SEISMIC DESIGN CRITERIA

CHAPTER 9
SEISMIC DESIGN CRITERIA

SECTION 9.1
GENERAL

9.1.1 Purpose. Chapters 9 through 16 present criteria for the design and construction
of buildings and similar structures subject to earthquake ground motions. The
specified earthquake loads are based on post-elastic energy dissipation in the
structure, and because of this fact, the provisions for design, detailing, and
construction shall be satisfied even for structures and members for which load
combinations that do not contain the earthquake effect indicate larger demands
than combinations including earthquake.

9.1.2 Scope and Applicability.

9.1.2.2 Scope. Every building, and portion thereof, shall be designed and constructed to
resist the effects of earthquake motions as prescribed by these provisions. Certain
nonbuilding structures, as described in Chapter 13, are within the scope and shall
be designed and constructed as required for buildings. Additions to existing
structures also shall be designed and constructed to resist the effects of
earthquake motions as prescribed by these provisions. Existing structures and
alterations to existing structures need only comply with these provisions when
required by Chapter 16.

9.1.2.2 Applicability. Structures shall be designed and constructed in accordance with

the requirements of the following chapters based on the type of structure:
a. Buildings – Chapter 10
b. Nonbuilding Structures – Chapter 13

SECTION 9.2
DEFINITIONS

The definitions presented in this Section provide the meaning of the terms used in
Chapter 9 through 16 of these provisions.

Addition. An increase in building area, aggregate floor area, height, or number

of stories of a structure.
Alteration. Any construction or renovation to an existing structure other than an
addition.
Appendage. An architectural component such as a canopy; marquee, ornamental
balcony, or statuary.
Approval. The written acceptance by the authority having jurisdiction of
documentation that establishes the qualification of a material, system,
component, procedure, or person to fulfill the requirements of these provisions
for the intended use.

SBC 301 2007 9/1

 SEISMIC DESIGN CRITERIA

Architectural Component Support. Those structural members or assemblies of

members, including braces, frames, struts, and attachments that transmit all loads
and forces between architectural systems, components, or elements and the
structure.
Attachments. Means by which components and their supports are secured or
connected to the seismic force-resisting system of the structure. Such
attachments include anchor bolts, welded connections, and mechanical fasteners.
Base. The level at which the horizontal seismic ground motions are considered to
be imparted to the structure.
Base Shear. Total design lateral force or shear at the base.
Basement. A basement is any story below the lowest story above grade.
Boundary Elements. Diaphragm and shear wall boundary members to which the
diaphragm transfers forces. Boundary members include chords and drag struts at
diaphragm and shear wall perimeters, interior openings, discontinuities, and re-
entrant corners.
Boundary Members. Portions along wall and diaphragm edges strengthened by
longitudinal and transverse reinforcement. Boundary members include chords
and drag struts at diaphragm and shear wall perimeters, interior openings,
discontinuities, and re-entrant corners.
Building. Any structure whose use could include shelter of human occupants.
Cantilevered Column System. A seismic force resisting system in which lateral
forces are resisted entirely by columns acting as cantilevers from the foundation.
Component. A part or element of an architectural, electrical, mechanical, or
structural system.
Component, Equipment. A mechanical or electrical component or element
that is part of a mechanical and/or electrical system within or without a
building system.
Component, flexible. Component, including its attachments, having a
fundamental period greater than 0.06 sec.
Component, rigid. Component, including its attachments, having a
fundamental period less than or equal to 0.06 sec.
Concrete, Plain. Concrete that is either unreinforced or contains less
reinforcement than the minimum amount specified in SBC 304 for reinforced
concrete.
Concrete, Reinforced. Concrete reinforced with no less than the minimum
amount required by SBC 304, prestressed or nonprestressed, and designed on the
assumption that the two materials act together in resisting forces.
Confined Region. That portion of a reinforced concrete or reinforced masonry
component in which the concrete or masonry is confined by closely spaced
special transverse reinforcement restraining the concrete or masonry in directions
perpendicular to the applied stress.
Construction Documents. The written, graphic, electronic, and pictorial
documents describing the design, locations, and physical characteristics of the
project required to verify compliance with this Code.

SBC 301 2007 9/2

 SEISMIC DESIGN CRITERIA

Container. A large-scale independent component used as a receptacle or vessel

to accommodate plants, refuse, or similar uses, not including liquids.
Deformability. The ratio of the ultimate deformation to the limit deformation.
High deformability element. An element whose deformability is not less
than 3.5 when subjected to four fully reversed cycles at the limit deformation.
Limited deformability element. An element that is neither a low
deformability nor a high deformability element.
Low deformability element. An element whose deformability is 1.5 or less.
Deformation.
Limit deformation. Two times the initial deformation that occurs at a load
equal to 40% of the maximum strength.
Ultimate deformation. The deformation at which failure occurs and which
shall be deemed to occur if the sustainable load reduces to 80% or less of the
maximum strength.
Design Earthquake. The earthquake effects that are two-thirds of the
corresponding maximum considered earthquake.
Designated Seismic Systems. The seismic force-resisting system and those
architectural, electrical, and mechanical systems or their components that require
design in accordance with Section 12.1 and for which the component importance
factor, Ip, is 1.0.
Diaphragm. Roof, floor, or other membrane or bracing system acting to transfer
the lateral forces to the vertical resisting elements. Diaphragms are classified as
either flexible or rigid according to the requirements of Section 10.3.1.
Diaphragm Boundary. A location where shear is transferred into or out of the
diaphragm element. Transfer is either to a boundary element or to another force-
resisting element.
Diaphragm Chord. A diaphragm boundary element perpendicular to the applied
load that is assumed to take axial stresses due to the diaphragm moment in a
manner analogous to the flanges of a beam. Also applies to shear walls.
Displacement.
Design displacement. The design earthquake lateral displacement, excluding
additional displacement due to actual and accidental torsion, required for
design of the isolation system.
Total design displacement. The design earthquake lateral displacement,
including additional displacement due to actual and accidental torsion,
required for design of the isolation system or an element thereof.
Total maximum displacement. The maximum considered earthquake lateral
displacement, including additional displacement due to actual and accidental
torsion, required for verification of the stability of the isolation system or
elements thereof, design of structure separations, and vertical load testing of
isolator unit prototypes.
Displacement Restraint System. A collection of structural elements that limits
lateral displacement of seismically isolated structures due to the maximum
considered earthquake.

SBC 301 2007 9/3

 SEISMIC DESIGN CRITERIA

Enclosure. An interior space surrounded by walls.

Equipment Support. Those structural members or assemblies of members or
manufactured elements, including braces, frames, legs, lugs, snuggers, hangers, or
saddles, that transmit gravity loads and operating loads between the equipment
and the structure.
Essential Facility. A structure required for post-earthquake recovery.
FRAME.
Braced frame. An essentially vertical truss, or its equivalent, of the concentric
or eccentric type that is provided in a bearing wall, building frame, or dual
system to resist seismic forces.
Concentrically braced frame (CBF). A braced frame in which the members
are subjected primarily to axial forces.
Eccentrically braced frame (EBF). A diagonally braced frame in which at
least one end of each brace frames into a beam a short distance from a
beam-column joint or from another diagonal brace.
Ordinary concentrically braced frame (OCBF). A steel concentrically
braced frame in which members and connections are designed in
accordance with the provisions of SBC 306 without modification.
Special concentrically braced frame (SCBF). A steel or composite steel and
concrete concentrically braced frame in which members and connections
are designed for ductile behavior. Special concentrically braced frames
shall conform to Section 15.4.
Moment frame.
Intermediate moment frame (IMF). A moment frame in which members and
joints are capable of resisting forces by flexure as well as along the axis of
the members. Intermediate moment frames of reinforced concrete shall
conform to SBC 304. Intermediate moment frames of structural steel
construction shall conform to Ref. 11.1-1. Intermediate moment frames of
composite construction shall conform to Ref. 11.3-1, Part II, Section 6.4b,
7, 8, and 10.
Ordinary moment frame (OMF). A moment frame in which members and
joints are capable of resisting forces by flexure as well as along the axis of
the members. Ordinary moment frames shall conform to SBC 304.
Special moment frame (SMF). A moment frame in which members and joints
are capable of resisting forces by flexure as well as along the axis of the
members. Special moment frames shall conform to SBC 304 for concrete
or Ref. 11.1-1 for steel.
FRAME SYSTEM.
Building frame system. A structural system with an essentially complete
space frame providing support for vertical loads. Seismic force resistance
is provided by shear walls or braced frames.
Dual frame system. A structural system with an essentially complete space
frame providing support for vertical loads. Seismic force resistance is
provided by moment-resisting frames and shear walls or braced frames as
prescribed in Section 10.2.1.
SBC 301 2007 9/4
 SEISMIC DESIGN CRITERIA

Space frame system. A structural system composed of interconnected

members, other than bearing walls, that is capable of supporting vertical
loads and, when designed for such an application, is capable of providing
resistance to seismic forces.
Glazed Curtain Wall. A nonbearing wall that extends beyond the edges of
building floor slabs and includes a glazing material installed in the curtain wall
framing.
Glazed Storefront. A nonbearing wall that is installed between floor slabs,
typically including entrances, and includes a glazing material installed in the
store-front framing.
Grade Plane. A reference plane representing the average of finished ground
level adjoining the structure at all exterior walls. Where the finished ground level
slopes away from the exterior walls, the reference plane shall be established by
the lowest points within the area between the buildings and the lot line or, where
the lot line is more than (2.0 m) from the structure, between the structure and a
point (2.0 m) from the structure.
Hazardous Contents. A material that is highly toxic or potentially explosive and
in sufficient quantity to pose a significant life safety threat to the general public
if an uncontrolled release were to occur.
High Temperature Energy Source. A fluid, gas, or vapor whose temperature
exceeds 105 °C.
Inspection, Special. The observation of the work by the special inspector to
determine compliance with the approved construction documents and these
standards.
Continuous special inspection. The full-time observation of the work by an
approved special inspector who is present in the area where work is being
performed.
Periodic special inspection. The part-time or intermittent observation of the
work by an approved special inspector who is present in the area where work has
been or is being performed.
Inspector, Special (who shall be identified as the owner's inspector).
A person approved by the authority having jurisdiction to perform special
inspection. The authority having jurisdiction shall have the option to approve the
quality assurance personnel of a fabricator as a special inspector.
Inverted Pendulum-Type Structures.
Structures that have a large portion of their mass concentrated near the top and, thus,
have essentially one degree of freedom in horizontal translation. The structures are
usually T-shaped with a single column supporting the beams or framing at the top.
Joint. The geometric volume common to intersecting members.
LOAD.
Dead load. The gravity load due to the weight of all permanent structural and
nonstructural components of a building such as walls, floors, roofs, and
the operating weight of fixed service equipment.
Gravity load (W). The total dead load and applicable portions of other loads
as defined in Section 10.7.
SBC 301 2007 9/5
 SEISMIC DESIGN CRITERIA

Live load. The load superimposed by the use and occupancy of the building
not including the wind load, earthquake load, or dead load, see Section
10.7.
Maximum Considered Earthquake Ground Motion. The most severe earthquake
effects considered by these standards as defined in Section 9.4.3.
Nonbuilding Structure. A structure, other than a building, constructed of a type
included in Chapter 13 and within the limits of Section 13.1.1.
Occupancy Importance Factor. A factor assigned to each structure according to its
Occupancy Category as prescribed in Section 9.5.
Owner. Any person, agent, firm, or corporation having a legal or equitable interest in
the property.
Partition. A nonstructural interior wall that spans horizontally or vertically from
support to support. The supports may be the basic building frame, subsidiary structural
members, or other portions of the partition system.
P-Delta Effect. The secondary effect on shears and moments of structural members
due to the action of the vertical loads induced by displacement of the structure
resulting from various loading conditions.
Quality Assurance Plan. A detailed written procedure that establishes the systems
and components subject to special inspection and testing. The type and frequency of
testing and the extent and duration of special inspection are given in the quality
assurance plan.
Registered Design Professional. An engineer, registered or licensed to practice
professional engineering.
Roofing Unit. A unit of roofing tile or similar material weighing more than 5 N.
Seismic Design Category. A classification assigned to a structure based on its
Occupancy Category and the severity of the design earthquake ground motion at the
site as defined in Section 9.6.
Seismic Force-Resisting System. That part of the structural system that has been
considered in the design to provide the required resistance to the seismic forces
prescribed herein.
Seismic Forces. The assumed forces prescribed herein, related to the response of
the structure to earthquake motions, to be used in the design of the structure and its
components.
Seismic Response Coefficient. Coefficient Cs as determined from Section 10.9.2.1.
Shallow Anchor. Anchors with embedment length-to-diameter ratios of less than
8.
Shear Panel. A floor, roof, or wall component sheathed to act as a shear wall or
diaphragm.
Site Class. A classification assigned to a site based on the types of soils present
and their engineering properties as defined in Section 9.4.2.
Site Coefficients. The values of Fa and Fv as indicated in Tables 9.4.3a and
9.4.3b, respectively.
Special Lateral Reinforcement. Reinforcement composed of spirals, closed
stirrups, or hoops and supplementary crossties provided to restrain the concrete
SBC 301 2007 9/6
 SEISMIC DESIGN CRITERIA

and qualify the portion of the component, where used, as a confined region.
Storage Racks. Include industrial pallet racks, moveable shelf racks, and stacker
racks made of cold-formed or hot-rolled structural members. Does not include
other types of racks such as drive-in and drive-through racks, cantilever racks,
portable racks, or racks made of materials other than steel.
Story. The portion of a structure between the top of two successive, finished
floor surfaces and, for the topmost story, from the top of the floor finish to the
top of the roof structural element.
Story Above Grade. Any story having its finished floor surface entirely above
grade, except that a story shall be considered as a story above grade where the
finished floor surface of the story immediately above is more than (2.0 m) above
the grade plane, more than (2.0 m) above the finished ground level for more than
40% of the total structure perimeter, or more than (4.0 m) above the finished
ground level at any point.
Story Drift. The difference of horizontal deflections at the top and bottom of the
story as determined in Section 10.9.7.1.
Story Drift Ratio. The story drift, as determined in Section 10.9.7.1, divided by
the story height.
Story Shear. The summation of design lateral seismic forces at levels above the
story under consideration.
STRENGTH.
Design strength. Nominal strength multiplied by a strength reduction factor,
�.
Nominal strength. Strength of a member or cross-section calculated in
accordance with the requirements and assumptions of the strength design
methods of this Code (or the referenced standards) before application of any
strength reduction factors.
Required strength. Strength of a member, cross-section, or connection
required to resist factored loads or related internal moments and forces in such
combinations as stipulated by this Code.
Structure. That which is built or constructed and limited to buildings and
nonbuilding structures as defined herein.
Structural Observations. The visual observations performed by the registered
design professional in responsible charge (or another registered design
professional) to determine that the seismic force-resisting system is constructed
in general conformance with the construction documents.
Subdiaphragm. A portion of a diaphragm used to transfer wall anchorage forces
to diaphragm crossties.
Testing Agency. A company or corporation that provides testing and/or
inspection services. The person in charge of the special inspector(s) and the
testing services shall be a registered design professional.
Tie-down (hold-down). A device used to resist uplift of the boundary elements
of shear walls. These devices are intended to resist load without significant slip
between the device and the shear wall boundary element or be shown with cyclic
testing to not reduce the wall capacity or ductility.
SBC 301 2007 9/7
 SEISMIC DESIGN CRITERIA

Torsional Force Distribution. The distribution of horizontal shear through a

rigid diaphragm when the center of mass of the structure at the level under
consideration does not coincide with the center of rigidity (sometimes referred to
as diaphragm rotation).
Toughness. The ability of a material to absorb energy without losing significant
strength.
Utility or Service Interface. The connection of the structure's mechanical and
electrical distribution systems to the utility or service company's distribution
system.
Veneers. Facings or ornamentation of brick, concrete, stone, tile, or similar
materials attached to a backing.
Wall. A component that has a slope of 60 degrees or greater with the horizontal
plane used to enclose or divide space.
Bearing wall. Any wall meeting either of the following classifications:
1. Any metal wall that supports more than (1500 N/m) of vertical load in
addition to its own weight.
2. Any concrete or masonry wall that supports more than (3000 N/m) of
vertical load in addition to its own weight.
Nonbearing wall. Any wall that is not a bearing wall.
Nonstructural wall. All walls other than bearing walls or shear walls.
Shear wall (vertical diaphragm). A wall, bearing or nonbearing, designed to
resist lateral seismic forces acting in the plane of the wall (sometimes referred to
as a vertical diaphragm).
WALL SYSTEM, BEARING. A structural system with bearing walls providing
support for all or major portions of the vertical loads. Shear walls or braced
frames provide seismic force resistance.

SECTION 9.3
SYMBOLS AND NOTATIONS

The unit dimensions used with the items covered by the symbols shall be
consistent throughout except where specifically noted. The symbols and defini-
tions presented in this Section apply to these provisions as indicated.
A, B, C, D = the Seismic Design Categories as defined in Tables 9.6.a
and 9.6.b
A, B, C, D, E, F = the Site Classes as defined in Section 9.4.2
Ach = cross-sectional area (mm2) of a component measured to the
outside of the special lateral reinforcement
Ao = the area of the load-carrying foundation (m2)
Ash = total cross-sectional area of hoop reinforcement (mm2),
including supplementary crossties, having a spacing of sh
and crossing a section with a core dimension of h c .
Avd = required area of leg (mm2) of diagonal reinforcement
ap = the amplification factor related to the response of a system
or component as affected by the type of seismic attachment,
determined in Section 12.1.3
SBC 301 2007 9/8
 SEISMIC DESIGN CRITERIA

b = the shortest plan dimension of the structure, in (mm)

measured perpendicular to d
Cd = the deflection amplification factor as given in Table 10.2
Cs = the seismic response coefficient determined in Section
10.9.2 (dimensionless)
Csm = the modal seismic response coefficient determined in
Section 10.10.5 (dimensionless)
Cvx = the vertical distribution factor as determined in Section
10.9.4
c = distance from the neutral axis of a flexural member to the
fiber of maximum compressive strain (mm)
D = the effect of dead load
Dp = relative seismic displacement that the component must be
designed to accommodate as defined in Section 12.1.4
d = overall depth of member (mm) in Chapter 10
dp = the longest plan dimension of the structure, in (mm)
E = the effect of horizontal and vertical earthquake-induced
forces, in Section 10.4
e = the actual eccentricity, (mm), measured in plan between the
center of mass of the structure above the isolation interface
and the center of rigidity of the isolation system, plus
accidental eccentricity, in (mm), taken as 5% of the
maximum building dimension perpendicular to the direction
of force under consideration
Fa = acceleration-based site coefficient (at 0.2-sec period)
Fi , Fn, Fx = the portion of the seismic base shear, V, induced at Level i,
n, or x, respectively, as determined in Section 10.9.4
Fp = the seismic force acting on a component of a structure
Fv = velocity-based site coefficient (at 1.0-sec period)
Fxm, = the portion of the seismic base shear, Vm, induced at Level
x as determined in Section 10.10.6
f c' = specified compressive strength of concrete used in design
f S' = ultimate tensile strength (MPa) of the bolt, stud, or insert
leg wires. For A307 bolts or A108 studs, it is permitted to
be assumed to be 415 MPa.
fy = specified yield strength of reinforcement (MPa)
g = the acceleration due to gravity
H = thickness of soil
h = the height of a shear wall measured as the maximum clear
height from top of foundation to bottom of diaphragm
framing above, or the maximum clear height from top of
diaphragm to bottom of diaphragm framing above
h = the roof elevation of a structure in Chapter 12
h = the effective height of the building as determined in
Chapter 10
hc = the core dimension of a component measured to the outside
of the special lateral reinforcement (mm)
hi, hn, hx = the height above the base Level i, n, or x, respectively
hsx = the story height below Level x = (hx - h x-1 )
I = the occupancy importance factor in Section 9.5
Ip = the component importance factor as prescribed in Section
12.1.5
SBC 301 2007 9/9
 SEISMIC DESIGN CRITERIA

i = the building level referred to by the subscript i; i = 1

designates the first level above the base
Kp = the stiffness of the component or attachment, Section 12.3.3
KL/r = the lateral slenderness of a compression member measured
in terms of its effective buckling length, KL, and the least
radius of gyration of the member cross-section, r
k = the distribution exponent given in Section 10.9.4
k = the stiffness of the building
L = the overall length of the building (m) at the base in the
direction being analyzed
l = the dimension of a diaphragm perpendicular to the direction
of application of force. For open-front structures, � is the
length from the edge of the diaphragm at the open-front to
the vertical resisting elements parallel to the direction of the
applied force. For a cantilevered diaphragm, � is the length
of the cantilever
Mf = the foundation overturning design moment as defined in
Section 10.9.6 (kN-m)
Mt = the torsional moment resulting from the location of the
building masses, Section 10.9.5
Mta = the accidental torsional moment as determined in Section
10.9.5
Mx = the building overturning design moment at Level x as
defined in Section 10.9.6
N = number of stories, Section 10.9.3
_
N = standard penetration resistance, ASTM D1586-84
N = average field standard penetration resistance for the top (30
m), see Section 14.1.1
Nch = average standard penetration resistance for cohesionless
soil layers for the top (30 m), see Section 14.1.1
n = designates the level that is uppermost in the main portion of
the building
Pn = the algebraic sum of the shear wall and the minimum
gravity loads on the joint surface acting simultaneously
with the shear (N)
Px = the total unfactored vertical design load at, and above, Level
x for use in Section 10.9.7.2
QE = plasticity index, ASTM D4318-93
R The effect of horizontal seismic (earthquake-induced)
forces, Section 10.4
Rp = the component response modification factor as defined in
Section 12.1.3
rx = the ratio of the design story shear resisted by the most
heavily loaded single element in the story, in direction x, to
the total story shear
SS = the mapped maximum considered earthquake, 5% damped,
spectral response acceleration at short periods as defined in
Section 9.4.1
S1 = the mapped maximum considered earthquake, 5% damped,
spectral response acceleration at a period of 1 sec as
SBC 301 2007 9/10
 SEISMIC DESIGN CRITERIA

defined in Section 9.4.1

SDS = the design, 5% damped, spectral response acceleration at
short periods as defined in Section 9.4.4
S D1 = the design, 5% damped, spectral response acceleration at a
period of 1 sec as defined in Section 9.4.4
SMS = the maximum considered earthquake, 5% damped, spectral
response acceleration at short periods adjusted for site class
effects as defined in Section 9.4.3
SM1 = the maximum considered earthquake, 5% damped, spectral
response acceleration at a period of 1 sec adjusted for site
class effects as defined in Section 9.4.3
su = average undrained shear strength in top (30 m); see Section
14.1.1, ASTM D2166-91 or ASTM D2850-87
sh = spacing of special lateral reinforcement (mm)
T = the fundamental period of the building as determined in
Section 10.9.3
Ta = the approximate fundamental period of the building as
determined in Section 10.9.3.2
Tm = the modal period of vibration (sec) of the mth mode of the
building as determined in Section 10.10.5
Tp = the fundamental period of the component and its
attachment, Section 12.3.3
To = 0.2S D1/SDS
Ts = S DI /S DS
V = the total design lateral force or shear at the base
Vt = the design value of the seismic base shear as determined in
Section 10.10.8
Vx = the seismic design shear in story x as determined in Section
10.9.5
Vs = average shear wave velocity in top (30 m), see Section
14.1.1
V so = the average shear wave velocity for the soils beneath the
foundation at small strain levels, (m/s)
W = the total gravity load of the building. For calculation of
seismic-isolated building period, W is the total seismic dead
load weight of the building
Wc = the gravity load of a component of the building
Wm = the effective modal gravity load determined in accordance
with Eq. 10.10.5-2
Wp = component operating weight (N)
w = the width of a diaphragm or shear wall in the direction of
application of force. For sheathed diaphragms, the width
shall be defined as the dimension between the outside faces
of the tension and compression chords
w = moisture content (in percent), ASTM D2216-92 [3]
wi, wn, wx = the portion of W that is located at or assigned to Level i, n,
or x, respectively
x = the level under consideration
x = 1 designates the first level above the base
y = elevations difference between points of attachment
z = the level under consideration; z = 1 designates the first level
above the base
SBC 301 2007 9/11
 SEISMIC DESIGN CRITERIA

� = ratio of shear demand to shear capacity for the story

between Level x and x - 1
� = the average unit weight of soil (kg/m3 )
� = the design story drift as determined in Section 10.9.7.1
�a = the allowable story drift as specified in Section 10.12
� max = the maximum displacement at Level x, considering torsion,
Section 10.9.5.2
� avg = the average of the displacements at the extreme points of
the structure at Level x, Section 10.9.5.2
� = the stability coefficient for P-delta effects as determined in
Section 10.9.7.2
� = a reliability coefficient based on the extent of structural
redundance present in a building
� = the strength reduction factor or resistance factor
� im = the displacement amplitude at the ith level of the building
for the fixed-base condition when vibrating in its mth mode,
Section 10.10.5
�o = over strength factor as defined in Table 10.2

SECTION 9.4
SEISMIC GROUND MOTION VALUES

9.4.1 Mapped Acceleration Parameters. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been
divided into seven regions for determining the maximum considered earthquake
ground motion as shown in Figure 9.4.1(a). The parameter SS shall be determined
from the 0.2 second spectral response accelerations shown on Figures 9.4.1(b)
through 9.4.1(i). The parameter S1 shall be determined from the 1.0 second
spectral response accelerations shown on Figures 9.4.1(j) through 9.4.1(q).
Where S1, is less than or equal to 0.04 and SS is less than or equal to 0.15, the
structure is permitted to be assigned Seismic Design Category A.

9.4.2 Site Class. Based on the site soil properties, the site shall be classified as Site
Class A, B, C, D, E or F in accordance with Chapter 14. Where the soil
properties are not known in sufficient detail to determine the Site Class, Site
Class D or E shall be used, as per Section 14.1.

9.4.3 Site Coefficients and Adjusted Maximum Considered Earthquake Spectral

Response Acceleration Parameters. The maximum considered earthquake spectral
response acceleration for short periods (SMS) and at 1-sec (SM1), adjusted for site class
effects, shall be determined by Eqs. 9.4.3-1 and 9.4.3-2, respectively.

SMS = Fa SS (Eq. 9.4.3-1)

SM1 = Fv S1 (Eq. 9.4.3-2)

where
S1 = the mapped maximum considered earthquake spectral response
acceleration at a period of 1-sec as determined in accordance with Section
9.4.1
SS = the mapped maximum considered earthquake spectral response
acceleration at short periods as determined in accordance with Section
9.4.1 where site coefficients Fa and Fv are defined in Table 9.4.3a and
Table 9.4.3b, respectively.
SBC 301 2007 9/12
 SEISMIC DESIGN CRITERIA

9.4.4 Design Spectral Response Acceleration Parameters. Design earthquake spectral

response acceleration at short periods, SDS, and at 1-sec period, SD1, shall be
determined from Eqs. 9.4.4-1 and 9.4.4-2, respectively.

2
SDS = SMS (Eq. 9.4.4-1)
3
2
SD1 = S M1 (Eq. 9.4.4-2)
3

TABLE 9.4.3a:
VALUES OF Fa AS A FUNCTION OF SITE CLASS AND MAPPED SHORT PERIOD
MAXIMUM CONSIDERED EARTHQUAKE SPECTRAL ACCELERATION
Mapped Maximum Considered Earthquake
Spectral Response Acceleration at Short Periods
Site Class SS � 0.25 SS = 0.5 SS = 0.75 SS =1.0 SS � 1.25
A 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8
B 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
C 1.2 1.2 1.1 1.0 1.0
D 1.6 1.4 1.2 1.1 1.0
E 2.5 1.7 1.2 0.9 0.9
F a a a a a
Note: Use straight-line interpolation for intermediate values of SS.
a Site-specific geotechnical investigation and dynamic site response analyses shall be performed
except that for structures with periods of vibration equal to or less than 0.5-seconds, values of Fa
for liquefiable soils may be assumed equal to the values for the site class determined without
regard to liquefaction in Step 3 of Section 14.1.2.

TABLE 9.4.3b:
VALUES OF Fv AS A FUNCTION OF SITE CLASS AND MAPPED 1-SECOND PERIOD
MAXIMUM CONSIDERED EARTHQUAKE SPECTRAL ACCELERATION

Mapped Maximum Considered Earthquake

Spectral Response Acceleration at 1-Second Periods
Site Class S1 � 0.1 S1 = 0.2 S1 = 0.3 S1 = 0.4 S1 � 0.5
A 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8
B 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
C 1.7 1.6 1.5 1.4 1.3
D 2.4 2.0 1.8 1.6 1.5
E 3.5 3.2 2.8 2.4 2.4
F a a a a a
Note: Use straight-line interpolation for intermediate values of S1.
a Site-specific geotechnical investigation and dynamic site response analyses shall be performed except
that for structures with periods of vibration equal to or less than 0.5-seconds, values of Fv for
liquefiable soils may be assumed equal to the values for the site class determined without regard to
liquefaction in Step 3 of Section 14.1.2.

9.4.5 Design Response Spectrum. Where a design response spectrum is required by these
provisions, the design response spectrum curve shall be developed as indicated in
Figure 9.4.5 and as follows:

1. For periods less than or equal to To, the design spectral response acceleration,
Sa, shall be taken as given by Eq. 9.4.5-1:

SBC 301 2007 9/13

 SEISMIC DESIGN CRITERIA

T
Sa = SDS (0.4 + 0.6 ) (Eq. 9.4.5-1)
To

FIGURE 9.4.5
DESIGN RESPONSE SPECTRUM

2. For periods greater than or equal to To and less than or equal to Ts, the
design spectral response acceleration, Sa, shall be taken as equal to SDS.
3. For periods greater than Ts, the design spectral response acceleration, Sa,
shall be taken as given by Eq. 9.4.5-2:
S D1
Sa = (Eq. 9.4.5-2)
T
SDS = the design spectral response acceleration at short periods
SD1 = the design spectral response acceleration at 1-sec period, in units of
g-sec
T = the fundamental period of the structure (sec)
To = 0.2 SD1/SDS and
TS = SD1/SDS

SECTION 9.5
OCCUPANCY IMPORTANCE FACTOR

An occupancy importance factor, I, shall be assigned to each structure in

accordance with Table 9.5. The Occupancy Category shall be determined from
Table 1.6-1.
TABLE 9.5: OCCUPANCY IMPORTANCE FACTORS

Occupancy Category I
I or II 1.0
III 1.25
IV 1.5

SBC 301 2007 9/14

 SEISMIC DESIGN CRITERIA

SECTION 9.6
SEISMIC DESIGN CATEGORY

Structures shall be assigned a Seismic Design Category in accordance with

Section 9.6.1.

9.6.1 Determination of Seismic Design Category. All structures shall be assigned to

a Seismic Design Category based on their Occupancy Category and the design
spectral response acceleration coefficients, SDS and SD1, determined in accordance
with Section 9.4.4. Each building and structure shall be assigned to the most
severe Seismic Design Category in accordance with Table 9.6.a or 9.6.b,
irrespective of the fundamental period of vibration of the structure, T.

TABLE 9.6. a: SEISMIC DESIGN CATEGORY BASED ON

SHORT PERIOD RESPONSE ACCELERATIONS

Occupancy Category
Value of SDS
I-II III IV
SDS < 0.167g A A A
0.167g � SDS < 0.33g B B C
0.33g � SDS < 0.50g C C D
SDS � 0.50g D D D

TABLE 9.6. b: SEISMIC DESIGN CATEGORY BASED ON

1-SECOND PERIOD RESPONSE ACCELERATIONS

Occupancy Category
Value of SD1
I-II III IV
SD1 < 0.067g A A A
0.067g � SD1 < 0.133g B B C
0.133g � SD1 < 0.20g C C D
SD1 � 0.20g D D D

SBC 301 2007 9/15

 SEISMIC DESIGN CRITERIA

Figure 9.4.1(a): Regions for Determination of the Maximum Considered Earthquake Ground Motion in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

SBC 301 2007 9/16

 SEISMIC DESIGN CRITERIA

Figure 9.4.1(b): Maximum Considered Earthquake Ground Motion for the Kingdom of 0.2 SEC Spectral Response Acceleration (Ss in %g)
(5 Percent of Critical Damping), Site Class B.
(All Regions)
SBC 301 2007 9/17
 SEISMIC DESIGN CRITERIA

Figure 9.4.1(c): Maximum Considered Earthquake Ground Motion for the Kingdom of 0.2 SEC Spectral Response Acceleration (Ss in %g)
(5 Percent of Critical Damping), Site Class B.
(Region 1)
SBC 301 2007 9/18
 SEISMIC DESIGN CRITERIA

Figure 9.4.1(d): Maximum Considered Earthquake Ground Motion for the Kingdom of 0.2 SEC Spectral Response Acceleration (Ss in%g)
(5 Percent of Critical Damping), Site Class B.
(Region 2)

SBC 301 2007 9/19

 SEISMIC DESIGN CRITERIA

Figure 9.4.1(e): Maximum Considered Earthquake Ground Motion for the Kingdom of 0.2 SEC Spectral Response Acceleration (Ss in %g)
(5 Percent of Critical Damping), Site Class B.
(Region 3)

SBC 301 2007 9/20

 SEISMIC DESIGN CRITERIA

Figure 9.4.1(f): Maximum Considered Earthquake Ground Motion for the Kingdom of 0.2 SEC Spectral Response Acceleration (Ss in %g)
(5 Percent of Critical Damping), Site Class B.
(Region 4)

SBC 301 2007 9/21

 SEISMIC DESIGN CRITERIA

Figure 9.4.1(g): Maximum Considered Earthquake Ground Motion for the Kingdom of 0.2 SEC Spectral Response Acceleration (Ss in%g)
(5 Percent of Critical Damping), Site Class B.
(Region 5)
SBC 301 2007 9/22
 SEISMIC DESIGN CRITERIA

Figure 9.4.1(h): Maximum Considered Earthquake Ground Motion for the Kingdom of 0.2 SEC Spectral Response Acceleration (Ss in %g)
(5 Percent of Critical Damping), Site Class B.
(Region 6)
SBC 301 2007 9/23
 SEISMIC DESIGN CRITERIA

Figure 9.4.1(i): Maximum Considered Earthquake Ground Motion for the Kingdom of 0.2 SEC Spectral Response Acceleration (Ss in %g)
(5 Percent of Critical Damping), Site Class B.
(Region 7)

SBC 301 2007 9/24

 SEISMIC DESIGN CRITERIA

Figure 9.4.1(j): Maximum Considered Earthquake Ground Motion for the Kingdom of 1 SEC Spectral Response Acceleration (S1 in %g)
(5 Percent of Critical Damping), Site Class B.
(All Regions)
SBC 301 2007 9/25
 SEISMIC DESIGN CRITERIA

Figure 9.4.1(k): Maximum Considered Earthquake Ground Motion for the Kingdom of 1 SEC Spectral Response Acceleration (S1 in %g)
(5 Percent of Critical Damping), Site Class B.
(Region 1)
SBC 301 2007 9/26
 SEISMIC DESIGN CRITERIA

Figure 9.4.1(l): Maximum Considered Earthquake Ground Motion for the Kingdom of 1 SEC Spectral Response Acceleration (S1 in % g)
(5 Percent of Critical Damping), Site Class B.
(Region 2)
SBC 301 2007 9/27
 SEISMIC DESIGN CRITERIA

Figure 9.4.1(m): Maximum Considered Earthquake Ground Motion for the Kingdom of 1 SEC Spectral Response Acceleration (S1 in %g)
(5 Percent of Critical Damping), Site Class B.
(Region 3)
SBC 301 2007 9/28
 SEISMIC DESIGN CRITERIA

Figure 9.4.1(n): Maximum Considered Earthquake Ground Motion for the Kingdom of 1 SEC Spectral Response Acceleration (S1 in %g)
(5 Percent of Critical Damping), Site Class B.
(Region 4)

SBC 301 2007 9/29

 SEISMIC DESIGN CRITERIA

Figure 9.4.1(o): Maximum Considered Earthquake Ground Motion for the Kingdom of 1 SEC Spectral Response Acceleration (S1 in %g)
(5 Percent of Critical Damping), Site Class B.
(Region 5)
SBC 301 2007 9/30
 SEISMIC DESIGN CRITERIA

Figure 9.4.1(p): Maximum Considered Earthquake Ground Motion for the Kingdom of 1 SEC Spectral Response Acceleration (S1 in %g)
(5 Percent of Critical Damping), Site Class B.
(Region 6)
SBC 301 2007 9/31
 SEISMIC DESIGN CRITERIA

Figure 9.4.1(q): Maximum Considered Earthquake Ground Motion for the Kingdom of 1 SEC Spectral Response Acceleration (S1 in %g)
(5 Percent of Critical Damping), Site Class B.
(Region 7)
SBC 301 2007 9/32