FBC 2001 Code Discrepancy

[SmithJ]

Hello All,

Section 1606.2.4 of the FBC 2001 Building Code states "...Pressure shall be applied in accordance with the loading diagrams shown in Figure 1606.2a to the end zone and interior zone as shown in in Figure 1606.2b . ..." (Emphasis Mine).

From the above extract, it seems that the code directs us to use Figure 1606.2b for "Interior Frames" only. However, Figure 1606.2b (and Table 1606.2A) give loads for zones 1E and 4E. If this diagram is to be used for interior frames only, what is the significance of the values for 1E and 4E? Why are they even shown?

Also, in Table 1606.2A, values given under the column Horizontal Wall loads (used with Figure 1606.2a) are significantly less than the summation of the values given under the column Max. Horizontal Wall Loads (used with Figure 1606.2b). Under what circumstances would loads in the first column govern? Are they to be used for "End Frames" only as the extract above suggests?

Thanks in advance for your help. If these question have already been addressed in this forum, could you please provide a reference or link to the particular thread where it was addressed.

JS.

 

[CTSeng]

I think you are misreading 1606.2.4 or rather it is poorly written. Maybe it should read more like ""...Pressure shall be applied in accordance with the loading diagrams shown in Figure 1606.2a to the end and interior zones as shown in in Figure 1606.2b ..." They are showing you how to appy the loads using a combination of diagrams.

Regarding table 1606.2A the Max. Horz wall loads include the internal pressure coeff. GCpi while the Horz loads do not. So you would use the Max Horz loads when designing say a wall while you would use the Horz loads when designing the diaphragms and other MWFRS systems.