Review of Current and Proposed Seismic Design Provisions

Abstract

Synopsis: This paper summarizes the findings of a research project performed by the American Iron and Steel Institute entitled "Technical Review of Current and Proposed Seismic Design Provisions." In the last several years, both New York City and the Building Officials and Code Administrators International (BOCA) have proposed and drafted seismic provisions for their respective building codes. The purpose of this study was to compare the pertinent provisions of these proposed provisions to each other and to existing building codes (UBC, SEAOC, NEHRP, and ASCE 7). In addition, the American Institute of Steel Construction has adapted seismic provisions in their Load and Resistance Factor Design Specifications. BOCA has proposed a method of adapting these LRFD Seismic provisions into its building code. This study also reviewed these proposed revisions with respect to applicability to East Coast earthquakes, especially in New York City. The impact of both the NYC and BOCA provisions on design and construction costs are also addressed.