Building Separation in a low seismic zone.

[chrisrosebud2001]

I have a new proposed building design that is going to be placed directly next to an existing building with no separation. The new structure is 4-story steel framed construction while the existing building is 2-story and the main load resisting system is unknown. The seismic design category is B and the building is not subject to the separation limits of IBC 2009 section 1613.6.7 and I am unable to find any other limit that would need to be met. However, I would think that the buildings would need to be separated by the sum of the elastic drifts of the structures due to wind or seismic, but I also know it is not uncommon for buildings to be built right next to each other. Does anyone have some input?

Thanks

 

[a2mfk]

I agree with your approach of a separation, regardless if it is required it sounds like a good idea. If you do not have an expansion or "drift" joint, you could possibly be transferring lateral load into the older building.

Are these two buildings to be combined in any way, or access through the interior party wall?

 

[chrisrosebud2001]

The buildings are not to be combined and there will be no access between them.

 

[ishvaaag]

I suggest you leave your calculated lateral movement plus 10 mm as joint, then use some kind of foldableor slip over front sheet to mask the gap.

 

[BAretired]

Is somebody checking the snow drift on the existing two story building as a result of the higher building abutting it?

BA

 

[chrisrosebud2001]

Yes, the additional snow drift will be considered.