2016 Issue

CODE PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES It is critical that building owners understand the objectives of the building code: “Life Safety” for 2/3 MCER and “Collapse Pre- vention” for the MCER. This understanding must include the expected level of structural and nonstructural damage that could occur with each performance state. The term “Life Safety” has a specific code and engineering connotation, meaning that the building has reserve capacity to resist aftershocks. It also means that the non- structural components are still attached and do not fall. What building owner wouldn’t want their building to be safe during an earthquake, meaning that everyone can get out of the building safely and no one is killed. (The term “Life Safety” has two very different connotations. A building owner may say he/she wants “Life Safety” when “Collapse Prevention” would be an acceptable performance state.) Rather than only using the engineering terms “Immediate Occupancy”, “Life Safety”, and “Collapse Prevention” let’s be descriptive so that owners have a better understanding of performance. Talking Point #4: Engineers use the following terms to de- scribe building performance: “Immediate Occupancy” means that the building can be used following some cleanup and that it can be occupied during repairs. “Life Safety” means that the building will have significant structural damage, but it has extra strength and stiffness to resist after- shocks. It also means that nonstructural components stay attached to the building. “Collapse Prevention” means that the SEISMIC | continued from page 51 52