CHAPTER 16

STRUCTURAL DESIGN
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 16 establishes minimum design requirements so that the structural components of buildings are proportioned to
resist the loads that are likely to be encountered. In addition, this chapter assigns buildings and structures to risk categories that are indicative
of their intended use. The loads specified herein along with the required load combinations have been established through research and
service performance of buildings and structures. The application of these loads and adherence to the serviceability criteria enhance the pro-
tection of life and property.

SECTION 1601
GENERAL
1601.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall govern the structural design of buildings, structures and parts thereof regulated
by this code.

SECTION 1602
NOTATIONS
1602.1 Notations. The following notations are used in this chapter:
D = Dead load.
E = Combined effect of horizontal and vertical earthquake induced forces as defined in Section 12.4 of ASCE 7.
F = Load due to fluids with well-defined pressures and maximum heights.
Fa = Flood load in accordance with Chapter 5 of ASCE 7.
g = Acceleration due to gravity in cm/s2, 980.7 cm/s2.
H = Load due to lateral earth pressures, ground water pressure or pressure of bulk materials.
L = Live load.
Lr = Roof live load.
R = Rain load.
T = Cumulative effect of self-straining forces and effects of volume change resulting from environmental or operational
temperature changes, shrinkage, moisture changes, creep in component materials, movement caused by differential
settlement, or combinations thereof.
Vasd = Allowable stress design wind speed, meters per second (m/s).
V = Basic wind speeds, meters per second (m/s) determined from Table 1609.1.1.
W = Wind load.
Δ!"#$ = Average drift of adjoining vertical elements of the seismic force-resisting system over the story below the diaphragm
under consideration, under tributary lateral load equivalent to that used in the computation of 𝛿%"" , mm.
𝛿%"" = Computed maximum in-plane deflection of the diaphragm under lateral load, mm.

SECTION 1603
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
1603.1 General. Construction documents shall show the size, section and relative locations of structural members with floor
levels, column centers and offsets dimensioned. The design loads and other information pertinent to the structural design required
by Sections 1603.1.1 through 1603.1.9 shall be indicated on the construction documents.

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1603.1.1 Floor live load. The uniformly distributed, concentrated and impact floor live load used in the design shall be indi-
cated for floor areas. Use of live load reduction in accordance with Section 1607.12 shall be indicated for each type of live
load used in the design.
1603.1.2 Roof live load. The roof live load used in the design shall be indicated for roof areas (Section 1607.14).
1603.1.3 Roof snow load data. Not applicable in the Sultanate of Oman.
1603.1.4 Wind design data. The following information related to wind loads shall be shown, regardless of whether wind
loads govern the design of the lateral force-resisting system of the structure:
1. Basic wind speed, V, meters per second and allowable stress design wind speed, Vasd, as determined in accordance with
Section 1609.3.1.
2. Risk category.
3. Wind exposure. Applicable wind direction if more than one wind exposure is utilized.
4. Applicable internal pressure coefficient.
5. Design wind pressures and their applicable zones with dimensions to be used for exterior component and cladding
materials not specifically designed by the registered design professional responsible for the design of the structure,
kN/m2.
1603.1.5 Earthquake design data. The following information related to seismic loads shall be shown, regardless of whether
seismic loads govern the design of the lateral force-resisting system of the structure:
1. Risk category.
2. Seismic importance factor, Ie.
3. Mapped spectral response acceleration parameters, SS and S1.
4. Site class.
5. Design spectral response acceleration parameters, SDS and SD1.
6. Seismic design category.
7. Basic seismic force-resisting system(s).
8. Design base shear(s).
9. Seismic response coefficient(s), CS.
10. Response modification coefficient(s), R.
11. Analysis procedure used.
1603.1.6 Geotechnical information. The design load-bearing values of soils and the soil classification shall be shown on the
construction documents.
1603.1.7 Flood design data. For buildings located in whole or in part in flood hazard areas as established in Section 1612.3,
the document pertaining to design shall be included and the following information shall be shown, regardless of whether flood
loads govern the design of the building:
1. In flood hazard areas other than coastal high hazard areas or coastal A zones, the elevation of the proposed lowest
floor, including the basement.
2. In flood hazard areas other than coastal high hazard areas or coastal A zones, the elevation to which any nonresidential
building will be dry floodproofed.
3. In coastal high hazard areas and coastal A zones, the proposed elevation of the bottom of the lowest horizontal struc-
tural member of the lowest floor, including the basement.
1603.1.8 Special loads. Special loads that are applicable to the design of the building, structure or parts thereof, including but
not limited to the loads of machinery or equipment, and that are greater than specified floor and roof loads shall be specified
by their descriptions and locations.

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1603.1.8.1 Photovoltaic panel systems. The dead load of rooftop-mounted photovoltaic panel systems, including rack
support systems, shall be indicated on the construction documents.
1603.1.9 Roof rain load data. Rain intensity, i (mm/hr), shall be shown regardless of whether rain loads govern the design.

SECTION 1604
GENERAL DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
1604.1 General. Building, structures and parts thereof shall be designed and constructed in accordance with strength design,
load and resistance factor design or allowable stress design, as permitted by the applicable material chapters and referenced
standards.
1604.2 Strength. Buildings and other structures, and parts thereof, shall be designed and constructed to support safely the fac-
tored loads in load combinations defined in this code without exceeding the appropriate strength limit states for the materials of
construction. Alternatively, buildings and other structures, and parts thereof, shall be designed and constructed to support safely
the nominal loads in load combinations defined in this code without exceeding the appropriate specified allowable stresses for
the materials of construction.
Loads and forces for occupancies or uses not covered in this chapter shall be subject to the approval of the building official.
1604.3 Serviceability. Structural systems and members thereof shall be designed to have adequate stiffness to limit deflections
as indicated in Table 1604.3.

TABLE 1604.3
DEFLECTION LIMITSa, b, c, h, i
CONSTRUCTION L or Lr Wf D + Ld, g

Roof members:e
Supporting plaster or stucco ceiling l/360 l/360 l/240
Supporting nonplaster ceiling l/240 l/240 l/180
Not supporting ceiling l/180 l/180 l/120
Floor members l/360 — l/240
Exterior walls:
With plaster or stucco finishes — l/360 —
With other brittle finishes — l/240 —
With flexible finishes — l/120 —
b
Interior partitions:
With plaster or stucco finishes l/360 — —
With other brittle finishes l/240 — —
With flexible finishes l/120 — —
Farm buildings — — l/180
Greenhouses — — l/120

a. For structural roofing and siding made of formed metal sheets, the total load deflection shall not exceed l/60. For secondary roof structural members supporting
formed metal roofing, the live load deflection shall not exceed l/150. For secondary wall members supporting formed metal siding, the design wind load
deflection shall not exceed l/90. For roofs, this exception only applies when the metal sheets have no roof covering.
b. Flexible, folding and portable partitions are not governed by the provisions of this section. The deflection criterion for interior partitions is based on the
horizontal load defined in Section 1607.16.
c. See Section 2403 for glass supports.
d. The deflection limit for the D + (L or Lr) load combination only applies to the deflection due to the creep component of long-term dead load deflection plus
the short-term live load deflection. For lumber, structural glued laminated timber, prefabricated wood I-joists and structural composite lumber members that
are dry at time of installation and used under dry conditions in accordance with the ANSI/AWC NDS, the creep component of the long-term deflection shall
be permitted to be estimated as the immediate dead load deflection resulting from 0.5D. For lumber and glued laminated timber members installed or used at

(continued)

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TABLE 1604.3—continued
DEFLECTION LIMITSa, b, c, h, i
all other moisture conditions or cross laminated timber and wood structural panels that are dry at time of installation and used under dry conditions in accord-
ance with the ANSI/AWC NDS, the creep component of the long-term deflection is permitted to be estimated as the immediate dead load deflection resulting
from D. The value of 0.5D shall not be used in combination with ANSI/AWC NDS provisions for long-term loading.
e. The preceding deflections do not ensure against ponding. Roofs that do not have sufficient slope or camber to ensure adequate drainage shall be investigated
for ponding. See Chapter 8 of ASCE 7.
f. The wind load shall be permitted to be taken as 0.42 times the “component and cladding” loads or directly calculated using the 10-year mean return interval
wind speed for the purpose of determining deflection limits in Table 1604.3. Where framing members support glass, the deflection limit therein shall not
exceed that specified in Section 1604.3.7
g. For steel structural members, the deflection due to creep component of long-term dead load shall be permitted to be taken as zero.
h. For aluminum structural members or aluminum panels used in skylights and sloped glazing framing, roofs or walls of sunroom additions or patio covers not
supporting edge of glass or aluminum sandwich panels, the total load deflection shall not exceed l/60. For continuous aluminum structural members supporting
edge of glass, the total load deflection shall not exceed l/175 for each glass lite or l/60 for the entire length of the member, whichever is more stringent. For
aluminum sandwich panels used in roofs or walls of sunroom additions or patio covers, the total load deflection shall not exceed l/120.
i. l = Length of the member between supports. For cantilever members, l shall be taken as twice the length of the cantilever.

1604.3.1 Deflections. The deflections of structural members shall not exceed the more restrictive of the limitations of Sections
1604.3.2 through 1604.3.5 or that permitted by Table 1604.3.
1604.3.2 Reinforced concrete. The deflection of reinforced concrete structural members shall not exceed that permitted by
ACI 318.
1604.3.3 Steel. The deflection of steel structural members shall not exceed that permitted by AISC 360, AISI S100, ASCE 8,
SJI 100 or SJI 200, as applicable.
1604.3.4 Masonry. The deflection of masonry structural members shall not exceed that permitted by TMS 402.
1604.3.5 Aluminum. The deflection of aluminum structural members shall not exceed that permitted by AA ADM.
1604.3.6 Limits. The deflection limits of Section 1604.3.1 shall be used unless more restrictive deflection limits are required
by a referenced standard for the element or finish material.
1604.3.7 Framing supporting glass. The deflection of framing members supporting glass subjected to 0.6 times the “com-
ponent and cladding” wind loads shall not exceed either of the following:
1
1. /175 of the length of span of the framing member, for framing members having a length not more than 4 m.
1
2. /240 of the length of span of the framing member + 6.4 mm, for framing members having a length greater than 4 m.
1604.4 Analysis. Load effects on structural members and their connections shall be determined by methods of structural analysis
that take into account equilibrium, general stability, geometric compatibility and both short- and long-term material properties.
Members that tend to accumulate residual deformations under repeated service loads shall have included in their analysis the
effects of added deformations expected to occur during their service life.
Any system or method of construction to be used shall be based on a rational analysis in accordance with well-established
principles of mechanics. Such analysis shall result in a system that provides a complete load path capable of transferring loads
from their point of origin to the load-resisting elements.
The total lateral force shall be distributed to the various vertical elements of the lateral force-resisting system in proportion to
their rigidities, considering the rigidity of the horizontal bracing system or diaphragm. Rigid elements assumed not to be a part
of the lateral force-resisting system are permitted to be incorporated into buildings provided that their effect on the action of the
system is considered and provided for in the design. A diaphragm is rigid for the purpose of distribution of story shear and
torsional moment when it satisfies ASCE 7 Section [Link] or when the ratio 𝛿%"" /Δ!"#$ of ASCE 7 Section [Link] is less
than or equal to two. Where required by ASCE 7, provisions shall be made for the increased forces induced on resisting elements
of the structural system resulting from torsion due to eccentricity between the center of application of the lateral forces and the
center of rigidity of the lateral force-resisting system.
Every structure shall be designed to resist the effects caused by the forces specified in this chapter, including overturning,
uplift and sliding. Where sliding is used to isolate the elements, the effects of friction between sliding elements shall be included
as a force.
1604.5 Risk category. Each building and structure shall be assigned a risk category in accordance with Table 1604.5. Where a
referenced standard specifies an occupancy category, the risk category shall not be taken as lower than the occupancy category

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specified therein. Where a referenced standard specifies that the assignment of a risk category be in accordance with ASCE 7,
Table 1.5-1, Table 1604.5 shall be used in lieu of ASCE 7, Table 1.5-1.

TABLE 1604.5
RISK CATEGORY OF BUILDINGS AND OTHER STRUCTURES

RISK
NATURE OF OCCUPANCY
CATEGORY

Buildings and other structures that represent a low hazard to human life in the event of failure, including but not limited to:
• Agricultural facilities.
I
• Certain temporary facilities.
• Minor storage facilities.

II Buildings and other structures except those listed in Risk Categories I, III and IV.

Buildings and other structures that represent a substantial hazard to human life in the event of failure, including but not lim-
ited to:
• Buildings and other structures whose primary occupancy is public assembly with an occupant load greater than 300.
• Buildings and other structures containing one or more public assembly spaces, each having an occupant load greater
than 300 and a cumulative occupant load of these public assembly spaces of greater than 2500.
• Buildings and other structures containing Group E or Group I-4 occupancies or combination thereof, with an occupant
load greater than 250.
• Buildings and other structures containing educational occupancies for students above the 12th grade with an occupant
load greater than 500.
• Group I-2, Condition 1 occupancies with 50 or more care recipients.
III
• Group I-2, Condition 2 occupancies not having emergency surgery or emergency treatment facilities.
• Group I-3 occupancies.
• Any other occupancy with an occupant load greater than 5000.a
• Power-generating stations, water treatment facilities for potable water, wastewater treatment facilities and other public
utility facilities not included in Risk Category IV.
• Buildings and other structures not included in Risk Category IV containing quantities of toxic or explosive materials
that:
• Exceed maximum allowable quantities per control area as given in Table 307.1(1) or 307.1(2) or per outdoor control
area in accordance with the Oman Fire Code; and
• Are sufficient to pose a threat to the public if released.b

Buildings and other structures designated as essential facilities, including but not limited to:
• Group I-2, Condition 2 occupancies having emergency surgery or emergency treatment facilities.
• Ambulatory care facilities having emergency surgery or emergency treatment facilities.
• Fire, rescue, ambulance and police stations and emergency vehicle garages
• Designated earthquake, hurricane or other emergency shelters.
• Designated emergency preparedness, communications and operations centers and other facilities required for emergency
response.
• Power-generating stations and other public utility facilities required as emergency backup facilities for Risk Category IV
IV
structures.
• Buildings and other structures containing quantities of highly toxic materials that:
• Exceed maximum allowable quantities per control area as given in Table 307.1(2) or per outdoor control area in
accordance with the Oman Fire Code; and
• Are sufficient to pose a threat to the public if released.b
• Aviation control towers, air traffic control centers and emergency aircraft hangars.
• Buildings and other structures having critical national defense functions.
• Water storage facilities and pump structures required to maintain water pressure for fire suppression.

(continued)

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TABLE 1604.5—continued
RISK CATEGORY OF BUILDINGS AND OTHER STRUCTURES

a. For purposes of occupant load calculation, occupancies required by Table 1004.5 to use gross floor area calculations shall be permitted to use net floor areas
to determine the total occupant load.
b. Where approved by the building official, the classification of buildings and other structures as Risk Category III or IV based on their quantities of toxic, highly
toxic or explosive materials is permitted to be reduced to Risk Category II, provided that it can be demonstrated by a hazard assessment in accordance with
Section 1.5.3 of ASCE 7 that a release of the toxic, highly toxic or explosive materials is not sufficient to pose a threat to the public.

1604.5.1 Multiple occupancies. Where a building or structure is occupied by two or more occupancies not included in the
same risk category, it shall be assigned the classification of the highest risk category corresponding to the various occupancies.
Where buildings or structures have two or more portions that are structurally separated, each portion shall be separately clas-
sified. Where a separated portion of a building or structure provides required access to, required egress from or shares life
safety components with another portion having a higher risk category, both portions shall be assigned to the higher risk cate-
gory.
Exception: Where a storm shelter designed and constructed in accordance with ICC 500 is provided in a building, structure
or part thereof normally occupied for other purposes, the risk category for the normal occupancy of the building shall apply
unless the storm shelter is a designated emergency shelter in accordance with Table 1604.5.
1604.6 In-situ load tests. The building official is authorized to require an engineering analysis or a load test, or both, of any
construction whenever there is reason to question the safety of the construction for the intended occupancy. Engineering analysis
and load tests shall be conducted in accordance with Section 1708.
1604.7 Preconstruction load tests. Materials and methods of construction that are not capable of being designed by approved
engineering analysis or that do not comply with the applicable referenced standards, or alternative test procedures in accordance
with Section 1707, shall be load tested in accordance with Section 1709.
1604.8 Anchorage. Buildings and other structures, and parts thereof, shall be provided with anchorage in accordance with Sections
1604.8.1 through 1604.8.3, as applicable.
1604.8.1 General. Anchorage of the roof to walls and columns, and of walls and columns to foundations, shall be provided
to resist the uplift and sliding forces that result from the application of the prescribed loads.
1604.8.2 Structural walls. Walls that provide vertical load-bearing resistance or lateral shear resistance for a portion of the
structure shall be anchored to the roof and to all floors and members that provide lateral support for the wall or that are
supported by the wall. The connections shall be capable of resisting the horizontal forces specified in Section 1.4.4 of ASCE
7 for walls of structures assigned to Seismic Design Category A and to Section 12.11 of ASCE 7 for walls of structures
assigned to all other seismic design categories. Required anchors in masonry walls of hollow units or cavity walls shall be
embedded in a reinforced grouted structural element of the wall. See Sections 1609 for wind design requirements and 1613
for earthquake design requirements.
1604.8.3 Decks. Where supported by attachment to an exterior wall, decks shall be positively anchored to the primary structure
and designed for both vertical and lateral loads, as applicable. Such attachment shall not be accomplished by the use of toenails
or nails subject to withdrawal. Where a positive connection to the primary building structure cannot be verified during inspec-
tion, decks shall be self-supporting. Connections of decks with cantilevered framing members to exterior walls or other fram-
ing members shall be designed for both of the following:
1. The reactions resulting from the dead load and live load specified in Table 1607.1, in accordance with Section 1605,
acting on all portions of the deck.
2. The reactions resulting from the dead load and live load specified in Table 1607.1, in accordance with Section 1605,
acting on the cantilevered portion of the deck, and no live load on the remaining portion of the deck.
1604.9 Wind and seismic detailing. Lateral force-resisting systems shall meet seismic detailing requirements and limitations
prescribed in this code and ASCE 7 Chapters 11, 12, 13, 15, 17 and 18 as applicable, even where wind load effects are greater
than seismic load effects.
Exception: References within ASCE 7 to Chapter 14 shall not apply, except as specifically required herein.
1604.10 Loads on storm shelters. Loads on storm shelters and their combinations shall be determined in accordance with ICC
500.

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SECTION 1605
LOAD COMBINATIONS
1605.1 General. Buildings and other structures and parts thereof shall be designed to resist the strength load combinations
specified in ASCE 7, Section 2.3 or the allowable stress design load combinations specified in ASCE 7, Section 2.4.
Exceptions:
1. The modifications to load combinations of ASCE 7 Section 2.3 and ASCE 7 Section 2.4 specified in ASCE 7 Chapters
18 and 19 shall apply.
2. Where the allowable stress design load combinations of ASCE 7 Section 2.4 are used, roof live loads of 1.44 kN/m2 or
less need not be combined with seismic load.
3. Where the allowable stress design load combinations of ASCE 7 Section 2.4 are used, crane hook loads need not be
combined with roof live loads or one-half of the wind loads.
1605.1.1 Stability. Regardless of which load combinations are used to design for strength, where overall structural stability
(such as stability against overturning, sliding, or buoyancy) is being verified, use of the load combinations specified in Section
2.3 or 2.4 of ASCE 7 shall be permitted. Where the load combinations specified in ASCE 7, Section 2.3 are used, strength
reduction factors applicable to soil resistance shall be provided by a registered design professional. The stability of retaining
walls shall be verified in accordance with Section 1807.2.3.
1605.2 Reserved.
SECTION 1606
DEAD LOADS
1606.1 General. Dead loads are those loads defined in Chapter 2 of this code. Dead loads shall be considered to be permanent
loads.
1606.2 Weights of materials of construction. For purposes of design, the actual weights of materials of construction shall be
used. In the absence of definite information, values used shall be subject to the approval of the building official.
1606.3 Weight of fixed service equipment. In determining dead loads for purposes of design, the weight of fixed service equip-
ment, including the maximum weight of the contents of fixed service equipment, shall be included. The components of fixed
service equipment that are variable, such as liquid contents and movable trays, shall not be used to counteract forces causing
overturning, sliding, and uplift conditions in accordance with Section 1.3.6 of ASCE 7.
Exceptions:
1. Where force effects are the result of the presence of the variable components, the components are permitted to be used
to counter those load effects. In such cases, the structure shall be designed for force effects with the variable compo-
nents present and with them absent.
2. For the calculation of seismic force effects, the components of fixed service equipment that are variable, such as liquid
contents and movable trays, need not exceed those expected during normal operation.
1606.4 Photovoltaic panel systems. The weight of photovoltaic panel systems, their support system, and ballast shall be consid-
ered as dead load.
1606.5 Vegetative and landscaped roofs. The weight of all landscaping and hardscaping materials for vegetative and landscaped
roofs shall be considered as dead load. The weight shall be computed considering both fully saturated soil and drainage layer
materials and fully dry soil and drainage layer materials to determine the most severe load effects on the structure.

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SECTION 1607
LIVE LOADS
1607.1 General. Live loads are those loads defined in Chapter 2 of this code.

TABLE 1607.1
MINIMUM UNIFORMLY DISTRIBUTED LIVE LOADS, L0, AND MINIMUM CONCENTRATED LIVE LOADS
ALSO
UNIFORM CONCENTRATED
OCCUPANCY OR USE SEE
(kN/m2) (kN)
SECTION

1. Apartments (see residential) — — —

Office use 2.5 9 —

Access floor sys-
2.
tems Computer use 5 9 —

3. Armories and drill rooms 7.5b — —

Fixed seats (fastened to floor) 3a

Follow spot, projections and control rooms 2.5

Lobbies 5a

Movable seats 5a

4. Assembly areas Stage floors 7.5b — —

Platforms (assembly) 5a

5a
Bleachers, folding and telescopic seating and grandstands
(See Section 1607.19)

Stadiums and arenas with fixed seats 3a

(fastened to the floor) (See Section 1607.19)

Other assembly areas 5a

1.5 times the live load

5. Balconies and decks for the area served, not — —
required to exceed 5

6. Catwalks for maintenance and service access 2 1.5 —

7. Cornices 3 — —

First floor 5

8. Corridors — —
Same as occupancy
Other floors served except as
indicated

9. Dining rooms and restaurants 5a — —

10. Dwellings (see residential) — — —

(continued)

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TABLE 1607.1—continued
MINIMUM UNIFORMLY DISTRIBUTED LIVE LOADS, L0, AND MINIMUM CONCENTRATED LIVE LOADS
ALSO
UNIFORM CONCENTRATED
OCCUPANCY OR USE SEE
(kN/m2) (kN)
SECTION

Elevator machine room and control room grating

11. — 1.5 —
(on area of 50 mm by 50 mm)

12. Finish light floor plate construction (on area of 25 mm by 25 mm) — 1 —

Fire escapes 5
13. — —
On single-family dwellings only 2

14. Fixed ladders See Section 1607.17 —

See Section
Passenger vehicles only 2c
15. Garages 1607.7 —
Trucks and buses See Section 1607.8

16. Handrails, guards and grab bars See Section 1607.9 —

17. Helipads See Section 1607.6 —

Corridors above first floor 4 4.5

18. Hospitals —
Operating rooms, laboratories 3 4.5

Patient rooms 2 4.5

Hotels
19. — — —
(see residential)

Corridors above first floor 4 4.5 —

20. Libraries
Reading rooms 3 4.5 —

Section
Stack rooms 7.5b 4.5
1607.18

Heavy 12b 13.5

21. Manufacturing —
Light 6b 9

22. Marquees, except one- and two-family dwellings 4 — —

23. Mosques 5b — —

Corridors above first floor 4 9

File and computer rooms shall be designed for heavier

24. Office buildings — — —
loads based on anticipated occupancy

Lobbies and first-floor corridors 5 9

Offices 2.5 9

(continued)

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TABLE 1607.1—continued
MINIMUM UNIFORMLY DISTRIBUTED LIVE LOADS, L0, AND MINIMUM CONCENTRATED LIVE LOADS
UNIFORM CONCENTRATED ALSO SEE
OCCUPANCY OR USE
(kN/m2) (kN) SECTION

Cell blocks 2
25. Penal institutions — —
Corridors 5

Bowling alleys, poolrooms and similar uses 4a

Dance halls and ballrooms 5a

26. Recreational uses Gymnasiums 5a — —

Ice skating rinks 12b

Roller skating rinks 5a

One- and two-family dwellings:

Uninhabitable attics without storage 0.5

Uninhabitable attics with storage 1

Habitable attics and sleeping areas 1.5

Section
27. Residential Canopies, including marquees 1 —
1607.22
All other areas 2

Hotels and multifamily dwellings:

Private rooms and corridors serving them 2

Public roomsa and corridors serving them 5

Ordinary flat, pitched, and curved roofs (that are not oc-
1 —
cupiable)

Roof areas used for assembly purposes 5a —

Same as
Roof areas used for occupancies other than assembly —
occupancy served

Vegetative and landscaped roofs: —

Roof areas not intended for occupancy 1 —

Section
Roof areas used for assembly purposes 5a — 1607.14.2
28. Roofs
Same as
Roof areas used for other occupancies occupancy served
—

Awnings and canopies: —

Fabric construction supported by a skeleton structure 0.25a —

All other construction, except one- and two-family

1 —
dwellings
Primary roof members exposed to a work floor:
Section
1607.15.2
All other primary roof members — 1.5

(continued)

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TABLE 1607.1—continued
MINIMUM UNIFORMLY DISTRIBUTED LIVE LOADS, L0, AND MINIMUM CONCENTRATED LIVE LOADS
UNIFORM CONCENTRATED ALSO SEE
OCCUPANCY OR USE
(kN/m2) (kN) SECTION

Single panel point of lower chord of roof trusses or any

point along primary structural members supporting roofs — 9
over manufacturing, storage warehouses, and repair garages Section
28. Roofs (continued)
All other primary roof members — 1.5 1607.15.2

All roof surfaces subject to maintenance workers — 1.5

Classrooms 2 4.5

29. Schools —
Corridors above first floor 4 4.5

First-floor corridors 5 4.5

30. Scuttles, skylight ribs and accessible ceilings — 1 —

Section
31. Sidewalks, vehicular driveways and yards, subject to trucking 12b 36
1607.20

Section
One- and two-family dwellings 2 1.5
1607.21
32. Stairs and exits

Section
All other 5 1.5
1607.21

33. Storage areas above ceilings 1 — —

b
Storage ware- Heavy 12
houses (shall be
designed for heav-
34. — —
ier loads if re- Light 6b
quired for antici-
pated storage)

Retail:

First floor 5 4.5

35. Stores —
Upper floors 4 4.5

Wholesale, all floors 6b 4.5

36. Vehicle barriers See Section 1607.10 —

37. Walkways and elevated platforms (other than exitways) 3 — —

38. Yards and terraces, pedestrian 5a — —

a. Live load reduction is not permitted.

b. Live load reduction is only permitted in accordance with Section 1607.12.1.2 or Item 1 of Section 1607.12.2.
c. Live load reduction is only permitted in accordance with Section 1607.12.1.3 or Item 2 of Section 1607.12.2.

1607.2 Loads not specified. For occupancies or uses not designated in Section 1607, the live load shall be determined in accord-
ance with a method approved by the building official.

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1607.3 Uniform live loads. The live loads used in the design of buildings and other structures shall be the maximum loads
expected by the intended use or occupancy but shall not be less than the minimum uniformly distributed live loads given in Table
1607.1.
1607.4 Concentrated live loads. Floors, roofs and other similar surfaces shall be designed to support the uniformly distributed
live loads prescribed in Section 1607.3 or the concentrated live loads, given in Table 1607.1, whichever produces the greater
load effects. Unless otherwise specified, the indicated concentration shall be assumed to be uniformly distributed over an area of
750 mm by 750 mm and shall be located so as to produce the maximum load effects in the structural members.
1607.5 Movable partition loads. In office buildings and in other buildings where partition locations are subject to change,
provisions for partition weight shall be made, whether or not partitions are shown on the construction documents, unless the
specified live load is 3.8 kN/m2 or greater. The partition load shall be not less than a uniformly distributed live load of 0.75
kN/m2.
1607.6 Helipads. Helipads shall be designed for the following live loads:
1. A uniform live load, L, as specified in Items 1.1 and 1.2. This load shall not be reduced.
1.1. 2 kN/m2 where the design basis helicopter has a maximum take-off weight of 13.3 kN or less.
1.2. 3 kN/m2 where the design basis helicopter has a maximum take-off weight greater than 13.3 kN.
2. A single concentrated live load, L, of 13.3 kN applied over an area of 110 mm by 110 mm and located so as to produce
the maximum load effects on the structural elements under consideration. The concentrated load is not required to act
concurrently with other uniform or concentrated live loads.
3. Two single concentrated live loads, L, 2.4 m apart applied on the landing pad (representing the helicopter’s two main
landing gear, whether skid type or wheeled type), each having a magnitude of 0.75 times the maximum take-off weight
of the helicopter, and located so as to produce the maximum load effects on the structural elements under consideration.
The concentrated loads shall be applied over an area of 200 mm by 200 mm and are not required to act concurrently with
other uniform or concentrated live loads.
Landing areas designed for a design basis helicopter with maximum take-off weight of 13.3 kN shall be identified with a 13.3
kN weight limitation. The landing area weight limitation shall be indicated by the numeral “13” (kN) located in the bottom right
corner of the landing area as viewed from the primary approach path. The indication for the landing area weight limitation shall
be a minimum 1.5 m in height.
1607.7 Passenger vehicle garages. Floors in garages or portions of a building used for the storage of motor vehicles shall be
designed for the uniformly distributed live loads indicated in Table 1607.1 or the following concentrated load:
1. For garages restricted to passenger vehicles accommodating not more than nine passengers, 13.3 kN acting on an area of
110 mm by 110 mm.
2. For mechanical parking structures without slab or deck that are used for storing passenger vehicles only, 10 kN per wheel.
1607.8 Heavy vehicle loads. Floors and other surfaces that are intended to support vehicle loads greater than a 4500 kg gross
vehicle weight rating shall comply with Sections 1607.8.1 through 1607.8.5.
1607.8.1 Loads. Where any structure does not restrict access for vehicles that exceed a 4500 kg gross vehicle weight rating,
those portions of the structure subject to such loads shall be designed using the vehicular live loads, including consideration
of impact and fatigue, in accordance with the codes and specifications required by the jurisdiction having authority for the
design and construction of the roadways and bridges in the same location of the structure.
1607.8.2 Fire truck and emergency vehicles. Where a structure or portions of a structure are accessed and loaded by civil
defense vehicles access vehicles and other similar emergency vehicles, the structure shall be designed for the greater of the
following loads:
1. The actual operational loads, including outrigger reactions and contact areas of the vehicles as stipulated and approved
by the building official.
2. The live loading specified in Section 1607.8.1.

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1607.8.3 Heavy vehicle garages. Garages designed to accommodate vehicles that exceed a 4500 kg gross vehicle weight
rating, shall be designed using the live loading specified by Section 1607.8.1. For garages, the design for impact and fatigue
is not required.
Exception: The vehicular live loads and load placement are allowed to be determined using the actual vehicle weights for
the vehicles allowed onto the garage floors, provided that such loads and placement are based on rational engineering
principles and are approved by the building official but shall be not less than 2.5 kN/m2. This live load shall not be reduced.
1607.8.4 Forklifts and movable equipment. Where a structure is intended to have forklifts or other movable equipment
present, the structure shall be designed for the total vehicle or equipment load and the individual wheel loads for the anticipated
vehicles as specified by the owner of the facility. These loads shall be posted in accordance with Section 1607.8.5.
1607.8.4.1 Impact and fatigue. Impact loads and fatigue loading shall be considered in the design of the supporting struc-
ture. For the purposes of design, the vehicle and wheel loads shall be increased by 30 percent to account for impact.
1607.8.5 Posting. The maximum weight of vehicles allowed into or on a garage or other structure shall be posted by the owner
or the owner’s authorized agent in accordance with Section 106.1.
1607.9 Loads on handrails, guards, grab bars and seats. Handrails and guards shall be designed and constructed for the
structural loading conditions set forth in Section 1607.9.1. Grab bars, shower seats and accessible benches shall be designed and
constructed for the structural loading conditions set forth in Section 1607.9.2.
1607.9.1 Handrails and guards. Handrails and guards shall be designed to resist a linear load of 0.75 kN/m in accordance
with Section [Link] of ASCE 7 and a concentrated load of 0.9 kN in accordance with Section 1607.9.1.1. Glass handrail
assemblies and guards shall comply with Section 2407.
Exceptions:
1. For one- and two-family dwellings, only the single concentrated load required by Section 1607.9.1.1 shall be ap-
plied.
2. In Group I-3, F, H and S occupancies, for areas that are not accessible to the general public and that have an occupant
load less than 50, the minimum load shall be 0.3 kN/m.
1607.9.1.1 Concentrated load. Handrails and guards shall be designed to resist a concentrated load of 0.9 kN in accord-
ance with Section 4.5.1 of ASCE 7.
1607.9.1.2 Guard component loads. Balusters, panel fillers and guard infill components, including all rails except the
handrail and the top rail, shall be designed to resist a concentrated load of 0.23 kN in accordance with Section [Link] of
ASCE 7.
1607.9.2 Grab bars, shower seats and accessible benches. Grab bars, shower seats and accessible benches shall be designed
to resist a single concentrated load of 1.13 kN applied in any direction at any point on the grab bar, shower seat, or seat of the
accessible bench so as to produce the maximum load effects.
1607.10 Vehicle barriers. Vehicle barriers for passenger vehicles shall be designed to resist a concentrated load of 27 kN in
accordance with Section 4.5.3 of ASCE 7. Garages accommodating trucks and buses shall be designed in accordance with an
approved method that contains provisions for traffic railings.
1607.11 Impact loads. The live loads specified in Sections 1607.3 through 1607.10 shall be assumed to include adequate allow-
ance for ordinary impact conditions. Provisions shall be made in the structural design for uses and loads that involve unusual
vibration and impact forces.
1607.11.1 Elevators. Members, elements and components subject to dynamic loads from elevators shall be designed for
impact loads and deflection limits prescribed by ASME A17.1/CSA B44.
1607.11.2 Machinery. For the purpose of design, the weight of machinery and moving loads shall be increased as follows to
allow for impact:
1. Light machinery, shaft- or motor-driven, 20 percent.
2. Reciprocating machinery or power-driven units, 50 percent.
Percentages shall be increased where specified by the manufacturer.

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1607.11.3 Elements supporting hoists for façade access and building maintenance equipment. In addition to any other
applicable live loads, structural elements that support hoists for façade access and building maintenance equipment shall be
designed for a live load of 2.5 times the rated load of the hoist or the stall load of the hoist, whichever is larger.
1607.11.4 Fall arrest, lifeline, and rope descent system anchorages. In addition to any other applicable live loads, fall
arrest, lifeline, and rope descent system anchorages and structural elements that support these anchorages shall be designed
for a live load of not less than 14 kN for each attached line, in any direction that the load can be applied.
Anchorages of horizontal lifelines and the structural elements that support these anchorages shall be designed for the max-
imum tension that develops in the horizontal lifeline from these live loads.
1607.12 Reduction in uniform live loads. Except for uniform live loads at roofs, all other minimum uniformly distributed live
loads, Lo, in Table 1607.1 are permitted to be reduced in accordance with Section 1607.12.1 or 1607.12.2. Uniform live loads at
roofs are permitted to be reduced in accordance with Section 1607.14.2.
1607.12.1 Basic uniform live load reduction. Subject to the limitations of Sections 1607.12.1.1 through 1607.12.1.3 and
Table 1607.1, members for which a value of KLLAT is 37.13 m2 or more are permitted to be designed for a reduced uniformly
distributed live load, L, in accordance with the following equation:

4.57
L = Lo æ 0.25 + --------------------ö
è KLL ATø
(Equation 16-7)

where:
L = Reduced design live load per square meter of area supported by the member.
Lo = Unreduced design live load per square meter of area supported by the member (see Table 1607.1).
KLL = Live load element factor (see Table 1607.12.1).
AT = Tributary area, in square meters.
L shall be not less than 0.50Lo for members supporting one floor and L shall be not less than 0.40Lo for members supporting
two or more floors.

TABLE 1607.12.1
LIVE LOAD ELEMENT FACTOR, KLL
ELEMENT KLL

Interior columns 4
Exterior columns without cantilever slabs 4
Edge columns with cantilever slabs 3
Corner columns with cantilever slabs 2
Edge beams without cantilever slabs 2
Interior beams 2
Members not previously identified including:
Edge beams with cantilever slabs
Cantilever beams
One-way slabs 1

Two-way slabs
Members without provisions for continuous shear
transfer normal to their span

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1607.12.1.1 One-way slabs. The tributary area, AT, for use in Equation 16-7 for one-way slabs shall not exceed an area
defined by the slab span times a width normal to the span of 1.5 times the slab span.
1607.12.1.2 Heavy live loads. Live loads that exceed 5 kN/m2 shall not be reduced.
Exceptions:
1. The live loads for members supporting two or more floors are permitted to be reduced by not greater than 20
percent, but the live load shall be not less than L as calculated in Section 1607.12.1.
2. For uses other than storage, where approved, additional live load reductions shall be permitted where shown
by the registered design professional that a rational approach has been used and that such reductions are war-
ranted.
1607.12.1.3 Passenger vehicle garages. The live loads shall not be reduced in passenger vehicle garages.
Exception: The live loads for members supporting two or more floors are permitted to be reduced by not greater than
20 percent, but the live load shall be not less than L as calculated in Section 1607.12.1.
1607.12.2 Alternative uniform live load reduction. As an alternative to Section 1607.12.1 and subject to the limitations of
Table 1607.1, uniformly distributed live loads are permitted to be reduced in accordance with the following provisions. Such
reductions shall apply to slab systems, beams, girders, columns, piers, walls and foundations.
1. A reduction shall not be permitted where the live load exceeds 5 kN/m2 except that the design live load for members
supporting two or more floors is permitted to be reduced by not greater than 20 percent.
Exception: For uses other than storage, where approved, additional live load reductions shall be permitted where
shown by the registered design professional that a rational approach has been used and that such reductions are
warranted.
2. A reduction shall not be permitted in passenger vehicle parking garages except that the live loads for members sup-
porting two or more floors are permitted to be reduced by not greater than 20 percent.
3. For live loads not exceeding 5 kN/m2, the design live load for any structural member supporting 15 m2 or more is
permitted to be reduced in accordance with Equation 16-8
4. For one-way slabs, the area, A, for use in Equation 16-8 shall not exceed the product of the slab span and a width
normal to the span of 0.5 times the slab span.
R = 0.861(A - 15) (Equation 16-8)

Such reduction shall not exceed the smallest of:

1. 40 percent for members supporting one floor.
2. 60 percent for members supporting two or more floors.
3. R as determined by the following equation:
R = 23.1(1+ D/Lo) (Equation 16-9)

where:
A = Area of floor supported by the member, square meters.
D = Dead load per square meter of area supported.
Lo = Unreduced live load per square meter of area supported.
R = Reduction in percent.
1607.13 Distribution of floor loads. Where uniform floor live loads are involved in the design of structural members arranged
so as to create continuity, the minimum applied loads shall be the full dead loads on all spans in combination with the floor live
loads on spans selected to produce the greatest load effect at each location under consideration. Floor live loads are permitted to
be reduced in accordance with Section 1607.12.

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1607.14 Roof loads. The structural supports of roofs and marquees shall be designed to resist wind and, where applicable, earth-
quake loads, in addition to the dead load of construction and the appropriate live loads as prescribed in this section, or as set
forth in Table 1607.1. The live loads acting on a sloping surface shall be assumed to act vertically on the horizontal projection of
that surface.
1607.14.1 Distribution of roof loads. Where uniform roof live loads are reduced to less than 1 kN/m2 in accordance with
Section 1607.14.2.1 and are applied to the design of structural members arranged so as to create continuity, the reduced roof
live load shall be applied to adjacent spans or to alternate spans, whichever produces the most unfavorable load effect. See
Section 1607.14.2 for reductions in minimum roof live loads.
1607.14.2 Reduction in uniform roof live loads. The minimum uniformly distributed live loads of roofs and marquees, Lo,
in Table 1607.1 are permitted to be reduced in accordance with Section 1607.14.2.1.
1607.14.2.1 Ordinary roofs, awnings and canopies. Ordinary flat, pitched and curved roofs, and awnings and canopies
other than of fabric construction supported by a skeleton structure, are permitted to be designed for a reduced uniformly
distributed roof live load, Lr, as specified in the following equations or other controlling combinations of loads as specified
in Section 1605, whichever produces the greater load effect.
In structures such as greenhouses, where special scaffolding is used as a work surface for workers and materials during
maintenance and repair operations, a lower roof load than specified in the following equations shall not be used unless
approved by the building official. Such structures shall be designed for a minimum roof live load of 0.6 kN/m2.
Lr = Lo R1R2 (Equation 16-10)

where: 0.6 £ Lr £ 1
Lo = Unreduced roof live load per square meter of horizontal projection supported by the member (see Table 1607.1).
Lr = Reduced roof live load per square meter of horizontal projection supported by the member.
The reduction factors R1 and R2 shall be determined as follows:

R1 = 1 for At £ 20 m2
(Equation 16-11)

R1 = 1.2 - 0.011At for

20 m2 < At < 60 m2
(Equation 16-12)

R1 = 0.6 for
At ³ 60 m2
(Equation 16-13)

where:
At = Tributary area (span length multiplied by effective width) in square meters supported by the member, and
R2 = 1 for F £ 4 (Equation 16-14)

R2 = 1.2 - 0.05 F for 4 < F < 12 (Equation 16-15)

R2 = 0.6 for F ³ 12 (Equation 16-16)

where:
F = For a sloped roof, F = 0.12 × slope, with slope expressed as a percentage, or for an arch or dome, the rise-to-span
ratio multiplied by 32.
1607.14.2.2 Occupiable roofs. Areas of roofs that are occupiable, such as vegetative roofs, landscaped roofs or for assembly
or other similar purposes, and marquees are permitted to have their uniformly distributed live loads reduced in accordance
with Section 1607.12.

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1607.14.3 Awnings and canopies. Awnings and canopies shall be designed for uniform live loads as required in Table 1607.1
as well as for wind loads as specified in Sections 1609.
1607.14.4 Photovoltaic panel systems. Roof structures that provide support for photovoltaic panel systems shall be designed
in accordance with Sections 1607.14.4.1 through 1607.14.4.5, as applicable.
1607.14.4.1 Roof live load. Roof structures that support photovoltaic panel systems shall be designed to resist each of the
following conditions:
1. Applicable uniform and concentrated roof live loads with the photovoltaic panel system dead loads.
Exception: Roof live loads need not be applied to the area covered by photovoltaic panels where the clear space
between the panels and the roof surface is 600 mm or less.
2. Applicable uniform and concentrated roof live loads without the photovoltaic panel system present.
1607.14.4.2 Photovoltaic panels or modules. The structure of a roof that supports solar photovoltaic panels or modules
shall be designed to accommodate the full solar photovoltaic panels or modules and ballast dead load, including concen-
trated loads from support frames in combination with the loads from Section 1607.14.4.1 and other applicable loads.
1607.14.4.3 Photovoltaic panels installed on open grid roof structures. Structures with open grid framing and without
a roof deck or sheathing supporting photovoltaic panel systems shall be designed to support the uniform and concentrated
roof live loads specified in Section 1607.14.4.1, except that the uniform roof live load shall be permitted to be reduced to
0.6 kN/m2.
1607.14.4.4 Ground-mounted photovoltaic (PV) panel systems. Ground-mounted photovoltaic (PV) panel systems that
are independent structures and do not have accessible/occupied space underneath are not required to accommodate a roof
photovoltaic live load. Other loads and combinations in accordance with Section 1605 shall be accommodated.
1607.14.4.5 Ballasted photovoltaic panel systems. Roof structures that provide support for ballasted photovoltaic panel sys-
tems shall be designed, or analyzed, in accordance with Section 1604.4; checked in accordance with Section 1604.3.6 for
deflections; and checked in accordance with Section 1611 for ponding.
1607.15 Crane loads. The crane live load shall be the rated capacity of the crane. Design loads for the runway beams, including
connections and support brackets, of moving bridge cranes and monorail cranes shall include the maximum wheel loads of the
crane and the vertical impact, lateral and longitudinal forces induced by the moving crane.
1607.15.1 Maximum wheel load. The maximum wheel loads shall be the wheel loads produced by the weight of the bridge,
as applicable, plus the sum of the rated capacity and the weight of the trolley with the trolley positioned on its runway at the
location where the resulting load effect is maximum.
1607.15.2 Vertical impact force. The maximum wheel loads of the crane shall be increased by the following percentages to
account for the effects of vertical impact or vibration:

Monorail cranes (powered) 25 percent

Cab-operated or remotely operated bridge cranes

25 percent
(powered)

Pendant-operated bridge cranes (powered) 10 percent

Bridge cranes or monorail cranes with hand-

0 percent
geared bridge, trolley and hoist

1607.15.3 Lateral force. The lateral force on crane runway beams with electrically powered trolleys shall be calculated as 20
percent of the sum of the rated capacity of the crane and the weight of the hoist and trolley. The lateral force shall be assumed
to act horizontally at the traction surface of a runway beam, in either direction perpendicular to the beam, and shall be distrib-
uted with due regard to the lateral stiffness of the runway beam and supporting structure.

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1607.15.4 Longitudinal force. The longitudinal force on crane runway beams, except for bridge cranes with hand-geared
bridges, shall be calculated as 10 percent of the maximum wheel loads of the crane. The longitudinal force shall be assumed
to act horizontally at the traction surface of a runway beam, in either direction parallel to the beam.
1607.16 Interior walls and partitions. Interior walls and partitions that exceed 1.8 m in height, including their finish materials,
shall have adequate strength and stiffness to resist the loads to which they are subjected but not less than a horizontal load of
0.25 kN/m2.
1607.16.1 Fabric partitions. Fabric partitions that exceed 1.8 m in height, including their finish materials, shall have ade-
quate strength and stiffness to resist the following load conditions:
1. The horizontal distributed load need only be applied to the partition framing. The total area used to determine the
distributed load shall be the area of the fabric face between the framing members to which the fabric is attached. The
total distributed load shall be uniformly applied to such framing members in proportion to the length of each member.
2. A concentrated load of 0.18 kN applied to a 200 mm diameter area (0.03 m2) of the fabric face at a height of 1.35 m
above the floor.
1607.16.2 Fire walls. In order to meet the structural stability requirements of Section 706.2 where the structure on either side
of the wall has collapsed, fire walls and their supports shall be designed to withstand a minimum horizontal allowable stress
design load of 0.25 kN/m2.
1607.17 Fixed ladders. Fixed ladders with rungs shall be designed to resist a single concentrated load of 1.35 kN in accordance
with Section 4.5.4 of ASCE 7. Where rails of fixed ladders extend above a floor or platform at the top of the ladder, each side
rail extension shall be designed to resist a single concentrated load of 0.45 kN in accordance with Section 4.5.4 of ASCE 7.
Ship’s ladders shall be designed to resist the stair loads given in Table 1607.1.
1607.18 Library stack rooms. The live loading indicated in Table 1607.1 for library stack rooms applies to stack room floors
that support nonmobile, double-faced library book stacks, subject to the following limitations:
1. The nominal book stack unit height shall not exceed 2.25 m.
2. The nominal shelf depth shall not exceed 300 mm for each face.
3. Parallel rows of double-faced book stacks shall be separated by aisles not less than 900 mm in width.
1607.19 Seating for assembly uses. Bleachers, folding and telescopic seating and grandstands shall be designed for the loads
specified in ICC 300. Stadiums and arenas with fixed seats shall be designed for the horizontal sway loads in Section 1607.19.1.
1607.19.1 Horizontal sway loads. The design of stadiums and arenas with fixed seats shall include horizontal swaying forces
applied to each row of seats as follows:
1. 0.35 kN/m of seat applied in a direction parallel to each row of seats.
2. 0.15 kN/m of seat applied in a direction perpendicular to each row of seats.
The parallel and perpendicular horizontal swaying forces are not required to be applied simultaneously.
1607.20 Sidewalks, vehicular driveways, and yards subject to trucking. The live loading indicated in Table 1607.1 for side-
walks, vehicular driveways, and yards subject to trucking shall comply with the requirements of this section.
1607.20.1 Uniform loads. In addition to the loads indicated in Table 1607.1, other uniform loads in accordance with an
approved method that contains provisions for truck loading shall be considered where appropriate.
1607.20.2 Concentrated loads. The concentrated wheel load indicated in Table 1607.1 shall be applied on an area of 110
mm by 110 mm.
1607.21 Stair treads. The concentrated load indicated in Table 1607.1 for stair treads shall be applied on an area of 50 mm by
50 mm. This load need not be assumed to act concurrently with the uniform load.
1607.22 Residential attics. The live loads indicated in Table 1607.1 for attics in residential occupancies shall comply with the
requirements of this section.

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1607.22.1 Uninhabitable attics without storage. In residential occupancies, uninhabitable attic areas without storage are
those where the maximum clear height between the joists and rafters is less than 1.05 m, or where there are not two or more
adjacent trusses with web configurations capable of accommodating an assumed rectangle 1.05 m in height by 600 mm in
width, or greater, within the plane of the trusses. The live load in Table 1607.1 need not be assumed to act concurrently with
any other live load requirement.
1607.22.2 Uninhabitable attics with storage. In residential occupancies, uninhabitable attic areas with storage are those
where the maximum clear height between the joist and rafter is 1.05 m or greater, or where there are two or more adjacent
trusses with web configurations capable of accommodating an assumed rectangle 1.05 m in height by 600 mm in width, or
greater, within the plane of the trusses. The live load in Table 1607.1 need only be applied to those portions of the joists or
truss bottom chords where both of the following conditions are met:
1. The attic area is accessed from an opening not less than 500 mm in width by 750 mm in length that is located where
the clear height in the attic is not less than 750 mm.
2. The slope of the joists or truss bottom chords is not greater than 2 units vertical in 12 units horizontal.
The remaining portions of the joists or truss bottom chords shall be designed for a uniformly distributed concurrent live
load of not less than 0.5 kN/m2.
1607.22.3 Attics served by stairs. Attic spaces served by stairways other than the pull-down type shall be designed to support
the minimum live load specified for habitable attics and sleeping rooms.

SECTION 1608
RESERVED

SECTION 1609
WIND LOADS
1609.1 Applications. Buildings, structures and parts thereof shall be designed to withstand the minimum wind loads prescribed
herein. Decreases in wind loads shall not be made for the effect of shielding by other structures.
1609.1.1 Determination of wind loads. Wind loads on every building or structure shall be determined in accordance with
Chapters 26 to 30 of ASCE 7. The type of opening protection required, and the exposure category for a site is permitted to be
determined in accordance with Section 1609 or ASCE 7. The basic wind speed, V, shall be determined in accordance with
Section 1609. Wind shall be assumed to come from any horizontal direction and wind pressures shall be assumed to act normal
to the surface considered.
Exceptions:
1. Subject to the limitations of Section 1609.1.1.1, the provisions of ICC 600 shall be permitted for applicable Group
R-2 and R-3 buildings.
2. Designs using NAAMM FP 1001.
3. Designs using TIA-222 for antenna-supporting structures and antennas, provided that the horizontal extent of Topo-
graphic Category 2 escarpments in Section [Link] of TIA-222 shall be 16 times the height of the escarpment.
4. Wind tunnel tests in accordance with ASCE 49 and Sections 31.4 and 31.5 of ASCE 7.
The wind speeds corresponding to the 50-year return period in Table 1609.1.1 are allowable stress design wind speeds,
Vasd, and shall be used in conjunction with the standards referenced in Exceptions 2 and 3.

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STRUCTURAL DESIGN

TABLE 1609.1.1
BASIC WIND SPEED DATA AND RAIN LOAD DESIGN INFORMATION FOR OMAN
(RC: Risk Category fromTable 1604.5; MRI: Mean Recurrence Interval)
BASIC WIND SPEED (m/s)
100-YR
CYCLONE
Allowable HOURLY
OMAN CITY PRONE
Stress Design RAINFALL
RC Ib RC IIc RC IIId RC IVe REGIONf
Basic Wind RATE (mm/h)
Speed (m/s)a
Adam 35.00 41.29 44.27 47.47 49.31 No 45
Al Amrat 19.23 22.69 24.32 26.08 27.10 No 75
Al Mudhaibi 18.54 21.87 23.45 25.15 26.13 No 50
Bahla 19.17 22.62 24.25 26.00 27.01 No 55
Bidiyah 29.99 35.38 37.93 40.67 42.25 No 55
Buraimi 24.12 28.46 30.51 32.72 33.99 No 45
Diba 27.81 32.81 35.18 37.72 39.19 Yes 70
Duqum 43.80 51.68 55.40 59.41 61.72 Yes 70
Fahud 31.98 37.73 40.45 43.38 45.06 No NA
Ibra 23.46 27.68 29.67 31.82 33.06 No 55
Ibri 28.38 33.48 35.90 38.50 39.99 No 50
Jabal Nus 40.32 47.57 51.00 54.69 56.82 Yes 100
Jabal Shams 44.60 52.61 56.41 60.49 62.84 No 60
Khasab Airport 18.35 21.64 23.20 24.88 25.85 Yes 75
Khasab Port 23.75 28.02 30.04 32.21 33.46 Yes 75
Majis 31.04 36.62 39.26 42.10 43.73 Yes 75
Marmul 36.48 43.04 46.14 49.48 51.40 Yes 40
Masirah 46.64 55.02 58.99 63.26 65.71 Yes 80
Mina Salalah 33.09 39.04 41.86 44.89 46.63 Yes 110
Muscat 44.85 52.92 56.73 60.84 63.20 Yes 75
Nizwa 24.66 29.09 31.19 33.45 34.75 No 50
Qairoon 33.93 40.03 42.92 46.02 47.81 Yes 70
Qalhat 32.30 38.10 40.85 43.81 45.51 Yes 80
Qumaira 33.45 39.47 42.31 45.37 47.14 No 50
Qaran Al Alam 34.13 40.26 43.17 46.29 48.09 No NA
Ras Al Haad 38.94 45.94 49.26 52.82 54.87 Yes 90
Rustaq 23.46 27.68 29.67 31.82 33.06 No 65
Saiq 35.04 41.34 44.32 47.53 49.38 No 60
Samail 26.72 31.52 33.79 36.24 37.64 No 65
Sunaynah 32.43 38.26 41.02 43.99 45.70 No 45
Sur 37.23 43.93 47.09 50.50 52.46 Yes 80
Suwaiq 22.05 26.02 27.89 29.91 31.07 Yes 70
Thumrait 35.97 42.44 45.50 48.79 50.69 No 40
Yalooni 24.90 29.38 31.50 33.78 35.09 No 50
RC: Risk Category (from Table 1604.5); MRI: Mean Recurrence Interval.
a. Wind speeds correspond to approximately an Annual Exceedance Probability of 0.02 (MRI = 50 years).
b. Wind speeds correspond to approximately a 15% probability of exceedance in 50 years (Annual Exceedance Probability = 0.00333, MRI = 300 years).

(continued)
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TABLE 1609.1.1—continued
BASIC WIND SPEED DATA AND RAIN LOAD DESIGN INFORMATION FOR OMAN
(RC: Risk Category fromTable 1604.5; MRI: Mean Recurrence Interval)
c. Wind speeds correspond to approximately a 7% probability of exceedance in 50 years (Annual Exceedance Probability = 0.00143, MRI = 700 years).
d. Wind speeds correspond to approximately a 3% probability of exceedance in 50 years (Annual Exceedance Probability = 0.000588, MRI = 1700 years).
e. Wind speeds correspond to approximately a 1.6% probability of exceedance in 50 years (Annual Exceedance Probability = 0.00033, MRI = 3000 years).
f. For cyclone prone regions, the basic wind speed values should be multiplied by a factor of 1.25.

1609.1.1.1 Applicability. The provisions of ICC 600 are applicable only to buildings located within Exposure B or C as
defined in Section 1609.4. The provisions of ICC 600 shall not apply to buildings sited on the upper half of an isolated hill,
ridge or escarpment meeting all of the following conditions:
1. The hill, ridge or escarpment is 18 m or higher if located in Exposure B or 9 m or higher if located in Exposure C.
2. The maximum average slope of the hill exceeds 10 percent.
3. The hill, ridge or escarpment is unobstructed upwind by other such topographic features for a distance from the
high point of 50 times the height of the hill or 3.2 km, whichever is greater.
1609.2 Protection of openings. In windborne debris regions, glazing in buildings shall be impact resistant or protected with an
impact-resistant covering meeting the requirements of an approved impact-resistant standard or ASTM E1996 referenced herein
as follows:
1. Glazed openings located within 9 m of grade shall meet the requirements of the large missile test of ASTM E1996.
2. Glazed openings located more than 9 m above grade shall meet the provisions of the small missile test of ASTM E1996.
Exceptions:
1. Glazing in Risk Category I buildings, including greenhouses that are occupied for growing plants on a production or
research basis, without public access shall be permitted to be unprotected.
2. Glazing in Risk Category II, III or IV buildings located over 18 m above the ground and over 9 m above aggregate
surface roofs located within 450 m of the building shall be permitted to be unprotected.
1609.2.1 Louvers. Louvers protecting intake and exhaust ventilation ducts not assumed to be open that are located within
9 m of grade shall meet the requirements of AMCA 540.
1609.2.2 Application of ASTM E1996. The text of Section 6.2.2 of ASTM E1996 shall be substituted as follows:
6.2.2 Unless otherwise specified, select the wind zone based on the basic wind speed, V, as follows:
[Link] Wind Zone 1—58 m/s ≤ basic wind speed, V < 63 m/s.
[Link] Wind Zone 2—63 m/s ≤ basic wind speed, V < 67 m/s at greater than 1.6 km from the coastline. The coastline shall
be measured from the mean high water mark.
[Link] Wind Zone 3—67 m/s ≤ basic wind speed, V ≤ 72 m/s, or 63 m/s ≤ basic wind speed, V ≤ 72 m/s and within 1.6 km
of the coastline. The coastline shall be measured from the mean high water mark.
[Link] Wind Zone 4—basic wind speed, V > 72 m/s.
1609.2.3 Garage doors. Garage door glazed opening protection for windborne debris shall meet the requirements of an
approved impact-resisting standard or ANSI/DASMA 115.
1609.3 Basic wind speed. The basic wind speed, V, in m/s, for the determination of the wind loads shall be determined by Table
1609.1.1.
The building official shall, if necessary, adjust the values given in Table 1609.1.1 to account for higher local wind speeds.
Such adjustments shall be based on meteorological information and an estimate of the basic wind speed obtained in accordance
with the applicable provisions of ASCE 7 Section 26.5.3.
1609.3.1 Allowable stress design wind speeds. Where required, the allowable stress design wind speeds, Vasd, shall be those
corresponding to the 50-year return period 3-second gust wind speeds in Table 1609.1.1.

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1609.4 Exposure category. For each wind direction considered, an exposure category that adequately reflects the characteristics
of ground surface irregularities shall be determined for the site at which the building or structure is to be constructed. Account
shall be taken of variations in ground surface roughness that arise from natural topography and vegetation as well as from con-
structed features.
1609.4.1 Wind directions and sectors. For each selected wind direction at which the wind loads are to be evaluated, the
exposure of the building or structure shall be determined for the two upwind sectors extending 45 degrees either side of the
selected wind direction. The exposures in these two sectors shall be determined in accordance with Sections 1609.4.2 and
1609.4.3 and the exposure resulting in the highest wind loads shall be used to represent winds from that direction.
1609.4.2 Surface roughness categories. A ground surface roughness within each 45-degree sector shall be determined for a
distance upwind of the site as defined in Section 1609.4.3 from the following categories, for the purpose of assigning an
exposure category as defined in Section 1609.4.3.
Surface Roughness B. Urban and suburban areas, wooded areas or other terrain with numerous closely spaced obstructions
having the size of single-family dwellings or larger.
Surface Roughness C. Open terrain with scattered obstructions having heights generally less than 10 m. This category
includes flat open country, and grasslands.
Surface Roughness D. Flat, unobstructed areas and water surfaces. This category includes smooth mud flats, salt flats and
unbroken ice.
1609.4.3 Exposure categories. An exposure category shall be determined in accordance with the following:
Exposure B. For buildings with a mean roof height of less than or equal to 9 m, Exposure B shall apply where the ground
surface roughness, as defined by Surface Roughness B, prevails in the upwind direction for a distance of not less than 450
m. For buildings with a mean roof height greater than 9 m, Exposure B shall apply where Surface Roughness B prevails in
the upwind direction for a distance of not less than 780 m or 20 times the height of the building, whichever is greater.
Exposure C. Exposure C shall apply for all cases where Exposure B or D does not apply.
Exposure D. Exposure D shall apply where the ground surface roughness, as defined by Surface Roughness D, prevails in
the upwind direction for a distance of not less than 1500 m or 20 times the height of the building, whichever is greater.
Exposure D shall apply where the ground surface roughness immediately upwind of the site is B or C, and the site is within
a distance of 180 m or 20 times the building height, whichever is greater, from an Exposure D condition as defined in the
previous sentence.
1609.5 Roof systems. Roof systems shall be designed and constructed in accordance with Sections 1609.5.1 through 1609.5.3,
as applicable.
1609.5.1 Roof deck. The roof deck shall be designed to withstand the wind pressures determined in accordance with ASCE
7.
1609.5.2 Roof coverings. Roof coverings shall comply with Section 1609.5.1.
Exception: Rigid tile roof coverings that are air permeable and installed over a roof deck complying with Section 1609.5.1
are permitted to be designed in accordance with Section 1609.5.3.
Asphalt shingles installed over a roof deck complying with Section 1609.5.1 shall comply with the wind-resistance require-
ments of Section 1504.2.
1609.5.3 Rigid tile. Wind loads on rigid tile roof coverings shall be determined in accordance with the following equation:
qh CL bLLa !1.0 " GCp #
Ma = 1000
(Equation 16-18)

where:
b = Exposed width, in mm of the roof tile.
CL = Lift coefficient. The lift coefficient for concrete and clay tile shall be 0.2 or shall be determined by test in accordance
with Section 1504.3.1.

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GCp = Roof pressure coefficient for each applicable roof zone determined from Chapter 30 of ASCE 7. Roof coefficients
shall not be adjusted for internal pressure.
L = Length, in mm of the roof tile.
La = Moment arm, in mm from the axis of rotation to the point of uplift on the roof tile. The point of uplift shall be taken at
0.76L from the head of the tile and the middle of the exposed width. For roof tiles with nails or screws (with or without
a tail clip), the axis of rotation shall be taken as the head of the tile for direct deck application or as the top edge of the
batten for battened applications. For roof tiles fastened only by a nail or screw along the side of the tile, the axis of
rotation shall be determined by testing. For roof tiles installed with battens and fastened only by a clip near the tail of
the tile, the moment arm shall be determined about the top edge of the batten with consideration given for the point of
rotation of the tiles based on straight bond or broken bond and the tile profile.
Ma = Aerodynamic uplift moment, in N-mm acting to raise the tail of the tile.
qh = Wind velocity pressure, in kN/m2 determined from Section 26.10.2 of ASCE 7.
Concrete and clay roof tiles complying with the following limitations shall be designed to withstand the aerodynamic uplift
moment as determined by this section.
1. The roof tiles shall be either loose laid on battens, mechanically fastened, mortar set or adhesive set.
2. The roof tiles shall be installed on solid sheathing that has been designed as components and cladding.
3. An underlayment shall be installed in accordance with Chapter 15.
4. The tile shall be single lapped interlocking with a minimum head lap of not less than 50 mm.
5. The length of the tile shall be between 300 mm and 525 mm.
6. The exposed width of the tile shall be between 200 mm and 375 mm.
7. The maximum thickness of the tail of the tile shall not exceed 30 mm.
8. Roof tiles using mortar set or adhesive set systems shall have not less than two-thirds of the tile’s area free of mortar
or adhesive contact.

SECTION 1610
SOIL LOADS AND HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE
1610.1 Lateral pressures. Foundation walls and retaining walls shall be designed to resist lateral soil loads from adjacent soil.
Soil loads specified in Table 1610.1 shall be used as the minimum design lateral soil loads unless determined otherwise by a
geotechnical investigation in accordance with Section 1803. Foundation walls and other walls in which horizontal movement is
restricted at the top shall be designed for at-rest pressure. Retaining walls free to move and rotate at the top shall be permitted to
be designed for active pressure. Lateral pressure from surcharge loads shall be added to the lateral soil load. Lateral pressure
shall be increased if expansive soils are present at the site. Foundation walls shall be designed to support the weight of the full
hydrostatic pressure of undrained backfill unless a drainage system is installed in accordance with Sections 1805.4.2 and
1805.4.3.
Exception: Foundation walls extending not more than 2.4 m below grade and laterally supported at the top by flexible dia-
phragms shall be permitted to be designed for active pressure.

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TABLE 1610.1
LATERAL SOIL LOAD
DESIGN LATERAL SOIL LOADa
c UNIFIED SOIL (kN/m2 per meter of depth)
DESCRIPTION OF BACKFILL MATERIAL
CLASSIFICATION
Active pressure At-rest pressure

Well-graded, clean gravels; gravel-sand mixes GW 4.8 9.5

Poorly graded clean gravels; gravel-sand mixes GP 4.8 9.5
Silty gravels, poorly graded gravel-sand mixes GM 6.3 9.5
Clayey gravels, poorly graded gravel-and-clay mixes GC 7.1 9.5
Well-graded, clean sands; gravelly sand mixes SW 4.8 9.5
Poorly graded clean sands; sand-gravel mixes SP 4.8 9.5
Silty sands, poorly graded sand-silt mixes SM 7.1 9.5
Sand-silt clay mix with plastic fines SM-SC 7.1 15.7
Clayey sands, poorly graded sand-clay mixes SC 9.5 15.7
Inorganic silts and clayey silts ML 7.1 15.7
Mixture of inorganic silt and clay ML-CL 9.5 15.7
Inorganic clays of low to medium plasticity CL 9.5 15.7
Organic silts and silt clays, low plasticity OL Note b Note b
Inorganic clayey silts, elastic silts MH Note b Note b
Inorganic clays of high plasticity CH Note b Note b
Organic clays and silty clays OH Note b Note b

a. Design lateral soil loads are given for moist conditions for the specified soils at their optimum densities. Actual field conditions shall govern. Submerged or
saturated soil pressures shall include the weight of the buoyant soil plus the hydrostatic loads.
b. Unsuitable as backfill material.
c. The definition and classification of soil materials shall be in accordance with ASTM D2487.

1610.2 Uplift loads on floor and foundations. Basement floors, slabs on ground, foundations, and similar approximately hori-
zontal elements below grade shall be designed to resist uplift loads where applicable. The upward pressure of water shall be taken
as the full hydrostatic pressure applied over the entire area. The hydrostatic load shall be measured from the underside of the
element being evaluated. The design for upward loads caused by expansive soils shall comply with Section 1808.6.

SECTION 1611
RAIN LOADS
1611.1 Design rain loads. Design for rain loads is required at locations where 100-year hourly rainfall rate is given in Table
1609.1.1 or wherever else the 100-year hourly rainfall rate is determined to equal or exceed 40 mm/h. Each portion of a roof shall
be designed to sustain the load of rainwater as per the requirements of Chapter 8 of ASCE 7. The design rainfall shall be based
on the 100-year 15-minute duration event, or on other rainfall rates determined from approved local weather data. Alternatively,
a design rainfall of twice the 100-year hourly rainfall rates provided in Table 1609.1.1 shall be permitted. If design for rain loads
is required to be done at a particular location, the design shall be for a minimum 100-year hourly rainfall rate of 50 mm/h.

R = 0.0098(ds + dh) (Equation 16-19)

where:
dh = Additional depth of water on the undeflected roof above the inlet of secondary drainage system at its design flow (in other
words, the hydraulic head), in mm.

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ds = Depth of water on the undeflected roof up to the inlet of secondary drainage system when the primary drainage system is
blocked (in other words, the static head), in mm.
R = Rain load on the undeflected roof, in kN/m2. Where the phrase “undeflected roof” is used, deflections from loads (including
dead loads) shall not be considered when determining the amount of rain on the roof.

1611.2 Ponding instability. Susceptible bays of roofs shall be evaluated for ponding instability in accordance with Chapter 8 of
ASCE 7.
1611.3 Controlled drainage. Roofs equipped with hardware to control the rate of drainage shall be equipped with a secondary
drainage system at a higher elevation that limits accumulation of water on the roof above that elevation. Such roofs shall be
designed to sustain the load of rainwater that will accumulate on them to the elevation of the secondary drainage system plus the
uniform load caused by water that rises above the inlet of the secondary drainage system at its design flow determined from
Section 1611.1. Such roofs shall be checked for ponding instability in accordance with Section 1611.2. Controlled flow roof
drains shall not be used on the secondary drainage system.
1611.4 Amendments to ASCE 7.
1611.4.1 Modifications to Section 8.1.2 Symbols.
A = Tributary roof area, plus one-half the wall area that diverts rainwater onto the roof, serviced by a single drain outlet in
the secondary drainage system, in m2.
dh = Additional depth of water on the undeflected roof above the inlet of the secondary drainage system at its design flow
(i.e., the hydraulic head), in mm.
ds = Depth of water on the undeflected roof up to the inlet of the secondary drainage system when the primary drainage
system is blocked (i.e., the static head), in mm.
i = Design rainfall intensity in mm/h.
Q = Flow rate out of a single drainage system, in m3/s.
R = Rain load on the undeflected roof, in kN/m2. When the phrase “undeflected roof” is used, deflections from loads
(including dead loads) shall not be considered when determining the amount of rain on the roof.
1611.4.2 Modifications to Section 8.2 Roof Drainage. The design flow rate of the secondary (overflow) drains (including
roof drains and downstream piping) or scuppers, and their resulting hydraulic head (dh) shall be designed for twice the 100-
year return period 60-minute duration rainfall intensity. Primary drainage systems shall be designed for a 100-year return
period 60-minute duration rainfall intensity.
1611.4.3 Modifications to Section 8.3 Design Rain Loads.
8.3.1 Each portion of a roof shall be designed to sustain the load of all rainwater that will accumulate on it if the primary
drainage system for that portion is blocked plus the uniform load caused by water that rises above the inlet of the secondary
drainage system at its design flow.
R = 0.0098(ds + dh) (Equation 8.3-1)
8.3.2 If the secondary drainage systems contain drain lines, such lines and their point of discharge shall be separate from
the primary drain lines.
8.3.3 The depth of water, 𝑑ℎ, above the inlet of the secondary drainage system (i.e., the hydraulic head) is a function of the
rainfall intensity, i, at the site, the area of roof serviced by that drainage system, and the size of the drainage system. The
flow rate, Q, through a single drainage system is as follows:
Q = 0.278 × 10-6 Ai (Equation 8.3-2)
8.3.4 The hydraulic head, 𝑑ℎ, is related to flow rate, 𝑄, for various drainage systems as shown in Table 8-1.
8.3.5 The hydraulic head, 𝑑ℎ, is zero when the secondary drainage system is simply overflow all along a roof edge.

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TABLE 8-1
FLOW RATE, Q, IN CUBIC METERS PER SECOND OF VARIOUS DRAINAGE SYSTEMS AT VARIOUS HYDRAULIC HEADS, dh IN mm

HYDRAULIC HEAD dh, mm

DRAINAGE SYSTEM
25 50 65 75 90 100 115 125 175 200

100 mm diameter drain .0051 .0107 .0114

150 mm diameter drain .0063 .0120 .0170 .0240 .0341

200 mm diameter drain .0079 .0145 .0214 .0353 .0536 .0694 .0738

150 mm wide, channel scupperb .0011 .0032 a .0057 a .0088 a .0122 .0202 .0248

600 mm wide, channel scupper .0045 .0126 a .0227 a .0353 a .0490 .0810 .0992

150 mm wide, 100 mm high, closed scupperb .0011 .0032 a .0057 a .0088 a .0112 .0146 .0160

600 mm wide, 100 mm high, closed scupper .0045 .0126 a .0227 a .0353 a .0447 .0583 .0638

150 mm wide, 150 mm high, closed scupper .0011 .0032 a .0057 a .0088 a .0122 .0191 .0216

600 mm wide, 150 mm high, closed scupper .0045 .0126 a .0227 a .0353 a .0490 .0765 .0866
a. Interpolation is appropriate, including between widths of each scupper.
b. Channel scuppers are open-topped (i.e., 3-sided). Closed scuppers are 4-sided.

SECTION 1612
FLOOD LOADS
1612.1 Design and construction. The design and construction of buildings and structures located in flood hazard areas, includ-
ing coastal high hazard areas and coastal A zones, shall be in accordance with Chapter 5 of ASCE 7 as modified in Section
1612.2 and ASCE 24. Within flood hazard areas as established in Section 1612.3, all new construction of buildings, structures
and portions thereof, including substantial improvements and restoration of substantial damage, shall be designed and constructed
to resist the effects of flood hazards and flood loads. For buildings located in multiple flood hazard areas, the provisions associated
with the most restrictive flood hazard area shall apply.
1612.2 Modification of ASCE 7 Section 5.2. DEFINITIONS
The following definitions apply to the provisions of this chapter:
APPROVED: Acceptable to the building official.
BASE FLOOD: The flood having a 1 percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year.
BASE FLOOD ELEVATION (BFE): The elevation of flooding, including wave height, having a 1 percent chance of being
equaled or exceeded in any given year.
BREAKAWAY WALL: Any type of wall subject to flooding that is not required to provide structural support to a building
or other structure and that is designed and constructed such that, under base flood or lesser flood conditions, it will collapse
in such a way that (1) it allows the free passage of floodwaters, and (2) it does not damage the structure or supporting foun-
dation system.
COASTAL A-ZONE: An area within a special flood hazard area, landward of a V-Zone or landward of an open coast without
mapped V-Zones. To be classified as a Coastal A-Zone, the principal source of flooding must be astronomical tides, storm
surges, seiches, or tsunamis, not riverine flooding, and the potential for breaking wave heights greater than or equal to 0.46
m must exist during the base flood.

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COASTAL HIGH HAZARD AREA (V-ZONE): An area within a special flood hazard area, extending from offshore to the
inland limit of a primary frontal dune along an open coast, and any other area that is subject to high-velocity wave action from
storms or seismic sources.
DESIGN FLOOD: The greater of the following two flood events:
1. The base flood, affecting those areas identified as special flood hazard areas or
2. The flood corresponding to the area designated as a flood hazard area on a community’s flood hazard map or otherwise
legally designated.
DESIGN FLOOD ELEVATION (DFE): The elevation of the design flood, including wave height, relative to the datum
specified on a community’s flood hazard map.
FLOOD HAZARD AREA: The greater of the following two areas:
1. The area within a flood plain subject to a 1-percent or greater chance of flooding in any year.
2. The area designated as a flood hazard area on a community’s flood hazard map, or otherwise legally designated.
FLOOD HAZARD MAP: The map delineating flood hazard areas adopted by the building official.
SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREA (AREA OF SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD): The land in the floodplain subject to a
1 percent or greater chance of flooding in any given year. These areas are as A-Zones or V-Zones.
1612.3 Establishment of flood hazard areas. To establish flood hazard areas, the applicable governing authority shall adopt a
flood hazard map and supporting data.
1612.4 Flood hazard documentation. The following documentation shall be prepared and sealed by a registered design pro-
fessional and submitted to the building official:

1. For construction in flood hazard areas other than coastal high hazard areas or coastal A zones:

1.1. The elevation of the lowest floor, including the basement, as required by the lowest floor elevation inspection in
Section 110.3.3 and for the final inspection in Section [Link].

1.2. For fully enclosed areas below the design flood elevation where provisions to allow for the automatic entry and
exit of floodwaters do not meet the minimum requirements in Section [Link] of ASCE 24, construction docu-
ments shall include a statement that the design will provide for equalization of hydrostatic flood forces in accord-
ance with Section [Link] of ASCE 24.

1.3. For dry floodproofed nonresidential buildings, construction documents shall include a statement that the dry flood-
proofing is designed in accordance with ASCE 24 and shall include the flood emergency plan specified in Chapter
6 of ASCE 24.

2. For construction in coastal high hazard areas and coastal A zones:

2.1. The elevation of the bottom of the lowest horizontal structural member as required by the lowest floor elevation
inspection in Section 110.3.3 and for the final inspection in Section [Link].

2.2. Construction documents shall include a statement that the building is designed in accordance with ASCE 24,
including that the pile or column foundation and building or structure to be attached thereto is designed to be
anchored to resist flotation, collapse and lateral movement due to the effects of wind and flood loads acting
simultaneously on all building components, and other load requirements of Chapter 16.

2.3. For breakaway walls designed to have a resistance of more than 1 kN/m2 determined using allowable stress
design, construction documents shall include a statement that the breakaway wall is designed in accordance with
ASCE 24.

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2.4. For breakaway walls where provisions to allow for the automatic entry and exit of floodwaters do not meet the
minimum requirements in Section [Link] of ASCE 24, construction documents shall include a statement that the
design will provide for equalization of hydrostatic flood forces in accordance with Section [Link] of ASCE 24.

SECTION 1613
EARTHQUAKE LOADS
1613.1 Scope. Every structure, and portion thereof, including nonstructural components that are permanently attached to struc-
tures and their supports and attachments, shall be designed and constructed to resist the effects of earthquake motions in accord-
ance with ASCE 7, excluding Chapter 14 and Appendix 11A and Appendix 11 B. References within ASCE 7 to Chapter 14 shall
not apply, except as specifically required herein. The seismic design category for a structure is permitted to be determined in
accordance with Section 1613 or ASCE 7.
Exceptions:
1. Agricultural storage structures intended only for incidental human occupancy.
2. Structures that require special consideration of their response characteristics and environment that are not addressed
by this code or ASCE 7 and for which other regulations provide seismic criteria, such as vehicular bridges, electrical
transmission towers, hydraulic structures, buried utility lines and their appurtenances and nuclear reactors.
3. Piers and wharves that are not accessible to the general public.
1613.2 Seismic ground motion values. Seismic ground motion values shall be determined in accordance with this section.
1613.2.1 Mapped acceleration parameters. The parameters SS and S1 shall be determined from the 0.2 and 1-second spectral
response accelerations shown on Figures 1613.2.1(1) through 1613.2.1(2). Where S1 is less than or equal to 0.04𝑔 and SS is
less than or equal to 0.15𝑔, the structure is permitted to be assigned Seismic Design Category A.

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FIGURE 1613.2.1(1)
RISK-TARGETED MAXIMUM CONSIDERED EARTHQUAKE (MCER)
0.2-SECOND SPECTRAL RESPONSE ACCELERATIONS (cm/s2) (5% OF CRITICAL DAMPING) FOR THE SULTANATE OF OMAN

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FIGURE 1613.2.1(2)
RISK-TARGETED MAXIMUM CONSIDERED EARTHQUAKE (MCER)
1-SECOND SPECTRAL RESPONSE ACCELERATIONS (cm/s2) (5% OF CRITICAL DAMPING) FOR THE SULTANATE OF OMAN

1613.2.2 Site class definitions. Based on the site soil properties, the site shall be classified as Site Class A, B, C, D, E or F in
accordance with Chapter 20 of ASCE 7.
Where the soil properties are not known in sufficient detail to determine the site class, Site Class D shall be used unless the
building official or geotechnical data determines that Site Class E or F soils are present at the site.

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1613.2.3 Site coefficients and adjusted maximum considered earthquake spectral response acceleration parameters.
The maximum considered earthquake spectral response acceleration for short periods, SMS, and at 1-second period, SM1,
adjusted for site class effects shall be determined by Equations 16-20 and 16-21, respectively:

SMS = FaSS (Equation 16-20)

SM1 = Fv S1 (Equation 16-21)

where:
Fa = Site coefficient defined in Table 1613.2.3(1).
Fv = Site coefficient defined in Table 1613.2.3(2).
SS = The mapped spectral accelerations for short periods as determined in Section 1613.2.1.
S1 = The mapped spectral accelerations for a 1-second period as determined in Section 1613.2.1.

TABLE 1613.2.3(1)
VALUES OF SITE COEFFICIENT Fa

MAPPED RISK-TARGETED MAXIMUM CONSIDERED EARTHQUAKE (MCER) SPECTRAL

RESPONSE ACCELERATION PARAMETER AT SHORT PERIOD
SITE CLASS

𝑺𝒔 ≤ 𝟎. 𝟐𝟓 𝑺𝒔 = 𝟎. 𝟓 𝑺𝒔 = 𝟎. 𝟕𝟓

A 0.8 0.8 0.8

B 0.9 0.9 0.9

C 1.3 1.3 1.2

D 1.6 1.4 1.2

E 2.4 1.7 1.3

F Note a
a. Values shall be determined in accordance with Section 11.4.8 of ASCE 7.

TABLE 1613.2.3(2)
VALUES OF SITE COEFFICIENT FV

MAPPED RISK-TARGETED MAXIMUM CONSIDERED EARTHQUAKE (MCER) SPECTRAL

RESPONSE ACCELERATION PARAMETER AT SHORT PERIOD
SITE CLASS
𝑺𝟏 ≤ 𝟎. 𝟏 𝑺𝟏 = 𝟎. 𝟐

A 0.8 0.8

B 0.8 0.8

C 1.5 1.5

D 2.4 2.2a

E 4.2 3.3a

F See Section 11.4.8 of ASCE 7

a. See requirements for site-specific ground motions in ASCE 7 Section 11.4.8. These values of Fv shall be used
only for the calculation of TS, determination of seismic design category, linear interpolation for intermediate
values of S1, and when taking the exceptions under Items 1 and 3 of Section 11.4.8 of ASCE 7 for the calculation
of SD1.

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1613.2.4 Design spectral response acceleration parameters. Five-percent damped design spectral response acceleration at
short periods, SDS, and at 1-second period, SD1, shall be determined from Equations 16-22 and Equation 16-23, respectively:
𝟐
SDS = 𝟑 𝑺𝑴𝑺/𝒈 (Equation 16-22)

𝟐
SD1 = 𝑺𝑴𝟏/𝒈 (Equation 16-23)
𝟑

where:
SMS = The maximum considered earthquake spectral response accelerations for short period as determined in Section
1613.2.3.
SM1 = The maximum considered earthquake spectral response accelerations for 1-second period as determined in Section
1613.2.3.
1613.2.5 Determination of seismic design category. Structures shall be assigned to a seismic design category based on their
risk category and the design spectral response acceleration parameters, SDS and SD1, determined in accordance with Section
1613.2.4 or the site-specific procedures of ASCE 7. Each building and structure shall be assigned to the more severe seismic
design category in accordance with Table 1613.2.5(1) or 1613.2.5(2), irrespective of the fundamental period of vibration of
the structure, T.

TABLE 1613.2.5(1)
SEISMIC DESIGN CATEGORY BASED ON SHORT-PERIOD (0.2 second) RESPONSE ACCELERATION
RISK CATEGORY
VALUE OF SDS
I or II III IV

SDS< 0.167g A A A

0.167g ≤ SDS < 0.33g B B C

0.33g ≤ SDS < 0.50g C C D

0.50g ≤ SDS D D D

TABLE 1613.2.5(2)
SEISMIC DESIGN CATEGORY BASED ON 1-SECOND PERIOD RESPONSE ACCELERATION
RISK CATEGORY
VALUE OF SD1
I or II III IV

SD1< 0.067g A A A

0.067g ≤ SD1 < 0.133g B B C

0.133g ≤ SD1 < 0.20g C C D

0.20g ≤ SD1 D D D

1613.2.5.1 Alternative seismic design category determination. The seismic design category is permitted to be determined
from Table 1613.2.5(1) alone where all of the following apply:
1. In each of the two orthogonal directions, the approximate fundamental period of the structure, Ta, determined in
accordance with Section [Link] of ASCE 7, is less than 0.8 Ts determined in accordance with Section 11.8.6 of
ASCE 7.
2. In each of the two orthogonal directions, the fundamental period of the structure used to calculate the story drift is
less than Ts.
3. Equation 12.8-2 of ASCE 7 is used to determine the seismic response coefficient, Cs.

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4. The diaphragms are rigid or are permitted to be idealized as rigid in accordance with Section 12.3.1 of ASCE 7 or,
for diaphragms permitted to be idealized as flexible in accordance with Section 12.3.1 of ASCE 7, the distances
between vertical elements of the seismic force-resisting system do not exceed 12 m.
1613.3 Ballasted photovoltaic panel systems. Ballasted, roof-mounted photovoltaic panel systems need not be rigidly attached
to the roof or supporting structure. Ballasted non-penetrating systems shall be designed and installed only on roofs with slopes
not more than one unit vertical in 12 units horizontal. Ballasted nonpenetrating systems shall be designed to resist sliding and
uplift resulting from lateral and vertical forces as required by Section 1605, using a coefficient of friction determined by accepta-
ble engineering principles. In structures assigned to Seismic Design Category C or D, ballasted nonpenetrating systems shall be
designed to accommodate seismic displacement determined by nonlinear response history or other approved analysis or shake-
table testing, using input motions consistent with ASCE 7 lateral and vertical seismic forces for nonstructural components on
roofs.
1613.4 Amendments to ASCE 7. The provisions of this section shall be permitted as amendments to the relevant provisions in
ASCE 7.
1613.4.1 Delete Section 12.14 Simplified Alternative Structural Design Criteria for Simple Bearing Wall or Building Frame
Systems.
1613.4.2 Replace Table 20.3-1 Site Classification with the following table.

TABLE 20.3-1
SITE CLASSIFICATION

v.s 𝑵0 or 𝑵
0 S. u
SOIL CLASS ch
(m/s) (BLOWS/300 mm) (kPa)

A. Hard rock > 1500 NA NA

B. Rock 760–1500 NA NA
C. Very dense soil and soft rock 360–760 > 50 100
D. Stiff soil 180–360 15–50 50–100
< 180 < 15 < 50

Any profile with more than 3 m of soil that has the following characteristics:
E. Soft clay soil Plasticity index, PI > 20
Moisture content: w ³ 50%
Undrained shear strength: s̅u < 25 kPa

1. Soils vulnerable to potential failure or collapse under seismic loading such as

liquefiable soils, quick and highly sensitive clays, collapsible weakly cemented
soils.
F. Soils requiring site response analysis 2. Peat and/or highly organic clays with thickness of more than 3 m.
3. Very high plasticity clays with thickness of more than 7.5 m and PI > 75.
4. Very thick, soft/medium stiff clays with thickness of more than 35 m and
s̅u < 50 kPa.

1613.4.3 In Section 11.4.6 (Design Response Spectrum), modify the definition of the term in ASCE 7, Section 11.4.6 to read
as follows:
TL = long-period transition period (s). Shall be taken as 8 s.

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SECTION 1614
RESERVED

SECTION 1615
RESERVED

SECTION 1616
STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY
1616.1 General. High-rise buildings that are assigned to Risk Category III or IV shall comply with the requirements of Section
1616.2 if they are frame structures, or Section 1616.3 if they are bearing wall structures.
1616.2 Frame structures. Frame structures shall comply with the requirements of this section.
1616.2.1 Concrete frame structures. Frame structures constructed primarily of reinforced or prestressed concrete, either
cast-in-place or precast, or a combination of these, shall conform to the requirements of Section 4.10 of ACI 318. Where ACI
318 requires that nonprestressed reinforcing or prestressing steel pass through the region bounded by the longitudinal column
reinforcement, that reinforcing or prestressing steel shall have a minimum nominal tensile strength equal to two-thirds of the
required one-way vertical strength of the connection of the floor or roof system to the column in each direction of beam or
slab reinforcement passing through the column.
Exception: Where concrete slabs with continuous reinforcement having an area not less than 0.0015 times the concrete
area in each of two orthogonal directions are present and are either monolithic with or equivalently bonded to beams,
girders or columns, the longitudinal reinforcing or prestressing steel passing through the column reinforcement shall have
a nominal tensile strength of one-third of the required one-way vertical strength of the connection of the floor or roof system
to the column in each direction of beam or slab reinforcement passing through the column.
1616.2.2 Structural steel, open web steel joist or joist girder, or composite steel and concrete frame structures. Frame
structures constructed with a structural steel frame or a frame composed of open web steel joists, joist girders with or without
other structural steel elements or a frame composed of composite steel or composite steel joists and reinforced concrete ele-
ments shall conform to the requirements of this section.
1616.2.2.1 Columns. Each column splice shall have the minimum design strength in tension to transfer the design dead
and live load tributary to the column between the splice and the splice or base immediately below.
1616.2.2.2 Beams. End connections of all beams and girders shall have a minimum nominal axial tensile strength equal to
the required vertical shear strength for allowable stress design (ASD) or two-thirds of the required shear strength for load
and resistance factor design (LRFD) but not less than 45 kN. For the purpose of this section, the shear force and the axial
tensile force need not be considered to act simultaneously.
Exception: Where beams, girders, open web joist and joist girders support a concrete slab or concrete slab on metal
deck that is attached to the beam or girder with not less than 10 mm headed shear studs, at a spacing of not more than
300 mm on center, averaged over the length of the member, or other attachment having equivalent shear strength, and
the slab contains continuous distributed reinforcement in each of two orthogonal directions with an area not less than
0.0015 times the concrete area, the nominal axial tension strength of the end connection shall be permitted to be taken
as half the required vertical shear strength for ASD or one-third of the required shear strength for LRFD, but not less
than 45 kN.
1616.3 Bearing wall structures. Bearing wall structures shall have vertical ties in all load-bearing walls and longitudinal ties,
transverse ties and perimeter ties at each floor level in accordance with this section and as shown in Figure 1616.3.

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FIGURE 1616.3
LONGITUDINAL, PERIMETER, TRANSVERSE AND VERTICAL TIES

1616.3.1 Concrete wall structures. Precast bearing wall structures constructed solely of reinforced or prestressed concrete,
or combinations of these shall conform to the requirements of Sections 16.2.4 and 16.2.5 of ACI 318.
1616.3.2 Other bearing wall structures. Ties in bearing wall structures other than those covered in Section 1616.3.1 shall
conform to this section.
1616.3.2.1 Longitudinal ties. Longitudinal ties shall consist of continuous reinforcement in slabs; continuous or spliced
decks or sheathing; continuous or spliced members framing to, within or across walls; or connections of continuous framing
members to walls. Longitudinal ties shall extend across interior load-bearing walls and shall connect to exterior load-
bearing walls and shall be spaced at not greater than 3 m on center. Ties shall have a minimum nominal tensile strength,
TT, given by Equation 16-24. For ASD the minimum nominal tensile strength shall be permitted to be taken as 1.5 times
the allowable tensile stress times the area of the tie.

TT = w LS £ aTS (Equation 16-24)

where:
L = The span of the horizontal element in the direction of the tie, between bearing walls, m.
w = The weight per unit area of the floor or roof in the span being tied to or across the wall, N/m2.
S = The spacing between ties, m.
αT = A coefficient with a value of 22 kN/m for masonry bearing wall structures and a value of 5.5 kN/m for structures
with bearing walls of cold-formed steel light-frame construction.
1616.3.2.2 Transverse ties. Transverse ties shall consist of continuous reinforcement in slabs; continuous or spliced decks
or sheathing; continuous or spliced members framing to, within or across walls; or connections of continuous framing
members to walls. Transverse ties shall be placed not farther apart than the spacing of load-bearing walls. Transverse ties
shall have minimum nominal tensile strength TT, given by Equation 16-24. For ASD the minimum nominal tensile strength
shall be permitted to be taken as 1.5 times the allowable tensile stress times the area of the tie.

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1616.3.2.3 Perimeter ties. Perimeter ties shall consist of continuous reinforcement in slabs; continuous or spliced decks or
sheathing; continuous or spliced members framing to, within or across walls; or connections of continuous framing mem-
bers to walls. Ties around the perimeter of each floor and roof shall be located within 1.2 m of the edge and shall provide
a nominal strength in tension not less than Tp, given by Equation 16-25. For ASD the minimum nominal tensile strength
shall be permitted to be taken as 1.5 times the allowable tensile stress times the area of the tie.

Tp = 90.7w ≤ βT (Equation 16-25)

where:
w = As defined in Section 1616.3.2.1.
βT = A coefficient with a value of 71 kN for structures with masonry bearing walls and a value of 17.8 kN for structures
with bearing walls of cold-formed steel light-frame construction.
1616.3.2.4 Vertical ties. Vertical ties shall consist of continuous or spliced reinforcing, continuous or spliced members, wall
sheathing or other engineered systems. Vertical tension ties shall be provided in bearing walls and shall be continuous over
the height of the building. The minimum nominal tensile strength for vertical ties within a bearing wall shall be equal to the
weight of the wall within that story plus the weight of the diaphragm tributary to the wall in the story below. Not fewer than
two ties shall be provided for each wall. The strength of each tie need not exceed 44 kN/m of wall tributary to the tie for
walls of masonry construction or 11 kN/m of wall tributary to the tie for walls of cold-formed steel light-frame construction.

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