Seismic mass distribution
Seismic mass distribution
(OP)
Hi
I have a really stupid question. I have a one story building with concrete exterior walls (building height = 12' walls are 6''). For seismic mass calculation I am using the mass on the roof + half the exterior wall height (6'' x 150psf x perimeter x 6'). I dont see why this is not right. I ran into someone and he suggested not to use the exterior wall as it is self supporting.
The wall is attached at the roof. I dont get it how you can neglect the half of the wall tributary.
Thanks
I have a really stupid question. I have a one story building with concrete exterior walls (building height = 12' walls are 6''). For seismic mass calculation I am using the mass on the roof + half the exterior wall height (6'' x 150psf x perimeter x 6'). I dont see why this is not right. I ran into someone and he suggested not to use the exterior wall as it is self supporting.
The wall is attached at the roof. I dont get it how you can neglect the half of the wall tributary.
Thanks






RE: Seismic mass distribution
I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.
RE: Seismic mass distribution
I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.
RE: Seismic mass distribution
When you say 1/2 perpendicular wall you mean half the height right. Just clarifying.
Agreed
RE: Seismic mass distribution
Exactly. Obviously, there are some situations where a wall's seismic weight need not be assumed to be resisted by the diaphragms. To make a blanket statement that no wall's seismic weight makes it's way into the diaphragms is false in my opinion and telegraphs a fundamental lack of understanding. Perhaps your colleague really intended to include only shear walls aligned with the applied load in her statement. As you and I would probably know better than most, there are an almost infinite number of ways to express a technical opinion and have it be misinterpreted.
I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.