Seismic Base Shear Determination

[Josean Ghirawoo]

Do we have to include the utility vehicle load on a garage ramp as a live load when calculating the effective seismic weight of this structure to determine the seismic base shear? Any help will be greatly appreciated.

 

[wannabeSE]

Typically, vehicle loads are not included in the effective seismic weight. If you are in the USA, see ASCE 7-10 section 12.7.2

 

[JAE]

Live load is not included in seismic mass unless you are in a storage area where many codes require some percentage of the storage as mass.

Check out Eng-Tips Forum's Policies here:
faq731-376