Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures (ASCE Standard – ASCE/SEI 7-16) Provisions and Commentary

Prepared by the Committee on Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures within the Codes and Standards Activities Division of the Structural Engineering Institute of ASCE, the ASCE/SEI 7-16, titled “Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures,” stands as the most current and comprehensive loading standard for general structural design. This two-book set outlines the methodology for determining design loads, encompassing factors such as dead, live, soil, flood, tsunami, snow, rain, atmospheric ice, earthquake, wind, and fire loads, as well as guidance on assessing load combinations. The 2016 edition supersedes the ASCE/SEI 7-10 and aligns with the latest material standards from organizations including ACI, AISC, AISI, AWC, and TMS. Key updates in ASCE 7-16 comprise:

– Incorporation of new seismic maps reflecting updates to the National Seismic Hazard Maps.
– Introduction of updated wind speed maps, including newly developed maps for Hawaii, leading to reduced wind speeds across much of the United States.