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Interpretation #8859

Original Request

  • Requested By: Luis Ortega
  • Requester E-Mail: luis@dopengineering.com
  • Code Version: 2021
  • Code: EXTBLDG
  • Code Description:
  • Chapter: 8
  • Section: 807.5
  • Topic: Existing structural element resisting lateral load, Exception

  • Question: is the intent on the word DEMAND in "demand-capacity ratio" to cover for changes in the code loading through the years?

Answer:

Yes, the demand loading used to determine the ratio before and after the alteration/addition is based upon today's values. The required loading based upon initial construction date is not relevant.
On 01/06/2024 at 12:30 PM

Commentary:

If the alteration does not add additional demand (lateral in the case of 807.5, or lateral in the case of 807.4), or reduce the existing capacity then no structural changes are required. The evaluation would be based on todays values. If nothing was added or changed to affect these items, then structural changes would not be required simply due to today's values being higher than when the building was built.