Code Determination Number: 14

Date: April 8, 2024, revised April 13, 2026

Code Edition: 2021 IBC, ASCE/SEI 7-22, 2109 NFPA 13

Code Section: IBC Chapters 16 and 17, ASCE/SEI 7-22 Chapter 13, NFPA 13 Chapter 18: seismic bracing design requirements and special inspections for nonstructural components (re. plumbing, mechanical, electrical, fire sprinkler systems, storage rack systems).

Subject: Determining Seismic Design Category and Special Inspection requirements for non-structural components.

Questions (from various UM Staff and Design Consultants):

  • How do I determine what the seismic design category is for my project?
  • When are special inspections for seismic resistance needed for non-structural building components (plumbing, mechanical, electrical, storage racks, sprinklers, etc.)?
  • What needs to be provided on the drawings for Seismic Design and special inspection requirements?
  • Is there a specification available?

Answer (from UM AHJ):

The answers that follow are provided in a tutorial format for ease of understanding.

The IBC requires earthquake design data (seismic information) to be included in the construction drawings regardless if the information applies to structural design or not (ref. IBC 1603.1.5). Many project scopes of work do not affect the building structure itself, but seismic bracing may still be required for the building infrastructure and system components.

Determining the Seismic Design Category (SDC)

This involves three factors:

  • The mapped spectral response parameters or software-based mapping results
  • The site classification (re. a soils classification provided by a formal geotechnical report, or a presumptive classification per code)
  • The Building Risk Category (I, II, III, or IV – see the Risk Category table in IBC Chapter 16)

Users may use online seismic design calculators to determine the proper SDC:

Using online seismic design classification tools

Use the following city and state for the various campuses:

  • MU – Columbia, MO
  • MS&T – Rolla, MO
  • UMSL – Ferguson, MO
  • UMKC – Kansas City, MO

(For off-campus projects, recenter the map or enter the nearest town.)

  • Select the correct version of the ASCE 7 design standard (current version is ASCE 7‑22).
  • Select the building risk category (per IBC Table 1605.4).
  • Select the site classification from the geotechnical report. If unavailable, the code requires an assumed Site Class D (IBC 1613.2.2).
  • Run the report and enter the resulting SDC and Site Class on the permit application and code information plan sheet.

Determining seismic special inspection requirements for non-structural components

  • Review IBC Chapter 17 for applicable special inspection requirements.
  • Review NFPA 13 Chapter 18 for sprinkler bracing requirements.
  • Review ASCE 7‑22 Section 13.1.3 to determine the required Importance Factor (Ip).
  • Ensure Importance Factor information is shown in project drawings and Specification 20 0800.

Table of Seismic Special Inspections

Once the list of special inspections is determined, insert a table of special inspections for non-structural components in the project drawings.

Specification for non-structural component seismic bracing

  • Consultants shall use Specification 20 0800 – Seismic Protection and include it in the project manual.
  • Editable fields must align with calculated SDC, systems included, seismic design criteria, and Importance Factor.
  • Specification data shall match the seismic calculator results and drawing information.

Exceptions

Per IBC 1704.2, Exception 2, special inspections are not required for Use Group U occupancies. Confirm proper Use Group determination with the consultant, inspector, or UM AHJ as required.

Delegated design of non-structural component seismic bracing

Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ allows delegated design for seismic bracing, vibration, and seismic controls for fire suppression piping, mechanical, electrical, plumbing systems, and storage racks. Confirm approval with the campus Project Manager during the initial construction document design phases.

Related Reference

Specification 20 0800 – Seismic Protection (PDF)