Interior Seel Stair Seismic Design

[courtnvm]

I have a steel stair that I am providing structural calculations that is located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The performance specifications require a seismic analysis of the steel stair framing. It appears that the seismic design category is B based on the 2003 NEHRP maps and the IBC/ASCE. Could someone please inform me regarding the correct way to determine seismic loads under a seismic event.

Thank You,
Val Courtney, P.E.

 

[Structures33]

Your question appears to be very broad... Can you narrow down the request at all? It seems like you are asking how to complete a seismic design and if that's the case, first consult IBC2003. After you get into the meat of the design, then you might be assisted on the forum by asking more specific questions about the design process.

 

[courtnvm]

Well the question was directed at finding out what particular section of the code you would use for steel stairs loacted inside a building. Would you consider it an architectural component or would you consider it a non-structural structure? I have performed seismic analysis on many buildings, but never steel stairs.


Val Courtney, PE
Valstone Engineering, Inc.

 

[dzv]

This is a somewhat dated thread so the stair design was sorted out long time ago - I bet.
I've done some indoor self-supporting steel stairs and mezzanines per IBC 2003 1617.4 -which refers to Equivalent Lateral Force procedure per ASCE 7 - Section 9.5.5. (2002 edition)

Regarding the use of nonbuilding provisions - can anyone comment? I haven't seen references in the code sections to self supporting stairs/mezzanines being considered nonbuilding structures.