minimum requirements but their design must comply with stress and overturning require-
ments.

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CHAPTER 7 MODIFICATIONS TO ASCE 7-16 FOR CRITICAL HEALTHCARE

FACILITIES

7-1 ASCE 7-16 CHAPTER 11 – SEISMIC DESIGN CRITERIA.

7-1.1 Section 11.1 – GENERAL.

11.1.2 – Scope [Supplement]

For the facilities listed below and assigned to SDC D, E, or F, the modifications to
ASCE 7-16 included in this chapter apply in addition to those in Chapter 3 of this
UFC. Where the provisions of this chapter and those in ASCE 7-16 or in Chapter
3 of this UFC are in conflict, the provisions of this chapter govern.

• Group I-2, Condition 2 occupancies, as defined in 2021 IBC Section 308.3,

having emergency surgery or emergency treatment facilities.
• Ambulatory care facilities having emergency surgery or emergency
treatment facilities.

7-2 ASCE 7-16 CHAPTER 12 – SEISMIC DESIGN REQUIREMENTS FOR

BUILDING STRUCTURES.

7-2.1 Section 12.1 – STRUCTURAL DESIGN BASIS.

12.1.7 – Structural Configuration. [Addition]

The following configuration limitations apply to structures within the scope of this
chapter.

1. Bay spacing must be essentially equal and uniform throughout.

2. Transfer beams or trusses supporting upper-level columns are not to be

used unless permitted on a case by case basis by the AHJ.

3. Seismic joints must be avoided, if at all possible. When required, they

need to be specifically identified in the schematic design phase of the
project and approved by the AHJ, subject to the following provisions:

a. Seismic joints must be properly detailed on the working drawings;

b. Seismic joints must be sized based on the maximum expected
displacements, considering the effects of story drift, diaphragm
displacements and rotations, and a realistic approximation of element
section properties. For materials designed considering the ultimate
limit state, such as concrete, the stiffness representative of this state
must be used. Seismic separations must be at least 125% of the
separation required by ASCE 7-16.

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4. Adjacent structures that are not integral with an existing structure must be
separated by not less than 2 inches per story.

12.1.8 – Limitations on Seismic Force-Resisting Reinforced Concrete

Structural Members. [Addition]

Lightweight concrete is not permitted to be used in structural members resisting

seismic forces, except in concrete floors and roof slabs used as diaphragm
elements to distribute earthquake forces to vertical seismic force-resisting
elements.

12.1.9 – Limitations on Seismic Force-Resisting Steel Structural Members.

[Addition]

Steel eccentrically braced systems must be subject to the additional limitation

that connections of nonstructural components are not to be located in the vicinity
of EBF link beams. Such connections include, but are not limited to, precast
panel connections, elevator guide rail supports, staircase supports, pipe
supports, etc.

7-2.2 Section 12.2 – STRUCTURAL SYSTEM SELECTION.

12.2.1 – Selection and Limitations. [Supplement]

Table 7-1, Replacement for ASCE 7-16 Table 12.2-1, must be used in lieu of
ASCE 7-16 Table 12.2-1. Only the structural systems included in Table 7-1 are
permitted to be used in structures within the scope of this chapter.

Unless specifically prohibited in Chapter 6 of this UFC, other structural systems

that are permitted by ASCE 7-16 for SDC D, E or F, including those employing
seismic isolation and seismic damping systems are permitted subject to written
approval by the AHJ. Proposals to obtain written approval for other structural
systems must demonstrate the equivalent performance of those systems, relative
to the permitted systems, considering (a) initial construction and maintenance
costs, (b) requirements for bracing nonstructural components and building
contents, (c) risk of economic losses and disruption to hospital functions due to
earthquakes and (d) other demonstrable benefits.

12.2.3.1 – R, Cd , and Ωo Values for Vertical Combinations. [Replacement]

Replace ASCE 7, Section 12.2.3.1, Items 1 and 2, by the following:

The value of the response modification coefficient, R, used for design at any
story shall not exceed the lowest value of R that is used in the same direction at
any story above that story. Likewise, the deflection amplification factor, Cd , and
the system over strength factor, Ωo , used for the design at any story shall not be
less than the largest value of these factors that are used in the same direction at
any story above that story.
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12.2.3.2 – Two-Stage Analysis Procedure. [Supplement]

Modify Item a, and add Items f, and g, as follows:

a. The stiffness of the lower portion shall be at least 10 times the stiffness of
the upper portion. For purposes of determining this ratio, the base shear
shall be computed and distributed vertically according to ASCE 7-16
Section 12.8. Using these forces, the stiffness for each portion shall be
computed as the ratio of the base shear for that portion to the elastic
displacement, δxe , computed at the top of that portion, considering the
portion fixed at its base. For the lower portion, the applied forces shall
include the reactions from the upper portion, modified as required in Item
d

f. Where Horizontal Irregularity Type 4 or Vertical Irregularity Type 4 exists

at the transition from the upper to the lower portion, the reactions from the
upper portion shall be amplified in accordance with ASCE 7-16 Sections
12.3.3.3, 12.10.1.1 and 12.10.3.3 as applicable, in addition to amplification
required by Item d.

g. Where design elements of the upper portion is governed by the seismic

load effects with overstrength, as defined in ASCE 7-16 Section 12.4.3,
the amplified loads must be considered in the design of the lower portion.

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Table 7-1 Replacement for ASCE 7-16 Table 12.2-1

Design Coefficients and Factors for Basic Seismic Force-Resisting Systems

RESPONSE DEFLECTION
STRUCTURAL SYSTEM LIMITATIONS INCLUDING
MODIFICA- AMPLIFICA-
SYSTEM OVER- STRUCTURAL HEIGHT, hn, (FEET) LIMITS BY
BASIC SEISMIC FORCE-RESISTING DETAILING REFER- TION COEFFI- TION
STRENGTH SEISMIC DESIGN CATEGORYd
SYSTEM ENCE SECTION CIENT FACTOR, Cdc
FACTOR, Ω0b
Ra B C De Ee Ff

B. Building Frame Systems

1. Steel eccentrically braced frames (F3)r 8 2 4 NL NL 160 160 100

2. Steel special concentrically braced
(F2)r 6 2 5 NL NL 160 160 100
frames
4. Special reinforced concrete shear
(18.2.1.6)s 6 2-1/2 5 NL NL 160 160 100
wallsg,h
16. Special reinforced masonry shear
(7.3.2.6)t 5-1/2 2-1/2 4 NL NL 160 160 100
walls
22. Light-frame (wood) walls sheathed
with wood structural panels rated (2301-2307)u 7 2-1/2 4-1/2 NLv NLv 65v 65v 65v
for shear resistance
23. Light-frame (cold-formed steel)
walls sheathed with wood struc-
(2211, 2301-2307)u 7 2-1/2 4-1/2 NLv NLv 65v 65v 65v
tural panels rated for shear re-
sistance or with steel sheets
25. Steel buckling-restrained braced
(F4)r 8 2-1/2 5 NL NL 160 160 100
frames

C. Moment-Resisting Frame Systems

1. Steel special moment frames (E3)r 8 3 5-1/2 NL NL NL NL NL

5. Special reinforced concrete mo-
(18.2.1.6)s 8 3 5-1/2 NL NL NL NL NL
ment framesm

D. Dual Systems with Special Moment Frames Capable of Resisting at Least 25% of Prescribed Seismic Forces [ASCE 7-16 12.2.5.1]

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1. Steel eccentrically braced frames (F3)r 8 2-1/2 4 NL NL NL NL NL

Table 7-1 (Continued) Replacement for ASCE 7-16 Table 12.2-1

Design Coefficients and Factors for Basic Seismic Force-Resisting Systems
RESPONSE DEFLECTION STRUCTURAL SYSTEM LIMITATIONS INCLUDING
MODIFICATION SYSTEM OVER- AMPLIFICATION STRUCTURAL HEIGHT, hn, (FEET) LIMITS BY SEIS-
BASIC SEISMIC FORCE-RESISTING DETAILING REFER-
COEFFICIENT STRENGTH FAC- FACTOR, Cdc MIC DESIGN CATEGORYd
SYSTEM ENCE SECTION
TOR, Ω0b
Ra B C De Ee Ff
2. Steel special concentrically braced
(F2)r 7 2-1/2 5-1/2 NL NL NL NL NL
frames
3. Special reinforced concrete shear
(18.2.1.6)s 7 2-1/2 5-1/2 NL NL NL NL NL
wallsg,h
10. Special reinforced masonry shear
(7.3.2.6)t 5-1/2 3 5 NL NL NL NL NL
walls
12. Steel buckling-restrained braced
(F4)r 8 2-1/2 5 NL NL NL NL NL
frames
FOR SI: 1 foot (ft) = 304.8 mm, 1 pound per square foot (psf) = 0.0479 kN/m2
a. Response modification coefficient, R, for use throughout. Note R reduces forces to a strength level, not an allowable stress level.
b. Where the tabulated value of the overstrength factor, Ω0, is greater than or equal to 2½, Ω0 is permitted to be reduced by subtracting the value of ½ for struc-
tures with flexible diaphragms.
c. Deflection amplification factor, Cd, for use in ASCE 7 Sections 12.8.6, 12.8.7, 12.9.1.2, 12.12.3, and 12.12.4.
d. NL= Not limited and NP = Not permitted. For metric units, use 30 m for 100 ft and 50 m for 160 ft.
e. See ASCE 7-16 Section 12.2.5.4 for a description of seismic force-resisting systems limited to buildings with a structural height, hn, of 240 feet (75 m) or less.
f. See ASCE 7-16 Section 12.2.5.4 for seismic force-resisting systems limited to buildings with a structural height, hn, of 160 feet (50 m) or less.
g. In Section 2.3 of ACI 318, a shear wall is defined as a structural wall.
h. In Section 2.3 of ACI 318, the definition of “special structural wall” includes precast and cast-in-place construction.
m. In Section 2.3 of ACI 318, the definition of “special moment frame” includes precast and cast-in-place construction.
r. ANSI/AISC 341-16 section number.
s. ACI 318-19, Section 18.2.1.6 cites appropriate sections in ACI 318-19.
t. TMS 402-16 section number.
u. 2021 IBC section numbers.
v. Permitted only for structures up to two-stories

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7-2.3 Section 12.3 – DIAPHRAGM FLEXIBILITY, CONFIGURATION

IRREGULARITIES, AND REDUNDANCY.

12.3.3.1 – Prohibited Horizontal and Vertical Irregularities for Seismic

Design Categories D through F. [Replacement]

Structures having horizontal structural irregularity Type 1b of ASCE 7-16 Table

12.3-1 or vertical structural irregularities Type 1b, 5a or 5b of ASCE 7-16 Table
12.3-2 are not permitted.

7-2.4 Section 12.7 – MODELING CRITERIA.

12.7.2 – Effective Seismic Weight [Addition]

Add Item 6 to read as follows:

6. Where buildings provide lateral support for walls retaining earth, and the
exterior grades on opposite sides of the building differ by more than 6 feet (1829
mm), the seismic increment of earth pressure due to earthquake acting on the
higher side, as determined by a geotechnical engineer qualified in soils
engineering plus the difference in earth pressures shall be added to the lateral
forces provided in this section.

7-2.5 Section 12.12 – DRIFT AND DEFORMATION.

12.12.3 – Structural Separation. [Replacement]

Replace ASCE 7-16 Equation 12.12-1 by the following:

δ𝑀𝑀 = 𝐶𝐶𝑑𝑑 δ𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 (Equation 12.12-1)

7-3 ASCE 7-16 CHAPTER 13 – SEISMIC DESIGN REQUIREMENTS FOR

NONSTRUCTURAL COMPONENTS.

7-3.1 Section 13.2 – GENERAL DESIGN REQUIREMENTS.

13.2.2 – Special Certification Requirements for Designated Seismic

Systems [Supplement]

Special Seismic Certification must be provided in accordance with the

requirements of ASCE 7-16 Section 13.2.2, except for equipment and
components that are considered rugged as listed in Section 2.2 of OSHPD Code
Application Notice (CAN) No. 2-1708A.5, issued by the California Office of
Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD).

Items prequalified under the Special Seismic Certification Preapproval (OSP)

program of OSHPD are deemed to possess Special Seismic Certification
required by ASCE 7-16 Section 13.2.2.

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[C] 13.2.2 – Special Certification Requirements for Designated Seismic

Systems [Supplement]
The California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD)
has published Code Application Notice (CAN) 2-1708A.5, which explicitly
explains OSHPD’s expectations as they relate to special seismic certification.
The main focus of the CAN is to emphasize items requiring physical shake table
testing. OSHPD has also created a Special Seismic Certification Preapproval
(OSP) program. This program offers a means to obtain prequalification of
product lines for special seismic certification. Lists of equipment that is pre-
approved by OSHPD can be found at https://hcai.ca.gov/construction-
finance/preapproval-programs/oshpd-special-seismic-certification-preapproval-
osp/ and https://hcai.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/OSP-List-by-
Category.pdf. The basis of OSHPD preapproval is always shake table testing in
compliance with ICC-ES AC156 and satisfaction of ICC-ES AC156 post-test
acceptance criteria.

7-3.2 Section 13.4 – NONSTRUCTURAL COMPONENT ANCHORAGE.

13.4.2.3 – Post-Installed Anchors in Concrete and Masonry [Replacement]

Revise section title to: Prequalified Post-Installed Anchors and Specialty

Inserts in Concrete and masonry.

Replace text with: Post-installed anchors and specialty inserts in concrete that
are pre-qualified for seismic applications in accordance with ACI 355.2, ACl
355.4, ICC-ES AC193, ICC-ES AC232, ICC-ES AC308 or ICC-ES AC446 are
permitted. Post-installed anchors in masonry must be pre-qualified for seismic
applications in accordance with ICC-ES AC01, AC58 or AC106.

Use of screw anchors is limited to dry interior conditions. Screw anchors are not
permitted for use in building exterior envelopes. Re-use of screw anchors or
screw anchor holes is not permitted.

7-3.3 Section 13.5 – ARCHITECTURAL COMPONENTS.

13.5.7 – Access Floors [Supplement]

In hospitals and correctional treatment centers, all access floors must be special
access floors in accordance with ASCE 7-16 Section 13.5.7.2, except for raised
roof or exterior floor paver systems.

7-3.4 Section 13.6 – MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS.

13.6.11.1.1 – Elevators guide rail support. [Addition]

The design of guide rail support-bracket fastenings and the supporting structural
framing must use the weight of the counterweight or maximum weight of the car
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plus not less than 40 percent of its rated load. The seismic forces must be
assumed to be distributed one third to the top guiding members and two thirds to
the bottom guiding members of cars and counterweights, unless other
substantiating data are provided. In addition to the requirements of ASCE 7-16,
Section 13.6.11.1, the minimum ASD-level seismic forces must be 0.5g acting in
any horizontal direction.

7-4 ASCE 7-16 CHAPTER 17 – SEISMIC DESIGN REQUIREMENTS FOR

SEISMICALLY ISOLATED STRUCTURES.

7-4.1 Section 17.4 – ANALYSIS PROCEDURE SELECTION.

17.4.2.3 – Linear Procedures [Addition]

Linear procedures must not be used in Seismic Design Category E & F

structures.

7-5 ASCE 7-16 CHAPTER 18 – SEISMIC DESIGN REQUIREMENTS FOR

STRUCTURES WITH DAMPING SYSTEMS.

18.3 – Nonlinear Response History Procedure [Supplement]

Add the following to the Exception:

For this section, the MCER response shall be based on largest response due to a
single ground motion and not the average response of suite of ground motions.

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APPENDIX A BEST PRACTICES

A-1 STRUCTURAL DESIGN.

A-1.1 Building Drift Limits.

The topic of serviceability is addressed in IBC Section 1604.3 which requires:

“Structural systems and members thereof shall be designed to have adequate stiffness
to limit deflections as indicated in Table 1604.3. The deflections of structural members
shall not exceed the more restrictive of the limitations of Sections 1604.3.2 through
1604.3.5 or that permitted by Table 1604.3.” Sections 1604.3.2 through 1604.3.5 refer
to ACI 318 requirements for concrete, AISC 360, AISI S100, ASCE 8, SJI 100 or SJI
200 requirements for steel, TMS 402 requirements for masonry and AA ADM
requirements for Aluminum. However, the section is obviously focused on structural
members, not an entire building or structure.

ASCE 7-16 Section 12.12 requires interstory drift caused by code-prescribed seismic
forces to be within tolerable limits as obtained from Table 12.12-1. These are the only
mandatory building drift limits of the IBC.

ASCE 7-16 Appendix C, Serviceability Considerations, which is non-mandatory, states:

“Lateral deflection or drift of structures and deformation of horizontal diaphragms and
bracing systems caused by wind effects must not impair the serviceability of the
structure.” The extensive commentary on this appendix discusses how the above
objective might be accomplished, but leaves it to engineering judgment that should be
exercised in consultation with the building client.

The establishment of acceptable drift limits and load combinations that must be
considered in evaluating serviceability does require significant engineering judgment.
Application of a requirement that must be stringent can significantly impact the cost of a
structure. Lax requirements, on the other hand, can lead to damage of rigidly
connected components.

The Metal Building Systems Manual provides guidance on allowable drift due to wind
loads for pre-engineered metal buildings, and serviceability recommendations for metal
buildings can also be found in Chapter L of AISC 360 with additional guidance in AISC
Steel Design Guide 3.

When separate support columns are used for top-running cranes, they should be
supported so that differential movement between the crane columns and building
columns, due to differences in stiffness, does not overstress either set of columns and
result in local column buckling.

A-1.2 Impact Resistant Glazing.

Buildings which are subjected to tornado winds can suffer some of the same missile
impact damage to the exterior façade of the building as those located in windborne
debris regions. The loss of glazing on a building due to missile impact can render the
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facility inoperable. The loss of glazing will also cause an increase in internal pressure in
the building causing further damage. Consideration should be given to providing impact
resistant glazing on facilities in tornado prone areas similar to what is required in
windborne debris regions as specified in IBC Section 1609.2. Tornado prone regions
are the areas of the United States where the design wind speed for tornados in
accordance with Figure 304.2(1) of ICC 500 is 250 mph.

A-1.3 Hard Wall Buildings.

In buildings constructed of load bearing tilt-up or precast structural walls, the loss of the
roof diaphragm during a high wind event can lead to total collapse of the structure. The
following are several possible methods to mitigate this hazard:

• Limit the length of continuous wall panels between full height lateral cross
bracing elements to better restrain the wall panels.

• Provide a system of robust continuous ties across the roof diaphragm to preserve
the walls if the roof diaphragm fails.

FEMA has issued an important publication, FEMA P-1026, on the seismic design of
these buildings.

A-1.4 Wind and Seismic Loads on Photovoltaic Arrays.

Design provisions for rooftop-mounted photovoltaic panels and their attachments are
included in ASCE 7-16 Section 13.6.12 for seismic loading and in ASCE 7-16 Chapters
29 through 31 for wind loading. Additional guidance on the design wind and seismic
loads for rooftop-mounted photovoltaic arrays can be found in Wind Design for Solar
Arrays (SEAOC PV2-2017) and Structural Seismic Requirements and Commentary for
Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic Arrays (SEAOC PV1-2012), prepared by the Structural
Engineers Association of California Solar Photovoltaic Systems Committee. When
designing support structures for photovoltaic arrays, review requirements in UFC 3-110-
03 Roofing concerning roof mounted systems including the requirement that supports
be permanently affixed to the structure, which means that ballasted systems are not
permitted. 2021 IBC Section 1607.14.4 includes gravity load requirements for roof
structures that provide support for photovoltaic panel systems. This section does not
disallow ballasted systems. Seismic design of ballasted photovoltaic panel systems is in
fact specifically permitted by 2021 IBC Section 1613.3.

A-1.5 Wind Loads on Buildings with Large Openings.

When determining wind loads on building containing large openings such as overhead
doors in warehouses, maintenance shops, etc., it is recommended that the criteria for
hangars in Section 1609.1.2 of Chapter 2 of this UFC be used.

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A-2 SOILS AND FOUNDATIONS.

A-2.1 Gable Bent Footings.

Moment frame reactions from metal building gable bents have horizontal thrusts at
column bases which can be resisted by several methods. For large thrust forces (40 to
50 kips (118 kN to 222 kN)), tie rods are usually cost-effective. The tie rods can be
embedded in a thickened slab or can be part of a tie beam between column
foundations. For smaller thrust forces, hairpin reinforcing bars may be used to transfer
the thrust force from the column anchor bolts into the slab-on-ground reinforcement,
which acts as the tie between the columns. However, each of these methods requires
close attention to detailing of joints in the slab, isolation joints around a foundation pier
and other possible interruptions in the continuous slab reinforcement between columns.
Also, future renovations that might require trenching across the continuous slab
reinforcement could result in the loss of the tension tie. A third method must design the
foundation for an overturning moment due to the thrust force at the base of the column.
Each of these methods can provide the necessary resistance to the thrust force, but
needs to be evaluated for each project condition. For further discussion on the design
of foundations for gable bent reactions, refer to Metal Building Systems: Design and
Specification by Alexander Newman.

A-2.2 Footings on Expansive Soils.

In the presence of expansive soils, footings must be designed to withstand expansive

soil movement in order to prevent significant damage to structures. Cyclical expansive
soil movement from soil water content, usually caused by a combination of inadequate
drainage and seasonal wetting and drying cycles, are especially troublesome. Base the
design on soil testing and recommendations by qualified geotechnical engineers.
Ensure soil investigations include estimates of settlement, heave, and
recommendations to mitigate effects of expansive soil movement. Ensure positive
drainage away from structures that will prevent ponding close to structures. Guidance
on design of foundations on expansive soils can be found in UFC 3-220-01 and PTI DC
10.5-12.

A-2.3 Footing Depth Due to Frost.

The depth to which frost penetrates at a site depends on the climate, the type of soil,
the moisture in the soil and the surface cover (e.g., pavement kept clear of snow vs.
snow covered turf). If the supporting soil is warmed by heat from a building, frost
penetration is reduced considerably. The values in the WBDG load data tool
(https://www.wbdg.org/additional-resources/tools/ufcsldt) represent the depth of frost
penetration to be expected if the ground is bare of vegetation and snow cover, the soil is
non-frost susceptible (NFS), well-drained (i.e., dry) sand or gravel, and no building heat
is available. Thus, these values represent the deepest (i.e., worst case) frost
penetration expected in each area. Most building foundations can be at a shallower
depth without suffering frost action. (However, other considerations besides frost
penetration may affect foundation depth, such as erosion potential or moisture

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desiccation). For interior footings, which under service conditions are not normally
susceptible to frost, the potential effects of frost heave during construction should be
considered. Design values for heated and unheated buildings may be obtained by
reducing the values WBDG tool values according to Figure A-1. For buildings heated
only infrequently, the curve in Figure A-1 for unheated buildings should be used. The
curves in Figure A-1 were established with an appreciation for the variability of soil and
the understanding that some portions of the building may abut snow-covered turf while
other portions abut paved areas kept clear of snow. Foundations should be placed at or
below the depths calculated above. The foundation of heated buildings may be placed
at a shallower depth than calculated above if protected from frost action by insulation on
the cold side, see Figure C1 of ASCE 32. For more information on the design of
foundation insulation, see ASCE 32. Additional information on which more refined
estimates of frost penetration can be made, based on site-specific climatic information,
the type of ground cover, and soil conditions, is contained in UFC 3-130-06.

Figure A-1 Footing Depth Example: The minimum depth needed for footings of a
hospital and an unheated vehicle storage building to be built in Fort Drum, New York, is
calculated to protect them from frost action. The tabulated frost penetration value for
Fort Drum is 94 inches (WBDG load data tool). Using the “heated” curve in Figure A-1,
footings for the hospital should be located 4 feet below the surface. Using the
“unheated” curve, footings for the unheated garage should be located 5.5 feet below the
surface.

A-3 CONCRETE.

A-3.1 Slab-on-Ground Concrete Strength.

For slabs-on-ground subject to forklift traffic, it is recommended that the minimum

compressive strength for the concrete be 4,000 psi (27.6 MPa) for pneumatic tire traffic
and 5,000 psi (34.5 MPa) for steel tire traffic.

A-3.2 Slab-on-Ground Joints.

For slabs-on-ground, it is recommended that the joints align across the building floor
plate to avoid joints ending abruptly at the edge of a panel. Joints that end abruptly at
an adjacent panel edge could cause a crack to propagate into the adjacent panel. For
locations where placement of joints at a panel edge are unavoidable, refer to UFC 3-
320-06A for additional reinforcement requirements to minimize crack propagation.

Location of joints in slabs-on-ground need to be coordinated with the joints in hard-

surface finishes to avoid having the joints telegraph through the hard-surface finish.

A-3.3 Slab-on-Ground Drying Shrinkage.

Cracking in slabs generally results from drying shrinkage and restraint caused by friction
between the slab and subgrade. Curling and warping occur due to differential shrinkage
when the top of the slab dries to lower moisture content than the bottom of the slab.
Recommendations for reducing the effects of drying shrinkage can be found in ACI
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360R, ACI 224R, and ACI 302.1R. Shrinkage compensating concrete can also be used
to reduce shrinkage cracking. See recommendations in ACI 223R.

Figure A-1. Design Depth of Bottom of Building Foundation

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A-3.4 Slab-on-Ground Vapor Retarder/Barrier.

To facilitate proper moisture control of a slab-on-ground to meet the moisture limits of

water-based adhesives and durability during construction, it is recommended that the
vapor retarder have a minimum thickness of 10 mil (250 µm) with a maximum
permeance rating of 0.04 perm. Where moisture is a critical issue under the floor
covering, such as wood floors, and a vapor barrier is required, it is recommended to
reduce the maximum permeance rating to 0.01 perm. For further guidance on slabs to
receive moisture-sensitive floor coverings refer to ACI 302.2R. Note that the 2021 IBC
has minimum vapor barrier requirements in Section 1907.

A-3.5 Post-Installed Adhesive Concrete Anchors.

It is recommended that adhesive anchors be proof loaded during special inspections of

critical anchors to the lesser of 50 percent of the expected peak load based on adhesive
bond strength or 80 percent of the anchor yield strength with the proof load being
sustained for a minimum of 10 seconds.

A-4 MASONRY.

A-4.1 Masonry Veneer Base Detail.

The base of the masonry veneer should be placed on a shelf angle or a foundation
ledge that is lower than the base of the steel stud wall by at least 4 inches (102 mm).
The width of this shelf angle or foundation ledge will include the width of the masonry
veneer and the cavity. This width should not be less than two-thirds of the veneer
thickness plus the minimum air space.

A-5 STEEL.

A-5.1 Shelf Angles for Masonry.

Shelf angles should be hot-dip galvanized structural steel members. Angles should be
provided in segments approximately 10 feet (3 m) in length, with gaps between
segments. Shelf angles should be detailed to allow enough gaps for thermal expansion
and contraction of the steel in angle runs and at building corners. Corners of buildings
should have corner pieces with each leg no less than 4 feet (1.2 m) in length where
possible.

Limit deflection of horizontal legs of shelf angles under masonry loading to 1/16 inch
(1.6 mm) at the end of the horizontal leg. Rotation of the shelf angle support should be
included in the horizontal leg displacement calculation.

A-5.2 Cold-Formed Continuous Beams and Joists.

Guidance on determining the effective length of the unbraced compression flange for
cold-formed continuous beams and joists can be found in AISI Effective Lengths for

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Laterally Unbraced Compression Flanges of Continuous Beams Near Intermediate

Supports.

A-5.3 Masonry Veneer/Steel Stud Wall Detailing.

Recommended details for masonry veneer/steel stud wall assemblies can be found in
BIA Technical Note 28B.

A-5.4 Steel Structures in Corrosive Environments.

Steel structures designed for corrosive environments should include consideration of

the following corrosion protection measures:

a. Box-shaped members should be designed so that all inside surfaces may be

readily inspected, cleaned, and painted, or should be closed entirely, except
when hot-dip galvanized, to prevent exposure to moisture.

b. The legs of two back-to-back angle members, when not in contact, should
have a minimum separation of 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) to permit air circulation.

c. Pockets or depressions in horizontal members should have drain holes to

prevent water from ponding in low areas. Positive drainage should be
provided away from exposed steel. Column bases should be terminated on
concrete curbs or piers above grade, and tops of curbs or piers should be
pitched to drain.

d. Where extremely corrosive conditions exist, consideration should be given to

providing cathodic protection in addition to protective coatings for steel
members exposed to saltwater moisture environments.

e. Structural members embedded in concrete and exterior railing, handrails,

fences, guardrails, and anchor bolts should be galvanized or constructed of
stainless steel.

f. Dissimilar metals, (e.g., aluminum and steel, stainless steel and carbon steel,
zinc-coated steel and uncoated steel) should be isolated by appropriate
means to avoid the creation of galvanic cells which can occur when dissimilar
metals come in contact.

g. Consult a corrosion specialist certified by NACE International to recommend

material protection for elements exposed to heavy industrial pollution,
chemicals, or corrosive soils.

h. For increased serviceability and compatibility with fireproofing, use galvanized

steel deck in accordance with ASTM A653/A653M.

i. Note that some common grades of stainless alloy such as ASTM Type 306 or
316 are susceptible to corrosion when immersed in salt or brackish water.

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Further guidance for designing steel structures in corrosive environments can be found
in ASM Handbook Volume 13B.

A-5.5 Steel Structures in Arctic and Antarctic Zones.

For carbon steel, the transition from ductile to brittle behavior occurs within
temperatures to be expected in Arctic and Antarctic zones. Ductility is important for
structures in high seismic areas. Toughness, a characteristic also affected by cold
temperatures, is important for structures which could be subjected to cyclic or impact
loads. Design of structures which could be subjected to cyclic or impact loads in cold
climates should include consideration of the following measures to mitigate potential
fatigue and fracture problems:

a. Provide ample fillets to avoid stress risers.

b. Use bolted joints whenever possible. If welded joints are used, take
precautions to eliminate gas and impurities in welds. Proper preheating and
post-cooling are essential.

c. Use low-carbon steels and nickel-alloy steels that have good toughness
characteristics at low temperatures.

A-5.6 Steel Column Base Plate Shear Transfer.

Shear transfer between column base plates and the concrete foundation elements can
be accomplished through several load paths including shear friction between the base
plate and grout, anchor rods or shear keys. The design provisions in AISC Design
Guide 1: Base Plate and Anchor Rod Design should be followed when designing base
plates for shear. Research and full-scale testing of base plates in shear, conducted at
the University of California, Berkeley, provide further guidance on recommended shear
friction coefficient, anchor rod bending length, and concrete capacity design of shear
key bearing. Results of the testing can be found in the research report Shear Transfer
in Exposed Column Base Plates, published by AISC.

A-5.7 Steel Joist Connections.

Connections between open web steel joists and supporting girders or joist girders and
building columns are in many instances covered by typical details provided by the joist
supplier, which may not provide the needed capacity for lateral or uplift loading. Each
joist connection should be designed specifically for the project and take into
consideration the lateral and uplift loads acting on the connection.

A-6 WOOD.

A-6.1 Connections.

When using prescriptive guidelines in building codes for nailed wood connections,
careful consideration needs to be given to ensure a complete load path from the roof to

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the foundation. The use of metal plate connections for roof trusses, top plates and sill
plates is an effective way to provide a more robust load path.

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APPENDIX B ALTERNATE DESIGN PROCEDURE FOR BUILDINGS AND OTHER

STRUCTURES IN RISK CATEGORY IV

B-1 GENERAL.

B-1.1 Overview.

This Appendix may be used for the alternate design of buildings and other structures
assigned to RC IV.

Buildings assigned to RC IV are either unit/installation-essential or post-disaster

essential (Table 2-2). This Appendix provides an optional nonlinear static and nonlinear
dynamic analysis procedure for RC IV buildings and other structures that may be used
as an alternative to the procedures found in the 2021 International Building Code (2021
IBC). This Appendix references the 2017 edition of ASCE/SEI 41, Seismic Evaluation
and Retrofit of Existing Buildings (herein after referred to simply as ASCE 41-17). This
procedure may provide more economical or better-performing structural designs
compared to linear analysis procedures. The analysis procedures outlined in this
Appendix are to be used only with the approval of the Authority having Jurisdiction.

The nonlinear procedures outlined in this Appendix require that an RC IV building meet
two general structural performance objectives:

1. A Life Safety (LS) performance level for the Risk-Targeted Maximum Considered
Earthquake (MCER) ground motions, nominally an earthquake associated with a
1% probability of structural collapse in 50 years; and,

2. An Immediate Occupancy (IO) performance level for earthquake ground motion

that is two-third of the MCER ground motion. This earthquake is termed herein as
the BSE-1N earthquake, adopting the terminology used in ASCE 41-17.

The procedures in this Appendix also require that the nonstructural components in an
RC IV building meet the following two performance objectives:

1. A Hazard Reduced (HR) performance level for the Risk-Targeted Maximum

Considered Earthquake (MCER) ground motions; and,

2. An Operational (OP) performance level for earthquake ground motion that is two-
third of the MCER ground motion.

Performance criteria based on tolerable levels of damage are defined to ensure that
these performance objectives are met. Nonlinear strength and deformation demands
are determined by performing nonlinear static or nonlinear dynamic analyses and the
results compared with acceptance criteria contained in authoritative documents, such as
ASCE 41-17 or FEMA P-750 or developed based on laboratory data or rational
analysis.

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To ensure that satisfactory nonlinear behavior is achieved, restrictions on the types of

seismic force-resisting systems that can be used in conjunction with this Appendix are
imposed.

This Appendix replaces the provisions of Chapter 16 of the 2021 IBC, as modified by
Chapter 2, for use in performing the alternative analysis of RC IV buildings and other
structures. All other chapters of the 2021 IBC apply as modified by Chapter 2.

[C] B-1.1 Overview

In ASCE 7-16, MCER is used in conjunction with a “Collapse Prevention” performance
objective. The alternate design in this chapter is required to meet a “Life Safety”
performance objective. So, from a purist point of view, the procedure in this Appendix
should have used MCE ground motion values, which could be determined by dividing
the SS- and S1- values of ASCE 7-16, by risk coefficients CRS (ASCE 7-16 Figure 22-
18) and CR1 (ASCE 7-16 Figure 22-19), respectively. In view of the fact that CRS- and
CR1-values are typically within a narrow range around 1.0, a decision was made to
avoid unjustifiable complications and use MCER ground motion in place of MCE
ground motion for the alternate designs of this Appendix. The same approach is
adopted in ASCE 41-17 as well.

The Life Safety (LS) and Immediate Occupancy (IO) performance levels for structural
components at MCER and BSE-1N ground motions, respectively, are consistent with
Table 4.1(a) of this UFC, RP10 Table 2.2 and ASCE 41-17 Table 2.3.

In the past, the performance levels for the nonstructural components were Life Safety
(LS) and Immediate Occupancy (IO) at MCER and BSE-1N ground motions,
respectively. In this UFC, the performance levels are changed to Hazards Reduced
(HR) and Operational (OP) at MCER and BSE-1N ground motions, respectively, to be
consistent with Table 4.1(b) of this UFC, RP10 Table 2.2 and ASCE 41-17 Table 2.3.

B-1.2 Design Review Panel.

A design review of the seismic force-resisting system design and structural analysis
must be performed by an independent team of Registered Design Professionals in the
appropriate disciplines and others experienced in seismic analysis methods and the
theory and application of nonlinear seismic analysis and structural behavior under
extreme cyclic loads. In addition to a final review, a Design Review Panel should be
convened at the beginning of a design to review proposed design methodology and
strategy. Membership on the Design Review Panel is subject to the approval of the
Authority having Jurisdiction. A design review needs to include, but not necessarily be
limited to, the following:

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1. Any site-specific seismic criteria used in the analysis, including the development
of site-specific spectra and ground motion time-histories;

2. Any acceptance criteria used to demonstrate the adequacy of structural elements

and systems to withstand the calculated force and deformation demands,
together with any laboratory or other data used to substantiate the criteria;

3. The preliminary design, including the selection of the structural system and the
configuration of structural elements; and,

4. The final design of the entire structural system and all supporting analyses.

B-2 DEFINITIONS.

B-2.1 General.

2021 IBC Section 202 and ASCE 7-16 Section 11.2 apply. In addition, the definitions
listed in Section X.1 of Resource Paper 2 of FEMA P-750, NEHRP Recommended
Provisions for Seismic Regulations for New Buildings and Other Structures, 2009
Edition, apply.

B-3 CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS.

B-3.1 General.

2021 IBC Section 1603, as modified by Section 2-4.1 of this UFC, applies.

Exception:

For buildings designed using this Appendix, the Seismic Importance Factor, Ie, the
design base shear, seismic response coefficient, Cs, and the Response Modification
Factor, R, do not apply and need not be listed in construction documents.

B-4 GENERAL DESIGN REQUIREMENTS.

B-4.1 General.

2021 IBC Section 1604 applies, except as modified herein. Table 2-2 of this UFC must
replace 2021 IBC Table 1604.5. The Importance Factor for seismic loading defined in
Table 2-2 does not apply, and should be taken as 1.0. Importance Factors for seismic
design of nonstructural components must be determined in accordance with the criteria
of ASCE7-16 Chapter 13. Importance Factors for snow and ice loads apply as listed in
Table 2-2.

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B-5 LOAD COMBINATIONS.

B-5.1 General.

RC IV buildings and other structures, and portions thereof, must be designed to resist
the load combinations specified in this section. For all load combinations where
earthquake-generated forces are not considered, ASCE 7-16 Section 2.3 applies.
Where earthquake-generated forces are considered, ASCE 7-16 Section 2.3.6 load
combinations 6 and 7, must be replaced by Equations B-1 and B-2 of this UFC. ASCE
7-16 Section 2.4 and 2021 IBC Section 1605.2 do not apply; allowable stress design is
not permitted for use in this Appendix. ASCE 7-16 Section 2.3.6 does not apply; for any
design situation requiring the use of load combinations with overstrength factor,
Equations B-1 and B-2 apply, subject to the exceptions noted in Section B-18.1.

B-5.2 Seismic Load Combinations.

When the effects of earthquake-generated forces are considered, structures are

required to resist the most critical effects from the following combinations of factored
loads:

When the effects of gravity and seismic loads are additive:

1.1(D + 0.25 L +0.2 S) + E (Equation B-1)

When the effects of gravity and seismic loads are counteractive:

0.9 D + E (Equation B-2)

Where
D = Effect of dead load
L = Effect of unreduced design live load
S = Effect of design flat roof snow load calculated in accordance with ASCE 7-16
E = The maximum effect of horizontal and vertical earthquake forces at the BSE-
1N displacement (ΔS) or MCER displacement (ΔM), determined in the nonlinear
analysis, as set forth in Section B-18.1

Exception: Where the design flat-roof snow load calculated in accordance with ASCE
7-16 is less than 30 psf, the effective snow load is permitted to be taken as zero.

B-6 DEAD LOADS.

B-6.1 General.

2021 IBC Section 1606 applies.

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B-7 LIVE LOADS.

B-7.1 General.

2021 IBC Section 1607, as modified by Section 2-4.3 of this UFC, applies, except that
wherever Table 1607.1 is referenced, it must be replaced by Table E-1 of this UFC.

B-8 SNOW LOADS.

B-8.1 General.

2021 IBC Section 1608, as modified by Section 2-4.4 of this UFC, applies.

B-9 WIND LOADS.

B-9.1 General.

2021 IBC Section 1609, as modified by Section 2-4.5 of this UFC, applies.

B-10 SOIL LOADS AND HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE.

B-10.1 General.

2021 IBC Section 1610 applies, without the exception that is noted there.

B-11 RAIN LOADS.

B-11.1 General.

2021 IBC Section 1611 applies.

B-12 FLOOD LOADS.

B-12.1 General.

2021 IBC Section 1612 applies.

B-13 ICE LOADS—ATMOSPHERIC ICING.

B-13.1 General.

2021 IBC Section 1614 applies.

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B-14 TSUNAMI LOADS.

B-14.1 General.

Probabilistic Tsunami Hazard Analysis (PTHA) may be performed on either the current
topography or the topography adjusted for sea level rise. Use current NAVD88/MHW
still water elevation for EGL velocity calculations regardless of topography used for
PTHA.

B-15 EARTHQUAKE LOADS – GENERAL.

B-15.1 Scope.

Every structure, and portion thereof, must as a minimum be designed and constructed
to resist the effects of earthquake motions and assigned an SDC as set forth in 2021
IBC Section 1613.2.5/ASCE 7-16 Section 11.6. The use of nonlinear analysis
procedures in this Appendix minimizes the need for SDC use, but the SDC is required
for establishing detailing requirements.

B-16 EARTHQUAKE LOADS – SITE GROUND MOTION.

B-16.1 General Procedure for Determining Design Spectral Response

Accelerations.

Ground motion accelerations, represented by response spectra and coefficients derived

from these spectra, must be determined in accordance with the general procedure of
this Section, or the site-specific response analysis procedure of Section B-16.2.

Mapped spectral response accelerations must be determined as prescribed in Sections

1613.2.1.1 and 1613.2.1.2 in Chapter 2 of this UFC.

MCER spectral accelerations, adjusted for site class effects, at short periods (SMS) and
1-second period (SM1) must be determined in accordance with ASCE 7-16 Section
11.4.4. The general response spectrum for MCER ground shaking must be determined
in accordance with ASCE 7-16 Section 11.4.6, except that SMS and SM1 must be used
respectively in lieu of SDS and SD1.

The BSE-1N spectral accelerations, adjusted for site class effects, at short periods (SDS)
and at 1-second period (SD1) must be determined as 2/3 of SMS and SM1, respectively.
The design response spectrum for BSE-1N ground shaking must be constructed in
accordance with ASCE 7-16 Section 11.4.6.

Site Class Definition.

ASCE 7-16 Section 20.3 applies as written.

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B-16.2 Site-specific Response Analysis for Determining Ground Motion

Accelerations.

ASCE 7-16 Section 21.1 applies.

B-16.3 Ground Motion Hazard Analysis.

ASCE 7-16 Section 21.2 applies.

B-17 EARTHQUAKE LOADS – CRITERIA SECTION.

B-17.1 Structural Design Criteria.

Each structure must be assigned a Seismic Design Category in accordance with 2021
IBC Section 1613.2.5/ASCE 7-16 Section 11.6, for use with required structural design
and construction provisions. Each structure must be provided with complete lateral and
vertical force-resisting systems capable of providing adequate strength, stiffness, and
energy dissipation capacity to withstand the earthquake ground motions determined in
accordance with Section B-16 within the prescribed performance objectives of Section
B-18. In addition, each structure must be designed to accommodate the architectural,
mechanical, and electrical component requirements of Section B-22. Ground motions
must be assumed to occur along any horizontal direction of a structure. A continuous
load path, or paths, with adequate strength and stiffness to transfer forces induced by
the earthquake ground motions from the points of application to the final point of
resistance must be provided.

B-17.2 Importance Factors.

The structural seismic importance factor, Ie, is not used. The component seismic
importance factor, Ip, used in Section B-22, must be the value specified in Sections B-
22.4.4.

B-17.3 Site Limitations.

A structure assigned to RC IV must not be sited where there is a known potential for an
active fault to cause rupture of the ground surface at the structure. An active fault is
defined as a fault for which there is an average historic slip rate of 1 mm or more per
year and for which there is geographic evidence of seismic activity in Holocene times
(the most recent 11,000 years).

B-17.4 Building Configuration.

The requirements of ASCE 7-16 Sections 12.3.1, 12.3.2, and 12.3.3 do not apply to
facilities designed using the provisions of this Chapter.

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B-17.5 Analysis Procedures.

Nonlinear Analysis.

The Alternate RC IV analysis procedure of this Appendix may be used in lieu of the
Equivalent Lateral Force or Modal Response Spectrum Analysis procedures that would
generally be used to comply with the 2021 IBC and Chapter 2 of this UFC. For this
alternate procedure, a nonlinear structural analysis must be performed. The analysis
may use either the Nonlinear Static Procedure (NSP) or the Nonlinear Dynamic
Procedure (NDP).

B-17.5.1.1 Nonlinear Static Procedure.

The NSP is permitted for structures not exceeding 6 stories in height and having a
fundamental period, T, not greater than 3.5TS, where TS is determined in accordance
with ASCE 7-16 Section 11.4.6. Application of the NSP needs to comply with the
requirements of Resource Paper 2 of FEMA P-750, NEHRP Recommended Provisions
for Seismic Regulations for New Buildings and Other Structures, 2009 Edition, Part 3,
Resource Papers (RP) on Special Topics in Seismic Design, subject to the modifications
below. In applying the NSP, the user may employ the references cited in Resource
Paper 2 of FEMA P-750. Further information on NSP may be found in FEMA P-750,
NEHRP Recommended Provisions for Seismic Regulations for New Buildings and Other
Structures, 2009 Edition, Part 2, Commentary and in NEHRP Seismic Design Technical
Brief No. 4, Nonlinear Structural Analysis for Seismic Design, NIST GCR 10-917-5. The
following should be noted:

1. To apply the FEMA P-750 NSP, the design earthquake ground motions and
associated spectral accelerations must be as specified herein (MCER and BSE-
1N), and not the design ground motions defined in FEMA P-750.
2. A target displacement must be separately determined for each of the MCER and
BSE-1N spectra.
3. The structure as a whole and each of the elements of the lateral force-resisting
system and its connections must be evaluated for their adequacy to provide
Immediate Occupancy Performance at the BSE-1N target displacement and to
provide Life Safety Performance at the MCER target displacement.
4. P-Delta effects must be included in the development of the backbone curves (see
Section 2.4 of NIST GCR 10-917-5 NEHRP Seismic Design Technical Brief No
4).
5. Multidirectional and concurrent seismic effects must be included as defined in
Section 7.2.5 of ASCE/SEI 41-17.
6. The following modifications must be made to Resource Paper 2 of FEMA P-750

a. Replace references to ASCE 41-06 w/Supplement 1 with ASCE/SEI 41-17.

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b. Replace references to Section 3.3.3 of ASCE 41-06 w/Supplement 1 with

Section 7.4.3 of ASCE/SEI 41-17.
c. Replace references to Section 3.3.3.3.2 of ASCE 41-06 w/Supplement 1 with
Section 7.4.3.3.2 of ASCE/SEI 41-17.
d. Replace reference to Equation 3-16 of ASCE/SEI 41-06 w/Supplement 1 with
Equation 7-32 of ASCE/SEI 41-17 and replace μmax in Equation 7-32 of
ASCE/SEI 41-17 with Rmax.

B-17.5.1.2 Nonlinear Dynamic Procedure.

Application of the NDP needs to comply with the requirements of ASCE 7-16 Chapter
16.

Site Ground Motions.

Two characteristic ground motions must be required for the design of facilities using this
procedure:

1. For the LS performance level, the MCER ground motion must be used. For the
NSP, spectral response accelerations must be determined using the procedures
of Section B-16.1 or Section B-16.2. For the NDP, MCER ground motions must
be determined using procedures prescribed in ASCE 7-16 Section 16.2.
2. For the IO performance level, the BSE-1N ground motion must be used. For the
NSP, spectral response accelerations must be determined using the procedures
of Section B-16.1 or Section B-16.2. For the NDP, BSE-1N ground motions must
be determined using procedures prescribed in ASCE 7-16 Section 16.2.

B-18 EARTHQUAKE LOADS – MINIMUM DESIGN LATERAL FORCE

AND RELATED EFFECTS.

B-18.1 Seismic Load Effect, E.

When the NSP is used, the seismic load effect, E, for use in the load combinations of
Section B-5.2 must be determined from ASCE 7-16 Section 12.4. In the application of
ASCE 7-16 Section 12.4, the term SDS must be interpreted as SMS for the LS
performance level. When the NDP is used, the seismic load effect, E, is simply the
response determined from the dynamic analysis. The redundancy coefficient, ρ, must
be taken as 1.0.

Exceptions:

1. Where these provisions require consideration of structural overstrength (see

ASCE 7-16 Section 12.4.3), the values of member forces, QE, obtained from NSP
analysis at the peak (maximum base shear) of the NSP pushover curve must be
used in place of the quantity Emh.

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2. Where these provisions require consideration of structural overstrength (see

ASCE 7-16 Section 12.4.3), the values of member forces, QE, obtained from NDP
analysis at the maximum base shear found in the analysis using any of the
ground motion records must be used in place of the quantity Emh.

B-18.2 Redundancy.

ASCE 7-16 Section 12.3.4 does not apply to facilities designed using the provisions of
this Chapter.

B-18.3 Deflection and Drift Limits.

Allowable Story Drift.

Because the Alternate Design Procedure is a nonlinear performance-based design

approach, specific target drift limits are not set for designs.

B-18.3.1.1 Life Safety Performance Level.

The LS performance level must be achieved for MCER ground shaking. At the LS
performance level, structural components may be damaged, but they retain a margin of
safety of at least 1.5 against the onset of loss of gravity load carrying capacity. Some
residual global structural strength and stiffness remain at the maximum lateral
displacement in all stories. No out-of-plane wall failures occur. Partitions may be
damaged, and the building may be beyond economical repair. Some permanent
(inelastic) drift may occur. While inelastic behavior is permitted, member strength
degradation needs to be limited in primary structural members (residual strength cannot
not be less than 80% of nominal yield strength). Primary structural elements are those
that are required to provide the building with an ability to resist collapse when ground
motion-induced seismic forces are generated. For secondary structural elements (those
that are not primary elements), strength degradation to levels below the nominal yield
strength is permitted. Not more than 20% of the total strength or initial stiffness of a
structure can be assumed to be provided by secondary elements. The LS performance
objective needs to be verified by analysis - either the NSP or the NDP. The LS
acceptance criteria contained in ASCE 41-17 must be used to demonstrate acceptable
performance (see ASCE 41-17 Table 2-3). Alternatively, acceptance criteria can be
developed by the designer and approved by the design review panel (see Section B-
1.2).

B-18.3.1.2 Immediate Occupancy Performance Level.

The IO performance level must be achieved for BSE-1N ground shaking. At the IO
performance level, a building remains safe to occupy, essentially retaining pre-
earthquake design strength and stiffness and nonstructural elements retain position and
are operational. Minor cracking of facades, ceilings, and structural elements may occur.
Significant permanent (inelastic) drift does not occur. The structural system for the

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building remains “essentially” elastic. Any inelastic behavior does not change the basic
structural response and does not present any risk of local failures. Member
deformations are not permitted to exceed 125% of deformations at nominal member
yield strengths. No member strength degradation is permitted, regardless of
deformation. The IO performance objective needs to be verified by analysis, either the
NSP or the NDP. The IO acceptance criteria contained in ASCE 41-17 must be used to
demonstrate acceptable performance (see ASCE 4117 Table 2-3). Alternatively,
appropriate acceptance criteria can be developed by the designer and approved by the
design review panel (see Section B-1.2).

Drift Determination and P-Delta Effects.

B-18.3.2.1 Drift and Deflection Determination for Nonlinear Static Procedure.

The design story drifts, ΔS and ΔM must be taken as the values obtained for each story
at the target displacements for the BSE-1N and MCER, respectively.

B-18.3.2.2 Drift and Deflection Determination for Nonlinear Dynamic

Procedure.

Story drifts must be determined directly from the nonlinear analysis performed in
accordance with the provisions of ASCE 7-16 Chapter 16.

B-18.3.2.3 P-Delta Effects for Nonlinear Static Procedure and Nonlinear

Dynamic Procedure.

Static P-Delta (P-Δ) effects must be incorporated in all lateral load analyses.

B-18.4 Seismic Force-resisting Systems.

Permitted Seismic Force-resisting Systems.

Table B-1, System Limitations for RC IV Buildings Designed Using Alternate Analysis
Procedure, must replace ASCE 7-16 Table 12.2-1 and Table 3-1 of this UFC. Table B-1
must be used to determine whether a seismic force-resisting system is permitted. Table
B-1 also lists building height limitations for the permitted systems. Seismic force-
resisting systems that are not listed in Table B-1 may be permitted if analytical and test
data are submitted that establish the dynamic characteristics and demonstrate the
lateral force resistance and energy dissipation capacity to be equivalent to the structural
systems listed in the table. Such exceptions may be authorized when permission is
granted by the design review panel (see Section B-1.2).

Structural Design Requirements.

B-18.4.2.1 Dual Systems.

ASCE 7-16 Section 12.2.5.1 applies.

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B-18.4.2.2 Combinations of Framing Systems.

Different seismic force-resisting systems are permitted along the two orthogonal axes of
a building structure, so long as both systems comply with the provisions of this Chapter.

B-18.4.2.3 Interaction Effects.

Moment-resisting frames that are enclosed or adjoined by more rigid elements that are
not considered to be part of the seismic force-resisting system must be designed so that
the action or failure of those rigid elements will not impair the vertical load-carrying and
seismic force-resisting capability of the frame. The design needs to provide for the
effect of these rigid elements on the structural system at structural deformations
corresponding to the design story drift at the target displacement, as determined by
analysis.

B-18.4.2.4 Deformational Compatibility.

For components that are not included in seismic force resisting system ensure that
ductile detailing requirements are provided such that the vertical load-carrying capacity
of these components is not compromised by induced moments and shears resulting
from the design story drift.

For structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or F, reinforced concrete

frame members not designed as part of the seismic force-resisting system must comply
with ACI 318 Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete, Section 18.14.

Response Modification (R), System Overstrength (Ω0), Deflection

Amplification (Cd) Factors.

Because only the NDP or the NSP are permitted for the alternate design of RC IV
structures the factors R, Cd, and Ω0 are not required.

Member Strength.

The load combination requirements of Sections B-5.1 and B-5.2 must be satisfied.
Seismic load effects must be determined in accordance with Section B-18.1.

B-19 DYNAMIC ANALYSIS PROCEDURES FOR THE SEISMIC DESIGN

OF BUILDINGS.

B-19.1 General.

The procedures outlined in Section B-17.5 must be followed for dynamic analysis of
buildings and other structures that are designed in accordance with the provisions of
this Chapter.

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B-20 EARTHQUAKE LOADS, SOIL-STRUCTURE INTERACTION

EFFECTS.

B-20.1 Analysis Procedure.

When these effects are considered, the provisions of ASCE 7-16 Chapter 19 apply.

B-21 SEISMIC DESIGN, DETAILING, AND STRUCTURAL COMPONENT

LOAD EFFECTS.

B-21.1 Structural Component Design and Detailing.

The provisions of ASCE 7-16 Chapter 12, as modified by Chapter 3 of this UFC, apply.

B-21.2 Structural Integrity.

The provisions of 2021 IBC Section 1616 apply.

B-21.3 Soils and Foundations.

The provisions of 2021 IBC Chapter 18 apply.

B-22 SEISMIC DESIGN REQUIREMENTS FOR NONSTRUCTURAL

COMPONENTS.

B-22.1 Component Design.

The provisions of ASCE 7-16 Chapter 13, as modified by Chapter 3, apply, except as
noted in the following paragraphs. Appendix C provides supplementary guidance on
design and analysis of some architectural, mechanical, and electrical components.

B-22.2 Performance Objectives.

The design procedure presented in this Appendix includes two overall performance
objectives that influence the requirements for architectural, mechanical, and electrical
components. First, the design must provide Hazards Reduced (HR) performance for
the MCER. Second, the design must provide Operational (OP) performance for BSE-1N
ground motions.

Hazards Reduced Performance Level for Nonstructural

Components.

This performance level is defined as the post-earthquake damage state in which

nonstructural components are damaged and could potentially create falling hazards, but
high-hazard nonstructural components identified in Chapter 13, Table 13-1 of ASCE 41-
17, are secured to prevent falling into areas of public assembly as falling hazards from
those components could pose a risk to life-safety for many people. Preservation of

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egress, protection of fire suppression systems, and similar life-safety issues are not
addressed in this Nonstructural Performance Level.

Operational Performance Level for Nonstructural Components.

This performance level is defined as the post-earthquake damage state in which the
nonstructural components are able to provide the functions they provided in the building
before the earthquake. Nonstructural components in compliance with the acceptance
criteria of ASCE 41-17 for Operational Nonstructural Performance and Risk Category IV
nonstructural components are expected to achieve this post-earthquake state.

B-22.3 Modification of ASCE 7-16 for Hazards Reduced Design.

Ground Motion Parameters for Determination of Hazards

Reduced Seismic Forces.

In the application of ASCE 7-16 Section 13.3.1, seismic forces must be determined for
the MCER ground motion parameters.

Nonlinear Static Procedure.

In the application of ASCE 7-16 Section 13.3.1, seismic forces on components based
on the NSP must be based on ASCE 7-16 Equations 13.3-1 through 13.3-3. The
quantity SMS must be substituted for the term SDS found in the equations. In the
application of ASCE 7-16 Section 13.3.2, the response of the building to the MCER
ground motion must be used.

Nonlinear Dynamic Procedure.

In the application of ASCE 7-16 Section 13.3.1, seismic forces on components based
on the NDP must be based on ASCE 7-16 Equation 13.3-4. The term ai is the
maximum acceleration at the level of the component under consideration, as
determined from the dynamic analysis. In the application of ASCE 7-16 Section 13.3.2,
the response of the building to the MCER ground motion must be used.

B-22.4 Modification of ASCE 7-16 for Operational Design.

Ground Motion Parameters for Determination of IO Seismic

Forces.

In the application of ASCE 7-16 Section 13.3.1, seismic forces must be determined for
the BSE-1N ground motion parameters.

Nonlinear Static Procedure.

In the application of ASCE 7-16 Section 13.3.1, seismic forces on components based
on the NSP must be based on ASCE 7-16 Equations 13.3-1 through 13.3-3. In the

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application of ASCE 7-16 Section 13.3.2, the response of the building to the BSE-1N
ground motion must be used.

Nonlinear Dynamic Procedure.

In the application of ASCE 7-16 Section 13.3.1, seismic forces on components based
on the NDP must be based on ASCE 7-16 Equation 13.3-4. The term ai is the
maximum acceleration at the level of the component under consideration, as
determined from the dynamic analysis. In the application of ASCE 7-16 Section 13.3.2,
the response of the building to the BSE-1N ground motion must be used.

Component Importance Factors.

The component importance factor, Ip, is required for force calculations in ASCE 7-16
Section 13.3.1. Ip must be as given in ASCE 7-16 Section 13.1.3.

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Table B-1 System Limitations for Risk Category IV Buildings Designed

Using Alternate Procedure of Chapter 3

System and Building

1
Height (ft) Limitations
Basic Seismic Force-Resisting System2 Seismic Design Category

B C D E F
Bearing Wall Systems
Ordinary steel braced frames in light-frame construction NL NL 65 65 65
Special reinforced concrete shear walls NL NL 160 160 100
Ordinary reinforced concrete shear walls NL NL NP NP NP
Special reinforced masonry shear walls NL NL 160 160 100
Light-framed walls with shear panels - wood structural
panels/sheet steel panels NL NL 65 65 65
Light-framed walls with shear panels - all other materials NL NL 35 NP NP
Light-framed walls with shear panels - using flat strap bracing NL NL 65 65 65
Building Frame Systems
Steel eccentrically braced frames
NL NL 160 160 100
Special steel concentrically braced frames NL NL 160 160 100
Ordinary steel concentrically braced frames NL NL 353 353 NP3
Special reinforced concrete shear walls NL NL 160 160 160
Ordinary reinforced concrete shear walls NL NL NP NP NP
Composite eccentrically braced frames NL NL 160 160 100
Composite special concentrically braced frames NL NL 160 160 100
Ordinary composite braced frames NL NL NP NP NP
Composite steel plate shear walls NL NL 160 160 100
Special composite reinforced concrete shear walls with steel
elements NL NL 160 160 100
Special reinforced masonry shear walls NL NL 160 160 100
Light-framed walls with shear panels - wood structural
panels/sheet steel panels NL NL 65 65 65
Light-framed walls with shear panels - all other materials NL NL 35 NP NP
Moment-Resisting Frame Systems
Special steel moment frames NL NL NL NL NL
Special steel truss moment frames NL NL 160 100 NP
Intermediate steel moment frames NL NL 355 NP5 NP5
Ordinary steel moment frames NL NL NP6 NP6 NP6
Special reinforced concrete moment frames NL NL NL NL NL

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Table B-1 (Continued) System Limitations for Risk Category IV Buildings

Designed Using Alternate Procedure of Chapter 3
System and Building
1
Height (ft) Limitations
Basic Seismic Force-Resisting System2 Seismic Design Category

B C D E F
Intermediate reinforced concrete moment frames NL NL NP NP NP
Special composite moment frames NL NL NL NL NL
Intermediate composite moment frames NL NL NP NP NP
Composite partially restrained moment frames 160 160 100 NP NP
Dual Systems with Special Moment Frames capable of resisting at least 25% of prescribed
seismic forces
Steel eccentrically braced frames NL NL NL NL NL
Special steel concentrically braced frames NL NL NL NL NL
Special reinforced concrete shear walls NL NL NL NL NL
Ordinary reinforced concrete shear walls NL NL NP NP NP
Composite eccentrically braced frames NL NL NL NL NL
Composite special concentrically braced frames NL NL NL NL NL
Composite steel plate shear walls NL NL NL NL NL
Special composite reinforced concrete shear walls with steel NL NL NL NL NL
elements
Ordinary composite reinforced concrete shear walls with
steel elements
NL NL NP NP NP
Special reinforced masonry shear walls NL NL NL NL NL
Dual Systems with Intermediate Moment Frames capable of resisting at least 25% of pre-
scribed seismic forces
4
Special steel concentrically braced frames NL NL 35 NP NP
Special reinforced concrete shear walls NL NL 160 100 100
Ordinary reinforced concrete shear walls NL NL NP NP NP
Composite special concentrically braced frames NL NL 160 100 NP
Ordinary composite braced frames NL NL NP NP NP
Ordinary composite reinforced concrete shear walls with
steel elements NL NL NP NP NP
Cantilevered Column Systems detailed to conform to the requirements for:
Special steel cantilever column systems 35 35 35 35 35
Special reinforced concrete moment frames 35 35 35 35 35

NP - indicates not permitted, NL – indicates not limited.

1
Any system that is restricted by this table may be permitted if it is approved by the design review panel
(see Section B-1.2).

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Table B-1 (Continued) System Limitations for Risk Category IV Buildings

Designed Using Alternate Procedure of Chapter 3

2
See Table 3-1 for detailing references for seismic force-resisting systems.
3
Steel ordinary concentrically braced frames are permitted in single-story buildings, up to a structural
height, hn, of 60 ft, where the dead load of the roof does not exceed 20 psf, and in penthouse structures.
4
Ordinary moment frames may be used in lieu of intermediate moment frames for Seismic Design
Category B or C.
5
See ASCE 7-16 Section 12.2.5.7 for limitations in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D,
E, or F.
6
See ASCE 7-16 Section 12.2.5.6 for limitations in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D,
E, or F.

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APPENDIX C GUIDANCE FOR SEISMIC DESIGN OF NONSTRUCTURAL

COMPONENTS

C-1 INTRODUCTION.

This Appendix defines architectural, mechanical, and electrical components, discusses

their participation and importance in relation to the seismic design of the structural
system, and provides guidance for their design to resist damage from earthquake-
induced forces and displacements. The fundamental principles and underlying
requirements of this Appendix are that the design of these components for buildings in
Risk Categories (RCs) I, II, and III should be such that they will not collapse and cause
personal injury due to the accelerations and displacements caused by severe
earthquakes, and that they should withstand more frequent but less severe earthquakes
without excessive damage and economic loss. In contrast, designated components in
RC IV buildings, are required to remain operational following a design earthquake (BSE-
1N).

C-1.1 Design Criteria.

2021 IBC Section 1613, as modified by Chapter 2 of this UFC, governs the seismic
design of architectural, mechanical, and electrical components. 2021 IBC Section 1613
references Chapter 13 of ASCE 7-16. Because ASCE 7-16 is the primary source of
design requirements for these components, this Appendix cites ASCE 7-16 provisions
and amplifies them as appropriate.

C-1.2 Walk-down Inspections and Seismic Mitigation for Buildings in

Risk Categories IV.

General Guidance.

Section 1705.12.6 of UFC 3-301-01 requires that an initial walk-down inspection of new
RC IV buildings be performed. A walk-down inspection is a visual inspection of a
building to identify possible seismic vulnerabilities of its architectural, mechanical, and
electrical components. Inspections should include investigating adequacy of
component load paths, anchorage and bracing, and components’ abilities to
accommodate differential motions with respect to supporting building structure. The
walk-down inspector should become familiar with the design earthquake motions for the
site, structural configuration of the building, building drawings, and documentation of all
previous walk-down inspections. Inspectors should document all observations with
photographs, schematic drawings, and narrative discussions of apparent vulnerabilities.
Inspection reports normally do not include detailed assessments of component
vulnerabilities, but they may recommend further detailed assessments. Inspectors
should also define mitigation recommendations in inspection reports. Prior to building
commissioning, the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) should ensure seismic
mitigation recommendations are fully implemented. An example of a walk-down
inspection of Madigan Army Medical Center at Fort Lewis, WA, may be found in

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USACERL Technical Report 98/34, Seismic Mitigation for Equipment at Army Medical
Centers.

Periodic Post-commissioning Walk-down Inspections.

In addition to initial walk-down inspections performed at building commissioning,

periodic post- construction walk-down inspections should be conducted in RC IV
buildings by installation personnel, as part of routine operations and maintenance. For
RC IV buildings, such inspections should be conducted at least every second year
following building commissioning, or, for affected systems, when any change to
architectural, mechanical, or electrical systems occurs.

C-2 ARCHITECTURAL COMPONENTS.

C-2.1 Reference.

ASCE 7-16 Section 13.5, Architectural Components.

C-2.2 General.

Architectural components addressed in ASCE 7-16 Chapter 13 are listed in ASCE 7-16
Table 13.5-1. These components are called “architectural” because they are not part of
the vertical or lateral load-resisting systems of a building, or part of the mechanical or
electrical systems. Although they are usually shown on architectural drawings, they
often have a structural aspect and can affect the response of a building to earthquake
ground motions. Architects should consult with structural, mechanical, and electrical
engineers, as appropriate, when dealing with these elements. The structural engineer
must review architectural (as well as mechanical and electrical) component anchorage
details, to ensure compliance with anchorage requirements. During this review, the
structural engineer must also identify installed architectural (as well as mechanical and
electrical) components that may adversely affect the performance of the structural
system.

C-2.3 Typical Architectural Components.

Examples of architectural components that have a structural aspect requiring special

attention follow.

Nonstructural Walls.

A wall is considered architectural or nonstructural when it is not designed to resist

lateral or vertical forces beyond transient interior air pressure of 5psf. To ensure that
nonstructural walls do not resist lateral forces, they should either be disconnected from
the building structure (i.e., isolated) at the top and the ends of the wall or be very flexible
(in-plane) relative to the structural walls and frames resisting lateral forces. An isolated
wall must be capable of acting as a cantilever from the floor, or be braced to resist its
own out-of-plane motions and loads, without interacting with the lateral force-resisting

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system. Such interaction may be detrimental to the wall or the lateral force-resisting
system or both.

Curtain Walls and Filler Walls.

A curtain wall is an exterior wall, often constructed of masonry that lies outside of and
usually conceals the structural frame of a building. A filler wall is an infill, usually
constructed of masonry, within the structural members of a frame. These walls are often
considered architectural in nature if they are designed and detailed by the architect.
However, they can act as structural shear walls. If they are connected to the frame, they
will be subjected to the deflections of the frame and will participate with the frame in
resisting lateral forces. Curtain walls and infill walls in buildings governed by this
document should be designed so they do not restrict the deformations of the structural
framing under lateral loads (i.e., so they are isolated from building lateral deformations).
Lateral supports and bracing for these walls should be provided as prescribed in this
Appendix.

Partial Infill Walls.

A partial infill wall is one that has a strip of windows between the top of the solid infill
and the bottom of the floor above, or has a vertical strip of window between one or both
ends of the infill and a column. Such walls require special treatment. If they are not
properly isolated from the structural system, they will act as shear walls. The wall with
windows along the top is of particular concern because of its potential effect on the
adjacent columns. The columns are fully braced where there is an adjacent infill, but
are unbraced in the zone between the windows. The upper, unbraced part of the
column is a “short column,” and its greater rigidity (compared with the other, longer
unbraced columns in the system) must be considered in structural design. Short
columns are very susceptible to shear failure in earthquakes. Figure C-1 shows a partial
infill wall, with short columns on either side of the infill, which should be avoided. All
infills in buildings governed by this document should be considered to be nonstructural
components, and should be designed so they do not restrict the deformation of the
structural framing under lateral loads. In this instance, the partial infill should be
sufficiently isolated from the adjacent frame elements to permit those elements to
deform in flexure as designed.

Precast Panels.

Exterior walls that consist of precast panels attached to the building frame are
addressed in a different way. The general layout and wall section for wall panels is
usually shown on architectural drawings, while structural details for the support of the
panels are usually shown on structural drawings. It is common for the detailed structural
design of the precast panels to be delegated to a specialty engineer engaged by the
General Contractor or by the precast concrete panel subcontractor. This is done
because the details of design may vary depending on the manufacturing methods and
facilities of the panel manufacturer. The specialty engineer is engaged to incorporate

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those considerations as well as means and methods of construction that the project
structural engineer excludes from the scope of work. The structural engineer must
review this design as needed to verify that the application of loads and the configuration
of the connection details are compatible with the design of the supporting structure. In
such cases, structural drawings should include design criteria and representative details
in order to show what is expected. The design criteria should include the required
design forces and frame deflections that must be accommodated by the panels and
their connections. Particular attention should be given to the effects of deflections of the
frame members supporting precast panels, to assure that appropriate reaction forces
and deflections are considered. Panels with more than two attachment points between
their bottom edge and the supporting frame should be avoided. Further guidance can be
found in Architectural Precast Concrete, 3rd Edition (PCI MNL-122-07), published by the
Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI).

Figure C-1. Partial Infill Masonry Wall between Two Concrete

Columns, Causing Adverse “Short Column” Effect

Short column Long column

Masonry Veneer.

Reference should be made to Building Code Requirements for Masonry Structures

(TMS 402-16). A masonry veneer is defined as a masonry wythe that provides the
exterior finish of a wall system and transfers out-of-plane load directly to a backing, but
is not considered to add load-resisting capacity to the wall system. A masonry veneer
may be anchored or adhered. An anchored veneer is defined as a masonry veneer
secured to and supported laterally by the backing through anchors and supported
vertically by the foundation or other structural elements. An adhered veneer is defined
as a masonry veneer secured to and supported by the backing through adhesion.
Chapter 12 of TMS 402 provides requirements for design and detailing of anchored
masonry veneer and adhered masonry veneer. The design of anchored veneer is

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addressed in Section 12.1.2 of TMS 402, while the design of adhered veneer is
addressed in Section 12.1.3 of the same document.

Rigid Partition Walls.

Rigid partition walls are generally nonstructural masonry walls. Such walls should be
isolated, so they are not called upon to resist in-plane lateral forces to which they are
subjected, based on relative rigidities. Typical details for isolating these walls are
shown in Figure C-2. These walls should be designed for the prescribed forces normal
to their plane.

Figure C-2. Typical Details for Isolation of Rigid Partition Walls

Slab
Bottom of truss
or slab

A L-Brace
1" Minimum

Continuous
angles

Loose
1/4" gap
_ 1/8"
+ T - with bolt w/
vertical slot double
nut

Ceiling Anchor
bolts

A SECTION A-A

CONTINUOUS ANGLES
OVERHEAD BRACING

Hanger wires
1 1/2"

Rigid ceilings,
both sides

Note: Limit use to seismic design

categories A, B, and C only.

RIGID CEILING

LATERAL SUPPORTS - NONSTRUCTURAL PARTITION

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Nonrigid Partition Walls.

Nonrigid partition walls are generally nonstructural partitions, such as stud and drywall,
stud and plaster, and movable partitions. When these partitions are constructed
according to standard recommended practice, they are assumed to be able to withstand
design in-plane drift of only 0.005 times the story height (1/16 in./ft [5 mm/m] of story
height) without damage. This is much less than the most restrictive allowable story drift
in ASCE 7-16 Table 12.12-1. Therefore, damage to these partitions should be expected
in the design earthquake if they are anchored to the structure in the in-plane direction.
For RC IV, these partition walls should be isolated from in-plane building motions at the
tops and sides of partitions if drifts exceeding 0.005 times the story height are
anticipated in the design earthquake. Partition walls should be designed for the
prescribed seismic force acting normal to flat surfaces. However, the wind or the usual
5 pounds per square foot partition load (2021 IBC Section 1607.16) will usually govern.

Economic comparison between potential damage and costs of isolation should be

considered. For partitions that are not isolated, a decision has to be made for each
project as to the contribution, if any, such partitions will make to damping and response
of the structure, and the effect of seismic forces parallel to (in-plane with) the partition
resulting from the structural system as a whole. Usually, it may be assumed that this
type of a partition is subject to future changes in floor layout location. The structural role
of partitions may be controlled by limiting the height of partitions and by varying the
method of support.

Suspended Ceilings.

Requirements for suspended ceilings are provided in ASCE 7-16 Section 13.5.6, as
modified by Chapter 3. Useful guidance is available in ICC-ES AC 368 Acceptance
Criteria for Suspended Ceiling Framing Systems, issued by the International Code
Council Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) in July 2015.

C-3 MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS.

C-3.1 Component Support.

References.

ASCE 7-16 Section 13.6.4 Component Supports.

Base-mounted Equipment in RC IV.

Floor or pad-mounted mission-critical equipment installed RC IV buildings assigned to

SDC D, E, or F should use cast-in-place anchor bolts to anchor them. Alternatively,
post-installed anchors are permitted to be used provided they are qualified for
earthquake loading in accordance with ACI 355.2, Qualification of Post-Installed
Mechanical Anchors in Concrete, and ACI 355.4, Acceptance Criteria for Qualification of
Post-Installed Adhesive Anchors in Concrete, as applicable. For this equipment, two
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nuts should be provided on each bolt, and anchor bolts should conform to ASTM
F1554-20, Standard Specification for Anchor Bolts, Steel, 36, 55, and 105-ksi Yield
Strength. Cast-in-place anchor bolts should have an embedded straight length equal to
at least 12 times the nominal bolt diameter. Anchor bolts that exceed the normal depth
of equipment foundation piers or pads should either extend into the concrete floor, or
the foundation should be increased in depth to accommodate the bolt lengths. Figure
C-3 illustrates typical base anchorage and restraint for equipment.

Figure C-3. Typical Seismic Restraints for Floor-mounted Equipment

Note: For flexibly mounted equipment requiring special cer-

tification per ASCE 7- Section13.2.2, where shake table
testing provides the basis for certification, testing must be
done on equipment including the flexible mount as specified
for a project.

Fillet weld Field weld

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Suspended Equipment.

Seismic bracing for suspended equipment may use the bracing recommendations and
details in ANSI/SMACNA 001-2008, Seismic Restraint Manual: Guidelines for
Mechanical Systems, 3rd Edition. Trapeze-type hangers should be secured with not
less than two bolts. Figure C-4 shows typical seismic restraints for suspended
equipment.

Figure C-4. Typical Seismic Restraints for Suspended Equipment

Diagonal bracing
Rod bracing
Anchor bolt typ. 4 sides
typ. 4 sides

Equipment Equipment
Alternate location
of brace,
typ. 4 corners

Vibration mount Resilient pads

where applicable Support framing

SUSPENDED EQUIPMENT

Vibration
isolation
Hanger rod
Diagonal bracing
typ. 4 sides

Lock nut
Brace framing
Equipment
Resilient pads

Gap

SUSPENDED EQUIPMENT WITH VIBRATION MOUNT

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Supports and Attachments for Piping.

Seismic supports required in accordance with ASCE 7-16-Section 13.6.7, Distribution

Systems: Piping and Tubing Systems, should be designed in accordance with the
following guidance. This piping is not constructed in accordance with ASME B31 or
NFPA 13.

C-3.1.4.1 General.

The provisions of this section apply to all risers and riser connections; all horizontal
pipes and attached valves; all connections and brackets for pipes; flexible couplings and
expansion joints; and spreaders. The following general guidance applies to these
elements:

1. For seismic analysis of horizontal pipes, the equivalent static force should be
considered to act concurrently with the full dead load of the pipe, including
contents.
2. All connections and brackets for pipe should be designed to resist concurrent
dead and equivalent static forces. Seismic forces should be determined from
ASCE 7-16 Section 13.3.1. Supports should be provided at all pipe joints unless
continuity is maintained. Figure C-5 provides acceptable sway bracing details.
3. Flexible couplings should be provided at the bottoms of risers for pipes larger
than 3.5 in. (89 mm) in diameter. Flexible couplings and expansion joints should
be braced laterally and longitudinally unless such bracing would interfere with the
action of the couplings or joints. When pipes enter buildings, flexible couplings
should be provided to allow for relative movement between the soil and building.
4. Spreaders should be provided at appropriate intervals to separate adjacent
pipelines unless pipe spans and clear distances between pipes are sufficient to
prevent contact between the pipes during an earthquake.

C-3.1.4.2 Rigid versus Flexible Piping Systems.

Piping systems should be considered either rigid or flexible. The dynamic response of
rigid piping systems is assumed to be decoupled from the building amplified response,
so that the component amplification factor, ap, is set to 1.0 (see ASCE 7-16 Table 13.6-
1, note a). It is assumed that flexible pipes may couple with and further amplify building
motion, so ap is set to 2.5. This suggests that pipe system forces, Fp, would be less for
rigid pipes; however, that is not necessarily the case because Rp values are larger for
flexible pipes than for rigid pipes. Designers are encouraged to use high- deformability
pipe systems that may permit longer pipe support spacing in accordance with this
guidance. It should be noted that when high deformability pipe systems, which have the
larger Rp values, are used (e.g., welded steel pipe systems), Fp, may be limited by the
minimum value set forth by ASCE 7-16 Equation 13.3-3. Forces based on ASCE 7-16
Equation 13.3-3 may also govern for pipes installed in lower levels of a building.

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Figure C-5. Acceptable Seismic Details for Pipe Sway Bracing

Rod over pipe 45° .

for stiffening Typ

45° .
Typ

Pipe or L
45° 45°
L
or
p e
Pi

45° .
Typ

Pipe or L

Use hanger if
not over 24" Cast inserts
45°
.
Typ
Use hanger if
not over 24"

45° .
Typ

Cast insert
Angle or equal

Clip L
45°

2-bolts
in each
connection Vertical
member
truss

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C-3.1.4.2.1 Rigid Piping System.

A piping system is assumed rigid if its maximum period of vibration is no more than 0.06
second (ASCE 7-16-Section 11.2 definition for Component, rigid). ASCE 7-16 Table
13.6-1 Footnote 1 indicates that ap equals 1.0 for rigid pipes, where the support motions
are not amplified. Rigid and rigidly attached pipes should be designed in accordance
with ASCE 7-16 Equation 13.3-1, where Wp is the weight of the pipes, their contents,
and attachments. Forces should be distributed in proportion to the total weight of pipes,
contents, and attachments.

Tables C-1, C-2, and C-3 may be used to determine allowable span-diameter
relationships for rigid pipes; standard (40S) pipe; extra strong (80S) pipe; types K, L,
and M copper tubing; and 85 red brass or SPS copper pipe in RC IV buildings. These
tables are based on water-filled pipes with periods equal to 0.06 second. Figures C-6,
C-7, and C-8 display support conditions for Tables C-1, C-2, and C-3, respectively. The
relationship used to determine maximum pipe lengths, L, shown in the tables, that will
result in rigid pipes having a maximum period of vibration of 0.06 seconds, is given in
Equation C-1 (which is excerpted from the Shock and Vibration Handbook, 6th Edition,
2009):

EI g
L = C π Ta , in. or mm (Equation C-1)
w
where

C = period constant, equal to 0.50 for pinned-pinned pipes; 0.78 for fixed- pinned pipes;
and 1.125 for fixed-fixed pipes
Ta = natural period of pipe in its fundamental mode, set equal to 0.06 second
E = modulus of elasticity of pipe, psi or MPa
I = moment of inertia of pipe, in4 or mm4
w = weight of pipe and contents per unit length, lb/in. or N/mm

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Table C-1
Maximum Span for Rigid Pipe with Pinned-Pinned Conditions, L

Std. Wt. Ex. Strong Copper Copper Copper 85 Red Brass

Diameter
Steel Pipe Steel Pipe Tube Tube Tube & SPS Copper
Inches
40S 80S Type K Type L Type M Pipe
1 7'- 0'' 7'- 0'' 5'- 5'' 5'- 4'' 4'- 11'' 5'- 11''
1 1/2 8'- 5'' 8'- 6'' 6'- 5'' 6'- 3'' 5'- 12'' 7'- 1''
2 9'- 4'' 9'- 5'' 7'- 3'' 7'- 1'' 6'- 10'' 7'- 10''
2 1/2 10'- 3'' 10'- 5'' 7'- 11'' 7'- 10'' 7'- 5'' 8'- 8''
3 11'- 3'' 11'- 5'' 8'- 8'' 8'- 6'' 8'- 1'' 9'- 6''
3 1/2 11'- 12'' 12'- 2'' 9'- 3'' 9'- 1'' 8'- 8'' 10'- 2''
4 12'- 8'' 12'- 11'' 9'- 10'' 9'- 9'' 9'- 5'' 10'- 9''
5 13'- 11'' 14'- 3'' 10'- 11'' 10'- 8'' 10'- 4'' 11'- 8''
6 15'- 1'' 15'- 7'' 11'- 12'' 11'- 6'' 11'- 2'' 12'- 7''
8 16'- 12'' 17'- 8''
10 18'- 9'' 19'- 4''
12 20'- 1'' 20'- 9''

Figure C-6. Pinned-pinned Support Condition for Table C-1

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Table C-2
Maximum Span for Rigid Pipe with Fixed-Pinned Condition, L

Std. W t. Ex. Strong Copper Copper Copper 85 Red Brass

Diameter
Steel Pipe Steel Pipe Tube Tube Tube & SPS Copper
Inches
40S 80S Type K Type L Type M Pipe
1 8'- 9'' 8'- 10'' 6'- 9'' 6'- 8'' 6'- 1'' 7'- 5''
1 1/2 10'- 6'' 10'- 7'' 7'- 12'' 7'- 10'' 7'- 6'' 8'- 10''
2 11'- 7'' 11'- 9'' 9'- '' 8'- 10'' 8'- 6'' 9'- 9''
2 1/2 12'- 10'' 12'- 12'' 9'- 11'' 9'- 9'' 9'- 4'' 10'- 9''
3 14'- 1'' 14'- 3'' 10'- 10'' 10'- 7'' 10'- 1'' 11'- 10''
3 1/2 14'- 11'' 15'- 3'' 11'- 7'' 11'- 4'' 10'- 10'' 12'- 8''
4 15'- 9'' 16'- 1'' 12'- 4'' 12'- 2'' 11'- 9'' 13'- 5''
5 17'- 5'' 17'- 10'' 13'- 8'' 13'- 3'' 12'- 10'' 14'- 7''
6 18'- 10'' 19'- 5'' 14'- 11'' 14'- 5'' 13'- 11'' 15'- 8''
8 21'- 2'' 22'- 0''
10 23'- 5'' 24'- 2''
12 25'- 1'' 25'- 11''

Figure C-7. Fixed-pinned Support Condition for Table C-2

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Table C-3
Maximum Span for Rigid Pipe with Fixed-Fixed Condition, L

Std. W t. Ex. Strong Copper Copper Copper 85 Red Brass

Diameter
Steel Pipe Steel Pipe Tube Tube Tube & SPS Copper
Inches
40S 80S Type K Type L Type M Pipe
1 10'- 7'' 10'- 7'' 8'- 1'' 7'- 12'' 7'- 4'' 8'- 11''
1 1/2 12'- 7'' 12'- 8'' 9'- 7'' 9'- 5'' 8'- 12'' 10'- 8''
2 13'- 11'' 14'- 2'' 10'- 10'' 10'- 8'' 10'- 2'' 11'- 9''
2 1/2 15'- 5'' 15'- 7'' 11'- 11'' 11'- 9'' 11'- 2'' 12'- 11''
3 16'- 11'' 17'- 2'' 12'- 12'' 12'- 9'' 12'- 1'' 14'- 3''
3 1/2 17'- 12'' 18'- 4'' 13'- 11'' 13'- 8'' 13'- 1'' 15'- 3''
4 18'- 11'' 19'- 4'' 14'- 9'' 14'- 8'' 14'- 2'' 16'- 1''
5 20'- 11'' 21'- 5'' 16'- 5'' 15'- 11'' 15'- 5'' 17'- 7''
6 22'- 7'' 23'- 4'' 17'- 12'' 17'- 4'' 16'- 9'' 18'- 10''
8 25'- 6'' 26'- 5''
10 28'- 2'' 29'- 0''
12 30'- 2'' 31'- 1''

Figure C-8. Fixed-fixed Support Condition for Table C-3

C-3.1.4.2.2 Flexible Piping Systems.

Piping systems that do not comply with the rigidity requirements of Section C-3.1.4.2.1
(i.e., period less than or equal to 0.06 second) should be considered flexible (i.e., period
greater than 0.06 second). Flexible piping systems should be designed for seismic
forces with consideration given to both the dynamic properties of the piping system and
the building or structure in which it is placed. In lieu of a more detailed analysis,
equivalent static lateral force may be computed using ASCE 7-16 Equation 13.3-1, with
ap = 2.5. The forces should be distributed in proportion to the total weight of pipes,
contents, and attachments. If the weight of attachments is greater than 10% of pipe
weight, attachments should be separately braced, or substantiating calculations should
be required. If temperature stresses are appreciable, substantiating calculations should
be required. The following guidance should also be followed for flexible pipe systems:

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1. Separation between pipes should be a minimum of four times the calculated

maximum displacement due to Fp, but not less than 4 in. (102 mm) clearance
between parallel pipes, unless spreaders are provided.

2. Clearance from walls or rigid elements should be a minimum of three times the
calculated displacement due to Fp, but not less than 3 in. (76 mm) clearance from
rigid elements.

3. If the provisions of the above paragraphs appear to be too severe for an

economical design, alternative methods based on rational and substantial
analysis may be applied to flexible piping systems.

4. Acceptable seismic details for sway bracing are shown in Figure C-5.

C-3.2 Stacks (Exhaust) Associated with Buildings.

References.

ASCE 7-16 Section 13.6, as modified by Section 13.6.1 of Chapter 3 of this UFC, and
ASCE 7-16 Chapter 15.

General.

Stacks are actually vertical beams with distributed mass and, as such, cannot be
modeled accurately by single-mass systems. This design guidance applies to either
cantilever or singly-guyed stacks attached to buildings. When a stack foundation is in
contact with the ground and the adjacent building does not support the stack, it should
be considered to be a nonbuilding structure (see ASCE 7-16 Chapter 15). This
guidance is intended for stacks with a constant moment of inertia. Stacks having a
slightly varying moment of inertia should be treated as having a uniform moment of
inertia with a value equal to the average moment of inertia.

Stacks that extend more than 15 ft (4.6 m) above a rigid attachment to the supporting
building should be designed according to the guidance for cantilever stacks presented
in Section C-3.2.3 of this UFC. Stacks that extend less than 15 ft (4.6 m) should be
designed for the equivalent static lateral force defined in ASCE 7-16 Section 13.3.1
using the ap and Rp values in ASCE 7-16 Table 13.6-1.

Stacks should be anchored to supporting buildings using long anchor bolts (where bolt
length is at least 12 bolt diameters). Much more strain energy can be absorbed with
long anchor bolts than with short ones. The use of long anchor bolts has been
demonstrated to give stacks better seismic performance. A bond-breaker material
should be used on the upper portion of the anchor bolt to ensure a length of unbonded
bolt for strain energy absorption. Two nuts should be used on anchor bolts to provide
an additional factor of safety.

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Cantilever Stacks.

The fundamental period of a cantilever stack should be determined from the period
coefficient (e.g., C = 0.0909) provided in Figure C-9, unless actually computed. The
equation and the period coefficients, C, shown in Figure C-9 were derived from the
Shock and Vibration Handbook (6th Edition, 2009). Dynamic response of ground-
supported stacks may be calculated from the appropriate base shear equations for the
Equivalent Lateral Force Procedure defined in ASCE 7-16 Section 12.8.

Guyed Stacks.

Analysis of guyed stacks depends on the relative rigidities of cantilever component and
guy cable support systems. If a cable is relatively rigid compared to the cantilever
component, the stack should respond in a manner similar to the higher modes of
vibration of a cantilever, with periods and mode shapes similar to those shown in Figure
C-9. The fundamental period of vibration of the guyed system should be somewhere
between the values for the fundamental and the appropriate higher mode of a similar
cantilever stack. An illustration for a single guyed stack is shown in Figure C-10.
Guyed stacks should be designed with rigid cables so that the true deflected shape is
closer to that shown on the right side of Figure C-10. This requires pretensioning of guy
cables to a minimum of 10 percent of stack seismic forces, Fp. Design for guyed stacks
is beyond the scope of this document. However, some guidance may be found in TIA-
222-G, Structural Standards for Antenna Supporting Structures and Antennas, 2005,
including Addendum 2, 2009.

C-3.3 Elevators.

References.

ASCE 7-16 Section 13.6.11, “Elevator and Escalator Design Requirements,” as

modified by Section 13.6.11.3 of Chapter 3 of this UFC.

General.

Elevator car and counterweight frames, roller guide assemblies, retainer plates, guide
rails, and supporting brackets and framing (Figure C-11) should be designed in
accordance with ASCE 7-16 Section 13.6.11. Lateral forces acting on guide rails
should be assumed to be distributed one-third to top guide rollers and two- thirds to
bottom guide rollers of elevator cars and counterweights. An elevator car and/or
counterweight should be assumed to be located at its most adverse position in relation
to its guide rails and support brackets. Horizontal deflections of guide rails should not
exceed 1/2 in. (12.7 mm) between supports, and horizontal deflections of the brackets
should not exceed 1/4 in. (6.4 mm).

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Figure C-9. Period Coefficients for Uniform Beams

FIXED BASE PINNED BASE

L L
.736 L

C=.0909 C=.0208 C=.0324 C=.0208

L L
.774 L
.853 L
.56 L .500 L .446 L

C=.0145 C=.0064 C=.0081 C=.0064

.868 L L L
.898 L
.692 L .667 L .616 L
.500 L
.384 L .333 L .308 L

C=.0052 C=.00307 C=.00361 C=.00307

.906 L L L .922 L
.765 L .75 L .707 L
.644 L
.592 L .50 L .471 L
.356 L
.294 L .25 L .235 L

C=.00265 C=.00179 C=.00202 C=.00179

Ta = Fundamental period (sec)

wL4 w = Weight per unit length of beam (lb/in) (N/mm)
Ta = C
EI L= Total beam length (in) (mm)
I = Moment of inertia (in 4) (mm 4)
E = Modulus of elasticity (psi) (MPa)
C = Period constant

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Figure C-10. Single Guyed Stacks

DEFLECTED SHAPE
DESCRIPTION
FLEXIBLE WIRE RIGID WIRE

Guy
wire
∼ 3/4 L

L
∼

Retainer Plates.

In structures assigned to SDC D, E, and F, clearances between the machined faces of

rail and retainer plates should not be more than 3/16 in. (4.8 mm), and the engagement
of a rail should not be less than the dimension of its machined side face. When a car
safety device attached to lower members of a car frame complies with lateral restraint
requirements, a retainer plate is not required for the bottom of the car.

Counterweight Tie Brackets.

In structures assigned to SDC D, E, and F, the maximum spacing of counterweight rail

tie brackets tied to a building structure should not exceed 16 ft (4.9 m). An intermediate
spreader bracket, which is not required to be tied to a building structure, should be
provided for tie brackets spaced greater than 10 ft (3.0 m), and two intermediate
spreader brackets are required for tie brackets spaced greater than 14 ft (4.3 m).

Force Calculation.

Elevator machinery and equipment should be designed for ap = 1.0 in ASCE 7-16
Equation 13.3-1, when rigid and rigidly attached. Non-rigid or flexibly mounted
equipment (which has a period greater than 0.06 second) should be designed with ap =
2.5.

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Figure C-11. Elevator Details

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C-3.4 Lighting Fixtures in Buildings

Reference.

ASCE 7-16 Sections 13.2.5 Testing Alternative for Seismic Capacity Determination,
13.5.6 Suspended Ceilings, 13.6.1 General, 13.6.2 Mechanical Components, 13.6.3
Electrical Components, and 13.6.4 Component Supports as modified by Chapter 3 of
this UFC in the Sections 13.5.6, 13.6.1, 13.6.2, 13.6.3, and 13.6.4.

General.

Lighting fixtures, including their attachments and supports, in SDC C, D, E, and F

buildings should conform to the following materials and construction requirements:

1. Fixture supports should use materials that are suitable for that purpose.
Cast metal parts, other than those of malleable iron, and cast or rolled
threads, should be subject to special investigation to ensure structural
adequacy.
2. Loop and hook or swivel hanger assemblies for pendant fixtures should be
fitted with restraining devices to hold their stems in the support position
during earthquake motions. Pendant-supported fluorescent fixtures
should also be provided with flexible hanger devices at their attachments
to the fixture channel to preclude breaking of the support. Motions of
swivels or hinged joints should not cause sharp bends in conductors or
damage to insulation.
3. A supporting assembly that is intended to be mounted on an outlet box
should be designed to accommodate mounting features on 4 in. (102 mm)
boxes, 3 in. (76 mm) plaster rings, and fixture studs.
4. Each surface-mounted individual or continuous row of fluorescent fixtures
should be attached to an earthquake-resisting ceiling support system.
Support devices for attaching fixtures to suspended ceilings should be
locking-type scissor clamps or full loop bands that will securely attach to
the ceiling support. Fixtures attached to the underside of a structural slab
should be properly anchored to the slab at each of their corners.
5. Each wall-mounted emergency light unit should be secured in a manner
that will hold the unit in place during a seismic disturbance.
C-3.5 Bridges, Cranes, and Monorails.

References.

ASCE 7-16 Section 13.6 Mechanical and Electrical Component, as modified by Chapter
3 of this UFC in the Sections 13.6.14 Bridges, Cranes, and Monorails and 13.6.14.1
Bridges, Cranes, and Monorails for RC IV Buildings and 2021 IBC Section 1607.15.

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General.

2021 IBC Section 1607.1 provides live load design guidance for cranes. Vertical
restraints should be provided to resist crane uplift. Experience has shown that vertical
ground motions can be amplified significantly in either crane bridges or crane rail
support brackets that are cantilevered from columns. Analysis of cranes should
consider their amplified response in the vertical direction, in addition to horizontal
response. The criteria in Section 13.6.14 in Chapter 3 of this UFC specify a component
amplification factor, ap, of 2.5 in the direction parallel to crane rails, because a crane
bridge would almost certainly be flexible enough along its weak axis to have a natural
period greater than 0.06 seconds. This factor is greater than 1.0 because, at large
natural periods, a crane bridge can be expected to amplify ground and building motions.
This factor has a value of 1.0 perpendicular to crane rails because the bridge would be
loaded axially in this direction, resulting in a natural period that is less than 0.06 second.
The crane bridge is considered to be rigid when loaded axially, so that it will not amplify
ground or building motions. When a crane is not in the locked position, it is reasonable
to assume that upper bound forces in the direction parallel to crane rails, between the
wheels and the rails, cannot exceed a conservative estimate of the force that could be
transmitted by friction between the brake wheels and rails.

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APPENDIX D MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL COMPONENT CERTIFICATION

D-1 COMPONENT CERTIFICATION.

D-1.1 General.

The background to mechanical and electrical component certification is explained in

Special Seismic Certification of Nonstructural Components (Tobolski, M. Structural
Engineering and Design, 2011).

ASCE 7-16 Section 13.2 states that certification must be by analysis, testing or
experience data. Mechanical and electrical equipment that must remain operable
following the design earthquake must be certified based on shake table testing or
experience data unless it can be shown that the component is inherently rugged by
comparison with similar seismically qualified components (Section 13.2.2). ASCE 7-16
Section 13.2.2 Item 2 states that “Components with hazardous substances and
assigned a component Importance Factor, Ip, of 1.5 in accordance with Section 13.1.3
must be certified by the manufacturer as maintaining containment following the design
earthquake by (1) analysis, (2) approved shake table testing in accordance with Section
13.2.5, or (3) experience data in accordance with Section 13.2.6.”

The California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) has
published Code Application Notice (CAN) 2-1708A.5, which explicitly explains OSHPD’s
expectations as they relate to special seismic certification. The main focus of the CAN
must emphasize items requiring physical shake table testing. OSHPD has also created
a Special Seismic Certification Preapproval (OSP) program. This program offers a
means to obtain prequalification of product lines for special seismic certification. Lists of
equipment that is pre-approved by OSHPD can be found at
https://hcai.ca.gov/construction-finance/preapproval-programs/oshpd-special-seismic-
certification-preapproval-osp/ and https://hcai.ca.gov/construction-finance/preapproval-
programs/hcai-special-seismic-certification-preapproval-osp-by-category/. The basis of
OSHPD preapproval always is shake table testing in compliance with ICC-ES AC156
and satisfaction of ICC-ES AC156 post-test acceptance criteria.

References.

ASCE 7-16 Section 13.2, General Design Requirements, and Chapter 3 of this UFC
Section 13.2.2.

Analytical Certification.

Certification based on analysis, as noted in ASCE 7-16 Section 13.2.2 Item 3, requires
a reliable and conservative understanding of the equipment configuration, including the
mass distribution, strength, and stiffness of the various subcomponents. From this
information, an analytical model may be developed that reliably and conservatively
predicts the equipment dynamic response and potential controlling modes of failure. If
such detailed information on the equipment or a basis for conservative estimates of
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these properties is not available, then methods other than analysis must be used. The
use of analysis for active or energized components is not permitted (see ASCE 7-16
Section 13.2.2 Item 1). Any analytical qualification of equipment should be peer-
reviewed independently by qualified, Registered Design Professionals.

Certification Based on Testing.

Shake table tests conducted in accordance with either ICC-ES AC156, Acceptance
Criteria for Seismic Qualification by Shake-Table Testing of Nonstructural Components,
or a site-specific study, should first use uniaxial motions along each of the three
principal axes of the equipment that is being tested. The measured response recorded
with vibration response monitoring instrumentation should be reviewed to determine if
out-of-plane response (in terms of peak amplitude) at a given location of instrumentation
exceeds 20% of the in-plane response. The in-plane direction is the direction of
horizontal test motions, while the out-of-plane direction is at a horizontal angle of 90
degrees with respect to the in-plane axis. An out-of-plane response (equipment relative
acceleration or equipment deformation) that exceeds 20% of the in-plane response, for
either horizontal test, indicates that significant cross-coupling is occurring. In that case,
the final qualification test should be triaxial, with simultaneous phase-incoherent
motions along all three principal axes. If out-of-plane response is less than 20% of the
in-plane response for both horizontal tests, at each critical location instrumented, then
the final qualification tests can be biaxial with motions in one horizontal and the vertical
directions. After post-test inspection and functional compliance verification, the Unit
Under Test (UUT) may be rotated 90 degrees about the vertical axis and biaxial testing
for the other horizontal direction and vertical direction can be conducted. Normally, two
biaxial tests, rather than a single triaxial test, would be conducted when a triaxial shake
table is not available or the displacement capacity of a triaxial shake table in one
direction must be small.

The development of ICC-ES AC156 is documented in ASCE Structures Congress

Proceedings: Background on the Development of the NEHRP Seismic Provisions for
Non-Structural Components and their Application to Performance Based Seismic
Engineering (Gillengerten, J.D., and Bachman, R.E., ASCE Structures Congress, 2003).
For RC V facilities, the site-specific seismic site response analysis will result in a set of
site-specific ground motions that define the seismic hazard. The building model could
be analyzed with these motions to define predicted time-history motions at each location
where critical equipment must be installed. From these building response motions,
response spectra could be developed, using 5% of critical damping. If the equipment
will be placed at several locations in the same building or in multiple buildings, a
required response spectrum (RRS) could be developed that envelopes all the spectra
generated from each building response record. As an alternative to the ICC-ES AC156
procedure, the equipment could be qualified with triaxial motions fit to the RRS, but
generated according to ICC-ES AC156. A second alternative approach would be to test
with the predicted time history motions that have the greatest response spectra
amplitude at the measured natural frequency of the equipment in each of the principal
directions. Using worst-case records would require that resonance search shake table
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tests be conducted in each of the three principal directions as defined in ICC-ES

AC156. All alternatives to ICC-ES AC156 equipment qualification testing require peer
review of the development of test records and test plans by qualified, Registered Design
Professionals. Post-test inspection and functional compliance verification would still be
required in accordance with ICC-ES AC156.

Additional Certification Methods.

Three additional methods are permitted for defining equipment capacity: earthquake
experience data, seismic qualification testing data, and the CERL Equipment Fragility
and Protection Procedure. The use of these methods requires a peer review by a
qualified, Registered Design Professional.

D-1.1.4.1 Earthquake Experience Data.

Earthquake experience data that were obtained by surveying and cataloging the effects
of strong ground motion earthquakes on various classes of equipment mounted in
conventional power plants and other industrial facilities may be used. Section 4.2.1 of
the publication Generic Implementation Procedure (GIP) for Seismic Verification of
Nuclear Plant Equipment (DOE 1992) provides these data. Based on this work, a
Reference Spectrum would be developed to represent the seismic capacity of
equipment in the earthquake experience equipment class. DOE/EH-0545, Seismic
Evaluation Procedure for Equipment in U.S. Department of Energy Facilities, provides
guidance on this procedure. A detailed description of the derivation and use of this
Reference Spectrum is contained in DoE publication SAND92-0140, Use of Seismic
Experience Data to Show Ruggedness of Equipment in Nuclear Power Plants. This
document should be reviewed before using the Reference Spectrum. The Reference
Spectrum and four spectra from which it is derived are shown in Figure 5.3-1 of
DOE/EH-0545. The Reference Spectrum and its defining response levels and
frequencies are shown in Figure 5.3-2 of the same document. When this approach is
used, the Reference Spectrum is used to represent the seismic capacity of equipment,
when the equipment is determined to have characteristics similar to the earthquake
experience equipment class and meets the intent of the caveats for that class of
equipment as defined in Chapter 8 of DOE/EH-0545.

D-1.1.4.2 Qualification Testing Database.

Data collected from seismic qualification testing of nuclear power plant equipment may
be used in the certification of equipment. These data were used to develop generic
ruggedness levels for various equipment classes in the form of Generic Equipment
Ruggedness Spectra (GERS). The development of the GERS and the limitations on
their use are documented in Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) report NP-5223,
Generic Seismic Ruggedness of Power Plant Equipment in Nuclear Power Plants. The
non-relay GERS and limitations on their use are discussed in Chapter 8 of DOE/EH-
0545, while the relay GERS are in Chapter 11 of the same document. The EPRI report
should be reviewed by users of the GERS to understand the basis for them. The use of

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either the Reference Spectrum or the GERS for defining equipment capacity requires
careful review of the basis for them to ensure applicability to the equipment being
evaluated.

D-1.1.4.3 CERL Equipment Fragility and Protection Procedure.

The CERL Equipment Fragility and Protection Procedure (CEFAPP), defined in

USACERL Technical Report 97/58, may be used for defining equipment capacity.
Similar to the other methods, CEFAPP defines a response spectrum envelope of the
equipment capacity. This method requires a series of shake table tests to develop an
actual failure envelope across a frequency range. This experimental approach requires
greater effort than the ICC-ES AC156 qualification testing. However, the resulting failure
envelope provides a more accurate and complete definition of capacity, rather than
simply determining that the equipment survived a defined demand environment. Unlike
the AC156 procedure, site-specific testing, or the other two additional methods,
CEFAPP defines actual equipment capacity and provides information on modes of
failure with respect to response spectra amplitudes and frequency of motion.
Definitions of equipment capacity are more accurate with respect to frequency and
mode of failure than can be established using the alternative methods. When equipment
capacity is compared with the seismic demands at the various locations in which the
equipment must be installed, the equipment vulnerability, if any, can be clearly defined
in terms of predicted mode of failure and frequency. The procedure provides
information on how to protect the equipment, using isolation, strengthening, or
stiffening. The use of CEFAPP requires peer review of proposed test motions, the test
plan, and use of the data, by qualified Registered Design Professionals.

D-1.1.4.4 Qualification of Power Substation Equipment.

IEEE Recommended Practices for Seismic Design of Substations (IEEE 693-2005)

provides detailed guidance for the qualification of equipment used in power substations.
This guidance should be used for the qualification of this equipment even if installed at
facilities other than substations (e.g., power plants).

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APPENDIX E MINIMUM UNIFORMLY DISTRIBUTED LIVE LOADS, LO, AND MINI-

MUM CONCENTRATED LIVE LOADS

E-1 REFERENCES.

All section references are to the 2021 International Building Code (2021 IBC). Table E-
1 includes 2021 IBC Table 1607.1 with additional Occupancy or Use classification for
military facilities that are shown in bold italics.

Table E-1 Minimum Uniformly Distributed Live Loads and Minimum Concentrated
Live Loadsg

OCCUPANCY OR USE UNIFORM CONCENTRATED

(kPa) (psf) (kN) (lbs.)
1. Apartments (see residential) --- --- --- ---
2. Access floor systems
Office use 2.4 50 8.9 2,000
Computer use 4.8 100 8.9 2,000
3. Ammunition Storage
High explosives (one story) 23.9 500 --- ---
Inert explosives (one story) 23.9 500 --- ---
Pyrotechnics (one story) 23.9 500 --- ---
Small arms (one story) 23.9 500 --- ---
Torpedo (one story) 16.8 350 --- ---
4. Armories and drill rooms 7.2n 150n --- ---
5. Assembly areas ---
Fixed seats (fastened to floor) 2.9m 60m --- ---
Follow spot, projection and
control rooms 2.4 50 --- ---
Lobbies 4.8m 100m --- ---
Movable seats 4.8m 100m --- ---
Stage floors 7.2m 150m --- ---
Platforms (assembly) 4.8m 100m --- ---
Other assembly areas 4.8m 100m --- ---
6. Balconies and decksh 4.8 1.5 times the --- ---
live load for the
(Balconies serving as pri- area served,
mary means of egress for not required to
multiple rooms must be con- exceed 100
sidered as corridors.)
7. Battery charging room 9.6 200 --- ---
8. Boiler houses 9.6 200 --- ---
9. Catwalks 1.9 40 1.33 300
10. Cleaning gear / trash room com- 3.6 75 --- ---
pactor

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OCCUPANCY OR USE UNIFORM CONCENTRATED

(kPa) (psf) (kN) (lbs.)
11. Cold Storage (Food or provi-
sion freezer)
First floor 19.2 400 --- ---
Upper floors 14.4 300 --- ---
12. Command Duty Officer Day
room 2.9 60 --- ---
13. Cornices 2.9 60 --- ---
14. Corridors
First floor 4.8 100 --- ---
Other floors Same as oc- Same as occu-
cupancy pancy served
served except except as indi-
as indicated cated
15. Court rooms 3.8 80 --- ---
16. Dining rooms and restaurants 4.8m 100m --- ---

18. Dwellings (see residential) --- --- --- ---

19. Elevator machine room and con- --- --- 1.33 300
trol room grating
(on area of 50.8 mm x 50.8 mm
(2 in. x 2 in.))
20. Finish light floor plate construction
(on area of 25.4 mm x 25.4 mm --- --- 0.89 200
(1 in. x 1 in. ))
21. Fire escapes 4.8 100 --- ---
On single-family dwellings only 1.9 40
22. Galleys
Dishwashing rooms 14.4 300
General kitchen area 12.0 250
Provision storage (not re- --- ---
frigerated) 9.6 200
Preparation room
Meat 12.0 250
Vegetable 4.8 100
23. Garages (passenger vehicles only) 1.9o 40o Note a Note a
Trucks & buses See IBC Sec- See IBC Sec- See IBC Sec- See IBC Sec-
tion 1607.7 tion 1607.7 tion 1607.7 tion 1607.7
24. Generator rooms 9.6 200 --- ---
25. Guard House 3.6 75 --- ---
26. Handrails, guards and grab bars See IBC Sec- See IBC Sec- See IBC Sec- See IBC Sec-
tion tion tion 1607.8 tion 1607.8
1607.8 1607.8

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(kPa) (psf) (kN) (lbs.)
27. Helipadsp See IBC Sec- See IBC Sec- See IBC Sec- See IBC Sec-
tion 1607.6 tion 1607.6 tion 1607.6 tion 1607.6
28. Hospitals
Corridors above first floor 3.8 80 4.45 1,000
Operating rooms, laboratories 2.9 60 4.45 1,000
Patient rooms 1.9 40 4.45 1,000

29. Hotels (see residential) --- --- --- ---

30. Incinerators; charging room 7.2 150 --- ---
31. Laboratories, normal scientific 6.0 125 --- ---
equipment
32. Latrines / Heads / Toilets / 3.6 75 --- ---
Washroom
33. Libraries
Reading rooms 2.9 60 4.45 1,000
Stack rooms 7.2b,n 150b,n 4.45 1,000
Corridors above first floor 3.8 80 4.45 1,000
34. Manufacturing
Light 6.0m 125n 8.9 2,000
Heavy 12.0m 250n 13.34 3,000
35. Marquees, except one- and two- 3.6 75 --- ---
family dwellings
36. Mechanical equipment room
(general) q 4.8 100 --- ---
37. Mechanical room (HVAC, eleva- 6.0 125 --- ---
tor machine rooms and floors over
elevator hoistways)
38. Mechanical telephone and radio
equipment room 7.2 150 --- ---
39. Morgue 4.8 100 --- ---
40. Office buildings
File and computer rooms shall
be designed for heavier
loads based on anticipated --- --- --- ---
occupancy
Lobbies and first floor corridors 4.8 100 8.9 2,000
Offices 2.4 50 8.9 2,000
Corridors above first floor 3.8 80 8.9 2,000
41. Penal Institutions
Cell blocks 1.9 40 --- ---
Corridors 4.8 100
42. Post offices
General area 4.8 100 --- ---
Work rooms 6.0 125

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(kPa) (psf) (kN) (lbs.)
43. Power plants 9.6 200 --- ---
44. Projection booths 4.8 100 --- ---
45. Pump houses 4.8 100 --- ---
46. Recreation room 4.8 100 --- ---
47. Recreational uses:
Bowling alleys, poolrooms and
similar uses 3.6m 75m
Dance halls and ballrooms 4.8m 100m
Gymnasiums 4.8m 100m
Ice skating rink 12n 250n --- ---
Reviewing stands, grandstands
and bleachers 4.8c,m 100c,m
Roller skating rink 4.8m 100m
Stadiums and arenas with
fixed seats (fastened to floor) 2.9c,m 60c,m

48. Receiving rooms (radio) includ-

ing roof areas supporting 7.2 150 --- ---
antennas and electronic
equipment
49. Refrigeration storage rooms
Dairy 9.6 200 --- ---
Meat 12.0 250 --- ---
Vegetable 13.2 275 --- ---
50. Residential
One & two family dwellings
Uninhabitable attics without
storagei 0.5 10 --- ---
Uninhabitable attics with
storagei,j,k 1.0 20 --- ---
Habitable attics and sleep-
ing areask 1.4 30 --- ---
Canopies, including mar-
quees 1.0 20 --- ---
All other areas 1.9 40
Hotels and multifamily dwellings
Private rooms & corridors --- ---
serving them 1.9 40
Corridors serving as pri-
mary means of egress --- ---
to multiple private
rooms 3.8 80 --- ---
Public roomsm and corri-
dors serving them 4.8 100

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(kPa) (psf) (kN) (lbs.)
51. Roofs
All roof surfaces subject to
maintenance workers --- --- 1.33 300
Awnings and canopies:
Fabric construction supported
by a skeleton structure 0.23m 5m --- ---
All other construction, except
one and two-family dwellings 1.0 20
Ordinary flat, pitched, and curved --- ---
roofs (that are not occupiable) 1.0 20 --- ---
Primary roof members exposed to
a work floor
Single panel point of lower
chord of roof trusses or any
point along primary structural
members supporting roofs over
manufacturing, storage ware-
houses, and repair garages
All other primary roof members --- --- 8.9 2000
Occupiable roofs: --- --- 1.33 300
Roof gardens
Assembly areas 4.8 100 --- ---
All other similar areas 4.8m 100m --- ---
Roof of PV shade structures Note l Note l Note l Note l
1.0 20
52. Schools
Classrooms 1.9 40 4.45 1,000
Corridors above first floor 3.8 80 4.45 1,000
First floor corridors 4.8 100 4.45 1,000
53. Scuttles, skylight ribs, and acces-
sible ceilings --- --- 0.89 200
54. Shops: Manufacturing and In-
dustrial
Aircraft utility 9.6 200 --- ---
Assembly and repair 12.0 250 --- ---
Bombsight (w/o shielding) 6.0 125 --- ---
Carpenter 6.0 125 --- ---
Electrical 14.4 300 --- ---
Engine overhaul 14.4 300 --- ---
55. Sidewalks, vehicular driveways 12.0d,n 250d,n 35.6e 8,000e
and yards, subject to trucking
56. Stairs and exits
One- and two-family dwellings 1.9 40 1.3f 300f
All other 4.8 100 1.3f 300f

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(kPa) (psf) (kN) (lbs.)
57. Storage warehouses (shall be de-
signed for heavier loads if re-
quired for anticipated storage)
General
Light 6.0n 125n
Heavy 12n 250n
Aircraft 9.6 200
Building Materials 12 250 --- ---
Drugs, paint, oil 9.6 200
Dry Provisions 14.4 300
Groceries, wine, Liquor 14.4 300
Light Tools 7.2 150
Pipe & metal 48 1000
Paint and oil (one story) 24 500
Hardware 14.4 300
58. Stores
Retail
First floor 4.8 100 4.45 1,000
Upper floors 3.6 75 4.45 1,000
Wholesale, all floors 6.0n 125n 4.45 1,000
59. Tailor shop 3.6 75 --- ---
60. Telephone exchange rooms and
central computer IT server 7.2 150 8.9 2000
spaces
61. Vehicle barriers See IBC Sec- See IBC Sec- See IBC Sec- See IBC Sec-
tion1607.9 tion 1607.9 tion 1607.9 tion 1607.9
62. Walkways and elevated platforms
(other than exitways) 2.9 60 --- ---
Range Towers, Climbing Towers
and other Multi-story Training
Towers 4.8 100
Pedestrian Bridges AASHTOr AASHTOr
63. Yards and terraces, pedestrian 4.8m 100m --- ---

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Notes to Table E-1, “Minimum Uniformly Distributed Live Loads, Lo, and Minimum
Concentrated Live Loads”

For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 square inch = 645.16 mm2, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2, 1
pound per square foot = 0.0479 kN/m2 = 0.0479 kPa, 1 pound = 0.004448 kN, 1 pound
per cubic foot = 16 kg/m3.

a. Floors in garages or portions of building used for the storage of motor vehicles are to
be designed for the uniformly distributed live loads of this table or the following
concentrated loads: (1) for garages restricted to passenger vehicles
accommodating not more than nine passengers, 3,000 pounds (13.34 kN) acting on
an area of 4.5 inches x 4.5 inches (114 mm x 114 mm); (2) for mechanical parking
structures without slab or deck which are used for storing passenger vehicles only,
2,250 pounds (10.0 kN) per wheel.
b. The loading applies to stack room floors that support nonmobile, double-faced library
book stacks, subject to the following limitations:
1) The nominal book stack unit height must not exceed 90 inches (2,290mm).
2) The nominal shelf depth must not exceed 12 inches (305mm) for each face;
3) Parallel rows of double-faced book stacks must be separated by aisles not less
than 36 inches (915 mm) wide.
c. Design in accordance with the ICC 300.
d. Other uniform loads in accordance with an approved method containing provisions
for truck loadings are also to be considered where appropriate.
e. The concentrated wheel load is to be applied on an area of 4.5 inches by 4.5 inches
(114mm x 114mm).
f. The minimum concentrated load on stair treads is to be applied on an area of 2
inches by 2 inches (51mm x 51mm). This load need not be assumed to act
concurrently with the uniform load.
g. Where snow loads occur that are in excess of the design conditions, the structure
must be designed to support the loads due to the increased loads caused by drift
buildup or a greater snow design determined by the AHJ. (See IBC Section 1608).
h. See IBC Section 1604.8.3 for decks attached to exterior walls.
i. Uninhabitable attics without storage are those where the maximum clear height
between the joist and rafter is less than 42 inches (1067 mm), or where there are not
two or more adjacent trusses with web configuration capable of accommodating an
assumed rectangle 42 inches (1067 mm) in height by 24 inches (610 mm) in width,
or greater, within the plane of the truss. This live load need not be assumed to act
concurrently with any other live load requirements.
j. Uninhabitable attics with storage are those where the maximum clear height
between the joist and rafter is 42 inches (1067 mm) or greater, or where there are
two or more adjacent trusses with web configuration capable of accommodating an

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assumed rectangle 42 inches (1067 mm) in height by 24 inches (610 mm) in width,
or greater, within the plane of the trusses.
The live load need only be applied to those portions of the joists or truss bottom
chords where both of the following conditions are met:
1) The attic area is accessible from an opening not less than 20 inches (508 mm)
in width by 30 inches (762 mm) in length that is located where the clear height in
the attic is a minimum of 30 inches (762 mm); and
2) The slopes of the joists or truss bottom chords are no greater than two units
vertical in 12 units horizontal.
The remaining portions of the joist or truss bottom chords be designed for a
uniformly distributed concurrent live load of not less than 10 psf (0.5 kPa).
k. Attic spaces served by stairways other than the pull-down type be designed to
support the minimum live load specified for habitable attics and sleeping rooms.
l. Areas of occupiable roofs, other than roof gardens and assembly areas, be designed
for appropriate loads as approved by the AHJ. Unoccupied landscaped areas of
roof be designed in accordance with IBC Section 1607.13.3.
m. Live load reduction is not permitted.
n. Live load reduction is only permitted in accordance with Section 1607.11.1.2 or Item
1 of Section 1607.11.2.
o. Live load reduction is only permitted in accordance with Section 1607.11.1.3 or Item
2 of Section 1607.11.2.
p. Helipads supporting military aircraft be designed to support the actual aircraft weight
and impact loading due to landing.
q. All attics with mechanical units be designed for a mechanical equipment room
loading.
r. For live loads on pedestrian bridges see AASHTO LRFD Guide Specifications for
the Design of Pedestrian Bridges.

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APPENDIX F COMPOSITES FOR BRIDGING APPLICATIONS [ADDITION]

F-1 INTRODUCTION.

F-1.1 Purpose and Scope.

This Appendix provides design resources to structural engineers interested in using

polymer composite technologies for bridge applications. This Appendix is not intended
to provide requirements for design and construction. Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP)
composite materials and systems are now available that are not necessarily covered by
the current AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications, but which may have
performance and cost benefits in the repair and major rehabilitation and replacement of
existing highway bridges within the DoD. This Appendix provides design considerations
for polymer composites, references to guide specifications published by AASHTO, ACI,
ASCE, FHWA, and case studies published by FHWA and USACE. The fiber reinforced
polymer (FRP) technologies covered in this Appendix include glass FRP composite
reinforcing bars, carbon FRP composite prestressing systems, FRP composite external
strengthening and repair systems, and FRP composite elements including bridge piles
and bridge decks. This appendix also includes information on thermoplastic materials
for replacement of timber bridges including thermoplastic lumber, thermoplastic piles,
and thermoplastic I-beams.

F-1.2 Applicability.

This Appendix applies only to polymer composite technologies for bridge applications.
The guide specifications referenced herein are not intended to supplant proper training
or the exercise of judgment by the Design Professional and state only the minimum
requirements necessary to provide for public safety. The Design Professional may
require the sophistication of the design or the quality of materials and construction to be
higher than the minimum requirements. The Design Professional should be familiar with
the provisions of the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications and latest interim
specifications. The decision to implement polymer composite technologies not currently
covered by guide specifications should be made in consultation with the Service’s lead
Structural Engineering POC. This consultation is to ensure less developed technologies
are implemented successfully.

F-1.3 Overview of Appendix.

Brief descriptions of the various sections of this appendix follow:

• F-2 – GENERAL. Provides a brief background on thermoset FRP

composites and thermoplastic composites.
• F-3 – THERMOSET FRP COMPOSITE TECHNOLOGIES. Provides
general design considerations for the use of thermoset FRP composites
and reference to guide specifications and case studies for thermoset FRP
composite technologies for bridge applications including non-prestressed

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and prestressed concrete reinforcement, external strengthening systems

for concrete, and FRP bridge elements including piles and decks.
• F-4 – THERMOPLASTIC TECHNOLOGIES. Provides general
considerations for the use of thermoplastic technologies and reference to
specification when available and case studies for thermoplastic
technologies as replacement for timber bridge elements including
dimensional lumber, piles, and beams.
• F-5 – REFERENCES. Lists the references included in this Appendix.
• F-6 – ABBREVIATIONS. Lists the abbreviations used in this Appendix.

F-2 GENERAL.

Composite materials are by definition a combination of two or more materials that differ
in form and composition on the macro scale. The individual components maintain their
phase and are not merged or melted into a new state. The result is an engineered
material with desirable characteristics derived from the mechanical properties of the
components. Composite materials have been used as construction materials for
decades in the form of reinforced concrete and laminated timber products. Beginning in
the 1960s, advances in material processing and the need for more durable materials led
to the emergence of FRP composite materials.

The fiber reinforcement in an FRP composite provides the primary strength and
stiffness while the polymer matrix transfers loads between fibers, ensures proper fiber
alignment, and provides protection from environmental effects. Three types of fiber
commonly used include glass, aramid, and carbon. Glass is the least expensive with
lower strength and stiffness compared to carbon or aramid. Carbon is typically the most
expensive with the highest strength and stiffness. As a general rule of thumb, carbon
fiber can be around six to ten times as expensive as glass fiber. The fiber reinforcement
can take the form of either continuous strands or woven/stitched fabrics.

The two broad families of polymers used are thermosets and thermoplastics.
Thermosets are more commonly used in FRP composites due to their low temperature
curing, workability, flow ability, and resistance to creep, compared to thermoplastics.
Thermosets cure by forming long hydrocarbon chains joined by crosslinking covalent
bonds through a chemical reaction. Once formed, they cannot be melted or reformed by
heat. Thermoplastics are composed of long hydrocarbon chains that are not chemically
bonded through crosslinking and can move with respect to each other. Thermoplastic
materials typically have high ductility and lower strength than thermoset composites and
can be melted and reshaped by temperature. Due to these fundamental differences in
chemical structure and mechanical behavior, this Appendix is divided into thermoset
FRP composites (Section F-3) and thermoplastic materials (Section F-4).

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F-3 THERMOSET FRP COMPOSITE TECHNOLOGIES.

F-3.1 Thermoset FRP Composite Design Considerations.

The following design considerations for thermoset FRP composites are not intended to
be comprehensive but are to alert the reader that thermosetting FRP composite
materials require different considerations than traditional construction materials. More
information on design considerations can be found in the publications referenced
throughout F-3.2.

F-3.1.1 Anisotropic behavior.

Thermoset FRP composite materials are anisotropic with strength properties highly
dependent on fiber architecture. Composites have higher strengths in the primary
direction of the fibers with lower strengths in the transverse direction. Composites with
fibers oriented primarily in one direction are called unidirectional composites.
Unidirectional composites are used primarily in tension as they have a lower
compressive strength compared to tensile strength. As a result of this lower
compressive strength, design philosophies for FRP reinforcement and external
strengthening systems for concrete do not rely on the contribution of unidirectional
composites in compression. FRP composites can also be designed with fiber
architectures that orient fibers in multiple directions. This allows composites to be
optimized for loading conditions. Multidirectional composite shapes will generally have
higher strengths in tension than in compression.

F-3.1.2 Stiffness and ductility.

Glass FRP composites have a stiffness of around 5,000 ksi to 7,000 ksi and a much
lower ductility than steel. This lower stiffness results in the majority of glass FRP
composite designs being controlled by serviceability criteria rather than strength.
Carbon FRP composites can have strength and stiffness that exceed certain grades of
steel but have low ductility. Both glass and carbon FRP composites display a linear
elastic behavior up until failure. This linear elastic behavior coupled with low ductility has
led to conservative design criteria for FRP composite reinforcement for concrete which
reinforces the tensile zone to force failure to occur in concrete compression and limits
the strain in the tensile bars (limited to around .008). As a result, FRP reinforced
concrete will typically be controlled by a failure mode with low ductility. Retrofits and
external strengthening systems for concrete are limited to applications where failure of a
bonded repair would not result in the catastrophic failure of the structure. The
publications cited in F-3.2 provide further discussions on the design guidance
developed in light of these behaviors.

F-3.1.3 Creep and fatigue.

Thermoset FRP composites under sustained tensile load can suddenly rupture after a
time period called the endurance time. This phenomenon is known as creep rupture or
static fatigue rupture. Fatigue loading can also provide similar failure modes. Creep and

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fatigue rupture are designed for by limiting the sustained and fatigue stresses in FRP
composite elements to a percentage of their ultimate strength. The sustained and
fatigue stresses in most design criteria are conservatively limited to around 20% of
ultimate strength for glass composites, 30% of ultimate strength for aramid composites,
and 50% of ultimate strength for carbon composites. Additional information on this topic
is provided in the publications in F-3.2. Note that there are gaps in knowledge about the
number of load cycles required to cause fatigue due to the effects of load reversals and
about the creep response of FRP composite materials for certain applications.
Research into these topics is still ongoing.

F-3.1.4 Durability.

Thermoset FRP composites are resistant to rot, insects, and corrosion. They have
displayed good durability in highly corrosive environments leading to their applications
in chemical storage tanks and as reinforcement in concrete. Ultra-violet (UV) radiation
can degrade the polymer matrix leading to reduced performance. UV degradation is
designed for by adding UV-inhibitors to the resin during fabrication and by applying UV-
resistant coatings to FRP composites exposed to direct sunlight. Durability
considerations are designed for by applying material resistance factors based upon the
type of FRP composite, its application, and its exposure conditions. For additional
information on the general durability of FRP composites, refer to ACI 440R Report on
Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Reinforcement for Concrete Structures. The durability
considerations found in ACI 440R apply directly to FRP composite reinforcement for
concrete but the concepts discussed are generally applicable to other FRP composite
technologies. Note that though thermoset FRP composites in many applications have
demonstrated good durability, research into their long term performance is still on-going.

F-3.2 Thermoset FRP Composite Guidance and Case Studies.

The following section describes the most developed thermoset FRP composite
technologies including recommended applications, current guide specifications, and
case studies.

F-3.2.1 Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) Reinforcing Bars.

The following applications may be suitable for deformed or sand-coated GFRP

reinforcing bars, but the Design Professional should be aware of the design
considerations for GFRP reinforcing bars as well as the limitations and applicability of
current guidance before selecting GFRP reinforcing bars for any application:

• Reinforcement for normal weight concrete deck slabs, cast-in-place solid slab
(longitudinally reinforced), and pre-cast deck bridges

• Reinforcement for normal-weight concrete beams, girders, and diaphragms.

• Reinforcement for normal-weight concrete piles, piers, and footings.

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• Reinforcement for normal-weight concrete bridge railing.

F-3.2.1.1 Guidance.

The following guide specifications are available for GFRP concrete reinforcing bars:

• For guidance on the design of concrete bridge members reinforced with GFRP
reinforcing bars, refer to AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Guide Specifications for
GFRP Reinforced Concrete. The guide specification should be reviewed carefully
for its limitations and applicability as GFRP reinforcing bars may not be suitable
for certain applications.

• For information on the characteristics and durability of non-prestressed FRP

reinforcing bars in concrete, refer to ACI 440.1R Guide for the Design and
Construction of Structural Concrete Reinforced with Fiber-Reinforced (FRP)
Bars.

• For information on test methods to characterize FRP reinforcing bars, refer to

ACI 440.3R Guide Test Methods for Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP)
Composites for Reinforcing or Strengthening Concrete and Masonry Structures.

• For information on construction specification for FRP reinforcing bars, refer to

ACI 440.5 Specification for Construction with Fiber-Reinforced Polymer
Reinforcing Bars.

F-3.2.1.2 Case Studies.

The following resources can be referred to for demonstrations and case studies related
to the implementation of GFRP reinforcing bars for concrete bridge elements:

• For a case study on the use of GFRP reinforcing bars in a bridge replacement
project completed by Maine DOT, refer to Maine Demonstration Project: Hotel
Road (Littlefields Bridge) Replacement Using Superstructure Slide-In
Technology. The report can be accessed via the following link:
https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/bridge/composite/cpdi.cfm

• For a list of projects reports related to GFRP reinforcement, completed through

the FHWA Innovative Bridge Research and Construction/Deployment
(IBRC/IBRD) Program, refer to the FHWA website accessed through the
following link: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/bridge/composite/str.cfm.

• For a review of the state of the art for GFRP reinforcing bars, refer to ACI 440R
Report on Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Reinforcement for Concrete
Structures.

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F-3.2.2 Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) Prestressing Systems.

The following applications may be suitable for CFRP prestressing systems, but the
Design Professional should be aware of the design considerations for CFRP
prestressing systems as well as the limitations and applicability of current guidance
before selecting CFRP prestressing systems for any application:

• Pretensioned reinforcement for normal weight concrete beams.

• Bonded and unbonded internally post-tensioned reinforcement for normal weight

concrete beams.

F-3.2.2.1 Guidance.

The following guide specifications are available for CFRP prestressing systems for
concrete beams:

• For guidance on the design of concrete bridge beams prestressed with CFRP
systems, refer to AASHTO Guide Specification for the Design of Concrete Bridge
Beams Prestressed with CFRP Systems. The guide specification should be
reviewed carefully for its limitations and applicability as CFRP prestressing
systems may not be suitable for certain applications.

• For requirements not specifically addressed in the previously listed publication,

refer to ACI 440.4R Prestressing Concrete Structures with FRP Tendons for
additional information. For additional information on the design philosophy and
research needs for CFRP pretensioned systems, also refer to ACI 440.4R.

• For additional recommendations for the design of CFRP prestressing systems,

refer to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Structures Manual
Volume 4: Fiber Reinforced Polymer Guidelines (FRPG).

F-3.2.2.2 Case Studies.

The following resources can be referred to for demonstrations and case studies related
to the implementation of CFRP prestressing systems for concrete bridge beams:

• For a case study on the use of CFRP reinforcement in concrete bridge beams
conducted by Virginia Transportation Research Council, refer to Concrete Beams
Prestressed Using Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers, Final Report VTCR 19-
R29. The report can be accessed through the following link:
https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/bridge/composite/resources.cfm

• For a list of project reports related to CFRP prestressing systems completed

through the FHWA Innovative Bridge Research and Construction/Deployment
(IBRC/IBRD) Program, refer to the FHWA website accessed through the
following link: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/bridge/composite/str.cfm.

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• For a review of the state of the art for CFRP prestressing systems, refer to ACI
440R Report on Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Reinforcement for Concrete
Structures and ACI 440.4R Prestressing Concrete Structures with FRP Tendons.

F-3.2.3 FRP External Strengthening Systems.

The following applications may be suitable for FRP repair and strengthening systems
but the Design Professional should be aware of the design considerations for FRP
repair and strengthening systems as well as the limitations and applicability of current
guidance before selecting FRP repair and strengthening systems for any application:

• External reinforcement of concrete flexural members on the tension face to

improve flexural strength.

• Wrapping of existing concrete beams and columns to improve shear strength.

• Confinement of reinforced concrete columns to enhance strength and ductility.

• Strengthening of earthquake damaged and seismically deficient structures.

F-3.2.3.1 Guidance.

The following guide specifications are available for FRP external strengthening and
repair systems for concrete bridge elements:

• For guidance on the design of FRP systems for repair and strengthening of
concrete bridge members, refer to AASHTO Guide Specifications for Design of
Bonded FRP Systems for Repair and Strengthening of Concrete Bridge
Elements. The guide specification should be reviewed carefully for its limitations
and applicability as FRP strengthening systems may not be suitable for certain
applications.

• For requirements not specifically addressed in the listed publication and for
design examples, refer to ACI 440.2R Guide for the Design and Construction of
Externally Bonded FRP Systems for Strengthening Concrete Structures.

• Note that FDOT Structures Manual Volume 4: FRPG recommends that carbon
be the primary reinforcement for FRP composite systems used in repair or
strengthening of concrete. It also recommends that if either a pre-cured laminate
or wet layup system is used, the resin and adhesive should be a thermoset
epoxy formulation specifically designed to be compatible with the fibers or pre-
cured shapes. In wet layup systems, the manual recommends limiting shear and
flexural reinforcement to no more than three layers except as required for
anchorages.

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F-3.2.3.2 Case Studies.

The following resources can be referred to for demonstrations and case studies related
to the implementation of FRP external strengthening systems for concrete bridge
elements:

• For a state of the art of FRP strengthening systems compiled by FHWA, refer to
Report on Techniques for Bridge Strengthening, FHWA-HIF-18-041. This report
can be accessed through the following link:
https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/bridge/composite/cpdi.cfm

• For a list of project reports related to strengthening and damage repair of bridges
with FRP strengthening systems completed through the FHWA Innovative Bridge
Research and Construction/Deployment (IBRC/IBRD) Program, refer to the
FHWA website accessed through the following link:
https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/bridge/composite/str.cfm.

F-3.2.4 FRP Structural Bridge Elements.

The following applications may be suitable for FRP bridge elements but the Design
Professional should be aware of the design considerations for FRP bridge elements as
well as the limitations and applicability of current guidance before selecting FRP bridge
elements for any application:

• FRP composite bridge fender systems.

• FRP composite stay-in place form-work for concrete bridge decks.

• Concrete filled FRP composite tubes for bridge culverts and bearing piles.

• FRP composite bridge decking as replacement for concrete bridge decks.

F-3.2.4.1 Guidance.

The following guide specifications and pre-standards are available for FRP composite
bridge elements:

• For guidance on the design of concrete-filled FRP tubes as structural members in

bridges, refer to AASHTO LRFD Guide Specifications for Design of Concrete-
Filled FRP Tubes for Flexural and Axial Members. The guide specifications
applies to concrete-FRP composite members only. The limitations of this guide
specification should be reviewed before use.

• For information on the design of FRP composite members for pedestrian bridges,
refer to AASHTO Guide Specification for Design of FRP Pedestrian Bridges.
Note that this guide specification is from 2009, refers to the outdated AASHTO
17th edition, and is only applicable to pedestrian bridges.

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• For information on the design of pultruded structural members, refer to ASCE

Pre-standard for Load & Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) of Pultruded FRP
Structures. Note that this document provides design equations for pultruded
structural shapes, but is not specifically for bridge applications.

• For information on the design of connections for pultruded structural shapes,

refer to ASCE Manuals and Reports on Engineering Practice No. 102, Design
Guide for FRP Composite Connections. Note that this guide contains general
design considerations and equations for bolted, adhesive, and mixed
connections, but it is not specifically for bridge applications.

F-3.2.4.2 Case Studies.

The following resources can be referred to for demonstrations and case studies related
to the implementation of FRP structural bridge elements:

• For a case study on the design and implementation of a composite bridge

decking system conducted by FHWA, refer to Composite Bridge Decking,
Publication No. FHWA-HIF-13-029. The report can be accessed through the
following link: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/bridge/composite/cpdi.cfm

• For information on a demonstration of an FRP composite bridge deck to replace

a reinforced concrete bridge deck completed by USACE-ERDC, refer to
ERDC/CERL TR-16-16 Demonstration and Validation of a Lightweight
Composite Bridge Deck Technology as an Alternative to Reinforced Concrete.

• For information on a demonstration of a hybrid composite beam (HCB) system in

a bridge replacement project at Fort Knox, Kentucky completed by USACE-
ERDC, refer to ERDC/CERL TR-16-22 Demonstration of Corrosion-Resistant
Hybrid Composite Bridge Beams for Structural Applications. The HCB system
consisted of a glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) shell, tension reinforcement
using stainless steel cables, low-density foam core, and a concrete arch that
provided compression reinforcement.

• For a case study on the implementation of composite piles conducted by FHWA,

refer to A Laboratory and Field Study of Composite Piles for Bridge
Substructures, FHWA-HRT-04-043. The report can be accessed through the
following link: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/bridge/composite/cpdi.cfm

• For a list of project reports related FRP pultruded structural members and
composite bridge decking completed through the FHWA Innovative Bridge
Research and Construction/Deployment (IBRC/IBRD) Program, refer to the
FHWA website accessed through the following link:
https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/bridge/composite/str.cfm.

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F-4 THERMOPLASTIC TECHNOLOGIES.

Thermoplastics materials have recently emerged as a durable and cost-effective

alternative to timber for short span bridges. Thermoplastic materials require no chemical
preservatives, are low maintenance and corrosion resistant, and have reduced life cycle
costs. While this technology is still under development and guidance is limited, this
technology has been included to allow readers full exposure to all polymer composites.

F-4.1 Thermoplastic Material Considerations.

The following considerations for thermoplastic materials are not intended to be

comprehensive but are to alert the reader that these materials require different
considerations than traditional construction materials and thermoset FRP composite
materials. More considerations can be found in the publications referenced throughout
F-4.2.

F-4.1.1 Procurement.

Guidance on the design and use of thermoplastic materials for structural applications is
limited. To implement thermoplastic materials, a performance based procurement
methodology is recommended. The following is one possible approach to this method:

To begin, the Owner would specify the performance requirements of the structure to be
procured including the anticipated loads, site conditions, geometric requirements, and
serviceability limits. The contractors completing the design-build process would be
required to provide the ASTM testing reports of any products used in their design for
review by the Owner or his consultant. Possible ASTMs to be used for this testing are
referenced in section F-4.2.3.1. The design would then be developed based upon these
testing values which would be reduced to provide factors of safety agreed upon by the
Design Professional. Any elements or components identified as critical by the Design
Professional or Owner would then be fabricated and tested to the satisfaction of all
parties. As elements are fabricated, proof testing would be conducted at predefined
check points to ensure that a representative batch of the material has the required
mechanical properties. After the construction of the structure, the structure would be
field tested with the operating loads to check that the serviceability requirements are
met.

F-4.1.2 Non-Homogenous and Anisotropic Behavior.

Thermoplastic materials are produced through an extrusion process. The thermoplastic

materials are melted, pushed through a die or into a mold to form structural shapes, and
cooled until hardened. The process cools the outer surface of the material faster than
the interior. This results in the outer layers forming a dense, thick skin while the interior
can develop voids and air bubbles. The thick outer skins provide the majority of the
structural capacity to the member. Thermoplastics profiles should never be notched or
split longitudinally to limit warping and to retain the capacity of the components. The
extrusion process also produces a distinctive “grain” along the length of the component,

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parallel to the direction of extrusion. The differences in tensile and compressive strength
parallel and perpendicular to this grain can be significant and should be taken into
account. This directionality consideration is similar to that in timber design.

F-4.1.3 Viscoelasticity.

Since the hydrocarbon chains making up thermoplastic materials are not chemically
cross-linked and can slide past each other, thermoplastic materials display viscoelastic
behavior. This viscoelasticity results in a non-linear response to applied loading
dependent upon the rate of loading, the duration of the loading, and the ambient
temperature. This viscoelastic response is unique to thermoplastic materials and
research into this behavior is still needed.

• Thermoplastic materials will display changes in ductility and stiffness dependent

upon the rate at which a load is applied. For example, if the same load is applied
to a thermoplastic flexural member at two different load rates, the higher load
rate will result in a stiffer, less ductile response in the member compared to the
same load applied to the member at the lower load rate.

• Thermoplastic materials will undergo creep if exposed to sustained loads. This

tendency for creep is designed for by 1) reducing the modulus of elasticity in
calculations involving long term loads to provide conservative design values, 2)
limiting flexural members to short span lengths, and 3) incorporating chopped
fiber or FRP reinforcement within the thermoplastic member to improve creep
resistance.

• Thermoplastic materials are affected by ambient temperature. If exposed to

extreme heat, thermoplastic materials will display an increase in ductility and a
reduction in stiffness. If exposed to extreme cold, thermoplastic materials will
display reduced ductility and an increase in stiffness which can lead to brittle
failures. These responses to ambient temperature can be avoided by limiting the
application of thermoplastics to regions with moderate temperatures.

F-4.1.4 Thermal Expansion.

Thermoplastic materials have high coefficients of thermal expansion compared to

traditional construction materials, expanding and contracting noticeably in the direction
of the “grain” as temperatures fluctuate. As a result, connections should be designed to
accommodate this thermal movement, especially if joining materials with different
coefficients of thermal expansion. Note that additional research is needed to more fully
quantify this behavior and guidance for thermoplastic connection design and testing is
limited.

F-4.1.5 Design Methodology.

Thermoplastic materials are designed using timber design methodologies with

adjustment factors modified for thermoplastics. Allowable Stress Design (ASD) methods

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are used instead of LRFD as thermoplastic materials have not been calibrated due to
their viscoelastic properties and limited empirical data. Thermoplastic materials are less
stiff than timber and the majority of thermoplastic material designs are controlled by
serviceability criteria and not strength.

F-4.2 Thermoplastic Material Guidance and Case Studies.

The following section describes the emerging thermoplastic technologies suitable for
replacements of timber including recommended applications, current guidance when
available, and case studies.

F-4.2.1 Structural Grade Thermoplastic Lumber.

The following applications may be suitable for structural grade thermoplastic lumber, but
the Design Professional should be aware of the design considerations for thermoplastic
lumber as well as the limitation and applicability of current specifications:

• Decking as a replacement for timber decking.

• Pedestrian railing as a replacement for timber railing.

F-4.2.1.1 Guidance.

There is no AASHTO guidance for structural grade thermoplastic lumber. The following
specifications can be reviewed for design and procurement information:

• For procedures to establish design strengths, flame spread index, and knock
down factors relative to load duration, creep rupture, temperature, and stress
over time for polyethylene-based structural grade plastic lumber (SPGL), refer to
ASTM D7568 Standard Specification for Polyethylene-Based Structural-Grade
Plastic Lumber for Outdoor Applications. The limitations and applicability of this
specification should be reviewed before use.

• For procedures to establish suitable span lengths, flame spread index, slip
resistance, and knock down factors relative to load duration, temperature, and
creep adjustment for polyolefin based decking boards, refer to ASTM D6662
Standard Specification for Polyolefin-Based Plastic Lumber Decking Boards. The
limitations and applicability of this specification should be reviewed before use.

• For guidance on the procurement and construction of thermoplastic dimensional

lumber, refer to UFGS 06 10 00 Rough Carpentry. The limitations and
applicability of this specification should be reviewed before use.

F-4.2.1.2 Case Study.

For Information on construction recommendations, mechanical connection detailing,

and inspection techniques for thermoplastic lumber, refer to ERDC/CERL TR-17-45

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Demonstration of Thermoplastic Composite I-Beam Design Bridge at Camp Mackall,

NC.

F-4.2.2 Thermoplastic Piles.

The following applications may be suitable for thermoplastic pile, but the Design
Professional should be aware of the design considerations for thermoplastic piles as
well as the limitation and applicability of current specifications:

• Piles for as a direct replacement for timber piles.

• Fenders as a direct replacement for timber fenders.

F-4.2.2.1 Guidance.

There is no AASHTO guidance for thermoplastic piles. The following specifications can
be reviewed for design and procurement information:

• For design criteria for round and rectangular cross-section polymer piles in axial
and lateral load-bearing applications, refer to ASTM D7258 Standard
Specification Polymeric Piles. The limitations and applicability of this specification
should be reviewed carefully before use.

• For guidance on the procurement of thermoplastic piles, refer to UFGS

35.59.13.14 20 Polymeric Piles. The limitations and applicability of this
specification should be reviewed carefully before use.

F-4.2.2.2 Case Study.

For information on the construction and inspection of thermoplastic piles for a

thermoplastic bridge, refer to ERDC/CERL TR-17-45 Demonstration of Thermoplastic
Composite I-Beam Design Bridge at Camp Mackall, NC.

F-4.2.3 Thermoplastic Structural I-beams.

The following applications may be suitable for thermoplastic structural I-beams, but the
Design Professional should be aware of the design considerations for thermoplastic I-
beams as well as the lack of guidance and limitations of this technology:

• Thermoplastic I-beams to replace timber beams in vehicular bridges

• Thermoplastic I-beams to replace timber beams in railroad bridges

F-4.2.3.1 Discussion.

In 2009, advances in thermoplastic material processing resulted in the development of

prefabricated thermoplastic I-beams for bridge applications. The efficient shape of the I-
beam reduced member weight and fabrication cost while maintaining strength and

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flexural rigidity. The beams were flow molded from comingled recycled polyolefins
(primarily high-density polyethylene (HDPE)) with a combination of thermoplastic coated
fiber material or/and polystyrene, poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), or a combination
of the three).

This thermoplastic I-beam technology was used to replace three timber vehicular
bridges and two timber railroad bridges on U.S. Army installations as part of initial
demonstration of thermoplastic bridges. After these demonstrations, five full scale
beams similar to the beams in the bridges were evaluated through full-scale flexural
testing. The results of these tests are documented in ERDC/CERL TR-17-18 Full Scale
Testing of Thermoplastic Composite I-Beams for Bridges. It is strongly recommended
that this report be reviewed before considering the use of these beams. During the
testing, two of the beams displayed brittle failures (less than 0.2% outer fiber strain as
recorded during testing). The brittle failures occurred after the two beams had been
cyclically loaded and the failure loads were lower than the ultimate loads applied to the
beam during this cyclic loading. This behavior indicates that the flexural strength of the
beams was reduced due in some part to the cyclical loading. While the beams displayed
significant deflections before failure, more research and testing is needed to fully
identify the possible failure modes of these thermoplastic I-beams.

No guidance is currently available for the design of thermoplastic I-beams, but it is

possible to procure them with a performance-based procurement process using lessons
learned from previous case studies and testing the beams against the following ASTMs:

• For flexural strength testing, refer to ASTM D6109 Standard Test Methods for
Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastic Lumber and Related
Products. This standard is for “as manufactured” components. As such, it is not a
material property test method.

• For compression strength testing, refer to ASTM D6108 Standard Test Method
for Compressive Properties of Plastic Lumber and Shapes. This standard is for
“as manufactured” components. As such, it is not a material property test
method.

• For mechanical connection strength testing including screws, nails, and staples,
refer to ASTM D6117, Standard Test Methods for Mechanical Fasteners in
Plastic Lumber and Shapes. This standard does not cover the testing of bolted
connections.

• For testing to evaluate thermal movement, refer to ASTM D6341 Standard Test
Method for Determination of the Linear Coefficient of Thermal Expansion of
Plastic Lumber and Plastic Lumber Shapes Between -30 and 140°F (-34.4 and
60°C).

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F-4.2.3.2 Case Studies.

The following resources can be referenced for information on the implementation and
testing of thermoplastic I-beams:

Three vehicular thermoplastic bridges using thermoplastic I-beams replaced

deteriorated timber bridges at Camp Mackall, NC. The bridges were designed for HS25
loading and can support an M1 Abrams Tank. These demonstrations are documented in
the following reports:

• Refer to ERDC/CERL TR-17-45 Demonstration of Thermoplastic Composite I-

Beam Design Bridge at Camp Mackall, NC for details on the development,
design, construction, and inspection for these bridges.

• Refer to ERDC/GSL TR-10-19 Field Testing and Load Rating of the World’s First
Thermoplastic Bridge for results from load rating conducted on one of these
bridges.

• Refer to ERDC/CERL TR-11-43 Remote Monitoring of a Thermoplastic

Composite Bridge at Camp Mackall, NC for information on a remote monitoring
system installed on one of these bridges. This system recorded the deflection of
the bridge each time a vehicle passed over the bridge.

• Refer to ERDC/CERL TR-17-18 Full Scale Testing of Thermoplastic Composite I-

Beams for Bridges for results of material characterization and flexural tests
conducted on five of these thermoplastic I-beams.

Two thermoplastic railroad bridges were built at Ft. Eustace, Virginia with thermoplastic
I-beams. The railroad bridges were designed to carry the Cooper E60 load and the 260
kip alternate live load on four axles.

• Refer to World’s First Thermoplastic Railroad Bridges for information on the

development, design, construction, and load testing of these thermoplastic
railroad bridges.

Summary

Composite materials in bridge design have the advantages of light weight, high strength
and strong corrosion resistance, which contribute to low maintenance and long service
life for structures. This contributes to life cycle cost savings and provides a long-term
economic advantage over traditional materials such as steel and concrete. Because of
these special properties, composite materials can have a better application in bridge
engineering.

Bridge strengthening techniques using FRP composites can used to restore capacity or
add capacity for a bridge to remain open to legal and unrestricted loads. Composite
materials can provide solutions to address emergency situations in a timely manner.

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Some of the disadvantages involve higher short-term and uncertain long-term costs,
uncertain durability and lack of ductility.

Steel, concrete and timber bridge design involves utilization of appropriate material
according to design standards, codes and best practices predicated on the use of well-
documented and standardized material types. Although there have been considerable
advances made in developing design codes and procedures for composite
strengthening, there is little standardization of material specifications and construction
guidelines. This is due to the fact that many composite materials are producer specific.
Because of this, designing with bridge composite materials may sometimes require
more specialized knowledge in material behavior and manufacturing process compared
to other materials.

F-5 REFERENCES FOR APPENDIX F.

F-5.1 Government.

UNIFIED FACILITIES GUIDE SPECIFICATIONS (UFGS)

https://www.wbdg.org/ffc/dod/unified-facilities-guide-specifications-ufgs

UFGS 06 01 00, Rough Carpentry

UFGS 35 59 13.14 20, Polymeric Piles

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS

https://www.erdc.usace.army.mil/

ERDC/GSL TR-10-19, Field Testing and Load Rating of the World’s First Thermoplastic
Bridge: T-8518, Camp MacKall, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Commander, B.C., and
Diaz-Alvarez, H., June 2010.

ERDC/CERL TR-11-43, Remote Monitoring of a Thermoplastic Composite Bridge at

Camp Mackall, NC, Lampo, R.G, Myers, B.K, Palutke, K., and Butler, D.M.,
November 2011.

ERDC/CERL TR-16-16, Demonstration and Validation of a Lightweight Composite

Bridge Deck Technology as an Alternative to Reinforced Concrete, Palutke, K.,
Lampo, R.G., Clark, L., Miles, J., Wilcoski, J., and Skinner, D., August 2016.

ERDC/CERL TR-16-22, Demonstration of Corrosion-Resistant Hybrid Composite Bridge

Beams for Structural Applications, Sweeney, S.C., Lampo, R.G., Wilcoski, J., Olaes,
C., and Clark, L, September 2016.

ERDC/CERL TR-17-18, Full Scale Testing of Thermoplastic Composite I-Beams for

Bridges, Al-Chaar, G.K., Sweeney, S.C., Lampo, R.G., and Banko, M.L., June 2017.

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ERDC/CERL TR-17-45, Demonstration of Thermoplastic Composite I-Beam Design

Bridge at Camp Mackall, NC, Lampo, R.G., Nosker, T.J., Nagle, G., Nemeth, S.B.,
Palutke, K., and Clark, L., December 2017.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/

A Laboratory and Field Study of Composite Piles for Bridge Substructures, Publication
No. FHWA-HRT-04-043, Pando, M., Ealy, C., Filz, G., Lesko, J.J., and Hoppe, E.J.,
March 2006.

Behavior of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composite Piles Under Vertical Loads,

Publication No. FHWA-HRT-04-107, Juran, I and Komornik, U., August 2006.

“Composites Add Longevity to Bridges”, Rodger D. Rochelle, Public Roads, Vol. 67 No.
3, November/December 2003.

Composite Bridge Decking: Final Project Report, Publication No. FHWA-HIF-13-029,

O’Connor, J.S., March 2013.

Laminate Specification and Characterization - Composite Bridge Decking, FHWA-HIF-

12-020.

Maine Demonstration Project – Hotel Road (Littlefields Bridge) Replacement Using

Superstructure Slide-In Technology, Bhajanda, A., April 2015.

Report on Techniques for Bridge Strengthening: Main Report, Publication No. FHWA-
HIF-18-041, Chajes, M., Rollins, T., Dai, H., Murphy, T., April 2019.Composite
Bridge Decking - Final Project Report, FHWA-HIF-13-029.

“Steel Versus GFRP Rebars?”, Roger H. L. Chen et al., Public Roads, Vol. 72 No. 2,
FHWA-HRT-08-006, Sept/Oct 2008.

“The Ongoing Evolution of FRP Bridges”, Jim Williams, Public Roads, Vol. 72 No. 2,
FHWA-HRT-08-006, Sept/Oct 2008.

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Structures Manual Volume 4: Fiber Reinforced Polymer Guidelines (FRPG), Topic No.
625-020-018, January 2019

Structures Design - Fiber Reinforced Polymer Reinforcing

https://www.fdot.gov/structures/innovation/FRP.shtm

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VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Concrete Beams Prestressed Using Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer, Publication No.
FHWA/VTRC 19-R29, Ozyildirim, H.C. and Sharp, S.R., June 2019.

F-5.2 Non-Government.

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF STATE HIGHWAY AND TRANSPORTATION

OFFICIALS (AASHTO)

https://www.transportation.org/

Guide Specification for the Design of Concrete Bridge Beams Prestressed with Carbon
Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) Systems

Guide Specifications for Design of Bonded FRP Systems for Repair and Strengthening
of Concrete Bridge Elements

Guide Specifications for Design of FRP Pedestrian Bridges

LRFD Bridge Design Guide Specifications for GFRP Reinforced Concrete

LRFD Guide Specifications for the Design of Concrete-Filled FRP Tubes for Flexural
and Axial Members

AMERICAN CONCRETE INSTITUTE (ACI)

https://www.concrete.org/

ACI 440R, Report on Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Reinforcement for Concrete

Structures

ACI 440.1R, Guide for the Design and Construction of Structural Concrete Reinforced
with Fiber-Reinforced (FRP) Bars

ACI 440.2R, Guide for the Design and Construction of Externally Bonded FRP Systems
for Strengthening Concrete Structures

ACI 440.3R, Guide Test Methods for Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Composites for
Reinforcing or Strengthening Concrete and Masonry Structures

ACI 440.4R, Prestressing Concrete Structures with FRP Tendons

ACI 440.5, Specification for Construction with Fiber-Reinforcing Polymer Reinforcing

Bars

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AMERICAN RAILWAY ENGINEERING AND MAINTENANCE-OF-WAY

ASSOCIATION (AREMA)

Proceedings of AREMA Annual Conference 2011, World’s First Thermoplastic Railroad

Bridges, Kim, J.S., Chandra, V., and Nosker, T.J.

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CIVIL ENGINEERS (ASCE)

ASCE Pre-Standard for Load & Resistance factor Design (LRFD) of Pultruded Fiber
Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Structures

Design Guide for FRP Composite Connections, Manuals and Reports on Engineering
Practice No. 102, Mosallam, A., 2011.

ASTM INTERNATIONAL

https://www.astm.org/

ASTM D6108, Standard Test Method for Compressive Properties of Plastic Lumber and
Shapes

ASTM D6109, Standard Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and
Reinforced Plastic Lumber and Related Products

ASTM D6117, Standard Test Methods for Mechanical Fasteners in Plastic Lumber and
Shapes

ASTM D6341, Standard Test Method for Determination of the Linear Coefficient of
Thermal Expansion of Plastic Lumber and Plastic Lumber Shapes Between -30 and
140°F (-34.4 and 60°C)

ASTM D6662, Standard Specification for Polyolefin-Based Plastic Lumber Decking

Boards

ASTM D7258, Standard Specification for Polymeric Piles

ASTM D7290, Standard Practice for Evaluating Material Property Characteristic Values
for Polymeric Composites for Civil Engineering Structural Applications

ASTM D7568, Standard Specification for Polyethylene-Based Structural-Grade Plastic

Lumber for Outdoor Applications

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F-6 ABBREVIATIONS FOR APPENDIX F.

AASHTO American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials

ACI American Concrete Institute

AREMA American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-way Association

ASCE American Society of Civil Engineers

ASD Allowable Stress Design

ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials

CERL Construction Engineering Research Laboratory

CFRP Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer

DoD Department of Defense

ERDC Engineering Research and Development Center

FDOT Florida Department of Transportation

FHWA Federal Highway Administration

FRP Fiber Reinforced Polymer

FRPG Fiber Reinforced Polymer Guidelines

GFRP Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer

GSL Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory

HCB Hybrid Composite Bridge

HDPE High Density Polyethylene

LRFD Load and Resistance Factor Design

NAVFAC Naval Facilities Engineering Command

PMMA Poly (methyl methacrylate)

SGPL Structural Grade Plastic Lumber

UFC Unified Facilities Criteria

UFGS Unified Facilities Guide Specification

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APPENDIX G GLASS FIBER-REINFORCED POLYMER (GFRP) BARS FOR CON-

CRETE STRUCTURES [ADDITION]

G-1 INTRODUCTION.

G-1.1 Purpose and Scope.

This Appendix provides design resources to structural engineers interested in using

glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) reinforcement in concrete structures. It is written
for structural engineers proficient in the design of concrete structures using ACI 318,
Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete. New standards developed by
ASTM and ACI for GFRP bars are discussed along with other supporting guides and
reports. Other types of FRP bars, such as carbon, basalt, or aramid are not addressed,
since comprehensive standards for these fibers are not yet developed. This Appendix
identifies the limits on the use of GFRP reinforcement in concrete structures and key
design considerations. For a more general overview on FRP material, reference
Appendix F, Composites for Bridging Applications.

G-1.2 Applicability.

This Appendix applies to concrete structures that are designed in accordance with ACI
CODE 440.11-22, Structural Concrete Reinforced with Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer
(GFRP) Bars--Code and Commentary. ACI CODE 440.11-22 contains the requirements
for design, durability, and construction using GFRP reinforcement. ACI CODE 440.11-
22 is written similarly to ACI 318, Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete,
and references ACI 318 for requirements that apply independently of the type of
reinforcement used.

Historically, the most common application of GFRP bars is to reinforce highway bridge
decks in areas where deicing salts are used on the roads and cause severe corrosion to
conventional steel reinforcement. Other applications include marine structures such as
seawalls or piers, flood mitigation channels, parking garages, water tanks, structures
supporting MRI machines, and rail plinths for electric trains. Design reasons to use
GFRP bars for other types of structures are:

• They do not corrode in the presence of chloride ions

• They do not interfere with electromagnetic fields

• They are thermally nonconductive

G-1.3 Limitations to Use.

The greatest limitation to the use of GFRP bars is related to fire. The fire ratings are
very low to zero and not standardized at this time. Suggested ratings are given in the
commentary to ACI CODE 440.11-22. For this reason, DoD does not allow the use of
GFRP reinforcement in:

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• Structures that have a fire rating above zero. Also, similar structures that may
not have a fire rating but could collapse due to fire and threaten life safety (for
example, GFRP reinforcing not allowed for upper deck of double-deck piers, and
comparable structures similarly affected by heat zones).

• Architectural cast-in-place concrete

• In architectural precast concrete, unless all connections use steel

Other limitations on GFRP use discussed later in this Appendix are:

• Do not use in seismic force-resisting systems for Seismic Design Categories B,

C, D, E, and F.

• GFRP reinforcement is permitted in structural members not part of the seismic

force-resisting system for Seismic Design Categories A, B, and C.

• GFRP reinforcement is not recommended for lightweight concrete due to

insufficient research data.

• GFRP use in prestressed concrete systems is not currently covered.

G-1.4 Overview of Appendix.

Brief descriptions of the various sections of this appendix follow:

• G-2 – GENERAL. Provides an explanation on the use of ASTM

D7957/D7957D with ACI CODE 440.11-22.
• G-3 – GFRP REINFORCING BARS. The GFRP reinforcing bar as defined
in ASTM D7957/D7957M is described. A comparison with steel
reinforcement is provided.
• G-4 – DESIGN. Provides an overview of the design philosophy. Identifies
design limitations that are different from those for steel reinforced
structures.
• G-5 – DURABILITY. Provides an overview of the environmental and
design aspects to be considered when using GFRP.
• G-6 – CONSTRUCTION. Provides a brief discussion on the use of GFRP
bars in construction. Construction specification requirements are given in
UFGS 03 30 00, Cast-in-Place Concrete.
• G-7 – REFERENCES. Lists the references included in this Appendix.
• G-8 – ABBREVIATIONS. Lists the abbreviations used in this Appendix.

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G-2 GENERAL.

Concrete structures with GFRP bars are designed using two standards, ACI CODE
440.11-22, Structural Concrete Reinforced with Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer
(GFRP) Bars--Code and Commentary, and ASTM D7957/D7957M, Standard
Specification for Solid Round Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer Bars. ASTM
D7957/D7957M contains the material properties need for design. ACI CODE 440.11-22
contains the requirements for design. Additional design guidance can be found in ACI
440.1 and Nanni et. al (2014). The process of design has been generally agreed on
since the early 2000s. In the United States, guidance was provided in ACI 440.1, Guide
for the Design and Construction of Structural Concrete Reinforced with FRP Bars, in
2001. Other international standard organizations developed similar design
methodologies: CSA S806, Design and construction of building structures with fiber-
reinforced polymers, in 2002; and fib Bulletin 40, FRP Reinforcement in RC Structures,
in 2007. ACI 440.1 was the basis for the ACI CODE 440.11-22 code. ACI CODE
440.11-22 is dependent on ACI 318 for common structural concrete design
requirements and is compatible with ASCE 7 for easy integration into practice in the
United States.

One of the difficulties in bringing FRP bars to common use is the wide variety of fibers
and resins along with varying manufacturing processes that can greatly change the
properties of the material. Designers had to contact the manufacturer to find the
properties of the material they planned to use. However, the test methods used to
measure the properties were not standard. The last several years have been spent
standardizing test methods and finding agreement from manufacturers on minimum
performance levels, material properties, and sizes. Glass fiber is the most used fiber
and is the first fiber to have a full standard for use in concrete reinforcement. ASTM
D7957/D7957M has minimum guaranteed values for GFRP properties such as ultimate
tensile force, transverse shear strength, modulus of elasticity, and bond strength.
Manufacturers can exceed these minimum values and designers are permitted to use
the higher actual values. The designer, however, would need to know the manufacturer
before design and the manufacturer would need to submit certified material tests for
confirmation.

G-3 GFRP REINFORCING BARS.

GFRP bars are made of continuous strands of glass fiber encapsulated in a protective
resin. The bars have strength comparable to steel reinforcement in tension, but lower
strength in the transverse direction. This behavior is called anisotropic, whereas steel is
isotropic. The material behavior of GFRP is explained in more detail in Appendix F. The
surface of the bar is modified to create a mechanical interlock with the concrete for
bond. The modifications may be a sand coating or fibers wound around the bar, creating
deformations.

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G-3.1 Material Specification.

The material specification for GFRP reinforcing bars is ASTM D7957/D7957M. The
specification establishes property limits and test methods for qualification and
certification. Minimum guaranteed values for design are established. These limits must
be met but the manufacturer may exceed these limits. The specification does not have
grades like steel. It provides a baseline strength and durability that a designer may use
without having to have a greater understanding of the fiber material and encapsulating
resin.

G-3.2 Tensile Strength.

The specification establishes bar sizes similar to steel reinforcement. The bar sizes
range from No. 2 to No. 10. Although there are many shapes for GFRP bars, round bars
are used because of designers’ and contractors’ familiarity with steel reinforcement. The
stress in the GFRP bar at its breaking strength decreases as bar size increases. The
rate of stress reduction can vary; thus, the specification requires a minimum guaranteed
ultimate tensile force rather than a stress. Consequently, the designer will have to
calculate the ultimate tensile stress for each bar size. For instance, the tensile strength
of a No. 2 bar is 124 ksi (855 MPa) compared to a No. 10 bar, for which it is 77 ksi (531
MPa).

GFRP bar bends are formed during the manufacturing process rather than bending a
straight bar after production, which would rupture the bar. The specification establishes
a minimum ultimate tensile force of a bent portion of the bar. Due to the anisotropic
behavior of GFRP bars, the tensile strength at bends is lower than that of the straight
portion of the bar. The specification sets this lower strength at 60 percent of ultimate
tensile force of a bar. ACI CODE 440.11-22 limits the shear reinforcement stress to be
compatible with this limit.

G-3.3 Material Properties.

GFRP reinforcing bars are similar in strength to steel reinforcing bars in tension. Table
G-1 provides a comparison of GFRP and steel material properties. Some key
observations:

• The GFRP bars are different from steel bars in that they do not yield. They
demonstrate elastic behavior until they fracture.

• GFRP is about one-fourth the stiffness of steel, thus controlling deflection at

service loads is essential to mitigate excessive cracking.

• Shear strength of the GFRP bar depends mostly on the resin. The bar is not as
strong as steel when used as a dowel.

• GFRP bars are about one-fourth of the weight of steel. This makes the material
easier to handle in the field, which can reduce construction time.

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Table G-1 Comparison of GFRP and steel material properties

Property ASTM D7957/D7957M ASTM A615/A615M

GFRP Steel
Minimum yield strength None, elastic until failure 40, 60, 80, 100 ksi
Ultimate tensile strength 77 ksi to 124 ksi 60, 90, 105, 115 ksi
Modulus of Elasticity 6500 ksi 29,000 ksi
Transverse shear strength 19 ksi Same as yield strength
Density Approx. 135 lb/ft3 at 70% 493 lb/ft3
fiber mass content

G-4 DESIGN.

The design methodology used in ACI CODE 440.11-22 is strength design, similar to the
methodology in ACI 318. The main difference is that GFRP reinforcement is linear
elastic until failure, unlike steel reinforcement. Steel reinforced members are designed
to yield before failure. This provides some warning that an overloading of the structure
is occurring before collapse. GFRP reinforced members do not have a yield plateau, so
extra capacity is needed to prevent sudden failures due to overloading. This is done by
reducing the Φ factors. A full explanation of the rationale is given in the Commentary to
Chapter 21 of ACI CODE 440.11-22. The result is that, in flexure, either GFRP rupture
or concrete crushing is an acceptable failure mode. The design requirements and
discussion are provided in Chapter 22 of ACI CODE 440.11-22.

G-4.1 Shear Design.

Shear design philosophy in ACI CODE 440.11-22 is similar to that of ACI 318. The main
difference is that GFRP reinforcement has lower axial stiffness than steel. This shifts the
neutral axis in design, creating a smaller compression region in the cross section. The
result is larger cracks. The equation for Vc has been modified to account for the lower
stiffness in the longitudinal reinforcement. The GFRP shear reinforcement calculations
are similar to those per ACI 318. A stress limit is placed on the shear reinforcement due
to the reduced tensile strength of the reinforcement at the bend of a bar. The design
requirements and discussion are provided in Chapter 22 of ACI CODE 440.11-22.

G-4.2 Serviceability.

Serviceability requirements in ACI CODE 440.11-22 often control the design of concrete
slabs, joists, or beams with GFRP reinforcement. Service level effects to be considered
are deflection, distribution of flexural reinforcement to reduce cracking, shrinkage and
temperature reinforcement, and permissible tensile stresses. Deflections must be
calculated in ACI CODE 440.11-22; one cannot choose a minimum depth for a span as
permitted in ACI 318. The ACI CODE 440.11-22 calculations have been modified to use
the Bischoff equations as was done in ACI 318-19. Requirements for the distribution of
flexural reinforcement and shrinkage and temperature reinforcement were slightly
modified to account for the less stiff material. Most importantly, a limit on service stress

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has been added to address creep rupture and fatigue, two important limit states that
need to be addressed in GFRP reinforcement. A maximum sustained stress limit of 0.3
times the ultimate tensile stress is given. A method to calculate the sustained stress is
based on the unfactored moment due to the sustained load on the member. This
equation can also be used to address fatigue loading. The design requirements and
discussion are provided in Chapter 24 of ACI CODE 440.11-22.

G-4.3 Development and Lap Splices.

Development of GFRP reinforcement is accomplished with a straight bar end or hook.

GFRP reinforcement cannot yield so the design philosophy takes a shift. The
development length of the bar need only be such that the stress of the controlling limit
state rather than the ultimate strength of the bar is developed. Also, only 90-degree
hooks are effective in developing the bars, due to a lack of ductility. Use lap splices for
reinforcement continuity. The code provides the design requirements for a mechanical
device, however, there are no commercially available devices that currently can meet
these requirements for GFRP reinforcement. The commercially available mechanical
splices developed for steel reinforcement damage GFRP bars and reduce strength;
therefore, they are prohibited from being used with GFRP bars. The tie, stirrup, hook,
and spiral provisions are modified to reflect the practice of manufacturing GFRP
shapes. The design requirements and discussion are provided in Chapter 25 of ACI
CODE 440.11-22.

G-4.4 Other Design Considerations.

In I-1.2, Applicability, DoD does not allow the use of GFRP reinforcement in structures
that have a fire rating. Other key observations about designing with GFRP
reinforcement according to ACI CODE 440.11-22:

• Do not count on moment redistribution. Since GFRP does not yield, plastic
hinges cannot develop, nor can it yield in areas of greater restraint to allow for
moment redistribution.

• Strength of GFRP reinforcement in compression is ignored.

• GFRP reinforcement is not recommended for lightweight concrete due to

insufficient research data.

• Use of GFRP reinforcement in prestressed concrete systems is currently not

covered.

• Use of GFRP reinforcement in diaphragms are not covered.

• Do not use GFRP reinforcement in seismic force-resisting systems for Seismic

Design Categories B, C, D, E, and F.

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• GFRP reinforcement is permitted in structural members not part of the seismic-

force-resisting system for Seismic Design Categories A, B, and C.

G-5 DURABILITY

Because it is a relatively new construction material, there is some concern regarding the
long-term durability of GFRP reinforcement. FRP reinforcement has been in service in
North America since 1993. Since that time, there have been a couple hundred bridge
decks and other structures that have been built with FRP bars.

G-5.1 Strength and Stiffness.

Depending on the materials and manufacturing process used, GFRP bars can be
susceptible to reduced strength and stiffness when exposed to moisture or high-alkaline
environments. Much of the testing to gage this sensitivity, however, has been done with
short-term experiments using environments that are much more aggressive than the
field conditions. Extrapolation of these results to field conditions and expected lifetimes
is not possible in the absence of real-time data. To account for these detrimental
effects, the GFRP reinforcement needs to be manufactured to a minimum quality that
mitigates these effects. ASTM 7957/7957M establishes the quality assurance for long-
term performance; in general, the bars have proven to be durable.

Although GFRP reinforcement has shown to be durable to date, only predictive models
based on accelerated tests can estimate how long the reinforcement will remain at
design level strengths. To account for the uncertainty of predictive models, ACI CODE
440.11-22 has placed an environmental reduction factor, CE, of 0.85 to the guaranteed
ultimate tensile strength. Over time, the actual performance of GFRP reinforcement will
be compared to the predictive models and whether an environmental factor is
necessary will be evaluated. The design requirements and discussion are provided in
Chapter 20 of ACI CODE 440.11-22.

G-5.2 Creep and fatigue.

Time-dependent effects that can degrade the strength of GFRP over time are creep
rupture and static fatigue. The design aspects of these effects are discussed in Section
G-4.2, as part of the serviceability requirements. Creep rupture is the sudden failure of
FRP material due to sustained loads over time. Static fatigue is similar in that a sudden
failure will occur under sustained cyclical loading. Both can be mitigated if the stress in
the reinforcement due to the sustained load or cyclical loading is restricted to a lower
limit.

G-5.3 Exposure to Temperatures and Sunlight.

The potential for exposure to high temperatures needs to be considered when using
GFRP reinforcement. The resin in the reinforcement will soften as the temperature
approaches the glass transition temperature. ASTM D7957/D7957M requires the mean
glass transition temperature to be at least 212 deg F (100 deg C). ACI CODE 440.11-22

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suggests that GFRP bars should not be used in environments with a service
temperature higher than 27 deg F (15 deg C) below the glass transition temperature.
This calculates to an in-service limit of 185 deg F (85 deg C).

Ultra-violet radiation can be detrimental to GFRP reinforcement if exposed for long

period of times to the sun before being placed in concrete. ACI 440.5 recommends if
GFRP bars are stored outside for more than 4 months, they should be covered with
opaque plastic. The requirement in UFGS 03 30 00, Cast-in-Place Concrete, places this
limit at 2 months.

G-6 CONSTRUCTION

Construction specifications for GFRP reinforcement has been added to UFGS 03 30 00,
Cast-in-Place Concrete. The information was developed from the requirements of ACI
440.5. The development of ASTM D7957/D7957M simplified the specification of GFRP
reinforcement. Prior to its development, specifiers had to identify all the test methods
and limits necessary for quality assurance. Manufacturers were providing different
reinforcement shapes and sizes of reinforcement. ASTM D7957/D7957M established a
standard bar size chart similar to steel reinforcement.

Key observations on construction with GFRP reinforcement.

• If the surface of the bar is damaged, it will need to be replaced. Visible damage is
defined in the specification.

• On-site storage: cover the bars from the sun if exposed more than 2 months; and
prevent exposing bars to greater than 120 °F.

• Concrete cover is different than it is for steel reinforcement.

• Support reinforcement with dielectric material or steel coated with dielectric

material.

• Field cutting is permitted but bars cannot be field bent.

G-7 REFERENCES FOR APPENDIX G.

G-7.1 Government.

UNIFIED FACILITIES GUIDE SPECIFICATIONS (UFGS)

https://www.wbdg.org/ffc/dod/unified-facilities-guide-specifications-ufgs

UFGS 03 30 00, Cast-In-Place Concrete

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G-7.2 Non-Government.

AMERICAN CONCRETE INSTITUTE (ACI)

https://www.concrete.org/

ACI 318, Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete

ACI 440.1R, Guide for the Design and Construction of Structural Concrete Reinforced
with Fiber-Reinforced (FRP) Bars

ACI 440.5, Specification for Construction with Fiber-Reinforcing Polymer Reinforcing

Bars

ACI CODE 440.11, Structural Concrete Reinforced with Glass Fiber-Reinforced

Polymer (GFRP) Bars--Code and Commentary

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CIVIL ENGINEERS (ASCE)

https://www.asce.org/

ASCE 7, Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures

Reconsideration of the Environmental Reduction Factor for GFRP Reinforcing Bars in

Concrete Structures, Benmokrane, B., Ali, A. H., Brown, V.L., Mohamed, K. and
Shield, C., ASCE Journal of Composites for Construction Vol 24 No.4, 2020.

ASTM INTERNATIONAL

https://www.astm.org/

ASTM A615/A615M, Standard Specification for Deformed and Plain Carbon-Steel Bars
for Concrete Reinforcement

ASTM D7957/D7957M, Standard Specification for Solid Round Glass Fiber Reinforced
Polymer Bars for Concrete Reinforcement

CANADIAN STANDARDS ASSOCIATION

S806, Design and construction of building structures with fiber-reinforced polymers,

2001, 2012.

THE INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION FOR STRUCTURAL CONCRETE

fib Bulletin 40, FRP Reinforcement in RC Structures

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G-7.3 Other Publications.

Reinforced Concrete with FRP Bars, Nanni, A.; DeLuca, A.; and Zadeh, H.J., CRC
Press, 2014.

G-8 ABBREVIATIONS FOR APPENDIX G.

ACI American Concrete Institute

ASCE American Society of Civil Engineers

ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials

deg degrees

DoD Department of Defense

FRP Fiber Reinforced Polymer

GFRP Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer

LRFD Load and Resistance Factor Design

UFC Unified Facilities Criteria

UFGS Unified Facilities Guide Specification

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APPENDIX H GLOSSARY

H-1 ABBREVIATIONS.

g Gravitational Acceleration

µm Micrometer (micron)

3-D Three Dimensional

AASHTO American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials

ACI American Concrete Institute

AEC Architect/Engineer/Construction

AFCEC Air Force Civil Engineer Center

AHJ Authority Having Jurisdiction (See MIL-STD 3007, Change 2, Nov 2018)

AISC American Institute of Steel Construction

ANSI American National Standards Institute

AREMA American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association

ASCE American Society of Civil Engineers

ASM American Society for Metals

ASME American Society of Mechanical Engineers

ASSE American Society of Safety Engineers

ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials, now ASTM International

ATFP Anti-Terrorism Force Protection

ATCT Air Traffic Control Tower

AWWA American Water Works Association

BIA Brick Industry Association (formerly Brick Institute of America)

BPON Basic Performance Objective Equivalent to New Building Standards

BSE Basic Safety Earthquake

CEFAPP CERL Equipment Fragility and Protection Procedure

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CERL Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (formerly USACERL)

CP Collapse Prevention

CRREL Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory

DC Damage Control

DoD Department of Defense

DoE Department of Energy

ELF Equivalent Lateral Force

EPRI Electric Power Research Institute

ERDC U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center

FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency

GERS Generic Equipment Ruggedness Spectra

GIP Generic Implementation Procedure

GSREB Guidelines for Seismic Retrofit of Existing Buildings

HVAC Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning

IBC International Building Code

ICC-ES International Code Council – Evaluation Service

ICSSC Interagency Committee on Seismic Safety in Construction

IEBC International Existing Building Code

IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

IMF Intermediate Moment Frame

In. Inches

In./ft Inch per Foot

ICBO International Conference of Building Officials

IO Immediate Occupancy (Performance Objective/Level)

ISAT International Seismic Application Technologies

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kg Kilogram

kg/m3 Kilograms per Cubic Meter

km/h Kilometers per Hour

kN Kilonewton

kN/m Kilonewton per Meter

kN/m2 Kilonewton per Square Meter

kPa Kilopascal

lb/ft Pounds per Foot

lb Pounds

LmS Limited Safety

LRFD Load and Resistance Factor Design

LS Life Safety (Performance Objective/Level)

m Meter

m/s Meters per Second

m2 Square Meter

MC-1 Mission-Critical Level 1

MC-2 Mission-Critical Level 2

MCER Risk-Targeted Maximum Considered Earthquake

mil 0.001 Inch

mm Millimeter

mm2 Square Millimeter

MPa Megapascal

MPa/m Megapascal per Meter

mph Miles per Hour

MRI Mean Recurrence Interval

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NACE National Association of Corrosion Engineers

NAS National Academy of Science

NAVFAC Naval Facilities Engineering Command

NCMA National Concrete Masonry Association

NDP Nonlinear Dynamic Procedure

NEHRP National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program

NFPA National Fire Protection Association

NFS Non-Frost Susceptible

NIST National Institute of Standards and Technology

NL Not Limited

NMC Non-Mission-Critical

NSP Nonlinear Static Procedure

O&M Operation and Maintenance

OCBF Ordinary Concentrically Braced Frame

OMF Ordinary Moment Frame

OP Operational (Performance Objective/Level)

OSHPD The California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development

OSP OSHPD Special Seismic Certification Preapproval Program

pci Pounds per Cubic Inch

psf Pounds per Square Foot

psi Pounds per Square Inch

PSSQ Project Specific Seismic Qualification

PTI Post-Tensioning Institute

RACF Radar Approach Control Facility

RC Risk Category
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RCSC Research Council on Structural Connections

RFP Request for Proposal

RP Recommended Practice (also Resource Paper)

RRS Required Response Spectrum

SBC Standard Building Code

SDC Seismic Design Category

SDI Steel Deck Institute

SEAOC Structural Engineers Association of California

SEI Structural Engineering Institute

SER Structural Engineer of Record

SIOR Special Inspector of Record

SMF Special Moment Frame

TDLF Total Design Lateral Force

TI Technical Instruction

TIA Tentative Interim Agreement; Telecommunications Industry Association

TMS The Masonry Society

TRS Test Response Spectrum

UBC Uniform Building Code

UFC Unified Facilities Criteria

UFGS Unified Facilities Guide Specifications

URM Unreinforced Masonry

USACE U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

USACERL United States Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (now

ERDC-CERL)

UUT Unit Under Test

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Vasd Allowable Stress Design Wind Speed

Vfm Fastest Mile Wind Speed

V Basic Design Wind Speed

WEF Water Environment Federation

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APPENDIX I REFERENCES

I-1 FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS

https://www.usace.army.mil/

TM 5-809-10 / NAVFAC P-355 / AFM 88-3, Chap. 13 Seismic Design for Buildings,
1982 and 1992 Editions

TM 5-809-10-1 / NAVFAC P-355.1 / AFM 88-3, CHAP. 13, SEC A Seismic Design
Guidelines for Essential Buildings

TM 5-809-10-2 / NAVFAC P-355.2 / AFM 88-3, Chapter 13, Sec B

TI 809-04 Seismic Design for Buildings

TI 809-05 Seismic Evaluation and Rehabilitation for Buildings

TI 809-07 Design of Cold-Formed Load-Bearing Steel Systems and Masonry Veneer /

Steel Stud Walls

TI 809-30 Metal Building Systems

USACERL Technical Report 97/58, The CERL Equipment Fragility and Protection
Procedure (CEFAPP), Wilcoski, J., Gambill, J.B., and Smith, S.J., March 1997.

USACERL Technical Report 98/34, Seismic Mitigation for Equipment at Army Medical
Centers, Wilcoski, J., 1998

COLD REGIONS RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING LABORATORY (CRREL)

https://www.erdc.usace.army.mil/Locations/CRREL/

Database and Methodology for Conducting Site Specific Snow Load Case Studies for
the United States

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

DOE/EH-0545, Seismic Evaluation Procedure for Equipment in U.S. Department of

Energy Facilities
https://www.energy.gov/ehss/doeeh-0545-seismic-evaluation-procedure-equipment-
us-department-energy-facilities-1997

Volume 4 of DOE Binders: SAND92-0140 Part I, UC-523, Use of Seismic Experience

Data to Show Ruggedness of Equipment in Nuclear Power Plants, Revision 4,
Senior Seismic Review and Advisory Panel, Sandia National Laboratories, June
1992.
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FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA)

https://www.fema.gov/

FEMA 310, Seismic Evaluation of Buildings – A Prestandard (Superseded by ASCE 31

and 41)

FEMA 178, Seismic Evaluation of Existing Buildings

FEMA 356, Prestandard and Commentary for the Seismic Rehabilitation of Existing
Buildings (Superseded by ASCE 41

FEMA P-750, NEHRP Recommended Provisions for Seismic Regulations for New
Buildings and Other Structures, Part 1: Provisions

FEMA P-750, NEHRP Recommended Provisions for Seismic Regulations for New
Buildings and Other Structures, Part 2: Commentary

FEMA P-750, NEHRP Recommended Provisions for Seismic Regulations for New
Buildings and Other Structures, 2009 Edition, Part 3: Resource Papers (RP) on
Special Topics in Seismic Design

FEMA P-1026, Seismic Design of Rigid Wall – Flexible Diaphragm Buildings: An

Alternate Procedure. 2021 Edition

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY (NIST)

https://www.nist.gov/

ICSSC RP 10, Standards of Seismic Safety for Existing Federally Owned and Leased
Buildings

NIST GCR 10-917-5, NEHRP Seismic Design Technical Brief No. 4, Nonlinear
Structural Analysis for Seismic Design

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY & HEALTH ADMINISTRATION (OSHA)

https://www.osha.gov/

29 CFR, Part 1910, Notices of Proposed Rulemaking

29 CFR, Part 1910, Occupational Safety and Health Standards for General Industry

29 CFR, Part 1926, Safety and Health Regulations for Construction

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UNIFIED FACILITIES CRITERIA (UFC)

https://www.wbdg.org/ffc/dod/unified-facilities-criteria-ufc

UFC 1-200-01, DoD Building Code

UFC 1-201-01, Non-Permanent DoD Facilities In Support of Military Operations

UFC 3-301-02, Design of Risk Category V Structures, National Strategic Military Assets

UFC 3-110-03, Roofing, Change 5

UFC 3-130-01, General Provisions - Arctic and Subarctic Construction (Inactive)

UFC 3-130-06, Calculation Methods for Determination of Depth of Freeze and Thaw in
Soil – Arctic and Subarctic Construction

UFC 3-220-01, Geotechnical Engineering

UFC 3-320-06A, Concrete Floor Slabs on Grade Subjected to Heavy Loads

UFC 3-460-01, Design: Petroleum Fuel Facilities

UFC 4-010-01, DoD Minimum Antiterrorism Standards for Buildings

UFC 4-010-06, Cybersecurity Of Facility-Related Control Systems

UFC 4-023-03, Design of Buildings to Resist Progressive Collapse

UFC 4-152-01, Design: Piers and Wharves

UFC 4-440-01, Warehouses and Storage Facilities

UNIFIED FACILITIES GUIDE SPECIFICATIONS

https://www.wbdg.org/ffc/dod/unified-facilities-guide-specifications-ufgs

01 45 35 Special Inspections

I-2 STATE GOVERNMENT.

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS

Article 3137, Seismic Requirements for Elevators, Escalators and Moving Walks,
Subchapter 6, Elevator Safety Orders, California Code of Regulations, Title 8, 1998.
https://www.dir.ca.gov/title8/3137.html

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CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CARE ACCESS AND INFORMATION

(HCAI) (Formerly the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development OSHPD)

https://hcai.ca.gov/construction-finance/codes-and-regulations/

Certification of Equipment and Nonstructural Components, Code Application Notice

(CAN) No. 2-1708A.5, Effective October 31, 2008, Revised June 26, 2009.

I-3 NON-GOVERNMENT.

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF STATE HIGHWAY AND TRANSPORTATION

OFFICIALS (AASHTO)

https://www.transportation.org/

LRFD Bridge Design Specifications, Customary U.S. Units

LRFD Guide Specifications for the Design of Pedestrian Bridges

AMERICAN CONCRETE INSTITUTE (ACI)

https://www.concrete.org/

ACI 223R, Guide for the Use of Shrinkage-Compensating Concrete

ACI 224R, Control of Cracking in Concrete Structures

ACI 224.3R, Joints in Concrete Construction

ACI 302.1R, Guide for Concrete Floor and Slab Construction

ACI 302.2R, Guide for Concrete Slabs that Receive Moisture-Sensitive Flooring
Materials

ACI 318, Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete

ACI 350, Code Requirements for Environmental Engineering Concrete Structures

ACI 350.4R, Design Considerations for Environmental Engineering Concrete Structures

ACI 351.3R, Report on Foundations for Dynamic Equipment

ACI 355.2, Qualification of Post-Installed Mechanical Anchors in Concrete and

Commentary

ACI 355.4, Qualification of Post-Installed Adhesive Anchors in Concrete and

Commentary

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ACI 357R, Guide for the Design and Construction of Fixed Offshore Concrete
Structures

ACI 357.3R, Guide for Design and Construction of Waterfront and Coastal Concrete
Marine Structures

ACI 360R, Guide to Design of Slabs-on-Ground

ACI 372R, Guide to Design and Construction of Circular Wire-and-Strand-Wrapped

Prestressed Concrete Structures

ACI CODE 440.11, Structural Concrete Reinforced with Glass Fiber-Reinforced

Polymer (GFRP) Bars--Code and Commentary

AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF STEEL CONSTRUCTION (AISC)

https://www.aisc.org/

ANSI/AISC 341, Seismic Provisions for Structural Steel Buildings

AISC 360, Specification for Structural Steel Buildings

AISC Steel Design Guide 1, Base Plate and Anchor Rod Design

AISC Steel Design Guide 3, Serviceability Design Considerations for Steel Buildings

AISC Steel Design Guide 11, Vibrations of Steel-Framed Structural Systems Due to
Human Activity

RCSC Specification for Structural Joints Using High-Strength Bolts

Shear Transfer in Exposed Column Base Plates, by Ivan Gomez, Amit Kanvinde, Chris
Smith and Gregory Deierlein, Report presented to AISC, March 2009.

AMERICAN IRON AND STEEL INSTITUTE (AISI)

https://www.steel.org/

AISI S100, North American Specification for the Design of Cold-Formed Steel Structural
Members

AISI S240, North American Standard For Cold-Formed Steel Structural Framing

AISI S400, North American Standard for Seismic Design of Cold-Formed Steel
Structural Systems

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AMERICAN RAILWAY ENGINEERING AND MAINTENANCE-OF-WAY

ASSOCIATION (AREMA)

https://www.arema.org/

Manual for Railway Engineering

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CIVIL ENGINEERS (ASCE)

https://www.asce.org/

ASCE 7-16, Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other
Structures

ASCE 32, Design and Construction of Frost-Protected Shallow Foundations

ASCE 41, Seismic Evaluation and Retrofit of Existing Buildings

ASCE 10, Design of Latticed Steel Transmission Structures

Background on the Development of the NEHRP Seismic Provisions for Non-Structural

Components and their Application to Performance Based Seismic Engineering,
Gillengerten, J.D., and Bachman, R.E., ASCE Structures Congress, 2003.

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS (ASME)

https://www.asme.org/

ASME B31.1, Power Piping

ASME B31.3, Process Piping

ASME B31.4, Pipeline Transportation Systems for Liquid Hydrocarbons and Other
Liquids

ASME B31.5, Refrigeration Piping and Heat Transfer Components

ASME B31.8, Gas Transmission and Distribution Piping Systems

ASME B31.9, Building Services Piping

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF SAFETY ENGINEERS (ASSE)

ANSI/ASSE A1264.1, Safety Requirements for Workplace Walking/Working Surfaces

and Their Access; Workplace Floor, Wall and Roof Openings, Stairs and
Guardrail/Handrail Systems

ANSI/ASSE Z359.6, Specifications and Design Requirements for Active Fall Protection
Systems

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AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR METALS / ASM INTERNATIONAL

https://www.asminternational.org/

ASM Handbook Volume 13B, Corrosion: Materials

AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOCIATION (AWWA)

https://www.awwa.org/

AWWA D100, Welded Carbon Steel Tanks for Water Storage

AWWA D103, Factory-Coated Bolted Steel Tanks for Water Storage

AWWA D107, Composite Elevated Tanks for Water Storage

AWWA D110, Wire- and Strand-Wound, Circular, Prestressed Concrete Water Tanks

AWWA D115, Tendon-Prestressed Concrete Water Tanks

AWWA D120, Thermosetting Fiberglass-Reinforced Plastic Tanks

ASTM INTERNATIONAL

https://www.astm.org/

ASTM A653/A653M, Standard Specification for Steel Sheet, Zinc-Coated (Galvanized)

or Zinc-Iron Alloy-Coated (Galvannealed) by the Hot-Dip Process

ASTM F1554, Standard Specification for Anchor Bolts, Steel, 36, 55, and 105-ksi Yield
Strength

ASTM D2166, Standard Test Method for Unconfined Compressive Strength of Cohesive
Soil

BRICK INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION (BIA)

https://www.gobrick.com/

BIA Technical Note 18, Volume Changes – Analysis and Effects of Movement

BIA Technical Note 18A, Accommodating Expansion of Brickwork

BIA Technical Note 28B, Brick Veneer/Steel Stud Walls

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ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE (EPRI)

https://www.epri.com/

EPRI Report NP-5223, Generic Seismic Ruggedness of Power Plant Equipment

INSTITUTE OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERS (IEEE)

https://www.ieee.org/

IEEE 693, Recommended Practices for Seismic Design of Substations

National Electric Safety Code (NESC)

INTERNATIONAL CODE COUNCIL (ICC)

https://www.iccsafe.org/

International Building Code

International Existing Building Code

ICC 300, Standard for Bleachers, Folding and Telescopic Seating and Grandstands

ICC 500, ICC/NSSA Standard for the Design and Construction of Storm Shelters

ICC-ES AC156, Acceptance Criteria for Seismic Qualification by Shake-Table Testing of

Nonstructural Components

ICC-ES AC 368, Acceptance Criteria for Suspended Ceiling Framing Systems

ICC-ES AC509, Acceptance Criteria for 3D Automated Construction Technology for 3D

Concrete Walls

NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

Technical Report No. 65, Expansion Joints in Buildings

https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/9801/expansion-joints-in-buildings-
technical-report-no-65

NATIONAL CONCRETE MASONRY ASSOCIATION (NCMA)

https://ncma.org/

TEK 10-2C, Control Joints for Concrete Masonry Walls – Empirical Method

TEK 10-3, Control Joints for Concrete Masonry Walls – Alternative Engineered Method

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NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION (NFPA)

https://www.nfpa.org/

NFPA 1, Fire Code

NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems

NFPA 22, Standard for Water Tanks for Private Fire Protection

POST-TENSIONING INSTITUTE (PTI)

https://www.post-tensioning.org/

PTI DC10.1, Design of Post-Tensioned Slabs-on-Ground

PTI DC 10.5, Standard Requirements for Design and Analysis of Shallow Post-
Tensioned Concrete Foundations on Expansive Soils

PRECAST/PRESTRESSED CONCRETE INSTITUTE (PCI)

https://www.pci.org/

PCI MNL-122, Architectural Precast Concrete

PCI MNL-133, Bridge Design Manual

SHEET METAL AND AIR CONDITIONING CONTRACTORS' NATIONAL

ASSOCIATION (SMACNA)

https://www.smacna.org/

ANSI/SMACNA 001, Seismic Restraint Manual: Guidelines for Mechanical Systems

STEEL DECK INSTITUTE (SDI)

https://www.sdi.org/

SDI DDM03, Diaphragm Design Manual

STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA (SEAOC)

https://www.seaoc.org/

SEAOC PV1-2012, Structural Seismic Requirements and Commentary for Rooftop

Solar Photovoltaic Arrays

SEAOC PV2-2017, Wind Design for Solar Arrays

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TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION (TIA)

https://tiaonline.org/

ANSI/TIA-222-H, Structural Standards for Antenna Supporting Structures and Antennas

THE MASONRY SOCIETY (TMS)

TMS 402/602-16, Building Code Requirements and Specification for Masonry

Structures

WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION (WEF)

https://www.wef.org/

WEF MOP 8, Design of Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants

I-4 PUBLICATIONS.

“Effective Lengths for Laterally Unbraced Compression Flanges of Continuous Beams

Near Intermediate Supports, Proceedings”, J. H. Garrett, Jr., G. Haaijer, and K. H.
Klippstein, Sixth International Specialty Conference on Cold-Formed Steel Struc-
tures, 1982.

Floor Vibration Design Criterion for Cold-Formed C-Shaped Supported Residential Floor
systems, Master’s Thesis, Cynthia A. Kraus, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State
University, 1997.

Generic Implementation Procedure (GIP) for Seismic Verification of Nuclear Plant

Equipment, Revision 3A, Winston & Strawn, Seismic Qualification Utility Group, Vol-
ume 2 of DoE binders, Seismic Qualification Utility Group

Harris’ Shock and Vibration Handbook, Sixth Edition, by Thomas L. Paez and Allan G.
Piersol, McGraw-Hill Professional, 2009.

Metal Building Systems: Design and Specification, 2nd Edition, by Alexander Newman,
McGraw-Hill Professional, 2003.

“Special Seismic Certification of Nonstructural Components”, by M. Tobolski, Structural

Engineering and Design, Vol. 12, No. 2, March 2011.

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