Arkansas seismic requirements

[JLNJ]

We are looking at a job in NE Arkansas. We will be getting a copy of the current State code but I was hoping someone on here could give me a heads up on whether or not the State has its own provisions which override (and soften) the provisions of the IBC and ASCE 7-05.

I believe as recently as 2005 AK still was on the UBC Zone system (Zone 3 in the NE of the State) but now the IBC is the model code.

 

[BRGENG]

Whatch out, typically NE Arkansas has very poor soils. Below IBC default values. You will want a geotechnical investigation done for your project. If the client won't pay for it, walk away.

 

[msquared48]

Can't you contact the local building official and ask them what they will accept or require?

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

 

[Zapster]

AK is not an abbreviation for Arkansas, it is AR.

 

[msucog]

you can also typically look on the state website and/or purchase a copy of the state building codes.

 

[JLNJ]

We certainly will be getting a copy of the code but right now we are trying to quickly put together a proposal. Knowing the depth and breadth of this forum I was hoping that some with some firsthand recent experience in Arkansas could give us some insight.

Funny thing about the State abbreviation is that I googled Jonesboro AK to verify the "AK" and got all kinds of hits. I should have known that much of the internet is even less literate than I or that google is smart enough to know what I'm looking for even when I don't.

 

[nutte]

I've done jobs in Arkansas, and they followed the IBC. This doesn't mean your town doesn't have another code, just that at least part of the state uses IBC.

 

[nutte]

Oh, my project was in Jonesboro, too. Seismic steel detailing was required.

 

[CTW]

I'd be surprised if the local code "softens" the IBC and ASCE 7 requirements. With the New Madrid fault line partially crossing NE Arkansas, the local requirements may be more restrictive.