Concrete silo seismic design for Canada

[ROLaBere]

I am currently looking at NBC 2010 Earthquake Load and Effects to design foundations for a concrete silo. I have read the Users Guide - 2010 Structural Commentaries (Part 4 of Division B) and it states that NBC subsection 4.1.8 apply only to the seismic design of new buildings and should not be used for special structures. So concrete silos are not applied to this?? Where do I go for special structure design for seismic effects. International Building Code?? Anyone have thoughts on this? I am working out of the states and would like to know where to find any information.

 

[CELinOttawa]

Firstly the NBCC is a MODEL code, it is not directly applicable to design... I know many international engineers who find that confusing, but it is true.

You need to check the local code (OBC, MBC, BCBC, etc) and where it is at all unclear refer the question to the respective provincial ministry.

There are lots of engineers in Canada who will apply the NBCC without referring to the local "true" code... There isn't a whole lot of defenseman available when something goes wrong.

If you're working out of the States you'll also need at a minimum a temporary license and possibly a Certificate of Authorisation (CofA depending on the province you're dealing with - contact the provincial Engineering association).

Sorry it wasn't a more straightforward reply... Good luck!