2018 IBC STRUCTURAL UPDATES

SNICC/SEASoN JOINT MEETING

By Gerald Gunny, P.E., S.E.

2018 CONSTRUCTION CODE ADOPTION
2018 CONSTRUCTION CODE ADOPTION
• Where can I find the Southern Nevada Building Code
Amendments to the 2018 I-codes?
http://www.snbo.org/

Click here
2018 CONSTRUCTION CODE ADOPTION
http://www.snbo.org/
2018 CONSTRUCTION CODE ADOPTION
http://www.snbo.org/
ROADMAP

• General overview of the structural changes and

updates to the 2018 IBC and the Southern
Nevada Amendments to the 2018 IBC
ROADMAP
 2018 IBC EFFECTIVE DATE
FEBRUARY 4, 2019
• Contact each specific jurisdiction (AHJ) for exceptions
2018 IBC STRUCTURAL UPDATES
2012 vs. 2018

Tale of the Tape

$837 $1017
*Source: ICC Bookstore
What will be the major changes
with the 2018 IBC?
2018 IBC STRUCTURAL CHANGES
• All new referenced standards
2018 IBC STRUCTURAL CHANGES
All new referenced standards
• ASCE 7-16, Design Loads (Chapter 16)
• ACI 318-14, Concrete (Chapter 19)
• TMS 402/602-16, Masonry (Chapter 21)
• AISC 360-16, Steel (Chapter 22)
• AISC 341-16, Seismic Provisions for Steel (Chapter 22)
• AISI S100-16, Cold-formed Steel (Chapter 22)
• AWC NDS-18, Wood (Chapter 23)
• AWC SDPWS-15, Wind and Seismic for Wood (Ch. 23)
2018 IBC STRUCTURAL CHANGES
All new referenced standards
• TIA 222-H-16 Tower Structures (Chapters 16 and 31)
• RMI ANSI/MH16.1-12, Steel Storage Racks (Chapter 22)
• RMI ANSI/MH16.3-16, Cantilevered Steel Storage Racks
(Chapter 22) – New Standard
• SJI CJ-16 Composite Steel Joists
• SJI 100-15 Steel Joists and Girders
• SDI C-17, SDI NC-17, SDI RD-17 Steel Decks
2018 IBC STRUCTURAL CHANGES
QUIZ QUESTION: If there is a code conflict between the
IBC (base code) and a referenced standard, which one will
govern?

ANSWER: In general, the provisions of the IBC (base code)

shall apply.

However, some administrative codes require the most

restrictive provision to govern.
2018 IBC STRUCTURAL CHANGES
• Existing Building Structures deleted from Chapter 34
(actually deleted during the 2015 code cycle)
• 2018 International Existing Building Code, IEBC, now
adopted
• The provisions that were previously in Chapter 34 now
appear in the IEBC
• Intended to provide requirements for repair and
alternative approaches for alterations and additions to
existing buildings
2018 IBC STRUCTURAL CHANGES
• The IEBC provides 3 main options for a designer in
dealing with alterations of existing buildings
• However, all repairs must comply with Chapter 4
• OPTION 1: PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE METHOD
derived from the former Chapter 34 of the IBC
• OPTION 2: WORK COMPLIANCE METHOD
• OPTION 3: PERFORMANCE COMPLIANCE METHOD
2018 IBC STRUCTURAL CHANGES
IBC Section 1603.1 (Construction Documents)
• Construction documents for buildings constructed in
accordance with the conventional light-frame
construction provisions of Section 2308 shall indicate
the following structural design information:
1. Floor and roof dead and live loads

• This was a 2018 IBC code change proposal submitted by

SNICC and approved at the ICC group B code hearings!
• Previously a Southern Nevada Building Code
Amendment now incorporated into the IBC
• Note only required on non-engineered construction
documents that utilize the structural prescriptive
provisions!
2018 IBC STRUCTURAL CHANGES
IBC SECTION 1603 Construction Documents
• 1603.1.8 Special loads. Special loads that are
applicable to the design of the building, structure or
portions thereof, including but not limited to the
loads of machinery or equipment, and that are
greater than specified floor and roof loads shall be
specified by their descriptions and locations.

• 1603.1.8.1 Photovoltaic panel systems. The dead load

of rooftop-mounted photovoltaic panel systems,
including rack support systems, shall be indicated on
the construction documents
2018 IBC STRUCTURAL CHANGES
IBC SECTION 1604.5 Risk Category
• Risk Category is assigned to each building or structure
based upon nature of occupancy and risk associated
with unacceptable performance

• Risk Category I - Low hazard

• Risk Category II - Common
• Risk Category III - Important
• Risk Category IV - Essential
2018 IBC STRUCTURAL CHANGES
IBC SECTION 1604.5 Risk Category
• Risk Category used in IBC for multiple purposes
including
• Importance Factors used to determine the design
loads for snow, seismic, ice, etc.
• Determination of Wind Speed
• Determination of Seismic Design Category
• Special Inspection and Structural Observation
requirements
2018 IBC STRUCTURAL CHANGES
IBC SECTION 1604.5 Risk Category
• In the application of assigning the appropriate risk
category for a structure, Section 1604.5 has been
revised (2015 IBC) to clarify that where standards refer
to ASCE 7 Table 1.5-1, IBC Table 1604.5 should be used
instead.
• In addition, buildings of Group I-2 occupancies in Table
1604.5 have been revised to include condition
classifications and to clarify the intent between Risk
Category III and IV for these occupancies
• With Group I-2 occupancies having surgery or
emergency treatment facilities being classified as Risk
Category IV
2018 IBC STRUCTURAL CHANGES
IBC SECTION 1604.5 Risk Category
2018 IBC STRUCTURAL CHANGES
IBC SECTION 1607.5 Partition Loads

• Editorial change from the 2015 IBC; previously the

provision was worded such that the specified live load
had to be greater than 80 psf (not including 80 psf) to
not include partition loading
2018 IBC STRUCTURAL CHANGES
IBC SECTION 1604.9
Wind and Seismic Detailing

• References within ASCE 7 to ASCE 7 Chapter 14

detailing requirements shall not apply except as
specifically required herein
2018 IBC STRUCTURAL CHANGES
IBC SECTION 1607 Live Loads
1607.13.5 Photovoltaic panel systems.
• Must be designed for each of the following uniform
and concentrated roof loads:
• Roof live load + PV system dead load
• Exception: Roof live loads need not be
applied to the area covered by PV panels
where the clear space between the panels
and roof surface is 24 inches or less

• All applicable roof loads without the PV system

2018 IBC STRUCTURAL CHANGES
IBC SECTION 1607 Live Loads
• Balconies and decks (Table 1607.1)
• 1.5 times live load served
• Not required to exceed 100 psf
• Residential balcony live load example: 60 psf
IBC CHAPTER 1 – SCOPE AND
ADMINISTRATION
• Not adopted by local jurisdictions

• Should we dismiss it completely?

• Local jurisdictions have their own Administrative Code

which cover most provisions in this chapter except…

• When new provisions are added and need to be

considered
IBC CHAPTER 1 – SCOPE AND
ADMINISTRATION
SOUTHERN NEVADA AMENDMENTS

• Local jurisdictions have their own administrative code

that cover most provisions in this chapter
2018 IBC Section 107.2.5
[A]107.2.5 Exterior balconies and elevated walking
surfaces. Where balconies or other elevated walking
surfaces are exposed to water from direct or blowing rain,
snow, or irrigation, and the structural framing is protected
by an impervious moisture barrier, the construction
documents shall include details for all elements of the
impervious moisture barrier system. The construction
documents shall include manufacturer’s installation
instructions.
2018 IBC Section 110.3.6
[A]110.3.6 Weather-exposed balcony and walking surface
waterproofing. Where balconies or other elevated
walking surfaces are exposed to water from direct or
blowing rain, snow or irrigation, and the structural framing
is protected by an impervious moisture barrier, all
elements of the impervious moisture barrier system shall
not be concealed until inspected and approved.
Exception: Where special inspections are provided in
accordance with Section 1705.1.1, Item 3.
2018 IBC Section 110.3.6 Cont.
For reference:
2018 IBC Chapter 23
2018 IRC Balcony/Deck Example
2018 IBC STRUCTURAL CHANGES
IBC SECTION 1607 Live Loads
SOUTHERN NEVADA AMENDMENTS
2018 IBC STRUCTURAL CHANGES
IBC SECTION 1607 Live Loads
• 1607.15.2 Fire walls. In order to meet the structural
stability requirements of Section 706.2 where the
structure on either side of the wall has collapsed, fire
walls and their supports shall be designed to withstand
a minimum horizontal allowable stress load of 5 psf.
2018 IBC STRUCTURAL CHANGES
IBC SECTION 1609 Wind Loads
• New Wind Speed Maps are from ASCE 7-16 and based
upon Risk Category for structure
• Updated study of wind data across the country was
completed during this last code cycle
• In general wind speeds away from coastal hurricane
regions were reduced
• The most significant reduction occurs in the western
states which decreased by approximately 15%
• Why the reductions in wind speed?
• More weather stations available for data collection
• Increased forestation and urbanization
• Note Wind Speed transitions on the maps vary for each
Risk Category
2018 IBC STRUCTURAL CHANGES
2012 IBC WIND SPEED MAP

RISK CATEGORY II BUILDINGS

2018 IBC STRUCTURAL CHANGES
2018 IBC WIND SPEED MAP

RISK CATEGORY II BUILDINGS

 2018 IBC/ASCE 7-16
WIND AND SEISMIC DESIGN TOOLS

FREE!

Limited free data; subscription required for seismic 

2018 IBC STRUCTURAL CHANGES
IBC SECTION 1609 Wind Loads
• Lower values for the Las Vegas area
• Wind speeds may vary across the valley!
• No uniform valley wind speeds
• Use site specific wind speed data
• Wind speeds given below are Ultimate 3-second gust
for a given site and not constant in our valley
• RISK CATEGORY I – 93 MPH
• RISK CATEGORY II – 99 MPH
• RISK CATEGORY III – 105 MPH
• RISK CATEGORY IV – 110 MPH
• New in 2018 IBC separate speed maps for Risk
Category III and Risk Category IV Buildings
2018 IBC STRUCTURAL CHANGES
Wind Speed Boundary Risk Category III
Las Vegas Valley
105 mph 106 mph
2018 IBC STRUCTURAL CHANGES
IBC SECTION 1609 Wind Loads

https://hazards.atcouncil.org/

LOCATION: LAS VEGAS

2018 IBC STRUCTURAL CHANGES
IBC SECTION 1609 Wind Loads
https://hazards.atcouncil.org/

LOCATION: LAS VEGAS

2018 IBC STRUCTURAL CHANGES
 
IBC WIND DESIGN TERMINOLOGY
• 2018 IBC terminology for “Ultimate Design Wind
Speeds” in maps replaced with “Basic Design Speeds”
• However speeds given are still Strength Design level
• Load combinations using strength design (LRFD) will
use a load factor of 1.0 for wind loads (1.0W)
• Load combinations using allowable stress design will
still reduce the design wind loads by 0.6 (0.6W)
• Wind speed conversion (IBC Section 1609.3.1),
Vasd = V
• Both of these speeds need to be included on
Construction Documents under the Wind Design Data
2018 IBC STRUCTURAL CHANGES
IBC Wind Design Data

• Note the following terminology is no longer used

• Ultimate design wind speed, Vult
• Nominal design wind speed, Vasd

• The following terms are to be used

• Basic design wind speed, V
• Allowable stress design wind speed, Vasd
2018 IBC STRUCTURAL CHANGES
 QUIZ QUESTION PART A: Convert 2018 IBC Wind Speed for
Risk Category II Building in Las Vegas to allowable stress
design wind speed

ANSWER: Vasd = 99 = 77 mph

QUIZ QUESTION PART B: What was the old UBC Las Vegas
basic wind speed back in the day?

ANSWER: 75 mph !!!!

2018 IBC STRUCTURAL CHANGES
IBC SECTION 1609 Wind Loads
• Note the wind speed maps in the 2018 IRC are still
based upon ASCE 7-10 and are still given in “Ultimate
Design Wind Speeds”

• The latest maps were voted down during the Public

Comment hearings

• 2018 IBC Wind Speed Maps less than 2018 IRC Wind
Speed Maps

• Conclusions?
2018 IBC STRUCTURAL CHANGES
IBC SECTION 1609 Wind Loads
• Alternate All-Heights Method

• Gone!

• Removed from IBC

• The argument was that since ASCE 7 includes a

simplified wind load design method, a competing
method is no longer needed in the IBC
2018 IBC STRUCTURAL CHANGES
IBC SECTION 1613 Seismic Loads
• The IBC seismic maps have been updated to match
new maps in the 2015 NEHRP Provisions and
ASCE 7-16

• Those maps are based upon the 2014 USGS update of

its National Seismic Hazard Model

• Sds and Sd1 changes

• +/- 10% most locations
• Up to 25% a few locations
2018 IBC STRUCTURAL CHANGES
IBC SECTION 1613 Seismic Loads
Site: 6515 S Jones, Las Vegas, NV 89118

+8%
-7%
2018 IBC STRUCTURAL CHANGES
IBC SECTION 1613 Seismic Loads
2018 IBC STRUCTURAL CHANGES
IBC SECTION 1613 Seismic Loads
• Why are there changes in the seismic design values for
the Las Vegas Valley?
• Research conducted by the Nevada Bureau of Mines
and Geology indicates higher slip rate for the Eglington
fault in the Las Vegas Valley
• Much higher than the 0.1 mm/yr used in the 2008
National Seismic Map
2018 IBC STRUCTURAL CHANGES
IBC SECTION 1613 Seismic Loads
• The Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology petitioned
the USGS to increase the slip rate of this fault in their
earthquake source modeling
• Especially considering its location within a major
population
• Research supports slip rate of 0.25 to 0.9 mm/yr with a
preferred value of 0.6 mm/yr
• These considerations were included in the 2014 USGS
update to its National Seismic Hazard
Model and thus increased the seismic
design values in the Las Vegas Valley
2018 IBC STRUCTURAL CHANGES
IBC SECTION 1613 EARTHQUAKE LOADS
SOUTHERN NEVADA AMENDMENTS
SNBCA 1613.2.2 regarding site class definitions used for
seismic design requires that mapped values from the Clark
County Shear Wave Velocity Profile Map or the City of
Henderson Seismic Site Class Map cannot be used to
determine the site class for High-Rise Buildings
2018 IBC STRUCTURAL CHANGES
IBC SECTION 1616 STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY
• Structural Integrity detailing for High-Rise Buildings
assigned to Risk Category III and IV.
2018 IBC STRUCTURAL CHANGES
IBC CHAPTER 17 Special Inspections
SOUTHERN NEVADA AMENDMENTS
2018 IBC STRUCTURAL CHANGES
IBC CHAPTER 17 Special Inspections

• This was a 2018 IBC code change proposal submitted by

SNICC and approved at the ICC group B code hearings!
• Previously a Southern Nevada Building Code
Amendment now incorporated into the IBC
2018 IBC STRUCTURAL CHANGES
IBC CHAPTER 17 Special Inspections
IBC Section 1705.5.2 Metal-plate-connected wood trusses
• Added the requirement for special inspection for the
proper installation of permanent bracing per approved
truss submittal package when height of truss ≥ 60 inches
in addition to wood trusses with clear span ≥ 60 feet
REVISED IN ERRATA
2018 IBC STRUCTURAL CHANGES
IBC CHAPTER 17 Special Inspections
https://www.iccsafe.org/errata-central/
2018 IBC STRUCTURAL CHANGES
IBC CHAPTER 17 Special Inspections
IBC Section 1705.5.2 Metal-plate-connected wood trusses
• Consider a 4:12 sloped roof…this would require Special
Inspections for all spans  30 feet!!!
2018 IBC STRUCTURAL CHANGES
IBC CHAPTER 17 Special Inspections
IBC Section 1705.12.6 Plumbing, mechanical and
electrical components
• In Seismic Design Category C-F: Added provisions
requiring periodic special inspections to verify minimum
clearances for Fire Sprinkler Components in accordance
with ASCE 7 (3 inches in all directions)
• Not required for flexible sprinkler hose fittings
2018 IBC STRUCTURAL CHANGES
IBC CHAPTER 17 Special Inspections
IBC Section 1705.17 Fire-resistant penetrations and joints
• Special inspections required for fire-resistant
penetrations and joints in all high-rise buildings or in
buildings assigned to Risk Category III or IV.
2018 IBC STRUCTURAL CHANGES
IBC CHAPTER 18 Soils and Foundations
SOUTHERN NEVADA AMENDMENTS
Section 1803.2 Investigations required.
• Project geotechnical report required for all projects that
require new foundations
• Two new exceptions added and increase of exempted
height for retaining walls to match SNBCA 1705.6.1
2018 IBC STRUCTURAL CHANGES
IBC CHAPTER 18 Soils and Foundations
SOUTHERN NEVADA AMENDMENTS
Section 1803.2 Investigations required.
• All projects exempted shall assume the following

• For retaining walls exempted shall assume the following

2018 IBC STRUCTURAL CHANGES
IBC CHAPTER 18 Soils and Foundations
Section 1807.2.2 Design lateral soil loads
• Clarified that seismic earth pressures must be
considered for Seismic Design Category D-F and
supporting more than 6 feet of soils in accordance with
the geotechnical investigation
2018 IBC STRUCTURAL CHANGES
IBC CHAPTER 18 Soils and Foundations
Section 1807.2.2 Design lateral soil loads
• Note SNBCA Section 1610.1.1 regarding Seismic load
due to lateral earth pressure requires all basement,
foundation and retaining walls in Seismic Design
Category D-F shall be designed to resist the seismic load
due to the lateral earth pressure
2018 IBC STRUCTURAL CHANGES
IBC CHAPTER 18 Soils and Foundations
SOUTHERN NEVADA AMENDMENTS

Section 1807.2.3 Retaining Wall Safety Factor

• This was a 2018 IBC code change proposal submitted by

SNICC
2018 IBC Chapter 2 - Definitions
2018 IBC STRUCTURAL CHANGES
IBC CHAPTER 18 Soils and Foundations
SOUTHERN NEVADA AMENDMENTS

Section 1807.2.3 Retaining Wall Safety Factor

• Voted down at the initial ICC Group B code hearings but

brought back, modified and approved at the Public
Comment Hearings!

• Ultimately voted down and disapproved at the Final

Action hearings 
2018 IBC STRUCTURAL CHANGES
ASCE 7-16 Minimum Design Loads
ASCE 7-16 SEISMIC LOAD CHANGES
11.4.8 Site-Specific Ground Motion Procedures
• Required for design of structures at softer soil sites
and stronger ground motion intensities
• Shortcomings associated with the use of seismic
forces based on only two response periods
ASCE 7-16 SEISMIC LOAD CHANGES
11.4.8 Site specific site response analysis in
accordance with Section 21.2. required where:
• Site Class D, E and S1 > 0.2g
• Exceptions
• Site Class D,
• Cs = Sds/(R/I) for values of T ≤ 1.5 Ts
• Cs factored by 1.5 for T > 1.5Ts
Note exceptions effectively limits the requirements
for site-specific hazard analysis to very tall and or
flexible structures at site class D sites
• Future editions of ASCE 7 may incorporate
multiperiod MCER response spectra to eliminate
these shortcomings
• See ASCE 7-16 commentary for more information
ASCE 7-16 WIND LOAD CHANGES
26.10.2 Velocity Pressure

qz = 0.00256KzKztKdKeV2 (psf)
New factor added to equation
Ke = ground elevation factor
At high altitude locations wind pressures can be reduced
considering density altitude
 ASCE 7-16 WIND LOAD CHANGES
Chapter 30: Components and Cladding
• New Roof Pressure Coefficients (h < 60
feet), GCp
• New Roof Zoning Procedures more
dependent upon building height, h
 ASCE 7-16 WIND LOAD CHANGES
• New Wind Load Provisions for Rooftop Solar Panels
(Chapter 29) and attached Canopies on Buildings
(Section 30.11)
2018 IBC STRUCTURAL CHANGES
Chapter 21 – Masonry
• New Reference Standard TMS 402-16
• Previously termed MSJC, ACI 530, ASCE 5/6
• New Section 2114 for Dry-Stack Masonry
• Design shall comply with TMS 402
• Prohibited in Risk Category IV structures
TMS 402-16 Building Code for Masonry
Structures
• Standard solely sponsored by The Masonry Society
(TMS)
• Six pages less than the 2013 edition!
• TMS 402 will be on a six-year code cycle; next edition
will be in 2022
• Addition of shear friction provisions to
address possibility of sliding at base
due to earthquake loading
• Updates to anchor bolt design that will
provide greater capacity for anchors
loaded in combined shear and tension
and increase in shear strength of
anchor bolts based on crushing capacity of
ACI 318-14 Code Requirements for
Structural Concrete
• Complete reorganization!!!
• ACI 318 framework remained unchanged from 1971-
2011 through 8 editions
• “Cookbook” member design format
• Eliminate the need to flip through several chapters to
design a member
• Anchoring to Concrete moved from
Appendix D to it’s own Chapter 17
• Strut-and-Tie Models also moved from
Appendix A to Chapter 23
AISC 341-16 Seismic Provisions
• New material specifications
• Use of steel braced diaphragms
• New column splice details
• Requirements for SCBF gusset plate welds
• Application of demands on columns that participate in
intersecting frames
• New provisions for design of multi-tier
braced frames
• New provisions for composite shear wall
systems
AISC 341-16 Seismic Provisions
2018 IBC STRUCTURAL CHANGES
Chapter 23 – Wood
• New referenced standards
• 2018 AWC NDS for Design of Wood Construction
• 2015 AWC SDPWS for Wind and Seismic Design of
Wood Construction
• IBC Section 2303.2.2 For Fire-retardant treated wood
treatment shall be an integral part of the manufacturing
process and the use of paints, coating, stains or other
surface treatments is not an approved method of
protection
• IBC Section 2303.6 specifies minimum bending strength
for staple fasteners
2018 IBC STRUCTURAL CHANGES
AWC NDS 2018 National Design Specification
(NDS) for Wood Construction
• Incorporation of cross-laminated timber (CLT) in several
chapters of the NDS including a new chapter specific to
CLT (2015 NDS)
• Inclusion of char rates for CLT and structural composite
lumber
• Changes to fastener design in
response to significant increases
in Components and Cladding
(C&C) roof wind pressures in
ASCE 7-16
2018 IBC STRUCTURAL CHANGES
AWC SDPWS-2015 Special Design Provisions
for Wind and Seismic
Contains provisions for design of wood members, fasteners
and assemblies to resist wind and seismic forces

Updates
• Added sections on seismic detailing and terminology
consistent with ASCE 7
• Increased limitations for Open Front
Structures with
cantilevered diaphragms
• Expanded applicability of the wall stud
repetitive member factor, Cr, for
2018 IBC STRUCTURAL CHANGES
AWC SDPWS-2015 Special Design Provisions
for Wind and Seismic
• Expanded applicability of the wall stud repetitive member
factor for calculating stud out-of-plane deflection
• Note Wall Stud Repetitive Member Factor cannot be
combined with the NDS Repetitive Member Factor, Cr
Thank you!!!
See you later!!!
2018 IBC Section 107.2.8
107.2.8 Relocatable buildings. Construction documents
for relocatable buildings shall comply with Section 3113.
• Does not apply to manufactured housing used as
dwellings
• Only applies to newly constructed buildings
2018 IBC Section 302.1
302.1 Occupancy Classification
• Occupied roofs shall be classified in the group that the
occupancy most nearly resembles…
2018 IBC Section 302.1
302.1 Occupancy Classification
• Occupied roofs shall be classified in the group that the
occupancy most nearly resembles…
2018 IBC Chapter 3 – Greenhouses
Assembly, Mercantile or Utility
• Group U when not classified as another occupancy