Basic Seismic Design Workflow with Examples for Low Seismicity —Digital Version

The NCSEA design guide presents simple examples for low seismic regions. It is intended that this guide may be used as a workflow and checklist while designing larger, and more complicated buildings, thus promoting more consistent and reliable calculations while minimizing errors or omissions.

The learning objectives for the guide include:

• Learn how to navigate through the ASCE 7 Seismic Provisions by following a defined Workflow procedure.
• Learn seismic design application by reviewing example calculations for simple buildings.
• Learn the benefits of following the Workflow and a simple example while designing a similar but more complex building.

Structural engineers who are at the beginning of their career or have minimal seismic design experience will improve their knowledge and understanding of seismic design.  Additionally, experienced structural engineers designing structures will benefit from the Guide as it will confirm knowledge, help minimize errors, and provide a consistent format for calculations.

Thank you to our sponsors, DuraFuse Frames and Simpson Strong-Tie.

Thomas Heausler has over 40 years of structural engineering experience. He served as Chair of the NCSEA Seismic Code Advisory Committee and has been a voting member of ASCE 7 Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures, Seismic Committee since 2006. Mr. Heausler has presented at numerous professional conferences and webinars including the Annual meetings of NCSEA, ASCE, SEAOC, SEAKM and EERI and has written technical articles in Structure magazine.  He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Tulane University in New Orleans, LA.  Mr. Heausler is licensed in 27 states and serves as an independent structural engineer, engaged by engineering firms, for mentoring, senior review, and seismic code interpretations and guidance.

David A. Fanella is the Vice President of Engineering at the Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute. He has over 30 years of experience in the design of a wide variety of buildings and other structures. He is a member of several ACI Committees and serves on ASCE Committee 7, Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures. In 2014, he was the recipient of the Alfred E. Lindau Award from the American Concrete Institute for outstanding contributions to reinforced concrete design practice. David is a past board member and president of the Structural Engineers Association of Illinois.

Jun Ye has 27 years of structural engineering experience. He has designed a variety of projects, including public facilities, major hospitals, university buildings, and industrial plants. With a special interest in seismic engineering, he served as a member of the NCSEA Seismic Code Advisory Committee. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Tongji University in China and a master’s degree from the University of Cincinnati. Mr. Ye is licensed in four states, including California.

Patrick Lindblom has 16 years of structural engineering experience. He serves as a voting member of the NCSEA Seismic Code Advisory Committee and is an associate member of ASCE 7 Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures, Main and Seismic Committees. He is on the Board of Directors for SEAW and has delivered a technical presentation at the Los Angeles Tall Buildings Design Council annual conference. Mr. Lindblom is also an active member on ACI, EERI, CTBUH, and NAIOP. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington in Seattle, WA. Mr. Lindblom is a licensed Structural Engineer in the state of Washington and a licensed Professional Engineer in the state of California.

With 25+ years of experience, Martin Maingot has designed a wide range of project types, from of mixed-use, multi-family residential, retail, office, parking, hospitality, to sports and educational projects across North America and is currently active in a variety of professional organizations, including the Post Tensioning Institute (PTI), where he serves on the Board of Directors and various committees; the American Concrete Institute (ACI) on ACI 320 Joint ACI-PTI Committee; the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) associate member on ASCE 7-28 Main Committee, Seismic Subcommittee and Wind Subcommittee; and served on the NCSEA Code Advisory Committee Seismic Provisions. Martin holds Bachelors and master’s degrees in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University College Station and is a licensed Professional Engineer in five states and licensed Structural Engineer in two states.