FEMA P-1050, the 2015 NEHRP Recommended Provisions (referred to herein as the Provisions) includes two significant items related to the design of diaphragms, which represent changes from the 2009 Provisions. First, ASCE 7-10 has been modified to include a new Section 12.10.3, Alternative Design Provisions for Diaphragms including Chords and Collectors. This modification has been accepted for inclusion in ASCE 7-16. The new section provides for an alternative determination of diaphragm design force level, which is mandatory for precast concrete diaphragms in buildings assigned to SDC C, D, E, or F and is permitted to be used for precast concrete diaphragms in buildings assigned to SDC B.

Second, ASCE 7-10 has also been modified to add a Section 14.2.4, containing detailed seismic design provisions for precast concrete diaphragms including a connector qualification protocol. This modification has also been accepted for inclusion in ASCE 7-16. This seminar will introduce to attendees the alternative seismic design force level and the precast concrete design methodology, which are the subject of FEMA P-1051 Chapter 6. This seminar also points out the many diaphragm design examples in FEMA P-1051 Chapter 11. It further points out the following examples of precast (vertical) seismic force-resisting system: 1. The design of an intermediate precast concrete shear wall building in a region of low or moderate seismicity, 2. The design of a special precast concrete shear wall for a single-story industrial warehouse building in a region of high seismicity, and 3. The partial example for the design of a special precast concrete moment frame.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completing this course, you will be able to:

• Update engineers on the latest changes related to the diaphragm design;
• Educate the alternative seismic design force level and the precast concrete design methodology, which are the subject of FEMA P-1951 Chapter 6;
• Introduce the diaphragm design examples in FEMA P-1051 Chapter 11; and
• Learn the seismic design of precast concrete structures.