Canadian Building Code

[HokieHen]

As an engineer working in the US, for documentation purposes I need to check a BRM that will be located in Edmonton, Alberta Canada for conventional design loads (ie wind, earthquake, etc). I have googled and searched, but am not sure exactly what codes will be applicable for doing so. Has anybody here done work there as to be familiar with what will apply? I see some design standards that appear to similar to ASCE-7 but for Canada. Assuming that these are what I need to calculate the loads, do I have to use Canadian LSD to analyze the structural components/connections and LFRS, or can I simply use American LRFD or ASD once the loads are known? The BRM is a welded steel structure. Thanks.

 

[TLHS]

I have no idea what a BRM is in this context, but to establish loading you'll have to refer to the Alberta Building Code, which is based on but not necessarily identical to, the National Building Code of Canada. Just as a warning, depending on how they integrated things, you may actually need to get the commentaries from the National Building Code to determine wind loading, and some of the seismic and snow stuff. You need the figures in the commentary to determine some of the terms of the wind load equations. I don't have the ABC in front of me, but I'm pretty sure I needed the commentaries last time I used it.

Then you'll need to use CAN/CSA S16 for structural steel design.

 

[HokieHen]

Sorry, BRM = Blast Resistance Module

 

[HokieHen]

Blast Resistant Module

 

[BAretired]

TLHS is correct. You need the Alberta Building Code and User's Guide - NBC 2005 "Structural Commentaries". You will also need CSA S16 "Handbook of Steel Construction".

Limit States Design (LSD) is currently the only standard for steel design recognized in Canada. I believe it is fairly similar to LRFD but I don't believe they are identical.

BA

 

[cooperDBM]

Just to clarify ... the "Handbook of Steel Construction" is available from CISC, the Canadian AISC, at "

http://www.cisc-icca.ca/publications/technical/design/handbook/".

It includes the CSA design standard S16.