Seismic Design Guide makes plan checking easier

The International Code Council and the Metal Building Manufacturers Association have published the Seismic Design Guide for Metal Building Systems to help engineers, building officials and plan checkers ensure metal building designs are compliant with the seismic provisions of the 2000 International Building Code (IBC). Using realistic design examples, this new resource illustrates acceptable approaches for dealing with the seismic design issues commonly encountered in metal building systems, including:

The design recommendations are based on the 2000 IBC, the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) Seismic Provisions for Steel Buildings and standard industry practices. Primarily focused on Allowable Stress Design (ASD), the guide also addresses Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) when appropriate. In addition, the guide provides the technical background of recent code changes that impact seismic design.

Robert E. Bachman, S.E.; Richard M. Drake, S.E.; Martin W. Johnson, S.E.; and Thomas M. Murray, Ph.D., P.E., authored this comprehensive resource. Bachman, a structural engineer and Principal of R.E. Bachman Consulting, provided expertise on IBC seismic requirements and served as the lead author on the project. Drake, senior project engineer at J.S. Dyer & Associates, worked on the AISC seismic provisions and acted as publication consultant. Johnson, project manager at ABS Consulting, handled the seismic design issues associated with metal buildings. Murray, Montague Betts Professor of Structural Steel Design at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, was responsible for the seismic design of beam-to-column moment connections.

To purchase a copy of the Seismic Design Guide for Metal Building Systems, visit the ICC Store, or call 1-800-786-4452. Price: $62 (ICC members), $69 (nonmembers).

The International Code Council, a membership association dedicated to building safety and fire prevention, develops the codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools. Most U.S. cities, counties and states that adopt codes choose the International Codes developed by the International Code Council.