I'm looking for other's opinion on how to interpret Section 5.7.4.2 regarding the use of a reduced effective area for design in Seismic Zone 1. The code requires the percentage of steel in the reduced effective area to be the greater of either 1% or the value obtained from the following equation:
As/Ag >= 0.135f'c/fy ( I wrote it without prestressing)
I don't feel like the code clearly states whether the equation is suppose to be calculated for the gross area, Ag, of the actual gross area or the reduced effect gross area. Based on the commentary, I feel like it's the latter which agrees with a design memo released by Iowa's DOT however, I cannot find a position from any other agency to back that up. I hate to rely on just source.
Does anyone know of a way that I could submit this for response from AASHTO directly? I feel like it's something that should be clarified in a later version of the spec.
As/Ag >= 0.135f'c/fy ( I wrote it without prestressing)
I don't feel like the code clearly states whether the equation is suppose to be calculated for the gross area, Ag, of the actual gross area or the reduced effect gross area. Based on the commentary, I feel like it's the latter which agrees with a design memo released by Iowa's DOT however, I cannot find a position from any other agency to back that up. I hate to rely on just source.
Does anyone know of a way that I could submit this for response from AASHTO directly? I feel like it's something that should be clarified in a later version of the spec.
