Questions about seismic parameters on very soft clay, based on ASCE 7-16

[ckissick]

I'm working on a site in Foster City on very soft Bay Mud, site class E. In running the software to obtain the seismic parameters, I got the message, "null-See Section 11.4.8" for Sms, Sm1, Sds, and Sd1. I don't have a copy of ASCE 7-16. I found a paper on what to do, but it was unclear. Any advice? Can I use ASCE 7-10 and get reasonable results? It's for a two-story house.

 

[oldestguy]

My advice. Forget about trying to make some program work. Do the evaluation manually. Apparently the mud is one step above the properties of water.

 

[MTNClimber]

It's been awhile since I've used Seismic Design Map software. Last time I did, USGS Hazard Tool was still up and running. Have you tried this one: [URL unfurl="true"]https://seismicmaps.org/[/url]?

 

[ckissick]

MTNClimber, I used the website you referenced. And two others. They don't work on site class E soils.

I could do it by hand, but the usual procedure is apparently no longer valid for E soils. Otherwise, I would get a result as I do using ASCE 7-10. I need to see Section 11.4.8 in ASCE 7-16, or just use 7-10. But I don't have a copy of ASCE 7-16.

 

[MTNClimber]

Looks like you'll have to do a site specific analysis(Link). I don't work in CA so I'm not sure if it's needed for a two-story house. I would presume its not but I'll leave it to you or others to comment on that.