Omega Factor Discussion
Omega Factor Discussion
1630.3.1 Determination of Ω0. For specific elements of the structure, as specifically identified in
this code, the minimum design strength shall be the product of the seismic force over-strength
factor Ω0 and the design seismic forces set forth in section 1630. For both Allowable Stress
Design and Strength Design, the Seismic Force Overstrength Factor Ω0, shall be taken from Table
16-N.
and most prominently utilized in Section 1630.1.1 Equation (30-2) Em = Ω0Eh., where Eh is the earthquake
load due to the base shear, V, or the design seismic force, Fp (including the design seismic force on a
diaphragm, Fpx), and Em is the estimated maximum earthquake force that can be developed in the structure.
Note that the code paragraph regarding determination of Ω0 states that it is to be used for specific elements
of the structure, as specifically identified in this code. The code identifies the use of Ω0 generally by
invoking the Special Seismic Load Combinations.
1612.4 Special Seismic Load Combinations. For both the Allowable Stress Design and Strength
Design, the following special load combinations for seismic design shall be used as specifically
required by Chapter 16, Division IV, or by Chapters 18 through 23:
Note that the horizontal component of Em is Ω0 times the seismic force E (not Ω0 E/1.4); thus if allowable
stress design is being utilized and the analysis results are in terms of a reduced element seismic force E/1.4,
that force must be multiplied by 1.4 to be used in this equation in order to be compared to member strength.
The Special Seismic Load Combination is specifically identified in the following locations in Chapter 16:
Exceptions: 1. The quantity Em in Section 1612.4 need not exceed the maximum force
that can be transferred to the element by the lateral-force-resisting system.
2. Concrete slabs supporting light-frame wood shear wall systems or light-frame steel
and wood structural panel shear wall systems.
A typical and illustrative yet somewhat complex application of this provision is to a discontinuous wood
shear wall over a beam. The Ω0 factor should not be applied to the design of the shear wall nailing, the
boundary member, or the hold down. The Ω0 factor should be applied to the bending and shear design
forces for the beam, connection of the beam to the column, the column and the column connection to the
foundation, as noted in Section 1809.3 (see below).
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Note that there is no analytic basis for Exception 2 for concrete slabs supporting light frame shear wall
systems and that this exception does not exist in ASCE 7-02. SEAOC Seismology Committee concurs that
this exception is not appropriate.
1633.2.6 Collector Elements: In addition, collector elements, splices, and their connections to
resisting elements shall have the design strength to resist the combined loads resulting from the
special seismic load of Section 1612.4.
Note that collectors are also required to be provided as necessary to resist the diaphragm force, Fpx from
equation (33-1), and designed per 1633.2.6.
In addition, in Chapter 22, Division V (ASD version) the Omega factor is specifically identified in multiple
locations, often with the phrase Ω0 times the design seismic forces. Again note that design seismic forces is
defined in Section 1627 as the minimum total strength design base shear, thus if a reduced ASD level base
shear has been used to determine element forces then the base shear should be factored up by 1.4 prior to
applying Ω0.
2220.2 Boundary Members and Anchorage. Boundary members and the uplift anchorage thereto
shall have the strength to resist the forces determined by the load combinations in Section
2213.5.1 Column Strength Requirements.
Thus for this type of shear wall, the boundary elements and hold downs are to be designed for the strength
of the wall or Ω0 times the design seismic forces so that shear yielding of the panel is the predominant
yielding mode.
The Special Seismic Load combination is also indirectly identified in Chapter 18, Section 1809, Foundation
Construction – Seismic Zones 3 and 4.
For instance, since Section 2213.5 Column Requirements specifically identifies the Ω0 factor, Section
1809.3 requires the column-to-foundation connection to be designed for a load combination which includes
the Ω0 factor.
Where not specifically called out, the Special Seismic Load combination is not intended to be used, even
when collectors or load transfers are involved. For example, the Standard Load combinations should be
used to determine the design stress for the following provision:
1921.6.2.3 Structural-truss elements, struts, ties and collector elements with compressive stresses
exceeding .2f’c shall have special transverse reinforcement.
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