seismic load on free standing wall

[dilbert318]

I am reviewing the design of a free standing masonry partition wall in a high sesimic area. The "z" in ASCE 7-02 Eq. 9.6.1.3-1 is listed as the height of the attachemnt above the base but for a free standing wall I would think it would be mid-height. What z should I use for the (2+z/h) part of the equation? Are there any good references/examples available?

 

[JAE]

For a free standing "cantilevered" wall - fixed at the base, z would be the base of the wall. It represents the height in the overall building that develops the accelleration and velocity.

The whipping action of the overall building ON the wall comes in at the base.

 

[dilbert318]

Ok - I was thinking that it would have been the center of gravity of the wall. Thanks for the clarification.