IBC 2000 1605.3.1.1

[mrengineer]

Supposedly this section gives you a break by allowing two or more transient loads to be multiplied by .75. However, the combined load cannot be less than D+E, without the .7 factor applied to E. This creates a new load combination that is more conservative than any of the combinations in Formulas 16-7 thru 16-12. Therefore, by trying to take advantage of their 'break', I have actually hurt myself by having to use this new load combination. Am I missing something?

 

[haynewp]

For allowable combinations I think it means:

To use D+0.75x(E+ (other transient loads)).

DO NOT use D+0.75x(0.7E + (other transient loads)).

(D+0.7E) must also be checked, and (0.6D+0.7E).

Not D+E.

 

[mrengineer]

Thank you Haynewp. What you say makes sense. I think that considering how much these equations are used, it would be better if the Code wrote out all of the various combinations rather than turning it into a riddle.

 

[JAE]

mrengineer-
You've hit on a subject that I've long pondered....how the code is written in language rather than a logical flow chart diagram or other some sort of graphical mechanism whereby a strict logical process can be followed.

Instead, there are numerous paragraphs and words that seem to imply concepts, but require lots of interpretation. Overall, I think the code writing dudes have done a magnificent job of keeping it to a point just this side of sanity....

Are they toying with us?