Structural and Nonstructural Provisions
Structural and Nonstructural Provisions
This domain tests structural loads, material standards, special inspections, structural observation, and the anchorage and bracing of nonstructural components. The building official must confirm that design assumptions are backed by required inspections and observations.
Core rules
- Structural design loads come from the adopted building code and ASCE 7: dead, live, roof live, snow, wind, seismic, and flood loads as applicable.
- Materials must comply with adopted standards for concrete, masonry, steel, wood, and cold-formed steel. Substitutions require equivalent compliance.
- Special inspections under Chapter 17 apply to specified materials and elements, such as high-strength bolting, structural welding, concrete placement, masonry reinforcement, and seismic-force-resisting systems.
- Structural observation is a separate function performed by the registered design professional, not a substitute for special inspection.
- Nonstructural components-mechanical equipment, ceilings, partitions, cladding, and anchorage-must be designed and installed to resist applicable seismic and wind forces.
Worked example
A project uses high-strength bolted steel connections in a seismic-force-resisting system. The plans examiner must verify that the construction documents require special inspection for the bolting and that the inspector qualifications and frequency meet Chapter 17. The contractor’s statement that the bolts are “manufacturer approved” does not satisfy the special inspection requirement. The building official should not allow concealment of the connections before the required inspection is documented.
Traps
- Treating structural observation as equivalent to special inspection.
- Missing special inspection for seismic systems, welding, or post-installed anchors.
- Accepting manufacturer’s literature as a substitute for code-required design and inspection.
- Overlooking nonstructural anchorage, ceiling bracing, or equipment restraint.