Earthquake design load

[PowerRanger]

Hi Fellows

When should we consider the earthquake load design. From section 2 of the standard, it say not all structures are required to designed for earthquake load. So, is it depend on the size of the build or the location of the building. Any detail specification?

Thank you.

 

[apsix]

I'm not an expert but here goes.

There may be low risk structures which do not need to be accessed for seismic action, the BCA would be the place to look.

Otherwise, the usual procedure would be to determine wind and seismic loads (and notional horizontal loads to ensure robustness as per AS/NZS 1170.0), and design to the greater load of course.

With experience, for many parts of Australia the designer will know if the earthquake loads will be critical or not without doing the calculations.

John

 

[dbuzz]

It most certainly does depend on building type. Refer to Clauses 2.7 and 3.2, showing the design requirements (in some cases, nothing) for different design categories.

 

[apsix]

Welcome back dbuzz