Proposed Canadian code provisions for seismic design of elements of structures, nonstructural components, and equipment

Proposed code provisions for the seismic design of elements of structures, nonstructural components, and equipment are presented. In these provisions a new format is introduced which gives a consistent treatment for all elements and components, architectural, mechanical, and electrical. For the first time, soil effects are included in the provisions, which also seek to ensure that designers consider the interrelationship of the nonstructural components and differential displacements within the building structure. The proposed force equation is based on a uniform hazard spectrum approach with force modification factors. Specified force levels are based on data from instrumented buildings recorded during recent earthquakes. Updated requirements for connection design specify forces that are consistent with component design forces. New element and component categories are provided in an expanded table of elements of structures, nonstructural components, and equipment. To assess the impact of the proposed provisions on component design at various locations across the country, calculations are presented for typical multistorey buildings in a number of Canadian cities.