Thank you for the reply. I've spoken with others in my office and we are in agreement that it is referring to vertical components (columns, wall or similar).
I need a clarification on the definition of Substantial Structural Damage as defined in the 2009 IEBC. See excerpt below:
SUBSTANTIAL STRUCTURAL DAMAGE. A condition where:
1. In any story, the vertical elements of the lateral-force-resisting system have suffered damage such that the lateral...
