Seismic Design Requirements

Understanding Structural Systems:

1. Every structural system has a distinct set of R, O and Cd values, where:
R = response modification coefficient used for
O = overstrength factor used for
Cd = deflection amplification factor used for

2. Most commonly used structural systems and their corresponding R, O and

Cd values:

3. R, O and Cd values for Vertical combination of systems:

If R of lower system < R of upper system,
i. Use R, O and Cd values of upper system to calculate the
forces and drifts of upper system.
ii. Use R, O and Cd values of lower system to calculate the
forces and drifts of lower system.
iii. Forces transferred from upper to lower system must be
multiplied by RUP/RLOW
If R of lower system > R of upper system,
i. Use R, O and Cd values of upper system for both systems.
If weight of either system is lower than 10% of the weight of whole
structure, neglect the difference in structural system.

4. R, O and Cd values for Horizontal combination of systems:

Use the least R for the direction considered.
O and Cd must be consistent with the R value used.
Use of lowest R value for all directions is possible if all of the
following are met:
i. Risk Category I or II
ii. Two stories or less above grade line
iii. Use of light-frame construction or flexible diaphragms.
5. For dual systems, moment frames shall be capable of resisting at least
25% of seismic forces.

6. Diaphragm Flexibility:
Flexible Diaphragm untopped steel decking or wooden structural
panels used for light-frame construction
Rigid Diaphragm concrete slabs (with or without metal deck) with
span-to-depth ratio of less than 3 used for structure with no
horizontal irregularities.
Semi-rigid Diaphragm diaphragms that is not flexible nor rigid.

7. Horizontal Irregularities:
8. Vertical Irregularities:

Exceptions:
Vertical irregularity types 1a, 1b and 2 do not apply if no story drift
ratio (not considering torsional effects) under seismic loads is
greater than 130% of the next story above. No need to evaluate
story drift ratios of top 2 stories.
Vertical irregularity types 1a, 1b and 2 do not apply to one-story
buildings in any SDC or to two-story buildings in SDC B, C or D.

9.