ASCE 7-16

ASCE 7-16 Code Information

The ASCE 7 Standard Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures is the document the International Building Code (IBC) relies on for its structural and nonstructural requirements.

12” rule no need for swivel also reduction of omega from 2.5 to 2.0

ASCE 7-10, the standard referenced in the 2012 and 2015 IBC, has been substituted by ASCE 7-16 in the 2018 and 2021 IBC. Per the code updates, there are some changes in the nonstructural requirements for commercial building that may affect your project.

The differences below are directly from ASCE 7 and pertain to structures in Seismic Design Categories C, D, E and F. They do not account for State or Local code amendments (if any).

  1. The reduction of the Omega over-strength factor requirement for anchorages to concrete from an upper value of 2.5 to an upper value of 2.0. The over-strength factor reduction results in a slight increase in anchorage allowable design capacity to the extent that allowable anchor load may increase maximum allowable brace spacing.
  1. The “12 inch rule” which exempts seismic braces for distribution systems that have a drop length of 12” or less no longer require swivels. The new rules for each type of distribution system are generally the same with only a few differences.
  1. ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
  • ASCE 7-10: Brace all conduit equal to or greater than 2-1/2” trade size and all trapeze supported raceways supporting loads equal to or greater than 10 lbs/lf
  • ASCE 7-16: Brace all conduit equal to or greater than 2-1/2” trade size and all trapeze supported raceways supporting loads equal to or greater than 100 lbs
  1. PLUMBING and MECHANICAL PIPING
  • ASCE 7-10: Brace all trapeze assemblies designed to support loads greater than or equal to 10 lbs/lf
  • ASCE 7-16: Brace all trapeze assemblies designed to support loads greater than or equal to 100 lbs
  1. HVAC DUCT
  • ASCE 7-10: Brace all suspended ductwork greater than or equal to 6 Sq Ft. cross-sectional area or weighing greater than 17 lbs/lf
  • ASCE 7-16: Brace all suspended ductwork greater than or equal to 6 Sq Ft. cross-sectional area or weighing greater than 20 lbs/lf
  • Brace all duct designed to carry or convey toxic, highly toxic or flammable gases or used for smoke control

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