Occupancy Category Seismic Requirements and your Responsibility

August 24th, 2010

According to the IBC, Occupancy Categories for flood, wind, snow, earthquake, and ice loads are assigned to every building or structure.  Within the IBC there are Categories I, II, III, and IV.  

 Category I 

Buildings and other structures that represent a low hazard to human life in the event of failure:

Agricultural facilities. Certain temporary facilities. Minor storage facilities.

Category II

Buildings and other structures except those listed in Occupancy Categories I, III and IV (This is where the IBC has a sense of humor!)

Category III

Buildings and other structures that represent a substantial hazard to human life in the event of failure. A few examples include:
Covered structures whose primary occupancy is public assembly with an occupant load greater than 300. Buildings and other structures with elementary school, secondary school or day care facilities with an occupant load greater than 250. Health care facilities with an occupant load of 50 or more resident patients, but not having surgery or emergency treatment facilities. Jails and detention facilities. 

Category IV

Buildings and other structures designated as essential facilities. A few examples include:

Hospitals and other health care facilities having surgery or emergency treatment facilities. Fire, rescue and police stations and emergency vehicle garages. Designated earthquake, hurricane or other emergency shelters. Buildings and other structures having critical national defense functions. 

 

Seismic design is based on the occupancy category, the location, and the importance factor of the designated equipment.  The occupancy category is assigned during the design stage of each individual building.

 

Questions about Seismic Applications?  Want a free seminar on the basics of seismic applications? Call us at 901-685-8800, or email us at sales [at] bedsonreps [dot] com !

 

 

Bedson Reps provides reliable solutions for Industrial Ventilation, Heating, Dust/Oil Mist/Smoke Collection, Vibration and Seismic Restraints for Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Alabama.