Isolated portions of a building included in Seismic Weight

[VAStrEngr]

ASCE 12.7 shows that the effective seismic weight of the building should be determined from the Dead Load of the structure + operating weight of its components.

In a one story structure with a isolated floor slab, is it necessary to include the weight of the slab itself + the weight of the equipment stored on the slab in the calculation of the effective seismic weight? To me, it seems unncessary to include this in the design of the shear wall system.

 

[AVak]

Since an isolated slab on grade is not supported by the building structure I would not include it in the seismic weight of the structure. Anything supported on such a slab would likewise not be included in the seismic weight of the structure.

Adam Vakiener, P.E.

 

[VAStrEngr]

I appreciate the confirmation, thank you.

 

[msquared48]

I agree with AVak.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
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