NCSEA Webinar – High Seismic by Thomas F.

Heausler, PE, SE

High Seismic
Multi-Story Building

This chapter demonstrates calculations for three-story building located in a region of high
seismicity.

High seismic design may be defined as structures categorized as Seismic Design Category D, E
or F. The seismic design category is a function of geographical location (e.g. high acceleration
potential, California, New Madrid, MO), Soil stiffness, and Occupancy. For instance most small
buildings in California would be classified as Seismic Design Category D due to high ground
acceleration potential. However note that some buildings east of the Rockies, such as a Hospital
(Risk Category IV), and on poor soil, also be categorized as Seismic Design Category D.

Once defined as Seismic Design Category D, E or F, many provisions and detailing requirements
are triggered/required. These “high seismic” requirements are found in ASCE 7, and also in the
material standards such as AISC 341 and ACI 318.

Example – Office Building

Given:
Location: 3 miles south of the Memphis, Tennessee airport.
Occupancy: Office, Table 1.5-1: Risk Category II
A drawing of the structural system is given in Fig. 1 through 3.
Structural System: Steel Moment Frame, Steel Braced Frame
Governing Code: IBC 2012 => ASCE 7-10, AISC 341-10, ACI 318-11
Loading:
Dead Load:
Roof = 90 psf (concrete, metal deck, framing, mech, elec, roofing)
Floors = 90 psf (concrete, metal deck, framing, mech, elec, finishes)
Partitions: 15 psf (4.3.2); Seismic 10 psf (12.7.2(2))
Walls at perimeter 80 psf precast, 4’ parapet
Live Load: 50 psf office, 80 psf corridors, 100 psf lobbies
Ground Snow: 10 psf

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NCSEA Webinar – High Seismic by Thomas F. Heausler, PE, SE

Figure 1 Office Building - Primary Framing

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NCSEA Webinar – High Seismic by Thomas F. Heausler, PE, SE

Figure 2 Typical Floor and Roof Framing Plan

Figure 3 - Elevation

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NCSEA Webinar – High Seismic by Thomas F. Heausler, PE, SE

Seismic Design:
Determine SS and S1:
Site Class D default as per 11.4.2
From ASCE Hazards Tool or USGS website SS = 0.810, S1 = 0.287, SDS = 0.635, SD1 = 0.350
Verify that exemptions do not apply (11.1.2 House, Agriculture) and (11.4.1 e.g. SDC A).

Calculate Period, T:
Period (12.8.2.1):
Moment Frame Ta = CT hnx ; CT = 0.028, x = 0.8; hn = 49’; Ta = 0.63 seconds
Or alternatively Ta = 0.1 N, where N = number of stories (Eq. 12.8-8) Ta = 0.1 (3) = 0.30 seconds.
Braced Frame Ta = CT hnx ; CT = 0.02, x = 0.75; hn = 49’; Ta = 0.45 seconds
T = Ta (12.8.2 last sentence); T = 0.63 and 0.45 seconds may be used, or you may use computer
period calculation, see below.
TS = SD 1 / SDS = 0.350/0.635 = 0.55 seconds
TL = 12 seconds (Figure 22-12)

T may also be computed from 3-Dimensional elastic computer analysis. Note that the period T is
a function of mass and stiffness. Therefore the computer analysis must have the full seismic
resisting system and the entire seismic weight. Having only the self-weight of the structural steel
will yield erroneous results. The seismic weight should include the self-weight of structural
steel, all permanent dead load, including partitions (12.7.2, and 4.3.2), and all normal operating
loads.

From 3-D computer analysis:

North-south direction (moment frames): T = 1.25 seconds
East-west direction (concentric braced frames): T = 0.371 Seconds
Check upper limits as per Table 12.8-1
Tmax = Cu Ta = 1.4 (0.63) = 0.88 seconds
Tmax = Cu Ta = 1.4 (0.45) = 0.63 seconds
Therefore use T = 0.88 seconds for Moment Frame and ok to use T = 0.45 for Braced Frame.

Determine Analysis Procedure Allowed:

See (12.6) and (Table 12.6-1).
Check for Irregularities (Section 12.3):
Horizontal (Tables 12.3-1) = None
Vertical (Table 12.3-2) = Type 4 in-plane offset. See Sections 12.3.3.3 and12.3.3.4;
See Table 3 (drift), and Fig. 4 and 5 (forces) and compare to the requirements of Table 12.3-2
1(a), 1(b) and Section 12.3.2.2 Exception 1.
Check T < 3.5 TS; 0.63 seconds < (3.5) 0.55 seconds; OK (Table 12.6-1).
If no Irregularities exist, then the Equivalent Lateral Force (ELF) Procedure may be used and it
is not necessary to use the Modal Response Spectrum method or Seismic Response History
procedure. We will proceed with the ELF approach for now, however see below section on
Drifts where Vertical Structural Irregularity 1a and 1b is explored.

Check 12.14 Simplified method (NG, no moment frames allowed in 12.14 method)

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NCSEA Webinar – High Seismic by Thomas F. Heausler, PE, SE

Determine Response Modification Factor, R:

As per Tables 11.6-1 and 11.6-2 Seismic Design Category (SDC) = D
Seismic Force Resisting System: as per Table 12.2-1
 Special Moment Frame R = 8, ΩO = 3, Cd = 5.5 160’ height limit, Detailing required as
per (14.1), and (14.1.2.2.2): Use AISC 341 Seismic Provisions.
 Special Concentric Braced Frame R = 6, ΩO = 2, Cd = 5 160’ height limit, Detailing
required as per (14.1), and (14.1.2.2.2): Use AISC 341 Seismic Provisions.

Note Footnote g, reduce ΩO = 3 to ΩO = 2.5 if flexible diaphragm.

Determine Seismic Importance factor, Ie:

See (11.5.1) and Table 1.5-2. Risk Category II, Ie = 1.0

Determine Base Shear:

Effective Seismic Weight (12.7.2)

W level 3 (roof) = (90psf)(75’ x 25’) + (80psf)(200’ of wall)(10’height trib) = 329k

W level 2 = (90+10psf)(75’ x 25’) + (80psf)(200’ of wall)(12’height trib) = 380k
W level 1 = (90+10psf)(75’ x 25’) + (80psf)(200’ of wall)(18.5’height trib) = 484k
W total = 1193k

Seismic Base Shear: V = CS W (Eq. 12.8.1)

Moment Frame, North-south direction:

CS = SDS /(R/Ie) = 0.635/(8/1.0) = 0.0794 (Eq. 12.8-1)
CS = SD1/(T(R/Ie)) = 0.350/(.88sec(8/1.0)) = 0.0497 need not exceed (Eq. 12.8-3)
T < TL therefore eqn 12.8.4 is not applicable (Eq. 12.8.4)
CS = 0.044 SDS Ie = 0.044 (0.635) (1.0) = 0.0279 minimum (Eq. 12.8-5)
CS = 0.01 minimum (Eq. 12.8-5)
CS= 0.0497 governs
V = CS W = 0.0497(1193k) = 59.3k
V = 59.3 kips north-south direction (moment frames)

Braced Frame, East-west direction:

CS = SDS /(R/Ie) = 0.635/(6/1.0) = 0.1058 (Eq. 12.8-1)
CS = SD1/(T(R/Ie)) = 0.350/(.45sec(6/1.0)) = 0.1296 need not exceed (Eq. 12.8-3)
T < TL therefore eqn 12.8.4 is not applicable (Eq. 12.8.4)
CS = 0.044 SDS Ie = 0.044 (0.635) (1.0) = 0.0279 minimum (Eq. 12.8-5)
CS = 0.01 minimum (Eq. 12.8-5)
CS= 0.1058 governs
V = CS W = 0.1058(1193k) = 126.2k
V = 126.2 kips east-west direction (braced frames)

Vertical Distribution of Force:

The base shear, V, is distributed over the height of the structure as per section 12.8.3.
Additionally, diaphragms must be checked for the forces of Section 12.10.1.

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NCSEA Webinar – High Seismic by Thomas F. Heausler, PE, SE

Table 1 is a spreadsheet which quantifies the forces.

In order to verify your proper implementation of the summation equations, or for checking or
programming spreadsheets, Eq. 12.8-12 may be written as follows (when k=1.0):
F3(roof) = (w3h3)V / (w1h1 + w2h2 + w3h3)
F2 = (w2h2) V / (w1h1 + w2h2 + w3h3)
F1 = (w1h1) V / (w1h1 + w2h2 + w3h3)
and Eq. 12.10-1 may be written as:
Fp3(roof) = [(F3(roof) / w3)] (w3)
Fp2 = [(F2 + F3(roof)) / (w3 + w2)] (w2)
Fp1 = [(F1 + F2 + F3(roof)) / (w3 + w2 + w1)] (w1)
The above is applicable to the three-story structure, in the east-west (braced frame) direction
where k = 1.0 (see Table 1).

When the exponent k is not 1.0, the exponent may be added to the first three equations thus:
F3(roof) = (w3h3k)V / (w1h1k + w2h2k+ w3h3k)
F2 = (w2h2k)V / (w1h1k + w2h2k+ w3h3k)
F1 = (w1h1k)V / (w1h1k + w2h2k + w3h3k)
The above is applicable to the three-story structure, in the north-south (moment frame) direction
where k is not equal to 1.0 (See Table 1).

Section 12.10.1.1 provides values for diaphragm design. See Table 1. The term q is used herein
to represent the percent of seismic weight applied horizontally. The term q has a maximum
value of 0.4SDSIe. as per Eq. 12.10-3. This maximum pertains to Eq. 12.10-1, and should not
override the results of Eq. 12.8-11. This is logical, however it may be overlooked because Eq.
12.8-11 usually does not exceed diaphragm force calculations, except for the lower floors when
very low values of R are used.

Diaphragms:
Diaphragm forces are outlined in Section 12.10.1.1.
Fpx = [(Sum Fi) / (Sum wi)] wpx (Eq. 12.10-1)
Fpx min = 0.2SDSIewpx = 0.2(0.636)(1.0) wpx = 0.127 wpx min (Eq. 12.10-2)
Fpx max = 0.4SDSIewpx = 0.4(0.636)(1.0) wpx = 0.254 wpx max (Eq. 12.10-3)

The diagram forces from equation Eq. 12.10-1 need not exceed Eq. 12.10-3, however,
Section 12.10.1.1 states that “Floor and roof diaphragms shall be designed to resist design forces
from structural analysis, but shall not be less than Eq. 12.10-1.” This infers that the diaphragm
forces shall not be less than those caused by the Base Shear, V, Fx forces of Section 12.8,
including accidental torsion Mta when applicable. (See Table 1).

Check concrete slab thickness and connection of diaphragm to collector beams for this ultimate
strength level force.

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NCSEA Webinar – High Seismic by Thomas F. Heausler, PE, SE

Table 1 Forces at Each Level

See Figure 4 and 5 for graphic of forces at each level.

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NCSEA Webinar – High Seismic by Thomas F. Heausler, PE, SE

Fig. 4 Story and Diaphragm Forces

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NCSEA Webinar – High Seismic by Thomas F. Heausler, PE, SE

Fig. 5 Story and Diaphragm Forces

Accidental Torsion:
ASCE 7-16 has a significant change from ASCE 7-10 for accidental torsion requirements. Using
ASCE 7-16, for many buildings, accidental torsion forces are only applied to verify if a
horizontal torsional irregularity exists. If it does not exist, then the earthquake forces may be
calculated without accidental torsion. See Section 12.8.4.2 for specifics.

For this building, earthquake and accidental torsion forces are applied and the displacements at
each corner are calculated.

Mta = Mass displaced 5% as per (12.8.4.2)

North-south seismic loading (moment frames):

Mta = 23.8kips (75’)(0.05) = 89.3ft-k Roof Level 3
Mta = 19.7kips (75’)(0.05) = 73.9ft-k Level 2
Mta = 15.8kips (75’)(0.05) = 59.3ft-k Level 1

East-west seismic loading (braced frames):

Mta = 53.4kips (25’)(0.05) = 66.8ft-k Roof Level 3
Mta = 43.4kips (25’)(0.05) = 54.3ft-k Level 2
Mta = 29.4kips (25’)(0.05) = 36.8ft-k Level 1

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NCSEA Webinar – High Seismic by Thomas F. Heausler, PE, SE

Mta may be implemented as a load case and combined with other seismic cases.

As per Table 12.3-1, torsional irregularity check, the following formula may be created.
Torsional irregularity exists if drift at ends of building are as follows:
Δ1 max / [(Δ1 max + Δ1 min)/2] < 1.2
Roof Level 3 1.116” / (1.116”+1.023”)/2 = 1.04 < 1.2 OK
Level 2 0.980” / (0.980”+0.893”)/2 = 1.05 < 1.2 OK
Level 1 0.885” / (0.885”+0.810”)/2 = 1.04 < 1.2 OK

The above joint displacements were reported from a computer program, with seismic loads Fx
plus Mta.

No horizontal torsional irregularity exists. Note that since this is a relative displacement check
with ratios, it does not matter if drift is calculated at the elastic or inelastic level.

For ASCE 7-10, the check of member, and connection capacities and drift checks shall include
the effects of accidental torsion. For ASCE 7-16, since no torsional irregularity exists, then as
per Section 12.8.4.2, third paragraph, accidental torsion moments need not be included when
determining the seismic forces E in the design of the structure and in determination of the design
story drifts.

Amplification of Accidental Torsion:

(12.8.4.3) Where a Torsional Irregularity 1a or 1b is found to exist (as described in Table 12.3-1,
in essence, when the corner of a building displaces 20% to 40% more than the average of the
corners), then the accidental torsion needs to be amplified as follows:

Ax = [δmax/1.2(δavg)]^2 (Eq. 12.8-14)

As shown above, this is not required for this three-story structure.

Check Drift:
Calculation of drift is described in Section 12.8.6. The force level used in analysis should
include the Fx values shown in Fig. 4 and 5. These are strength level forces. If allowable stress
design is being used, one must verify the drift is being calculated based upon strength level
forces prior to any reduction for allowable stress design. As per Section 12.3.4.1 Item 2,
redundancy should be equal to 1.0 for drift calculations, however with the exception that moment
frames are penalized for redundancy ρ on the allowable drift as per Section 12.12.1.1 as (Δa /ρ).

P-delta Effects as per Section 12.8.7 may be necessary to be included in the analysis.

δx = Cd δxe/Ie (Eq. 12.8-15)

Cd = 5.5 SMF, Cd = 5 SCBF, Ie = 1.0

From elastic computer analysis, displacements are reported as shown in Table 3 as δxe.
Drift Δ is calculated as per Fig. 12.8-2.

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NCSEA Webinar – High Seismic by Thomas F. Heausler, PE, SE

Note, however, one may use the following provision (12.8.6.2) whereby:
12.8.6.2 Period for Computing Drift
For determining compliance with the story drift limits of Section 12.12.1, it is permitted
to determine the elastic drifts ( δ xe ) using seismic design forces based on the computed
fundamental period of the structure without the upper limit ( CuTa ) specified in Section
12.8.2.
This was not used for this example, however it may be useful for moment frame where the
member sizes are governed by drift limits.

Allowable drift Δa is as described in Section 12.12 per Table 12.12-1 and Δa = 0.020hx was
deemed appropriate for this structure. And Section 12.12.1.1 requires that Δa be divided by ρ for
moment frames.

See Table 3a and 3b for drift checks. Avoid pounding between adjacent structures or adjacent
structures as described in Section 12.12.3.

Table 3a Moment Frame Drift

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NCSEA Webinar – High Seismic by Thomas F. Heausler, PE, SE

Table 3b Braced Frame Drift

Vertical Structural Irregularities:

Now that drifts have been determined, stiffness-soft story must be checked as per Table 12.3-2
(1a), (1b) and Section 12.3.2.2 (with Exceptions 1 and 2). Stiffness, k, may be calculated as the
story shear divided by story drift.
2nd Story k = 43.5k/0.95” = 45.8 k/in
1st Story k = 59.3k/4.50” = 13.2 k/in
13.2 k/in < 45.8k/in(0.60), therefore vertical structural irregularity Type 1b exists.
Check Section 12.3.2.2 exception 1:
2nd Story 0.95”/12’ = 0.0792
1st Story 4.5”/25’ = 0.1800
0.0792(1.3) < 0.1800, therefore exception does not apply.
Since vertical structural irregularity Type 1b exists, Table 12.6-1 requires that this structure be
analyzed using the Modal Response Spectrum Analysis of Section 12.9, (or Chapter 16). The
ELF method and equation 12.8-12 (distribution of base shear over height) is not sufficiently
accurate for this type of vertical irregularity. Note that ASCE 7-10 allows for scaling of the
Modal Analysis results to 85% of the base shear V; whereas ASCE 7-16 has been revised to
require 100%of the base shear V.

Redundancy:
Section 12.3.4.1 will require that the redundancy factor, ρ = 1.3 be used for the north-south
direction as well as the east-west direction. An additional moment frame could be added at grid
line 3 which may eliminate the redundancy and allow ρ = 1.0 instead of ρ = 1.3, but only if an
extreme horizontal torsional irregularity does not result, as described in Table 12.3-1.

Load Combinations:
See (12.4), (2.3.1); and (12.4.3) when Ω0 overstrength factor is required.
Redundancy (12.3.4.1) ρ = 1.3.
Horizontal Seismic Load Effect (12.4.2.1) Eh = ρQE = 1.3QE
Vertical Seismic Load Effect (12.4.2.2) Ev = 0.2SDSD= 0.2(0.643)D = 0.129D

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NCSEA Webinar – High Seismic by Thomas F. Heausler, PE, SE

Orthogonal Effects (12.5.3) 100%-30% corner columns is required.

As per Section 12.3.4.1 redundancy ρ is permitted to be equal to 1.0 for diaphragm force
calculations as well as other areas as listed in Items 1 through 9.

Collectors, and their connections (including the transfer forces across column at grid line 2) must
be designed for overstrength Ω0 level seismic forces as described in Section 12.10.2.1. This is
required for Seismic Design Categories (SDC) C, D, E and F. Discontinuous frames must be
designed for overstrength Ω0 level seismic forces as described in Section 12.3.3.3. This is
required for Seismic Design Categories (SDC) B, C, D, E and F. Note that this use of
overstrength is independent of the detailing requirements of AISC and ACI.

Note that a reduction of applied bearing pressure on the foundation could be implemented as per
Section12.13.4. This is helpful for the high foundation loads that occur with low R value
designs.

Collector:
Collector force requirements are outlined in Section 12.10.2.1. In essence this section requires
that collectors be designed for the maximum of the following (paraphrasing):
1. Forces Fx in diaphragm due to Base Shear V, including accidental torsion Mta, and including
ΩO, but excluding redundancy ρ (12.3.4.1(5)) i.e. ρ = 1.0.
2. Forces Fpx in diaphragm due to Eq. 12.10-1 excluding accidental torsion Mta, including ΩO,
and excluding redundancy ρ.
3. Forces Fpx max from Eq. 12.10-2 excluding accidental torsion Mta, excluding ΩO, but
including redundancy ρ.

Material Standards Requirements:

The material standards, such as those for concrete and steel, require many provisions for seismic
design. The requirements are a function of Seismic Design Category and the Response
Modification Coefficient R. For a given R factor, many Provisions are triggered/required. For
ACI 318-11, Chapter 21 and Appendix D (anchorage) implement specific detailing and force and
capacity modifiers for Special, Intermediate and Ordinary systems. Similarly, For Steel systems
with R > 3 (i.e. not Table 12.2-1 Item H), AISC 341 Seismic Provisions are implemented in
addition to AISC 360 Specifications.

For the Steel Special Moment Frame here, you must use a Prequalified connection as defined in
AISC 358. The prequalified connections are very specific as to configuration, welds and other
restrictions. AISC 341-10 requires the following checks (partial list):
 Columns, column splices, baseplates, anchor rods shall be designed for Overstrength Ω0
level seismic forces. (AISC 341-10 Section D1.4)
 Strong Column/weak beam proportioning (AISC 341-10 Section E3)
 Bracing of flanges, Protected zones, Panel zone, Continuity plates
 Weld metal and strength
In general, the weak link or hinge formation is intended to occur in the beam near the face of the
column. Then all other portions of the connection are proportioned to be stronger than that
hinge.

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For the Steel Special Concentric Braced Frame, AISC 341-10 requires the following (partial list)
(AISC 341-10 Section F2):
 Columns, column splices, baseplates, anchor rods shall be designed for Overstrength Ω0
level seismic forces. (AISC 341-10 Section D1.4)
 No Tension Only Frames or K-Brace configurations
 Penalties for Inverted V brace
 Slenderness and width/thickness ratios of braces
 Connections develop full strength capacity of the brace
 Weld metal and strength

For Intermediate and Ordinary Moment and braced frame systems, AISC 341 relaxes some of
the requirements. However, please note that “Ordinary” is not without significant requirements.
For Ordinary Moment Frames (AISC 341-10 Section E1), the moment connection still needs to
develop the full strength of the member. For Ordinary Concentric Braced Frames (AISC 341-10
Section F1), connections must be designed for Overstrength Ω0 level seismic forces.

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NCSEA Webinar – High Seismic by Thomas F. Heausler, PE, SE

Nonstructural Components
Chapter 13 of ASCE 7 contains provisions for Nonstructural Components within a building. For
these examples, the structure containing the components is a 4-story reinforced concrete special
moment frame sited on Site Class D soils in San Francisco, CA. SDS for the site is 1.00 g.

During an earthquake, a typical building will be subject to horizontal ground acceleration. The
building responds to this at much higher response, approximately 2.5 times the acceleration at its
base. This floor or roof acceleration is what the nonstructural component feels at its base. If the
nonstructural component is rigid it will develop a seismic inertial force equal to its weight times
the total floor or roof acceleration. If the component is flexible it will develop an additional
acceleration, and now the component inertial force is the weight times the total (ground + structure
+ component) acceleration felt by the component.

0.4a p S DS æ zö
Fp = ç1+ 2 ÷Wp (Eq. 13.3-1)
æR ö è hø
çç P ÷÷
è Ip ø

and is subject to the limits

Fp < 1.6S DS I PWP (Eq. 13.3-2)

Fp > 0.3S DS I PWP (Eq. 13.3-3)

Equation 13.3-1 is a version of Newton’s second law, F = ma, i.e. force equals mass (the weight
of the component, Wp) times acceleration in g units.

The value 0.4SDS is an approximation of the peak ground acceleration, ap is a component

amplification factor determined from Tables 13.5-1 (architectural components) or 13.6-1
(mechanical/electrical components), and the term in parenthesis amplifies the acceleration from
1.0 at the base of the building (z=0) to 3.0 at the roof of the building (z=h). The value of ap ranges
from 1.0 for a rigid component to 2.5 for a flexible component. Rp, also obtained from Tables
13.5-1 or 13.6-1 is the component response modification coefficient which is a measure of the
ductility and overstrength inherent in the component. This is much the same as R for a building’s
lateral system. Note that Tables 13.5-1 and 13.6-1 also contain overstrength factors that are used
for anchorage to concrete or masonry.

Ip is the importance factor of the component. Note that Ip is derived from Section 13.1.3 and is
either 1.0 or 1.5 depending upon functionality for life safety purposes after an earthquake or release
of toxic materials. Note that although a building may have a Seismic Importance Factor Ie of 1.0,
1.25 or 1.50, Ip is independent of Ie and fully dependent on Section 13.1.3. So it is possible to have
an Ip = 1.5 component in a building with Ie = 1.0. And it is also possible to have an Ip = 1.0
component in a building with Ie =1.25.

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NCSEA Webinar – High Seismic by Thomas F. Heausler, PE, SE

Figure NS-3 illustrates the type and location of the components considered, and Fig. NS-4 shows
the egress stair system that is also considered in the example. Tables 13.5-1 and Table 13.6-1 were
used to determine the values of ap, Rp and Ω0. The tables have footnotes that describe overstength,
Ω0, as required for non-ductile anchorage to concrete and masonry and (Table 13.6-1 only) factors
for vibration isolator mounting (Fp x 2.0).

The building contains components labeled and described as follows:

G1, G2, G3, G4, G5 = Electrical Generator. This is predominantly a rigid motor on a wide flange
skid beam with 4 anchor rods to the concrete floor below, one anchor at each corner, not mounted
on vibration isolators. Wp = 1000 lbs.
Table 13.6-1: Generator, ap = 1, Rp = 2.5, Ω0 = 2.

I1, I2, I3, I4, I5 = Instrumentation cabinet. This is a cabinet with sheet metal walls and contains
electrical modules fastened within. It is 7’ tall, and 1.5’ (square) in plan dimension.
Table 13.6-1: Instrumentation cabinet ap = 2.5, Rp = 6, Ω0 = 2.

C1, C2, C3, C4, C5 = an 8” solid grouted masonry wall cantilevered about its base in a guardrail-
like fence or parapet constitution, 5’ tall, 83 psf x 2.4 ft long sections = 1000 lbs each.
Table 13.5-1: Cantilever Interior Nonstructural Walls, ap = 2.5, Rp = 2.5, Ω0 = 2.

W1, W2, W3, W4 = Concrete precast wall panel, 8” thick, 12’ tall x 8.3’ long = 10.0 kips, attached
at 4 corners.
Table 13.5-1: Exterior nonstructural wall elements:
Wall element, ap = 1, Rp =2.5, Ω0 = N/A
Body of wall panel connectors, ap = 1, Rp =2.5, Ω0 = N/A
Fasteners of the connecting system, ap = 1.25, Rp = 1, Ω0 = 1.0
See Section 13.5.3 for descriptions and further strength requirements as well as accommodation
for story drifts.

S3A, S3B = Egress stairs. Note that S3A is orthogonal to the plane of shaking, and S3B is in the
plane of shaking. The stairs are prefabricated of structural steel and concrete. The top of the stair
is attached the floor slab and this connection provides resistance in the vertical and both horizontal
directions. The bottom of the stair has vertical support and horizontal slotted connections to allow
movement parallel to the stair, but the slots prevent movement perpendicular to the stair. The
stairs are 4’ wide and weigh 10.0 kips each.
Table 13.5-1: Egress stairs not part of building seismic force-resisting system,
Stairway body, ap = 1, Rp = 2.5, Ω0 = 2
Fasteners and attachments for Egress stairs, ap = 2.5, Rp = 2.5, Ω0 = 2.5.

As per (13.1.3), Ip = 1.0 for all components mentioned above except the egress stair, which has
an Ip = 1.5.

The height, z, is the point of attachment of the component with respect to the base of the structure.
It is the location where acceleration is imparted into the component. For a wall panel spanning
between two floors as shown herein, one may use the average height of the attachments. See

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NCSEA Webinar – High Seismic by Thomas F. Heausler, PE, SE

Commentary C13.3.1 for more specific advice and options. Notice that stair S3A uses z = 30’
(average height of attachments) and stair S3B uses 36’. This is because horizontal accelerations
are imparted to the stair at, and only at, the attachment at elevation 36’.

See Tables NS-1 and NS-2, and Figures NS-3 and NS-4 for spreadsheets of calculations and
graphics of loadings, respectively. The tabular values in boldface govern.

Table NS-1. Forces on Components G, C, I, and W

Component Wp ap Rp W0 z (1+2z/h) Fp Fp max Fp min
(lbs) (ft) (lbs) (lbs) (lbs)
G1 1,000 1.00 2.50 2.00 0 1.0 160 1,600 300
G2 1,000 1.00 2.50 2.00 12 1.5 240 1,600 300
G3 1,000 1.00 2.50 2.00 24 2.0 320 1,600 300
G4 1,000 1.00 2.50 2.00 36 2.5 400 1,600 300
G5 1,000 1.00 2.50 2.00 48 3.0 480 1,600 300
C1 1,000 2.50 2.50 2.00 0 1.0 400 1,600 300
C2 1,000 2.50 2.50 2.00 12 1.5 600 1,600 300
C3 1,000 2.50 2.50 2.00 24 2.0 800 1,600 300
C4 1,000 2.50 2.50 2.00 36 2.5 1,000 1,600 300
C5 1,000 2.50 2.50 2.00 48 3.0 1,200 1,600 300
I1 1,000 2.50 6.00 2.00 0 1.0 167 1,600 300
I2 1,000 2.50 6.00 2.00 12 1.5 250 1,600 300
I3 1,000 2.50 6.00 2.00 24 2.0 333 1,600 300
I4 1,000 2.50 6.00 2.00 36 2.5 417 1,600 300
I5 1,000 2.50 6.00 2.00 48 3.0 500 1,600 300
W1 10,000 1.00 2.50 n.a. 6 1.25 2,000 16,000 3,000
W2 10,000 1.00 2.50 n.a. 18 1.75 2,800 16,000 3,000
W3 10,000 1.00 2.50 n.a. 30 2.25 3,600 16,000 3,000
W4 10,000 1.00 2.50 n.a. 42 2.75 4,400 16,000 3,000
W4 10,000 1.00 2.50 n.a. 42 2.75 4,400 16,000 3,000
connector1,2,3
W4 10,000 1.25 1.00 1.00 42 2.75 13,750 16,000 3,000
fastener1,2,3
For all components SDS=1.0g, Ip=1.0, and h=48 ft.
Notes:
1: Fastener and connector concept applies to W1, W2, W3, and W4 2: Body of panel and connectors as per
Section 13.5.3
3: Fasteners of the connecting system as per Section 13.5.3
In the above table, the following equations are used:
Fp: equation 13.3-1
Fp max: equation 13.3-2
Fp min: equation 13.3-3

Table NS-2. Forces on Stair Components

Component Wp ap Rp W0 z (1+2z/h) Fp Fp max Fp min
(lbs) (ft) (lbs) (lbs) (lbs)

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NCSEA Webinar – High Seismic by Thomas F. Heausler, PE, SE

S3A body 10,000 1.00 2.50 2.00 30 2.25 5,400 24,000 4,500
S3A 10,000 2.5 2.50 2.50 30 2.25 13,500 24,000 4,500
Fasteners and
attachments
S3B body 10,000 1.00 2.50 2.00 24 2.50 6,000 24,000 4,500
S3B 10,000 2.5 2.50 2.50 36 2.50 15,000 24,000 4,500
Fasteners and
attachments
For all components SDS=1.0g, Ip=1.5, and h=48 ft.

Figure NS-3. Fp. Values for Nonstructural Components Building Elevation / Cross Section

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NCSEA Webinar – High Seismic by Thomas F. Heausler, PE, SE

Notes:
1. Directions of Fp may reverse.
2. At S3A, * indicates Fp = 5400 lbs on body of stair, Fp = 13,500 lbs on fasteners and
attachments for egress stairs, thus reactions = 13,500 lbs/2 = 6750 lbs.
3. At S3B, ** indicates Fp = 6000 lbs on body of stair, Fp = 15,000 lbs on fasteners and
attachments thus reaction = 15,000 lbs.

Figure NS-4. Building Elevation / Cross Section for Egress Stairs

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NCSEA Webinar – High Seismic by Thomas F. Heausler, PE, SE

Note that the cantilever element C1 is essentially a 5’ tall masonry fence. Chapter 13 yielded Fp
= 0.4Wp and Ω0 = 2. If it were 6’ or greater in height, then ASCE 7 would trigger the classification
of nonbuilding structure Section 15.6.8 Ground Supported Cantilever Walls or Fences and Table
15.4-2 yields R = 1.25, Ω0 = 2, Cd = 2.5. Section 15.4 is invoked which in turn invokes the
equations of Section 12.8. For the example location herein, this would yield a base shear:

V = Cs W (Eq. 12.8-1)
Cs = SDS/(R/Ie) (Eq. 12.8-2)

Which results in:

V = SDS (W)/(R/ Ie) = 1.0 W/(1.25/1.0)

V = 0.8W.

Additionally, a distributed mass cantilever structure should have its base shear distributed over its
height in a triangular fashion whereby the center of force is located at 2/3 the height even though
the center of gravity of the fence/wall is at mid height. This is invoked via ASCE 7 Section 15.1.3
and 12.8.3.

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