ASCE Seismic Loads

Seismic Loads: Guide to the Seismic Load Provisions of ASCE 7-10 provides clear, authoritative explanations of the seismic design provisions contained in Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures, Standard ASCE/SEI 7-10. When used with the expanded seismic commentary included in ASCE 7-10 (third printing), Seismic Loads assists structural engineers in applying the latest thinking in seismic design of new building structures.

Charney presents 22 detailed examples that analyze specific provisions of the standard and demonstrate the application of the provisions to building structures. The examples guide structural engineers through the process of assessing conditions, including identifying risk category, importance factor, and seismic design category; analyzing the seismic requirements; and selecting a structural system.

Topics include building irregularities, structural analysis, system forces, load factors, drift, and P-delta effects. All of the examples have been updated to comply with the requirements of ASCE 7-10. An example using modal response history analysis has been added. Seismic Loads includes a section with 26 frequently asked questions, as well as three appendixes with supplementary material.

Seismic Loads is an essential companion to Standard ASCE/SEI 7-10 for all engineers, architects, and construction professionals who work on buildings in seismically active locations.

Finley A. Charney, Ph.D., P.E., F.ASCE, F.SEI, is a professor of structural engineering at Virginia Tech and is president of Advanced Structural Concepts, Inc., both located in Blacksburg, Virginia.