SDC D - Is SMF the best option

[strmz]

I am designing a 3 story storage bldg. in SDC D. At parking area, I have beams spanning 35 ft and are supporting two floors above them. Currently, the route I am taking is to have SMF as my lateral resisting system but it is involving lots of special detailing ( which Im not familiar with) and is too expensive. So I was wondering if there are any other options?

Thank you so much for your help!

 

[msquared48]

Can't you use an IMF if it is less than 35 feet in height?

Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA)

 

[strmz]

Total bldg height above grade is 46 ft., my moment frame is 18 ft high and is holding two stories above. Only gravity load is around 310 psf, I don't think I can go by IMF.

 

[EDub24]

Actually if you look at ASCE 7-10 section 12.2.5.7.1 you can potentially use an IMF depending on your loading. With that said have you considered a masonry or concrete special shear wall? Being such a short structure they both could work and the detailing would be easier (especially for the masonry).

 

[TheDW]

I work pretty exclusively in SDC D, and typically do either SMF (with WUF-W connections) or special r/f masonry shear walls.

 

[strmz]

Thank you all. We are going to have a dual system w/ special moment frame resisting 25% of the load and steel special concentrically braced frames inside the bldg.

 

[wannabeSE]

If you don't like designing and detailing SMFs, you may end up hating SCBFs. For both, AISC Seismic Design Manual has the best design examples I have seen. Have you considered Buckling Restrained Braced Frames (BRBF)? Often times, they are a cost effective alternative to SCBFs.