Overview of seismic provisions of the proposed 2005 edition of the National Building Code of Canada

Abstract

The proposed 2005 edition of the National Building Code of Canada (NBCC) will contain very significant changes in the provisions for seismic loading and design. A brief history of the NBCC seismic provisions is presented followed by a discussion of the reasons for introducing such major changes in the next edition of the code. The major changes to the seismic provisions are summarized; this includes updated hazard in spectral format, change in return period (probability of exceedance), period-dependent site factors, delineation of effects of overstrength and ductility, modified period calculation formulae, explicit recognition of higher mode effects, rational treatment of irregularities, triggers for special provisions incorporated directly in classification of structural systems, and placing dynamic analysis as the normal "default" method of analysis for use in seismic design. The impact of these changes on the seismic level of protection is considered by comparing the 2005 NBCC and 1995 NBCC base shear coefficients for a selection of common structural systems located on a range of site conditions in three urban areas having low to high levels of seismic hazard, i.e., Toronto, Montréal, and Vancouver.Key words: seismic, design, loading, code, hazard, buildings, structures, foundations, period, analysis.