Seismic Design Category
The Seismic Design Category is of great importance to everyone involved with MEP systems because it will determine whether seismic...
Component Importance Factor
All MEP components must be assigned a Component Importance Factor that is designated as IP in the body of the code. This is done by the...
Occupancy Category
The nature of the building use, or its Occupancy Category, is determined by the building owner and the architect of record. In 2006 IBC...
Codes Relating to Seismic Restraints
Seismic and Wind Restraint Requirements are referenced in 2006/2009 IBC (International Building Code). The seismic restraint of...
Glazing
Damage to storefront windows in older commercial buildings is common during earthquakes, often causing hazardous conditions on sidewalks...
Heavy unanchored or poorly anchored contents
Heavy contents situated above the floor level include a wide range of items that could become falling hazards in an earthquake. Many...
Tall, slender, and heavy furniture
Tall slender shelving, bookcases, or file cabinets frequently overturn during earthquakes if they are unanchored or poorly anchored....
Large, heavy ceilings
Heavy suspended ceilings can be damaged during earthquakes, sometimes causing heavy and dangerous material to fall and injure people...
Heavy interior walls
Nonstructural walls in older buildings are often built of heavy, unreinforced masonry materials such as brick, concrete block, or hollow...
Heavy exterior cladding
Cladding is an architectural element used to provide the exterior skin for buildings. Often constructed of heavy precast concrete panels,...
