Model Code Design Force Provisions for Elements of Structures and Nonstructural Components

With the publication of the 1997 Uniform Building Code (UBC) and the 1997 NEHRP Recommended Provisions for the Seismic Regulations for New Buildings and Other Structures, there has been a significant change in the earthquake design force provisions for buildings, structures, elements of structures and nonstructural components. Engineers and architects need to become informed regarding a variety of earthquake design force provisions, primarily those published in the UBC and those developed as part of the NEHRP Provisions. Both sources provide design force provisions for the building structural system and separate design force provisions for elements of structures and nonstructural components. This paper describes the development, evolution, and application of the earthquake design force provisions for elements of structures and nonstructural components.