CHAPTER

Loads

2.1

INTRODUCTION

2.1.1

Scope
This chapter specifies the minimum design forces including dead load, live load, wind and earthquake
loads, miscellaneous loads and their various combinations. These loads shall be applicable for the design of
buildings and structures in conformance with the general design requirements provided in Chapter 1.

2.1.2

Limitations
Provisions of this chapter shall generally be applied to majority of buildings and other structures subject to
normally expected loading conditions. For those buildings and structures having unusual geometrical
shapes, response characteristics or site locations, or for those subject to special loading including tornadoes,
special dynamic or hydrodynamic loads etc., site-specific or case-specific data or analysis may be required
to determine the design loads on them. In such cases, and all other cases for which loads are not specified
in this chapter, loading information may be obtained from reliable references or specialist advice may be
sought. However, such loads shall be applied in compliance with the provisions of other sections of this
Code.

2.2

DEAD LOADS

2.2.1

General

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Structural Design

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Structural Design
The minimum design dead load for buildings and portions thereof shall be determined in accordance with
the provisions of this section. In addition, design of the overall structure and its primary load-resisting
systems shall conform to the general design provisions given in Chapter 1.
2.2.2

Definition
Dead Load is the vertical load due to the weight of permanent structural and non-structural components of
a building such as walls, floors, ceilings, permanent partitions and fixed service equipment etc.

2.2.3

Assessment of Dead Load

Dead load for a structural member shall be assessed based on the forces due to :
i) weight of the member itself,
ii) weight of all materials of construction incorporated into the building to be supported permanently
by the member,
iii) weight of permanent partitions,
iv) weight of fixed service equipment, and
v) net effect of prestressing.

2.2.4

Weight of Materials and Constructions

In estimating dead loads, the actual weights of materials and constructions shall be used, provided that in
the absence of definite information, the weights given in Tables 6.2.1 and 6.2.2 shall be assumed for the
purposes of design.
Table 6.2.1
Unit Weight of Basic Materials

Material
Aluminium
Asphalt
Brass
Bronze
Brick
Cement
Coal, loose
Concrete - stone aggregate (unreinforced)
- brick aggregate (unreinforced)
Copper
Cork, normal
Cork, compressed
Glass, window (soda-lime)

Unit
Weight
(kN/m3)
27.0
21.2
83.6
87.7
18.9
14.7
8.8
22.8*
20.4*
86.4
1.7
3.7
25.5

Material
Granite, Basalt
Iron - cast
- wrought
Lead
Limestone
Marble
Sand, dry
Sandstone
Slate
Steel
Timber
Zinc

Unit
Weight
(kN/m3)
26.4
70.7
75.4
111.0
24.5
26.4
15.7
22.6
28.3
77.0
5.9-11.0
70.0

* for reinforced concrete, add 0.63 kN/m3 for each 1% by volume of main reinforcement
2.2.5

Weight of Permanent Partitions

When partition walls are indicated on the plans, their weight shall be considered as dead load acting as
concentrated line loads in their actual positions on the floor. The loads due to anticipated partition walls,
which are not indicated on the plans, shall be treated as live loads and determined in accordance with
Sec 2.3.3.3.

2.2.6

Weight of Fixed Service Equipment

Weights of fixed service equipment and other permanent machinery, such as electrical feeders and other
machinery, heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems, lifts and escalators, plumbing stacks and
risers etc. shall be included as dead load whenever such equipment are supported by structural members.

2.2.7

Additional Loads

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Loads

In evaluating the final dead loads on a structural member for design purposes, allowances shall be made for
additional loads resulting from the (i) difference between the prescribed and the actual weights of the
members and construction materials; (ii) inclusion of future installations; (iii) changes in occupancy or use
of buildings; and (iv) inclusion of structural and non-structural members not covered in Sec 2.2.2 and 2.2.3.
2.3

LIVE LOADS

2.3.1

General
The live loads used for the structural design of floors, roof and the supporting members shall be the
greatest applied loads arising from the intended use or occupancy of the building, or from the stacking of
materials and the use of equipment and propping during construction, but shall not be less than the
minimum design live loads set out by the provisions of this section. For the design of structural members
for forces including live loads, requirements of the relevant sections of Chapter 1 shall also be fulfilled.

2.3.2

Definition
Live load is the load superimposed by the use or occupancy of the building not including the environmental
loads such as wind load, rain load, earthquake load or dead load.

2.3.3

Minimum Floor Live Loads

The minimum floor live loads shall be the greatest actual imposed loads resulting from the intended use or
occupancy of the floor, and shall not be less than the uniformly distributed load patterns specified in
Sec 2.3.3.1 or the concentrated loads specified in Sec 2.3.3.2 whichever produces the most critical effect. The
live loads shall be assumed to act vertically upon the area projected on a horizontal plane.
Table 6.2.2
Weight of Construction Materials

Material

Bangladesh National Building Code

Weight per
Unit Area
(kN/m2)

Material

Weight per
Unit Area
(kN/m2)

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Structural Design

Floor
Asphalt, 25 mm thick
Clay tiling, 13 mm thick
Concrete slab (stone aggregate)* --solid, 100 mm thick
solid, 150 mm thick
Galvanized steel floor deck (excl. topping)
Magnesium oxychloridenormal (sawdust filler), 25 mm thick
heavy duty (mineral filler), 25 mm thick
Terrazzo paving 16 mm thick

0.526
0.268
2.360
3.540
0.147-0.383

Roof
Acrylic resin sheet, corrugated ---3 mm thick, standard corrugations
3 mm thick, deep corrugations
Asbestos cement, corrugated sheeting --(incl. lap and fastenings)
6 mm thick (standard corrugations)
6 mm thick(deep corrugations)
Aluminium, corrugated sheeting --(incl. lap and fastenings)
1.2 mm thick
0.8 mm thick
0.6 mm thick
Aluminium sheet(plain) --1.2 mm thick
1.0 mm thick
0.8 mm thick
Bituminous felt(5 ply) and gravel
Slates --4.7 mm thick
9.5 mm thick
Steel sheet, flat galvanized --1.00 mm thick
0.80 mm thick
0.60 mm thick
Steel, galvanized std. corrugated sheeting --(incl. lap and fastenings)
1.0 mm thick
0.8 mm thick
0.6 mm thick

0.345
0.527
0.431

0.043
0.062
0.134
0.158
0.048
0.028
0.024
0.033
0.024
0.019
0.431
0.335
0.671
0.082
0.067
0.053
0.120
0.096
0.077

Roof (contd.)
Tiles --terra-cotta (French pattern)
concrete , 25 mm thick
clay tiles
Walls and Partitions
Acrylic resin sheet, flat, per mm thickness
Asbestos cement sheeting ---4.5 mm thick
6.0 mm thick
Brick masonry work, excl. plaster --burnt clay, per 100 mm thickness
sand-lime, per 100 mm thickness
Concrete (stone aggregate)* --100 mm thick
150 mm thick
250 mm thick
Fibre insulation board, per 10 mm thickness
Fibrous plaster board, per 10 mm thickness
Glass, per 10 mm thickness
Hardboard, per 10 mm thickness
Particle or flake board, per 10 mm thickness
Plaster board, per 10 mm thickness
Plywood, per 10 mm thickness
Ceiling
Fibrous plaster, 10 mm thick
Cement plaster, 13 mm thick
Suspended metal lath and plaster
(two faced incl. studding)
Miscellaneous
Felt (insulating), per 10 mm thickness
Plaster --cement, per 10 mm thickness
lime, per 10 mm thickness
PVC sheet, per 10 mm thickness
Rubber paving, per 10 mm thickness
Terra-cotta Hollow Block Masonry --75 mm thick
100 mm thick
150 mm thick

0.575
0.527
0.6-0.9
0.012
0.072
0.106
1.910
1.980
2.360
3.540
5.900
0.034
0.092
0.269
0.961
0.075
0.092
0.061
0.081
0.287
0.480

0.019
0.230
0.191
0.153
0.151
0.671
0.995
1.388

* for brick aggregate, 90% of the listed values may be used.

2.3.3.1 Uniformly Distributed Loads : The uniformly distributed load shall not be less than the values
listed in Table 6.2.3, reduced as may be specified in Sec 2.3.9, applied uniformly over the entire area of the
floor, or any portion thereof to produce the most adverse effects in the member concerned.
2.3.3.2 Concentrated Loads : The concentrated load to be applied non-concurrently with the uniformly
distributed load given in Sec 2.3.3.1, shall not be less than that listed in Table 6.2.3. Unless otherwise
specified in Table 6.2.3 or in the following paragraph, the concentrated load shall be applied over an area of
300 mm x 300 mm and shall be located so as to produce the maximum stress conditions in the structural
members.
In areas where vehicles are used or stored, such as car parking garages, ramps, repair shops etc., provision
shall be made for concentrated loads consisting of two or more loads spaced nominally 1.5 m on centres in
absence of the uniform live loads. Each load shall be 40 per cent of the gross weight of the maximum size

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Loads

Bangladesh National Building Code

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Structural Design
vehicle to be accommodated and applied over an area of 750 mm x 750 mm. For the storage of private or
pleasure-type vehicles without repair or fuelling, floors shall be investigated in the absence of the uniform
live load, for a minimum concentrated wheel load of 9 kN spaced 1.5 m on centres, applied over an area of
750 mm x 750 mm. The uniform live loads for these cases are provided in Table 6.2.3. The condition of
concentrated or uniform live load producing the greater stresses shall govern.
2.3.3.3 Provision for Partition Walls : When partitions, not indicated on the plans, are anticipated to be
placed on the floors, their weight shall be included as an additional live load acting as concentrated line
loads in an arrangement producing the most severe effect on the floor, unless it can be shown that a more
favourable arrangement of the partitions shall prevail during the future use of the floor.
In the case of light partitions, wherein the total weight per metre run is not greater than 5.5 kN, a
uniformly distributed live load may be applied on the floor in lieu of the concentrated line loads specified
above. Such uniform live load per square metre shall be at least 33% of the weight per metre run of the
partitions, subject to a minimum of 1.2 kN/m2.
2.3.3.4 More than One Occupancy : Where an area of a floor is intended for two or more occupancies at
different times, the value to be used from Table 6.2.3 shall be the greatest value for any of the occupancies
concerned.
2.3.4

Minimum Roof Live Loads

Roof live loads shall be assumed to act vertically over the area projected by the roof or any portion of it
upon a horizontal plane, and shall be determined as specified in the following sections :
2.3.4.1 Regular Purpose - Flat, Pitched and Curved Roofs : Live loads on regular purpose roofs shall be
the greatest applied loads produced during use by movable objects such as planters and people, and those
induced during maintenance by workers, equipment and materials but shall not be less than those given in
Table 6.2.4.
Table 6.2.4
Minimum Roof Live Loads(1)
Type and Slope of Roof

Distributed
Load, kN/m2

Concentrated
Load, kN

Flat roof (slope = 0)

1.5

1.8

1. Pitched or sloped roof (0 < slope < 1/3)

2 Arched roof or dome (rise < 1/8 span)

1.0

0.9

III

1. Pitched or sloped roof (1/3 slope < 1.0)

2. Arched roof or dome (1/8 rise < 3/8 span)

0.8

0.9

IV

1. Pitched or sloped roof (slope 1.0)

2. Arched roof or dome (rise 3/8 span)

0.6

0.9

Greenhouse, and agriculture buildings

0.5

0.9

I
II

VI

Note : (1)

6-6

Canopies and awnings, except those with cloth same as given in I through IV above
covers
based on the type and slope.
Greater of this load and rain load as specified in Sec 2.6.3 shall be taken as the design live load for
roof. The distributed load shall be applied over the area of the roof projected upon a horizontal plane
and shall not be applied simultaneously with the concentrated load. The concentrated load shall be
assumed to act upon a 300 mm x 300 mm area and need not be considered for roofs capable of
laterally distributing the load, e.g. reinforced concrete slabs.

Chapter 2

Loads

2.3.4.2 Special Purpose Roofs : For special purpose roofs, live loads shall be estimated based on the
actual weight depending on the type of use, but shall not be less than the following values :
a)
b)
c)
d)

roofs used for promenade purposes

roofs used for assembly purposes
roofs used for gardens
roofs used for other special purposes

3.0 kN/m2
5.0 kN/m2
5.0 kN/m2
to be determined as per Sec 2.3.5

2.3.4.3 Accessible Roof Supporting Members : Roof trusses or any other primary roof supporting
member beneath which a full ceiling is not provided, shall be capable of supporting safely, in addition to
other roof loads, a concentrated load at the locations as specified below :
a)
Industrial, Storage and Garage Buildings - Any single panel point of the lower
chord of a roof truss, or any point of other primary roof supporting member 9.0 kN
b)
2.3.5

1.3 kN

Loads Not Specified

Live loads, not specified for uses or occupancies in Sec 2.3.3.1 and 2.3.3.2, shall be determined from loads
resulting from :
a)
b)
c)

2.3.6

Building with Other Occupancies - Any single panel point of the lower
chord of a roof truss, or any point of other primary roof supporting member -

weight of the probable assembly of persons;

weight of the probable accumulation of equipment and furniture, and
weight of the probable storage of materials.

Partial Loading and Other Loading Arrangements

The full intensity of the appropriately reduced live load applied only to a portion of the length or area of a
structure or member shall be considered, if it produces a more unfavourable effect than the same intensity
applied over the full length or area of the structure or member.
Where uniformly distributed live loads are used in the design of continuous members and their supports,
consideration shall be given to full dead load on all spans in combination with full live loads on adjacent
spans and on alternate spans whichever produces a more unfavourable effect.

2.3.7

Other Live Loads

Live loads on miscellaneous structures and components, such as handrails and supporting members,
parapets and balustrades, ceilings, skylights and supports, and the like, shall be determined from the
analysis of the actual loads on them, but shall not be less than those given in Table 6.2.5.
Table 6.2.5
Miscellaneous Live Loads
Structural Member or Component

Bangladesh National Building Code

Live Load(1)
(kN/m)

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Structural Design
1.

Handrails, parapets and supports :

a) Light access stairs, gangways etc.
i) width 0.6 m
ii) width > 0.6 m

0.25
0.35

b) Staircases other than in (a) above, ramps, balconies :

i) Single dwelling and private
ii) Staircases in residential buildings
iii) Balconies or portion thereof, stands etc. having
fixed seats within 0.55 m of the barrier
vi) Public assembly buildings including theatres,
cinemas, assembly halls, stadiums, mosques,
churches, schools etc.
vi) Buildings and occupancies other than (i) through (iv) above
2. Vehicle barriers for car parks and ramps :
a)
For vehicles having gross mass 2500 kg
b)
For vehicles having gross mass > 2500 kg
c)
For ramps of car parks etc.
Note :

(1)
(2)

(3)

2.3.8

0.35
0.35
1.5
3.0
0.75

100(2)
165(2)
see note (3)

These loads shall be applied non-concurrently along horizontal and vertical directions, except as
specified in note (2) below.
These loads shall be applied only in the horizontal direction, uniformly distributed over any
length of 1.5 m of a barrier and shall be considered to act at bumper height. For case 2(a) bumper
height may be taken as 375 mm above floor level.
Barriers to access ramps of car parks shall be designed for horizontal forces equal to 50% of those
given in 2(a) and 2(b) applied at a level of 610 mm above the ramp. Barriers to straight exit ramps
exceeding 20 m in length shall be designed for horizontal forces equal to twice the values given
in 2(a) and 2(b).

Impact and Dynamic Loads

The live loads specified in Sec 2.3.3 shall be assumed to include allowances for impacts arising from normal
uses only. However, forces imposed by unusual vibrations and impacts resulting from the operation of
installed machinery and equipment shall be determined separately and treated as additional live loads. Live
loads due to vibration or impact shall be determined by dynamic analysis of the supporting member or
structure including foundations, or from the recommended values supplied by the manufacture of the
particular equipment or machinery. In absence of a definite information, values listed in Table 6.2.6 for
some common equipment, shall be used for design purposes.
Table 6.2.6
Minimum Live Loads on Supports and Connections of Equipment due to Impact (1)
Equipment or Machinery

1.
2.
3.
4.

6-8

Lifts, hoists and related operating machinery

Light machinery (shaft or motor driven)
Reciprocating machinery, or power driven
units.
Hangers supporting floors and balconies

Additional load due to impact as percentage

of static load including self weight
Vertical
Horizontal
100%
20%
50%

33%

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Loads

5.

Cranes :
a) Electric overhead cranes

b) Manually operated cranes

c) Cab-operated travelling cranes

Not applicable

Note : (1)

2.3.9

25% of
maximum
wheel load

50% of the
values in
(a) above
25%

i)

Transverse to the rail :

20% of the weight of trolley
and lifted load only, applied
one-half at the top of each rail

ii)

Along the rail :

10% of maximum wheel load
applied at the top of each rail
50% of the
values in (a)
above

All these loads shall be increased if so recommended by the manufacturer. For machinery and equipment
not listed, impact loads shall be those recommended by the manufacturers, or determined by dynamic
analysis.

Reduction of Live Loads

Reduction of live load is permitted for primary structural members supporting floor or roof, including
beam, girder, truss, flat slab, flat plate, column, pier, footing and the like. Where applicable, the reduced live
load on a primary structural member shall be obtained by multiplying the corresponding unreduced
uniformly distributed live load with an appropriate live load reduction factor, R as listed in Table 6.2.7 and
set forth in Sec 2.3.9.1.
2.3.9.1 Load Groups : All possible live loads applied on floors and roof of a building due to various
occupancies and uses, shall be divided into three load groups as described below for determining the
appropriate live load reduction factors.
a)

Load Group 1 : Uniformly distributed live loads arising from the occupancies and uses of
(i) assembly occupancies or areas with uniformly distributed live load of 5.0 kN/m 2 or less,
(ii) machinery and equipment for which specific live load allowances have been made, (iii) special
roof live load as described in Sec 2.3.4.2, and (iv) printing plants, vaults, strong rooms and
armouries, shall be classified under Load Group 1. Reduction of live load shall not be allowed for
members or portions thereof under this load group and a reduction factor, R =1.0 shall be applied for
such cases.

b)

Load Group 2 : Uniformly distributed live loads resulting from occupancies or uses of
(i) assembly areas with uniformly distributed live load greater than 5.0 kN/m 2, and (ii) storage,
mercantile, industrial and retail stores, shall be classified under Load Group 2. Live load reduction
factor, 1.0 < R < 0.7 shall be applied to this load group depending on the tributary area of the floors
or roof supported by the member as specified in Sec 2.3.9.3.

c)

Load Group 3 : Uniformly distributed live loads arising due to all other occupancies and uses except
those of Load Group 1 and Load Group 2, shall be grouped into Load Group 3. Live load reduction
factor, 1.0 R 0.5 as specified in the Sec 2.3.9.3, shall be applied to tributary areas under this load
group.

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2.3.9.2 Tributary Area : The tributary area of a structural member supporting floors or roof shall be
determined as follows :
a)

Tributary Area for Wall, Column, Pier, Footing and the like : Tributary areas of these members shall
consist of portions of the areas of all floors, roof or combination thereof that contribute live loads to
the member concerned.

b)

Tributary Area for Beam, Girder, Flat plate and Flat slab : Tributary area for such a member shall
consist of the portion of the roof or a floor at any single level that contributes loads to the member
concerned.
Table 6.2.7
Live Load Reduction Factors for Various Occupancies and Uses

Load
Group

6-10

Occupancy or Use

a)

Assembly areas with uniformly distributed live

load of 5.0 kN/m2 or less.

b)

Live loads from machinery and equipment for

which specific load allowance has been made

c)

Special roof live loads as specified in Sec 2.3.4.2

d)

Printing plants, vaults, strong room and armouries

a)

Assembly areas with uniformly distributed

live load greater than 5.0 kN/m2 .

b)

Storage, mercantile, industrial, parking

retail stores

a)

Uniformly distributed live loads from all

occupancies and uses except those listed
in load groups 1 and 2 above.

garage,

Tributary (1)
Area (floor, or
roof, or
combination)
At (m2)

Live Load (2,3)

Reduction
Factor,
R

all

1.0

50
60
80
100
120
140
280
220
300
400
800

1.00
0.97
0.92
0.88
0.86
0.84
0.81
0.79
0.76
0.74
0.70

< 25
25-30
40
50
60
80
100
120
140
180
220

1.00
0.90
0.84
0.78
0.73
0.67
0.62
0.59
0.57
0.53
0.50

Chapter 2

Loads

Note :

(1)
(2)

At = sum of all tributary areas with loads from any one load group (i.e. Load Group 1, 2 or 3)
Linear interpolation may be made to obtain values of R lying between the listed values.

(3)

Live load reduction factor, R is based on the relations: R 0.6 8 A t for Load Group 2 and
R 0.25

14 A t

for Load Group 3

2.3.9.3 Determination of Reduced Live Load : The value of the live load reduction factor, R shall depend
on the load group specified in Sec 2.3.9.1 and on the tributary area of the floor or the roof and combination
thereof supported by a primary structural member. The reduced live load on a structural member shall be
determined using the following steps:
a)

Portions of the tributary area pertaining to each of the three load groups specified in Sec 2.3.9.1 shall
be identified and summed up, and a value of the reduction factor R shall be obtained from
Table 6.2.7 corresponding to each portion of the tributary area,

b)

The reduced live loads or load intensities shall then be obtained for each load group by multiplying
the unreduced live loads or load intensities by the corresponding reduction factors, and finally,

c)

The total reduced live load on a structural member shall be determined by summing up the reduced
live loads from each load group.

2.4

WIND LOADS

2.4.1

General
The minimum design wind load on buildings and components thereof, shall be determined based on the
velocity of the wind, the shape and size of the building and the terrain exposure condition of the site as set
forth by the provisions of this section. For the overall design of structures, the general design requirements
as specified in Chapter 1 shall also be fulfilled.
2.4.1.1 Scope : Provisions of this section shall apply to the calculation of design wind loads for the
primary framing systems and for the individual structural components and cladding of buildings. The
design wind load shall include the effects of the sustained wind velocity component and the fluctuating
component due to gusts. For slender buildings, the design wind load shall also include additional loading
effects due to wind induced vibrations of the building.
2.4.1.2 Limitations : Provisions of this section shall include forces due to along-wind response of regularshaped buildings, caused by the common wind-storms including cyclones, thunder-storms and norwesters.
However, the following cases shall remain beyond the scope of these provisions :
a)
b)
c)

forces due to cross-wind response of buildings and structures,

forces, such as torsion etc. generated due to unusual or unsymmetrical geometry of the building, and
forces generated due to special types of winds, such as tornadoes.

For calculation of wind loads arising due to the above special cases and for buildings requiring more
accurate loading information, reference shall be made to reliable literature pertaining to these loads, or
specialist advice shall be sought.
2.4.2

Definitions
The following definitions shall apply only to the provisions of Sec 2.4.
AWNINGS (e.g. PORCH COVER) : A roof-like structure, usually of limited extent, projecting from a wall of
a building.
BASIC WIND SPEED, Vb : Fastest-mile wind speed in km/h corresponding to the level of 10 metres above
the ground of terrain Exposure-B defined in Sec 2.4.4 and associated with an annual probability of
occurrence of 0.02.
BUILDINGS : Structures that enclose a space and are used for various occupancies.

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CANOPY : A roof adjacent to or attached to a building, generally not enclosed by walls.

COMPONENTS AND CLADDING : Structural elements that are either directly loaded by the wind or
receive wind loads originating at relatively close locations and transfer those loads to the primary framing
system. Examples include curtain walls, exterior glass windows and panels, roof sheeting, purlins, grits,
studs, and roof trusses.
CYCLONE : An intense low-pressure centre accompanied by heavy rain and gale-force winds. It forms
over warm tropical oceans and decays rapidly over land.
DESIGN WIND PRESSURES, p : Equivalent static pressure due to wind including gusts to be used in the
determination of wind loads for buildings. The pressure shall be assumed to act in a direction normal to the
surface considered and is denoted as:
p

= pressure that varies with height in accordance with the sustained wind pressure q evaluated at
z

height z, or
p

= pressure that is uniform with respect to height as determined by the sustained wind pressure q

evaluated at mean roof height h.

ENCLOSED BUILDING : Buildings which have full perimeter wall (nominally sealed) from floor to roof
level.
ESSENTIAL FACILITIES : Buildings and structures which are necessary to remain functional during an
emergency or a post disaster period.
FASTEST-MILE WIND SPEED : The highest sustained average wind speed in km/h based on the time
required for a mile-long sample of air to pass a fixed point.
FREE STANDING ROOF : A roof (of any type) with no enclosing walls underneath, e.g. freestanding
carport.
FREESTANDING WALLS : Walls which are exposed to the wind on both sides, with no roof attached, e.g.
fences.
GABLED FRAME : A rigid frame having vertical side members and a sloped top with a ridge.
GRADIENT HEIGHT: Height from the mean ground level above which the variation of wind speed with
height need not be considered.
HOARDING : Free standing (rectangular) signboards, etc., supported clear of the ground.
ISOTACH : A line on a map joining points of equal wind speed.
MOONSCAPE ROOF : A planar roof with no ridge, which has a constant slope.
OPENINGS: Apertures or holes in the exterior walls of a building or structure. Doors or other openings in
exterior walls shall be considered as openings unless such openings and their frames are specifically
detailed and designed to resist the wind loads in accordance with the provisions of this section.
PITCHED ROOF : A bi-fold, bi-planar roof with a ridge at its highest point.
PRESSURE : Air pressure in excess of ambient. Negative values are less than ambient and positive values
exceed ambient. Net pressures act normal to a surface in the specified direction.
PRIMARY FRAMING SYSTEM : An assemblage of major structural elements assigned to provide support
for secondary members and cladding. The system primarily receives wind loading from relatively remote

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Chapter 2

Loads

locations. Examples include rigid and braced frames, space trusses, roof and floor diaphragms, shear walls,
and rod-braced frames.
SLENDER BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES : Buildings and structures having a height exceeding five
times the least horizontal dimension, or a fundamental natural frequency less than 1.0 Hz. For those cases in
which the horizontal dimensions vary with height, the least horizontal dimension at midheight shall be
used.
STRUCTURES : See Sec 1.2.2.
STRUCTURE IMPORTANCE COEFFICIENT, CI : A factor that accounts for the degree of hazard to human
life and damage to property.
SUSTAINED WIND PRESSURE, q : The theoretically computed incident pressure of a uniform air stream
(fastest-mile speed) of known density, evaluated at a given height above ground level, for a specific terrain
exposure condition and for a known occupancy of a building.
TERRAIN : The surface roughness condition when considering the size and arrangement of obstructions to
wind.
TOPOGRAPHY : Major land surface features comprising hills, valleys and plains which strongly influence
wind flow patterns.
TORNADO : A violently rotating column of air, pendant from the base of a connective cloud, and often
observable as a funnel cloud attached to the cloud base.
TRIBUTARY AREA : That portion of the surface area receiving wind loads assigned to be supported by the
structural element considered.
TROUGH ROOF : A bi-fold, bi-planar roof with a valley at its lowest point.
UNENCLOSED BUILDING OR STOREY : A building or storey which has 85% or more openings on all
sides.

Bangladesh National Building Code

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Part 6

Structural Design
2.4.3

Symbols and Notation

The following symbols and notation shall apply to the provisions of Sec 2.4 only :
A
A

=
=

a
B
c

=
=
=

Cc
CG
CI

=
=
=

tributary area, square metres.

area of other structures or components and cladding thereof projected on a plane normal to
wind direction, square metres.
width of pressure coefficient zone used in Fig 6.2.7 and 6.2.8, metres
horizontal dimension of buildings and structures measured normal to wind direction, metres.
average horizontal dimension of the building or structure in a direction normal to the wind,
metres.
velocity-to-pressure conversion coefficient = 47.2x10-6
gust coefficient
structure importance coefficient

Cp

=
=

pressure coefficient to be used for determination of wind loads on buildings and structures.
C p e external pressure coefficients for surfaces of buildings and structures to be used for wind

loads on primary framing systems using Method 1 in Sec 2.4.6.4 (a).

Cp overall pressure coefficient for buildings and structures to be used for

C p e

wind loads on primary framing systems using Method 2 in Sec 2.4.6.4 (b).
external peak pressure coefficients to be used for wind loads on building components and

C pi

cladding.
internal peak pressure coefficient to be used for wind loads on buildings and components.

Ct
Cz
D
d

G
Gh

=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=

local topographic coefficient given in Sec 2.4.6.8.

combined height and exposure coefficient for a building at height z above ground
diameter of a circular structure or member, metres
diameter of a circular structure or member, metres
depth of protruding elements (ribs or spoilers), metres
surface drag coefficient given in Table 6.2.12.
fundamental frequency of buildings or structures in a direction parallel to the wind, Hz
design wind forces on primary framing system, kN
design wind forces on components and cladding, kN
gust response factor for primary framing systems of flexible buildings and structures
gust response factor for primary framing systems evaluated at height z = h

Gz
h

=
=

J
L
M
N
p
p

=
=
=
=
=
=

gust response factor for components and cladding evaluated at height z above ground
mean roof height or height to top of parapet whichever is greater of a building or structure,
except that eaves height may be used for roof slope of less than 10 degrees, metres.
pressure profile factor as a function of ratio
horizontal dimension of a building or structure measured parallel to wind direction, metres
larger dimension of a sign, metres
smaller dimension of a sign, metres
design pressure to be used in determination of wind loads for buildings, kN/m2
design pressure evaluated at height z =h, kN/m2

internal pressure, kN/m2

design wind pressure evaluated at height z above ground, kN/m2

=
=

sustained wind pressure, kN/m2

sustained wind pressure evaluated at height z=h, kN/m2

sustained wind pressure evaluated at height z above ground, in kN/m 2

=
=
=
=

rise-to-span ratio for arched roofs

surface friction factor given in Table 6.2.12
structure size factor given in Fig 6.2.4
turbulence intensity factor evaluated at two-thirds of the mean roof height or parapet height
of the structure (see Eq 2.4.11)

Do
f
F1, F2
F

p
q
q
q

i
z

h
z

r
s
S
TI

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Chapter 2

Loads

V
X
Y

z
zg

2.4.4

=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=

basic wind speed, km/h

distance to centre of pressure from windward edge, metres
response factor as a function of the ratio and the ratio c/h given in Fig 6.2.3
height above ground level, metres
gradient height given in Table 6.2.12, metres
power-law coefficient given in Table 6.2.12
structural damping coefficient (fraction of critical damping)
ratio obtained from Table 6.2.12
ratio of solid area to gross area for open sign face of a trussed tower, or lattice structure
angle of the plane of roof from horizontal, degrees
height-to-width ratio for sign or hoarding
angle between wind direction and chord of tower guy, degrees.

Terrain Exposure
A terrain exposure category that adequately reflects the surface roughness characteristics of the ground
shall be determined for the building site, taking into account the variations in ground roughness arising
from existing natural topography, vegetation and manmade constructions.
2.4.4.1 Exposure Category : The terrain exposure in which a building or structure is to be sited shall be
assessed as being one of the following categories:
a)

Exposure A : Urban and sub-urban areas, industrial areas, wooded areas, hilly or other terrain
covering at least 20 per cent of the area with obstructions of 6 metres or more in height and
extending from the site at least 500 metres or 10 times the height of the structure, whichever is
greater.

b)

Exposure B : Open terrain with scattered obstructions having heights generally less than 10m
extending 800 m or more from the site in any full quadrant. This category includes air fields, open
park lands, sparsely built-up outskirts of towns, flat open country and grasslands.

c)

Exposure C : Flat and unobstructed open terrain, coastal areas and riversides facing large bodies of
water, over 1.5 km or more in width. Exposure C extends inland from the shoreline 400 m or 10 times
the height of structure, whichever is greater.

2.4.4.2 Selection of Exposure Category for Primary Framing System : Design wind load for primary
framing systems for all buildings and structures shall be determined based on the terrain exposure
categories defined in Sec 2.4.4.1.
2.4.4.3 Selection of Exposure Category for Components and Cladding : Design wind load on the
components and cladding of all buildings and structures shall be determined on the basis of the exposure
category defined in Sec 2.4.4.1, except that Exposure B shall be assumed for buildings or structures having h
20 m and sited in a terrain with Exposure A.
2.4.5

Basic Wind Speed

2.4.5.1 Basic Wind Speed Map : The Basic Wind Speed Map as shown in Fig 6.2.1 is the map showing the
basic wind speeds in km/h for any location in Bangladesh, having isotachs representing the fastest-mile
wind speeds at 10 metres above the ground with terrain Exposure B for a 50-year recurrence interval. The
minimum value of the basic wind speed set in the map is 130 km/h. Basic wind speeds for selected
locations are also provided in Table 6.2.8.
2.4.5.2 Selection of Basic Wind Speed : Value of the basic wind speed required for any specific location
where a building or structure is sited, shall be obtained as follows:
i)

When the location is listed in Table 6.2.8, value of the basic wind speed shall be taken from that table.

ii)

If the location lies within any wind region (shown shaded in the map of Fig 6.2.1), the value marked
for that wind region shall be used.

Bangladesh National Building Code

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Part 6

Structural Design
iii)

For a location lying on any isotach in the map, the value of that isotach shall be taken.

iv)

For a location lying outside the positions (i) through (iii) above, linear interpolation shall be made
between the adjacent isotachs to obtain the basic wind speed.

For areas where local records or terrain conditions indicate higher values of basic wind speeds
(substantiated by site-specific analysis) than those reflected in Fig 6.2.1 and Table 6.2.8, the site-specific
values shall be adopted as the minimum basic wind speeds.
2.4.6

6-16

Determination of Design Wind Loads

2.4.6.1 Basis of Wind Load Calculation : The minimum design wind load on buildings, structures and
components thereof shall be calculated, within the scope and limitations given in Sec 2.4.1 taking into
account the following effects which shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of this section :
a)

equivalent static pressure or suction on building surfaces arising due to the sustained or mean wind
velocity, i.e. the fastest-mile wind speed,

b)

variation of the mean wind velocity, and hence the pressure, along the height above the ground,

c)

terrain exposure of the building site,

Chapter 2

Loads

Bangladesh National Building Code

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Part 6

Structural Design
Table 6.2.8
Basic Wind Speeds for Selected Locations in Bangladesh

Location

6-18

Basic Wind
Speed (km/h)

Location

Basic Wind
Speed (km/h)

Angarpota
Bagerhat
Bandarban
Barguna
Barisal

150
252
200
260
256

Lalmonirhat
Madaripur
Magura
Manikganj
Meherpur

204
220
208
185
185

Bhola
Bogra
Brahmanbaria
Chandpur
Chapai Nawabganj

225
198
180
160
130

Maheshkhali
Moulvibazar
Munshiganj
Mymensingh
Naogaon

260
168
184
217
175

Chittagong
Chuadanga
Comilla
Coxs Bazar
Dahagram

260
198
196
260
150

Narail
Narayanganj
Narsinghdi
Natore
Netrokona

222
195
190
198
210

Dhaka
Dinajpur
Faridpur
Feni
Gaibandha

210
130
202
205
210

Nilphamari
Noakhali
Pabna
Panchagarh
Patuakhali

140
184
202
130
260

Gazipur
Gopalganj
Habiganj
Hatiya
Ishurdi

215
242
172
260
225

Pirojpur
Rajbari
Rajshahi
Rangamati
Rangpur

260
188
155
180
209

Joypurhat
Jamalpur
Jessore
Jhalakati
Jhenaidah

180
180
205
260
208

Satkhira
Shariatpur
Sherpur
Sirajganj
Srimangal

183
198
200
160
160

Khagrachhari
Khulna
Kutubdia
Kishoreganj
Kurigram

180
238
260
207
210

St. Martins Island

Sunamganj
Sylhet
Sandwip
Tangail

260
195
195
260
160

Kushtia
Lakshmipur

215
162

Teknaf
Thakurgaon

260
130

d)

configuration and dynamic response characteristics of the building or structure,

e)

occupancy importance of the building,

f)

magnification of the mean wind pressure due to the effect of the fluctuating component of wind
speed, i.e. gusts, and

Chapter 2

Loads

g)

additional load amplification resulting from the dynamic wind-structure interaction effects due to
gusts on slender buildings and structures.

2.4.6.2

Sustained Wind Pressure : The sustained wind pressure, qz on a building surface at any height z

above ground shall be calculated from the following relation :

qz = Cc CI Cz V b2
where,

(2.4.1)

sustained wind pressure at height z, kN/m2

qz

CI

= structure importance coefficient as given in Table 6.2.9

Cc

= velocity-to-pressure conversion coefficient = 47.2x10-6

Cz
Vb

= combined height and exposure coefficient as given in Table 6.2.10

= basic wind speed in km/h obtained from Sec 2.4.5

If a structure is located within a local topographic zone, qz shall be modified in accordance with Sec 2.4.6.8.
Table 6.2.9
Structure Importance Coefficients, CI for Wind Loads
Structure Importance Category
(see Table 6.1.1 for Occupancy)
I
II
III
IV
V

Structure Importance
Coefficient, CI

Essential facilities
Hazardous facilities
Special occupancy structures
Standard occupancy structures
Low-risk structures

1.25
1.25
1.00
1.00
0.80

Table 6.2.10
Combined Height and Exposure Coefficient, Cz
Height above
ground level, z
(metres)

Bangladesh National Building Code

Coefficient, Cz (1)
Exposure A

Exposure B

Exposure C

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Part 6

Structural Design
0-4.5
6.0
9.0
12.0

0.368
0.415
0.497
0.565

0.801
0.866
0.972
1.055

1.196
1.263
1.370
1.451

15.0
18.0
21.0
24.0

0.624
0.677
0.725
0.769

1.125
1.185
1.238
1.286

1.517
1.573
1.623
1.667

27.0
30.0
35.0
40.0

0.810
0.849
0.909
0.965

1.330
1.371
1.433
1.488

1.706
1.743
1.797
1.846

45.0
50.0
60.0
70.0

1.017
1.065
1.155
1.237

1.539
1.586
1.671
1.746

1.890
1.930
2.002
2.065

80.0
90.0
100.0
110.0

1.313
1.383
1.450
1.513

1.814
1.876
1.934
1.987

2.120
2.171
2.217
2.260

120.0
130.0
140.0
150.0

1.572
1.629
1.684
1.736

2.037
2.084
2.129
2.171

2.299
2.337
2.371
2.404

160.0
170.0
180.0
190.0

1.787
1.835
1.883
1.928

2.212
2.250
2.287
2.323

2.436
2.465
2.494
2.521

200.0
220.0
240.0
260.0

1.973
2.058
2.139
2.217

2.357
2.422
2.483
2.541

2.547
2.596
2.641
2.684

280.0
300.0

2.910
2.362

2.595
2.647

2.724
2.762

Note : (1)

Linear interpolation is acceptable for intermediate values of z.

2.4.6.3 Design Wind Pressure : The design wind pressure, pz for a structure or an element of a structure
at any height, z above mean ground level shall be determined from the relation :
pz =
where,

CG Cp qz

(2.4.2)

pz = design wind pressure at height z , kN/m2

CG = gust coefficient which shall be Gz , Gh, or G as set forth in Sec 2.4.6.6

Cp = pressure coefficient for structures or components as set forth Sec 2.4.6.7
qz = sustained wind pressure obtain from Eq (2.4.1).
2.4.6.4 Design Wind Load for Buildings and Structures : Design wind load on the main wind force
resisting systems of buildings and structures shall be determined by using one of the following two
methods:

6-20

Chapter 2

Loads

a)

Method 1 (Surface Area Method) : The surface area method shall be used for gabled rigid frames
and single storey rigid frames and may be used of other framing systems. In this method the design
wind pressures shall be assumed to act simultaneously normal to all exterior surfaces including roof
of buildings or structures. The forces F1 , acting normal to the building surfaces or the roof, shall be
calculated as follows :
i)

For all framing systems:

F1 =

pAz

(2.4.3)

where, F1 = wind force on primary framing systems acting normal to a surface, or roof, or a
part thereof.
p = design wind pressure on building surfaces, kN/m2
= pz for windward surfaces as used in Eq (2.4.2)
= p for non-windward surfaces as used in Eq (2.4.2)
h

Az
ii)

= area of the building surface or roof tributary to the framing system at height z
upon which the design pressure p operates, in square metres.

For gabled frames and single-storey rigid frames:

In order to obtain the most critical loading condition, gabled frames and other single-storey
rigid frames shall be investigated for both the force F1 obtained from Eq (2.4.8) and that given
by the relation :
F1 p p i A z
where, p
C pi

q
= internal pressure = C pi

(2.4.4)
h

= internal peak pressure coefficient as given in Sec 2.4.6.7, and

= sustained wind pressure evaluated at mean roof height, given by Eq (2.4.1).

The resultant force of the complete framing system of the building shall be taken to be the
summation of forces F1 due to the effects of the pressures on all surfaces of the building. For the
maximum force on the building, forces along all critical directions shall be investigated.
b)

Method 2 (Projected Area Method) : This method may be used for any building or structure as a
whole except those specified in a(ii) above. In the projected area method, the horizontal pressure
shall be assumed to act upon the full vertical projected area of the structure and the vertical pressure
shall be assumed to act simultaneously upon the full horizontal projected area, except where the
pressure coefficients are given for the surface area, e.g. Table 6.2.17. According to Method 2, the total
wind force on the primary framing system of a building or a structure shall be calculated using the
formula :
F2 =

pz A z

(2.4.5)

where, F2 = total wind force on the framed system of the building in a specified direction, kN
pz

= design wind pressure, in kN/m2, for use with the overall pressure coefficient Cp for

the cross-sectional shapes provided in Tables 6.2.15 to 6.2.21

= Projected frontal area normal to wind tributary to the framing system at height z, in
square metres.
In the projected area method, the overall pressure coefficients Cp provided in Tables 6.2.15 to 6.2.21
for various cross-sectional shapes, shall be used for the total height of the building or the structure
having a particular cross-sectional shape. In order to determine the most critical loads, the total wind
Az

Bangladesh National Building Code

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Part 6

Structural Design
force F2 shall be calculated for each wind direction for which the overall pressure coefficient C p is
provided.
2.4.6.5 Design Wind Loads for Components and Cladding : Design wind load on individual structural
components such as roofs, walls, and individual cladding units and their immediate supporting members
and fixings etc., of enclosed buildings and structures shall be determined in accordance with the following
relation:

q C q A

F = C
pi i z
pe

(2.4.6)

where, F = total wind force on a building component perpendicular to the surface, kN

C p e = external peak pressure coefficient for components, see Fig 6.2.7 and 6.2.8 for rectangular
building
= internal peak pressure coefficient as given in Table 6.2.14

C pi

q
q

= sustained wind pressure acting on external surfaces of a building

= wind pressure developed at the interior of the building.

The pressures q and q shall be determined as follows :

i

For h 18 m:

q and q = q

For h > 18 m:

q for ( + ve) values of C p e , and

= q for ( ve) values of C p e ,

= q for all values of Cpe.

h
z

are not provided in Fig 6.2.7 and 6.2.8 and in Table 6.2.14, the
If the peak pressure coefficients C p e and C pi

following equation may be used for determining the wind forces on structural components :
F = 1.25 p z A z

where,

pz
Az

(2.4.7)

= design wind pressure for components as given in Eq (2.4.2), kN/m 2

= Projected area of the component normal to wind at level, z above ground, in square metres.

2.4.6.6 Wind Gust Effects : Wind gusts cause additional loading effects due to turbulence over the
sustained wind speed. For slender buildings and structures, this additional loading gets further amplified
due to dynamic wind structure interaction effects. A slender or wind-sensitive building shall be one having
(i) a height exceeding five times the least horizontal dimension, or (ii) a fundamental natural frequency less
than 1.0 Hz. Gust coefficient, CG as included in Eq (2.4.2) shall account for such additional gust loading
effects on non-slender and slender buildings and shall be set equal to the Gust Response Factors, Gh, Gz
or G as set forth below :
a)

Gust Response Factor, Gh for Non-slender Buildings and Structures : For the main wind force
resisting systems of non-slender buildings and structures, the value of the gust response factor, Gh
shall be determined from Table 6.2.11 evaluated at height h above mean ground level of the
building or structure. Height h shall be defined as the mean roof level or the top of the parapet,
whichever is greater.

b)

6-22

Gust Response Factor, Gz for Building Components : For components and cladding of all buildings
and structures, the value of the gust response factor Gz shall be determined from Table 6.2.11
evaluated at the height above the ground, z at which the component or cladding under consideration
is located on the structure.

Chapter 2

Loads

Bangladesh National Building Code

6-23

Part 6

Structural Design
Table 6.2.11
Gust Response Factors, Gh and Gz(1)
Height above
ground level
(metres)
0-4.5
6.0
9.0
12.0

Gh (2) and Gz
Exposure A

Exposure B

Exposure C

1.654
1.592
1.511
1.457

1.321
1.294
1.258
1.233

1.154
1.140
1.121
1.107

15.0
18.0
21.0
24.0

1.418
1.388
1.363
1.342

1.215
1.201
1.189
1.178

1.097
1.089
1.082
1.077

27.0
30.0
35.0
40.0

1.324
1.309
1.287
1.268

1.170
1.162
1.151
1.141

1.072
1.067
1.061
1.055

45.0
50.0
60.0
70.0

1.252
1.238
1.215
1.196

1.133
1.126
1.114
1.103

1.051
1.046
1.039
1.033

80.0
90.0
100.0
110.0

1.180
1.166
1.154
1.114

1.095
1.087
1.081
1.075

1.028
1.024
1.020
1.016

120.0
130.0
140.0
150.0

1.134
1.126
1.118
1.111

1.070
1.065
1.061
1.057

1.013
1.010
1.008
1.005

160.0
170.0
180.0
190.0

1.104
1.098
1.092
1.087

1.053
1.049
1.046
1.043

1.003
1.001
1.000
1.000

200.0
220.0
240.0

1.082
1.073
1.065

1.040
1.035
1.030

1.000
1.000
1.000

260.0
280.0
300.0

1.058
1.051
1.045

1.026
1.022
1.018

1.000
1.000
1.000

Note : (1) For main wind-force resisting systems, use building or structure
height h for z.
(2) Linear interpolation is acceptable for intermediate values of z.

c)

6-24

Gust Response Factor, G for Slender Buildings and Structures : Gust response factor, G for the
primary framing systems of slender buildings and structures shall be calculated by a rational
analysis incorporating the dynamic properties of the primary framing system as given by the
following relations.

Chapter 2

Loads

where,

P = f J

f =

TI
f

h
c
Vb
k
J

P 11.0T 2I S

= 0.65
1 kc

(2.4.9)

55.44fh
sVb
=

(2.4.8)

(2.4.10)

2.35 D o

h 13.72

and

(2.4.11)

=
=
=
=
=

fundamental natural frequency of the building or structure, Hz

structural damping coefficient (fraction of critical damping)
mean roof height or height to parapet, metre
average horizontal dimension of the building or structure normal to wind, metre
basic wind speed, km/h

=
=
=

0.00656 for building or structure

0.00328 for open framework (lattice) structure
pressure profile factor given in Fig 6.2.2
resonance factor given in Fig 6.2.3
structure size factor provided in Fig 6.2.4

Other parameters of Eq (2.4.8) through (2.4.11) are defined in Sec 2.4.2. Values of the parameters ,
Do , s and shall be those given in Table 6.2.12.
The gust response factor G as determined by this provision shall account for the load magnification effect
caused by the wind gusts in resonance with along-wind oscillations of the structure, but shall not provide
allowances for any cross-wind response such as that due to vortex shedding, galloping, flutter and ovalling
nor for any torsional loading effect resulting from such response. Cases where cross-wind or torsional
loading is possible, specialist advice shall be sought for further analysis, or wind tunnel tests specified in
Sec 1.5.3.5 shall be made for determining such effects.

Bangladesh National Building Code

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Part 6

Structural Design

6-26

Chapter 2

Loads

Table 6.2.12
Building Exposure Parameters
Building Exposure

A
B
C

0.222
0.143
0.100

Do
0.010
0.005
0.003

s
1.33
1.00
0.85

1.0/h
0.07/h
0.0061/h

2.4.6.7 Pressure Coefficients for Buildings, Structures and Components : The pressure coefficients Cp to
be used in Eq (2.4.2) for the determination of design wind pressure shall be equal to the values described
below:

Bangladesh National Building Code

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Part 6

Structural Design
a)

Cpe

external pressure coefficient as given in Fig 6.2.5 and Fig 6.2.6 and in Table 6.2.13 for
external surfaces of buildings or structures. This coefficient shall be used with Method 1
given in Sec 2.4.6.4a(i).

b)

C pi

internal peak pressure coefficients as given in Table 6.2.14 for internal surfaces of
buildings. These coefficients shall be used along with the coefficients Cpe for design
wind load on components, or with Cpe for design wind load on buildings as per
provisions of Sec 2.4.6.4a (ii)

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Chapter 2

Loads

Notation :
B

CG

ph

Mean roof height, in metres except that eave height may be

used for 10 degrees
Horizontal dimension of building, in metres measured
parallel to wind direction
Design wind pressure

qh , qz

Sustained wind pressure, in kN/m2 evaluated at respective

:
:

heights
Height above ground in metres
Roof slope from horizontal, degrees

Horizontal dimension of building, in metres measured

normal to wind direction
Gust response coefficient

External Pressure Coefficient Cpe for Walls *

Surface

L/B

Cpe

For use with

Windward wall

all values

0.8

pz = CG Cpe qz

0.10
0.65
1.00
2.00
4.00
all values

0.5
0.6
0.5
0.3
0.2
- 0.7

Leeward wall

Side wall
*

pz = CG Cpe qh
pz = CG Cpeqz

These coefficients may be used when h/B 5.0.

Alternatively, use Table 6.2.15 and Method 2, Sec 2.4.6.4(b)

External Pressure Coefficients, Cpefor Roof

Wind
Direction
Normal
to ridge

Parallel
to ridge

h/L
0.3

0
- 0.7

0.5
1.0
1.5
h/B or h/L
2.5
h/B or h/L
> 2.5

- 0.7
- 0.7
- 0.7

Windward Side
(degrees)
10-15
20
30
40
0.2*
0.2
0.3
0.4
- 0.9*
- 0.9
- 0.75
- 0.2
0.3
- 0.9
- 0.75
- 0.2
0.3
- 0.9
- 0.9
- 0.9
- 0.35

Coefficients are to be used with ph=

Both values of Cpe shall be used for load calculations.

Note : (1)

50
0.5

> 60
0.01

0.5
0.5
0.2

0.01
0.01
0.01

Leeward
Side
- 0.7
for all
values of
h/L
and

- 0.7

- 0.7

- 0.8

- 0.8

CG Cpe qh , see Sec 2.4.6.6(a)

These coefficients shall be used with Method 1, Sec 2.4.6.4.(a).

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Part 6

Structural Design
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)

Refer to Table 6.2.13 for arched roofs.

For flexible buildings and structures, use appropriate G as determined by Sec 2.4.6.6 (c).
Plus and minus signs signify pressures acting toward and away from the surfaces, respectively.
Linear interpolation may be made for values of h/L, and L/B ratios other than listed.

Fig 6.2.5

6-30

External Pressure Coefficients, Cpe for Primary Framing

Systems of Rectangular Buildings

Chapter 2

Loads

Bangladesh National Building Code

6-31

Part 6

Structural Design
c)

C p e

external peak pressure coefficient as given in Fig 6.2.7 and 6.2.8 to be applied on external
surfaces of buildings to obtain design wind load on individual components and cladding
in accordance with Sec 2.4.6.5.

d)

Cp

overall pressure coefficient as given in Tables 6.2.15 through 6.2.21 for various crosssectional shapes to be used with the projected area of buildings or structures when
Method 2 in Sec 2.4.6.4(b) is used.

If pressure coefficients Cpe

C pi
, C p e

or Cp are not provided herein for certain buildings, structures or

components, reliable references shall be followed or specialist advice shall be sought.

Table 6.2.13
External Pressure Coefficients, Cpe for Arched Roofs

Condition

Rise-to-span
Ratio, r

Windward
Quarter

Cpe
Centre
half

Roofs on elevated
structures

0 < r < 0.2

0.2 < r < 0.3*
0.3 < r < 0.6

0.9
1.5 r 0.3
2.75 r 0.7

0.7 r
0.7 r
0.7 r

0.5
0.5
0.5

1.4 r

0.7 r

0.5

Roofs springing from 0

ground level

< r < 0.6

Leeward
Quarter

* When the rise-to-span ratio is 0.2 < r < 0.3 alternate coefficients given by (6r 2.1) shall also be used for the
windward quarter.
Notes: (1) Values listed are for the determination of average loads on primary framing system.
(2) Plus and minus signs signify pressures acting toward and away from the surfaces, respectively.
(3) For components and cladding :
a)
At roof perimeter, use the external pressure coefficients in Fig 6.2.7 with based on
spring-line slope and qh based on Exposure B.
b)

For remaining roof area, use external pressure coefficients of this table multiplied by 1.2
and qh based on Exposure B.

Table 6.2.14
Internal Peak Pressure Coefficients for Buildings, Cpi
Condition

Cpi

Percentage of total wall area occupied by openings in one

wall exceeds that of all other walls by 10% or more and
openings in all other walls do not exceed 20% of respective
wall area.

+ 0.75 and - 0.25

All other cases

6-32

0.25

Chapter 2

Loads

Notes:

(3)

(1) Values are to be used with q or q as specified in Sec 2.4.6.4 a(ii) and 2.4.6.5.
z
h
(2) Plus and minus signs signify pressures acting toward and away from the surfaces, respectively.
Appropriate positive and negative values of Cpi shall be considered when determining the
controlling load requirement.
Percentage of openings is based on gross area of wall.

(4)

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Part 6

Structural Design

Note :
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)

(1)
Vertical scale denotes p e to be used with qh based on Exposure B .
The horizontal scale denotes tributary area in square metres.
External pressure coefficients for walls may be reduced by 10% when 10 degrees.
Plus and minus signs signify pressures acting toward and away from the surfaces, respectively.
Each component shall be designed for maximum positive and negative pressures.
Roof overhangs shall have C p e given in Fig (b) to be applied at the top surface plus a C p e = + 0.8 applied at the
bottom surface.

Fig 6.2.7

6-34

External Peak Pressure Coefficients p e for Loads on Building

Components and Cladding for Buildings with Mean Roof Height, h of
18 metres or Less

Chapter 2

Loads

(2)
(3)

Vertical scale denotes C p e to be used with appropriate qz or qh

Horizontal scale denotes tributary area A in square metres
Use qh with negative values of C p e

(4)
(5)
(6)

Each component shall be designed for maximum positive and negative pressures
If a parapet is provided around the roof perimeter, zones (3) and (4) may be treated as zone (2)
For roofs with a slope of more than 10 degrees, use C p e from Fig 6.2.7 and qh based on Exposure B

(7)
(8)

Plus and minus signs signify pressures acting toward and away from the surfaces, respectively.
Roof overhangs shall have C p e given in Fig (b) to be applied at the top surface plus a C p e = + 0.8 applied at the

(9)

bottom surface.
For parapet use C p e = 1.3

Note :

(1)

Notation:

a : 5% of minimum width or 0.5h, whichever is smaller

h : Mean roof height in metres
z : Height above ground in metres.

Fig 6.2.8

External Peak Pressure Coefficients p e for Loads on Building

Components and Cladding for Buildings with Mean Roof Height, h
Greater Than 18 metres

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Part 6

Structural Design
Table 6.2.15 (1)
Overall Pressure Coefficients,Cp(2) for Rectangular Buildings with Flat Roofs
h/B

L/B

<0.5

0.1
1.40

0.5
1.45

0.65
1.55

1.0
1.40

2.0
1.15

> 3.0
1.10

10.0

1.55

1.85

2.00

1.70

1.30

1.15

20.0

1.80

2.25

2.55

2.00

1.40

1.20

40.0

1.95

2.50

2.80

2.20

1.60

1.25

Note:(1) These coefficients are to be used with Method-2 given in

Sec 2.4.6.6a(ii). Use Cp = + 0.7 for roof in all cases.
(2) Linear interpolation may be made for intermediate values
of`h/B and L/B.

Table 6.2.16
Overall Pressure Coefficient,Cp for Buildings and Structures such as Chimneys, Tanks, etc.
Shape

Cp for h/D values of

Type of surface

Square (wind normal to a face)

Square (wind along diagonal)
Hexagonal or octagonal:
(D qz > 0.167 )

All
All

1
1.3
1.0

7
1.4
1.1

25
2.0
1.5

All

1.0

1.2

1.4

Round (D qz > 0.167):

Moderately smooth

0.5

0.6

0.7

Round (D qz 0.167):

Rough (D/D 0.02)

Very rough(D/D 0.08)
All

0.7
0.8
0.7

0.8
1.0
0.8

0.9
1.2
1.2

Notes: 1) The design wind force shall be calculated based on the area of the structure projected on a plane
normal to the wind direction. The force shall be assumed to act parallel to the wind direction.
2) Linear interpolation may be used for h/D values other than those shown.
3) Notation :
D: diameter or least horizontal dimension, metres.
D: depth of protruding elements such as ribs and spoilers, metres.
h: height of structure, metres.

Table 6.2.17
Overall Pressure CoefficientsCp for Monoslope Roofs Over Unenclosed Buildings and Structures

(degrees)
10
15
20
25
30

10 to 20
25
30

6-36

5
0.2
0.35
0.5
0.7
0.9

3
0.25
0.45
0.6
0.8
1.0

2 to 5
0.35
0.35
0.35

L/B
2
1
1/2
0.3
0.45
0.55
0.5
0.7
0.85
0.75
0.9
1.0
0.95
1.15
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.2
Location of centre of pressure,
X/L, for L/B values of :
1
0.3
0.35
0.4

1/3
0.7
0.9
0.95
1.05
1.1

1/5
0.75
0.85
0.9
0.95
1.0

1/5 to 1/2
0.3
0.4
0.45

Chapter 2

Loads

Note: 1) Wind forces act normal to the surface and shall be directed inward or outward.
2) Wind shall be assumed to deviate by 10 degrees from horizontal.
3) Notation :
B: dimension of roof measured normal to wind direction, metres
L: dimension of roof measured parallel to wind direction, metres
X: distance to centre of pressure from windward edge of roof, metres
Q: angle of plane of roof from horizontal, degrees.

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Part 6

Structural Design

Table 6.2.18
Overall Pressure Coefficients,Cp for Solid Signs
At Ground Level
Cp
3
1.2
5
1.3
8
1.4
10
1.5
20
1.75
30
1.85
40
2.00

Above Ground Level

M/N
Cp
6
10
16
20
40
60
80

1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.75
1.85
2.00

Note :1) Signs with openings comprising less than 30% of the gross area
shall be considered as solid signs.
2) Signs for which the distance from the ground to the bottom edge
is less than 0.25 times the vertical dimension shall be considered
to be at ground level.
3) To allow for both normal and oblique wind directions, two cases
shall be considered :
a) Resultant force acts normal to sign at geometric centre, and
b) Resultant force acts normal to sign at level of geometric
centre and at a distance from windward edge of 0.3 times
the horizontal dimension.
4) Notation:
Ratio of height to width
M: Larger dimension of sign, metres
N Smaller dimension of sign, metres.

Table 6.2.19
Overall Pressure Coefficients Cp for Open Signs and Lattice Frameworks

Cp

< 0.1
0.1 to 0.29
0.3 to 0.7

Flat-sided
Members
2.0
1.8
1.6

Round Members
D q z 0.167

D q z > 0.167

1.2
1.3
1.5

0.8
0.9
1.1

Notes: 1) Signs with openings comprising 30% or more of the gross area are classified
as open signs.
2) The calculation of the design wind forces shall be based on the area of all
exposed members and elements projected on a plane normal to the wind
direction. Forces shall be assumed to act parallel to the wind direction.
3) Notation :
: Ratio of solid area to gross area
D : Diameter of a typical round member, in metres.

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Chapter 2

Loads

Table 6.2.20
Overall Pressure Coefficients, Cp for Trussed Towers

Cp

Square Towers
4.0
4.1 5.2
1.8
1.3 + 0.7

< 0.025
0.025 to 0.44
0.45 to 0.69
0.7 to 1.0
Note : 1)
2)

3)

4)

5)

6)

Triangular Towers
3.6
3.7 4.5
1.7
1.0 +

Force coefficients are given for towers with structural angles or similar flatsided members.
For towers with rounded members, the design wind force shall be determined
using the values in the above table multiplied by the following factors:
For
< 0.29: factor = 0.67
For 0.3 << 0.79: factor = 0.67 + 0.47
For 0.8 << 1.0: factor = 1.0
For triangular section towers, the design wind forces shall be assumed to act
normal to a tower face.
For square section towers, the design wind forces shall be assumed to act
normal to a tower face. To allow for the maximum horizontal wind load, which
occurs when the wind is oblique to the faces, the wind load acting normal to a
tower face shall be multiplied by the factor 1.0 + 0.75 for < 0.5 and shall be
assumed to act along a diagonal.
Wind forces on tower appurtenances, such as ladders, conduits, lights,
elevators, and the like, shall be calculated using appropriate force coefficients
for these elements.
For guyed towers, the cantilever portion of the tower shall be designed for
125% of the design force.
A reduction of 25% of the design force in any span between guys shall be made
for determination of controlling moments and shears.
Notation:

7)

8)

Ratio of solid area to gross area of tower face.

Typical member diameter, in metres.

D :

Table 6.2.21
Overall Pressure Coefficients,Cp,D andCp,L for Tower Guys

(degrees)
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90

Bangladesh National Building Code

Cp,D

Cp,L

0.05
0.10
0.20
0.35
0.60
0.80
1.05
1.15
1.20

0.05
0.15
0.30
0.35
0.45
0.45
0.35
0.20
0.00

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Part 6

Structural Design
Notes: 1)

The force coefficients shall be used in conjunction with

exposed area of the tower guy in square metre, calculated
as chord length multiplied by guy diameter.
2) Notation:
Cp,D : Force coefficient for the component of force
acting in direction of the wind.
Cp,L : Force coefficient for the component of force
acting normal to direction of the wind and in the

plane containing the angle .

Angle between wind direction and chord of the
guy, in degrees.

2.4.6.8 Effect of Local Topography : If a structure or any portion thereof is located within a local
topographic zone, such as regions around hills and ridges as shown in Fig 6.2.9, the sustained wind
pressure obtained from Sec 2.4.6.2 shall be modified by multiplying by a local topographic coefficient, Ct .
Value of the coefficient, Ct shall be obtained from Fig 6.2.9.

Local Topographic Coefficient, Ct at Crest

Upwind slope
(tan
0.05
0.1
0.2
0.3

6-40

Coefficient, Ct
1.19
1.39
1.85
2.37

Chapter 2

Loads

Legend:

Notes:

tan

tand

H
Lu

=
=

(1)
(2)

Fig 6.2.9

H
2Lu
the average downwind slope, measured from the crest of a hill or ridge or to the
ground level at a distance of 5H.
the height of the hill or ridge in meters
the horizontal distance upwind from the crest to a level half the height below the
crest in meters.
the upwind slope,

For intermediate values of upwind slope, linear interpolation is permitted.

Ct = 1.0 for a point at or out side the boundary of the local topographic zones as shown in the figure .
For any point within the local topographic zone, value of the coefficient, Ct shall be obtained by
interpolation from the value at crest given in the table and the value of Ct=1 at the boundary of the
zone. The interpolation shall be linear with horizontal distance from the crest, and with height above
the local ground level.

Local Topographic Coefficient, Ct for Hills and Ridges.

2.5

EARTHQUAKE LOADS

2.5.1

General
Minimum design earthquake forces for buildings, structures or components thereof shall be determined in
accordance with the provisions of this section. For primary framing systems of buildings or structures, the
design seismic lateral forces shall be calculated either by the Equivalent Static Force Method or by the
Dynamic Response Method based on the criteria set forth in Sec 2.5.5.1. Overall design of buildings and
structures to resist seismic ground motion and other forces shall comply with the applicable design
requirements given in Chapter 1.

2.5.2

Definitions
The following definitions of terms shall be applicable only to the provisions of Sec 2.5 :
BASE : The level at which the earthquake motions are considered to be imparted to the structures or the
level at which the structure as a dynamic vibrator is supported.
BASE SHEAR : Total design lateral force or shear at the base of a structure.
BEARING WALL SYSTEM : A structural system without a complete vertical load carrying space frame, see
Sec 1.3.2.
BRACED FRAME : An essentially vertical truss system of the concentric or eccentric type which is provided
to resist lateral forces.
BUILDING FRAME SYSTEM : An essentially complete space frame which provides support for gravity
loads, see Sec 1.3.2.
DIAPHRAGM : A horizontal or nearly horizontal system of structures acting to transmit lateral forces to the
vertical resisting elements. The term "diaphragm" includes horizontal bracing systems.
DUAL SYSTEM : A combination of a Special or Intermediate Moment Resisting Frame and Shear Walls or
Braced Frames designed in accordance with the criteria of Sec 1.3.2.
ECCENTRIC BRACED FRAME (EBF) : A steel braced frame designed in conformance with Sec 1.8.
ESSENTIAL FACILITIES : Buildings and structures which are necessary to remain functional during an
emergency or a post disaster period.

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Part 6

Structural Design
FLEXIBLE DIAPHRAGM : A floor or roof diaphragm shall be considered flexible, for purposes of this
provision, when the maximum lateral deformation of the diaphragm is more than two times the average
storey drift of the associated storey. This may be determined by comparing the computed midpoint in-plane
deflection of the diaphragm under lateral load with the storey drift of adjoining vertical resisting elements
under equivalent tributary lateral load.
FLEXIBLE ELEMENT OR SYSTEM : An element or system whose deformation under lateral load is
significantly larger than adjoining parts of the system.
FLEXIBLY SUPPORTED EQUIPMENT : Non-rigid or flexibly supported equipment is a system having a
fundamental period, including the equipment, greater than 0.06 second.
HORIZONTAL BRACING SYSTEM : A horizontal truss system that serves the same function as a floor or
roof diaphragm.
INTERMEDIATE MOMENT RESISTING FRAME (IMRF) : A concrete or steel frame designed in accordance
with Sec 8.3 or 10.5.17 respectively.
MOMENT RESISTING FRAME : A frame in which members and joints are capable of resisting forces
primarily by flexure.
ORDINARY MOMENT RESISTING FRAME (OMRF) : A moment resisting frame not meeting special
detailing requirements for ductile behaviour.
PRIMARY FRAMING SYSTEM : That part of the structural system assigned to resist lateral forces.
RIGIDLY SUPPORTED EQUIPMENT : A rigid or rigidly supported equipment is a system having a
fundamental period less than or equal to 0.06 second.
SHEAR WALL : A wall designed to resist lateral forces parallel to the plane of the wall (sometimes referred
to as a vertical diaphragm or a structural wall).
SOFT STOREY : Storey in which the lateral stiffness is less than 70 per cent of the stiffness of the storey
above.
SPACE FRAME : A three-dimensional structural system without bearing walls composed of members
interconnected so as to function as a complete self contained unit with or without the aid of horizontal
diaphragms or floor bracing systems.
SPECIAL MOMENT RESISTING FRAME (SMRF) : A moment resisting frame specially detailed to provide
ductile behaviour complying with the seismic requirements provided in Chapters 8 and 10 for concrete
and steel frames respectively.
SPECIAL STRUCTURAL SYSTEM : A structural system not listed in Table 6.2.24.
STOREY : The space between floor levels. Storey-x is the storey below level-x.
STOREY SHEAR, Vx : The summation of design lateral forces above the storey under consideration.
STRENGTH : The usable capacity of an element or a member to resist the load as prescribed in these
provisions.
STRUCTURE : An assemblage of framing members designed to support gravity loads and resist lateral
forces. Structures may be categorized as building and non-building structures as defined in Sec 1.2.2.
TOWER : A tall, slim vertical structure.
VERTICAL LOAD-CARRYING FRAME : A space frame designed to carry all vertical gravity loads.

6-42

Chapter 2

Loads

WEAK STOREY : Storey in which the lateral strength is less than 80 per cent of that of the storey above.
2.5.3

Symbols and Notation

The following symbols and notation shall apply to the provisions of this section :
Ac

the combined effective area, in square metres of the shear walls in the first storey of the

Ae

structure.
the effective horizontal cross-sectional area, in square metres of a shear wall in the first

Ax

storey of the structure.

the torsion amplification factor at level-x.

C
C
Ct
De

=
=
=
=

numerical coefficient specified in Sec 2.5.6.1.

numerical coefficient specified in Sec 2.5.8 and given in Table 6.2.26.
numerical coefficient given in Sec 2.5.6.2.
the length in metres of a shear wall element in the first storey in the direction parallel to the

ft
Fi,Fn,Fx

=
=

applied forces.
lateral force at level -i for use in Eq (2.5.5).
lateral force applied to level-i, -n, or -x respectively.

Ft

=
=

lateral forces on an element or component or on equipment supports.

that portion of the base shear V, considered concentrated at the top of the structure in

Fx
g
h i, h n , h x

=
=
=

addition to Fn.
force on floor- or roof-diaphragm.
acceleration due to gravity.
height in metres above the base to level i, -n or -x respectively.

I
I

=
=

Level-i

Level-n
Level-x
R
S
T

=
=
=
=
=

V
Vx

=
=

structure importance coefficient given in Table 6.2.23.

structure importance coefficient specified in Sec 2.5.8 for structural and non-structural
components and equipment.
level of the structure referred to by the subscript i, e.g., i = 1 designates the first level above
the base.
the uppermost level in the main portion of the structure.
the level under consideration e.g., x = 1 designates the first level above the base.
response modification coefficient for structural systems given in Table 6.2.24.
site coefficient for soil characteristics given in Table 6.2.25.
fundamental period of vibration, in seconds, of the structure in the direction under
consideration.
the total design lateral force or shear at the base
the design storey shear in storey x

W
wi , wx

=
=

the total seismic dead load defined in Sec 2.5.5.2

that portion of W which is located at or assigned to level -i or -x respectively

w x

W =

the weight of the diaphragm and the elements tributary thereto at level-x, including
applicable portions of other loads defined in Sec 2.5.5.2.
the weight of an element or component
= seismic zone coefficient given in Table 6.2.22.
= horizontal displacement at level-i relative to the base due to applied lateral forces, in metre,
for use in Eq (2.5.5).

2.5.4

Seismic Zoning
2.5.4.1 Seismic Zoning Map : The seismic zoning map of Bangladesh is provided in Fig 6.2.10. Based on
the severity of the probable intensity of seismic ground motion and damages, Bangladesh has been divided
into three seismic zones, i.e. Zone 1, Zone 2 and Zone 3 as shown in Fig 6.2.10 with Zone 3 being the most
severe.
2.5.4.2 Selection of Seismic Zone and Zone Coefficient : Seismic zone for a building site shall be
determined based on the location of the site on the Seismic Zoning Map provided in Fig 6.2.10. Each

Bangladesh National Building Code

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Part 6

Structural Design
building or structure shall be assigned a Seismic Zone Coefficient, Z corresponding to the seismic zone of
the site as set forth in Table 6.2.22.
2.5.5

Design Earthquake Forces for Primary Framing Systems

The design earthquake lateral forces on the primary framing systems of every building or structure shall be
calculated based on the provisions set forth in this section. The design seismic forces shall be assumed to act
nonconcurrently in the direction of each principal axis of the building or the structure, except otherwise
required by the provisions of Sec 1.5.4 and 1.7.
2.5.5.1 Selection of Lateral Force Method : Seismic lateral forces on primary framing systems shall be
determined by using either the Equivalent Static Force Method provided in Sec 2.5.6, or the Dynamic
Response Method given in Sec 2.5.7 complying with the restrictions given below :
a)

The Equivalent Static Force Method of Sec 2.5.6 may be used for the following structures :
i)

All structures, regular or irregular, in Seismic Zone 1 and in Structure Importance Category IV
in Seismic Zone 2, except case b(iv) below.
ii) Regular structures under 75 metres in height with lateral force resistance provided by
structural systems listed in Table 6.2.24. except case b(iv) below.
iii) Irregular structures not more than 20 metres in height.
iv) A tower like building or structure having a flexible upper portion supported on a rigid lower
portion where:
1)
2)
3)
b)

both portions of the structure considered separately can be classified as regular structures,
the average storey stiffness of the lower portion is at least ten times the average storey
stiffness of the upper portion, and
the period of the entire structure is not greater than 1.1 times the period of the upper
portion considered as a separate structure fixed at the base.

The Dynamic Response Method as given in Sec 2.5.7 may be used for all classes of structure, but shall
be used for structures of the following types.
i)
ii)

Structures 75 metres or more in height except as permitted by case a(i) above.

Structures having a stiffness, weight or geometric vertical irregularity of Type I, II, or III as
defined in Table 6.1.3. or structures having irregular features not described in either Table
6.1.3 or 6.1.4.
iii) Structures over 20 metres in height in Seismic Zone 3 not having the same structural system
throughout their height except as permitted by Sec 1.6.4.
iv) Structures, regular or irregular, located on Soil Profile Type S 4 as given in Table 6.2.25, which
have a period greater than 0.7 second. The analysis shall include the effects of the soils at the
site and shall conform to Sec 2.5.7.1 (c).
2.5.5.2 Seismic Dead Load : Seismic dead load, W, is the total dead load of a building or a structure,
including permanent partitions, and applicable portions of other loads listed below :

6-44

a)

In storage and warehouse occupancies, a minimum of 25 per cent of the floor live load shall be
applicable.

b)

Where an allowance for partition load is included in the floor design in accordance with Sec 2.3.3.3,
all such loads but not less than 0.6 kN/m2 shall be applicable.

c)

Total weight of permanent equipment shall be included.

Chapter 2

Loads

Bangladesh National Building Code

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Part 6

Structural Design
2.5.6

Equivalent Static Force Method

This method may be used for calculation of seismic lateral forces for all structures specified in Sec 2.5.5.1(a)
2.5.6.1 Design Base Shear : The total design base shear in a given direction shall be determined from the
following relation :

V
where, Z
I
R
W
C

=
=
=
=
=

ZIC
W
R

(2.5.1)

Seismic zone coefficient given in Table 6.2.22

Structure importance coefficient given in Table 6.2.23
Response modification coefficient for structural systems given in Table 6.2.24
The total seismic dead load defined in Sec 2.5.5.2
Numerical coefficient given by the relation :
C

1.25S
T2 /3

(2.5.2)

S = Site coefficient for soil characteristics as provided in Table 6.2.25

T = Fundamental period of vibration in seconds, of the structure for the direction under
consideration as determined by the provisions of Sec 2.5.6.2.
The value of C need not exceed 2.75 and this value may be used for any structure without regard to soil
type or structure period. Except for those requirements where Code prescribed forces are scaled up by
0.375R, the minimum value of the ratio C/R shall be 0.075.
Table 6.2.23
Structure Importance Coefficients I, I

Table 6.2.22
Seismic Zone Coefficients, Z
Seismic Zone
(see Fig 6.2.10)

Zone
Coefficient

1
2
3

0.075
0.15
0.25

Structure Importance Category

(see Table 6.1.1 for occupancy)

I
II
III
IV
V

Essential facilities
Hazardous facilities
Special occupancy structures
Standard occupancy structures
Low-risk Structures

Structure
Importance
Coefficient
I
I
1.25
1.50
1.25
1.50
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00

2.5.6.2 Structure Period : The value of the fundamental period, T of the structure shall be determined
from one of the following methods :
a)

Method A : For all buildings the value of T may be approximated by the following formula :
T = Ct (hn) 3/4
where,

Ct

=
=

=
hn =

(2.5.3)

0.083 for steel moment resisting frames

0.073 for reinforced concrete moment resisting frames, and eccentric braced
steel frames
0.049 for all other structural systems
Height in metres above the base to level n.

Alternatively, the value of Ct for buildings with concrete or masonry shear walls may be taken as
0.03 1 Ac . The value of Ac shall be obtained from the relation :

Ac =

6-46

A e 0.2 De

hn

(2.5.4)

Chapter 2

Loads

where,

Ac =
Ae =
De =

The combined effective area, in square metres, of the shear walls in the first
storey of the structure.
The effective horizontal cross-sectional area, in square metres of a shear wall in
the first storey of the structure.
The length, in metre of a shear wall element in the first storey in the direction
parallel to the applied forces.

The value of De /hn for use in Eq ( 2.5.4) shall not exceed 0.9.

Bangladesh National Building Code

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Part 6

Structural Design

Table 6.2.24
Response Modification Coefficient for Structural Systems, R
Basic Structural System(1)
a. Bearing Wall
System

Description of Lateral Force Resisting System

1.
2.
3.
4.

Light framed walls with shear panels

i) Plywood walls for structures, 3 storeys or less
ii) All other light framed walls
Shear walls
i) Concrete
ii) Masonry
Light steel framed bearing walls with tension only bracing
Braced frames where bracing carries gravity loads
i) Steel
(3)

b. Building Frame
System

1.
2.
3.
4.

ii) Concrete
iii) Heavy timber
Steel eccentric braced frame (EBF)
Light framed walls with shear panels
i) Plywood walls for structures 3-storeys or less
ii) All other light framed walls
Shear walls
i) Concrete
ii) Masonry
Concentric braced frames (CBF)
i) Steel

1.

2.
3.

ii)

d. Dual System

1.

2.
3.

e. Special Structural
Systems
Notes : (1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)

6-48

Concrete

8
6
6
6
4
6
4
4

9
7
8
8
8
8
8

ii) Concrete
iii) Heavy timber
Special moment resisting frames (SMRF)
i) Steel
ii) Concrete
Intermediate moment resisting frames (IMRF), concrete
Ordinary moment resisting frames (OMRF)
i) Steel

(2)

10

(3)

c. Moment Resisting
Frame System

(4)

(5)

Shear walls
i) Concrete with steel or concrete SMRF
ii) Concrete with steel OMRF
iii) Concrete with concrete IMRF (4)
iv) Masonry with steel or concrete SMRF
v) Masonry with steel OMRF
vi) Masonry with concrete IMRF (3)
Steel EBF
i) With steel SMRF
ii) With steel OMRF
Concentric braced frame (CBF)
i) Steel with steel SMRF
ii) Steel with steel OMRF
iii) Concrete with concrete SMRF (3)
iv) Concrete with concrete IMRF (3)
See Sec 1.3.2, 1.3.3, 1.3.5

Basic Structural Systems are defined in Sec 1.3.2, Chapter 1.

See Sec 2.5.6.6 for combination of structural systems, and Sec 1.3.5 for system limitations.
Prohibited in Seismic Zone 3.
Prohibited in Seismic Zone 3 except as permitted in Sec 2.5.9.3.
Prohibited in Seismic Zones 2 and 3. Sec 1.7.2.6.

12
12
8
6
5

12
6
9
8
6
7
12
6
10
6
9
6

Chapter 2

Loads

Table 6.2.25
Site Coefficient, Sfor Seismic Lateral Forces (1)
Site Soil Characteristics
Type
S1

Description
A soil profile with either :
a) A rock-like material characterized by a shear-wave velocity greater than
762 m/s or by other suitable means of classification, or
b) Stiff or dense soil condition where the soil depth is less than 61 metres

1.0

S2

A soil profile with dense or stiff soil conditions, where the soil depth exceeds
61 metres

1.2

S3

A soil profile 21 metres or more in depth and containing more than 6 metres
of soft to medium stiff clay but not more than 12 metres of soft clay

1.5

S4

A soil profile containing more than 12 metres of soft clay characterized by a

shear wave velocity less than 152 m/s

2.0

Note : (1)

b)

Coefficient,
S

The site coefficient shall be established from properly substantiated geotechnical data. In locations
where the soil properties are not known in sufficient detail to determine the soil profile type, soil
profile S3 shall be used. Soil profile S4 need not be assumed unless the building official determines
that soil profile S4 may be present at the site, or in the event that soil profile S4 is established by
geotechnical data.

Method B : The fundamental period T may be calculated using the structural properties and
deformational characteristics of the resisting elements in a properly substantiated analysis. This
requirement may be satisfied by using the following formula :

T 2

w i i 2
i1

g fi i

(2.5.5)

i1

The values of fi represent any lateral force distributed approximately in accordance with the
principles of Eq (2.5.6), (2.5.7) and (2.5.8) or any other rational distribution. The elastic deflections, i
shall be calculated using the applied lateral forces, fi. The value of T determined from Eq (2.5.5) shall
not exceed that calculated using Eq (2.5.3) by more than 40%.
2.5.6.3 Vertical Distribution of Lateral Forces : In the absence of a more rigorous procedure, the total
lateral force, which is the base shear V, shall be distributed along the height of the structure in accordance
with Eq (2.5.6), (2.5.7) and (2.5.8):

V Ft

Fi
(2.5.6)

i 1
where, Fi
Ft

Lateral force applied at storey level -i and

Concentrated lateral force considered at the top of the

building in addition to the force Fn.

The concentrated force, Ft acting at the top of the building shall be determined as follows:
Ft = 0.07 TV 0.25 V

Bangladesh National Building Code

when T > 0.7 second

(2.5.7a)

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Part 6

Structural Design
Ft = 0.0

when T 0.7 second

(2.5.7b)

The remaining portion of the base shear (V-Ft), shall be distributed over the height of the building,
including level-n, according to the relation :

Fx

(V Ft )w x hx
n

w i hi

i 1
(2.5.8)
At each storey level-x, the force Fx shall be applied over the area of the building in proportion to the mass
distribution at that level.
2.5.6.4 Horizontal Distribution of Shear : The design storey shear Vx, in any storey x is the sum of the
forces Fx and Ft above that storey. Vx shall be distributed to the various elements of the vertical lateral
force resisting system in proportion to their rigidities, considering the rigidity of the floor or roof
diaphragm. Allowance shall also be made for the increased shear arising due to any horizontal torsional
moments as specified in Sec 2.5.6.5.
2.5.6.5 Horizontal Torsional Moments : Provision shall be made for the increased shears resulting from
horizontal torsion where floor diaphragms are not flexible.
The torsional design moment at a given storey shall be the moment resulting from eccentricities between
applied design lateral forces at levels above that storey and the vertical resisting elements in that storey
plus an accidental torsional moment.
The accidental torsional moment in any storey shall be determined assuming the storey mass to be
displaced from the calculated centre of mass in each direction a distance equal to 5% of the building
dimension at that level perpendicular to the direction of the force under consideration.
Where torsional irregularity exists (Plan Irregularity Type I as defined in Table 6.1.4) the effects shall be
accounted for by increasing the accidental torsion at each level by an amplification factor, Ax determined
from the formula:

A x max

where, max =
avg =

1.2 avg 3.0

2

(2.5.9)

The maximum displacement at level-x.

The average of the displacements at extreme positions of the
building at level-x.

The more severe loading for each element shall be considered for design.
2.5.6.6 Combination of Structural Systems : When structural systems defined in Sec 1.3.2 are combined to
be incorporated into the same structure, the following requirements shall be satisfied:
a)

Vertical Combinations: The value of the response modification coefficient, R used in the design of
any storey for a given direction shall not be greater than that used for the storey above. However,
this requirement need not apply to a storey where the dead load above that storey is less than 10 per
cent of the total dead weight of the structure.
Structures may be designed using the procedures of Sec 2.5.6 under the following conditions:

6-50

i)

The entire structure is designed using the lowest value of R for the lateral force resisting
systems used, or

ii)

The following procedure is used for structures conforming to Sec 2.5.5.1a(iv).

Chapter 2

Loads

b)

1.

The flexible upper portion, shall be designed as a separate structure, supported laterally by
the rigid lower portions using the appropriate value of R.

2.

The rigid lower portion shall be designed as a separate structure using the appropriate
value of R . The reactions from the upper portion shall be increased by the ratio of the R
values of the two portions. These factored reactions shall be applied at the top of the rigid
lower portion in addition to the forces determined for the lower portion itself.

Combinations Along Different Axes:

i)

In Seismic Zone 3, where a structure has a Bearing Wall System in only one direction, the value
of R used for the orthogonal direction shall not be greater than that used for the Bearing Wall
System defined in Sec 1.3.2.

ii)

Any combination of Building Frame Systems, Dual Systems, or Moment Resisting Frame
Systems defined in Sec 1.3.2 may be used to resist design seismic forces in structures less than 50
m in height. Only combinations of Dual Systems and Special Moment Resisting Frames (SMRF)
can be used to resist the design seismic forces in structures exceeding 50 m in height in Seismic
Zone 3.

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Part 6

Structural Design
2.5.7

Dynamic Response Method

The Dynamic Response Method, where used, shall conform to the criteria established in this section. The
analysis of the structure shall be based on an established principle of mechanics, using a mathematical
model specified in Sec 1.2.6.1(a) and one of the dynamic analysis procedures given in Sec 2.5.7.2 and 2.5.7.3.
The mass and mass moments of inertia of various components of a structure, required for the dynamic
analysis, shall be calculated based on the seismic dead load specified in Sec 2.5.5.2.
2.5.7.1 Ground Motion : The ground motion representation as set out in this section shall, as a minimum,
be one having 20% probability of being exceeded in 50 years and may be one of the following:
a)

b)

6-52

Response Spectrum : The response spectrum to be used in the dynamic analysis shall be any one of
the following:
i)

Site Specific Design Spectra : A site specific response spectra shall be developed based on the
geologic, tectonic, seismologic, and soil characteristics associated with the specific site. The
spectra shall be developed for a damping ratio of 0.05 unless a different value is found to be
consistent with the expected structural behaviour at the intensity of vibration established for the
site.

ii)

Normalized Response Spectra : In absence of a site-specific response spectrum, the normalized

response spectra given in Fig 6.2.11 shall be used in the dynamic analysis procedure given in
Sec 2.5.7.2.

Time History : Ground motion time history developed for the specific site shall be representative of
actual earthquake motions for the directions under consideration. Response spectra from time
history, either individually or in combination, shall approximate the site-specific design spectra
conforming to paragraph a (i) above.

Chapter 2

Loads

c)

Structures on Soil Profile Type S4 : The following provisions shall apply when required by
Sec 2.5.5.1 b (iv):
i)

The ground motion representation shall be developed in accordance with paragraphs a (i) and b
above.

ii)

Possible amplification of building response due to soil-structure interaction and lengthening of

building period caused by inelastic behaviour shall be considered.

iii) The base shear determined by these procedures may be reduced to a design base shear, V, by
dividing by a factor not greater than the appropriate R value for the structure but shall not be
less than that required by Sec 2.5.7.2c(i).
d)

Vertical Component: The vertical component of ground motion may be defined by scaling the
corresponding horizontal ground accelerations by a factor of two-thirds. Alternative factors may be
used when substantiated by site-specific data.

2.5.7.2 Response Spectrum Analysis : Where this procedure is used, an elastic dynamic analysis of a
structure shall be performed based on the criteria set forth in this section with a mathematical model
conforming to Sec 1.2.6.1(a) and using a response spectrum as specified in Sec 2.5.7.1(a ). The analysis shall
include the peak dynamic response of all modes having a significant contribution to total structural
response. Peak modal response shall be calculated using the ordinates of the appropriate response
spectrum curve which correspond to the modal periods. Maximum modal contributions shall be combined
in a statistical manner to obtain an approximate total structural response.
a)

Number of Modes : The requirement that all significant modes be included may be satisfied by
demonstrating that, for the modes considered, at least 90 per cent of the participating mass of the
structure is included in the calculation of response for each principal horizontal direction.

b)

Combination of Modes : The peak member forces, displacements, storey forces, storey shears, and
base reactions for each mode shall be combined using established procedures in order to estimate
resultant maximum values of these response parameters. When three dimensional models are used
for analysis, modal interaction effects shall be considered when combining modal maximum.

c)

Scaling of Results : Where the base shear for a given direction, determined by this procedure, is
different from the base shear obtained by using the procedure of Sec 2.5.6.1, it shall be adjusted as
follows :
i)

ii)

When the base shear is less than that determined from Sec 2.5.6.1, the following values shall be
taken :
1.

The value of the base shear as obtained from Sec 2.5.6.1, for irregular structures.

2.

90 per cent of the value from Sec 2.5.6.1 for regular structures except that the base shear
shall not be less than 80 per cent of that determined using T from Sec 2.5.6.2(a).

When the base shear is greater than that determined from Sec 2.5.6.1, the value need not exceed
that required by c(i) above, except for structures required to conform to Sec 2.5.7.1(c)
All corresponding response parameters, including deflections, member forces and moments,
shall be adjusted in proportion to the adjusted base shear.

d)

Torsion : The analysis shall account for torsional effects, including accidental torsional effects as
prescribed in Sec 2.5.6.5. Where three-dimensional models are used for analysis, effects of accidental
torsion shall be accounted for by appropriate adjustments in the model such as adjustment of mass
locations, or by the equivalent static procedure provided in Sec 2.5.6.5.

Bangladesh National Building Code

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Part 6

Structural Design
2.5.7.3 Time History Analysis : When this procedure is followed, an elastic or inelastic dynamic analysis
of a structure shall be made using a mathematical model of the structure specified in Sec 1.2.6.1(a) and
applying at its base or any other appropriate level, a ground motion time history as specified in Sec
2.5.7.1(b). The time-dependent dynamic response of the structure shall be obtained through numerical
integration of its equations of motion.
2.5.8

Seismic Lateral Forces on Components and Equipment Supported by Structures

2.5.8.1 Lateral Forces on Structural and Non-structural Components, and Equipment : The minimum
design seismic lateral forces on elements of structures, non-structural components, equipment and their
attachments including anchorage and bracing to the main structural system shall be determined in
accordance with the formula :
F Z I C
W

where, F =
Z =
I =
C =
W =

(2.5.10)

Total lateral seismic force

Seismic zone coefficient as given in Table 6.2.22
Structure Importance Coefficient for components as given in Table 6.2.23
Horizontal force Coefficient as specified in Sec 2.5.8.2.
Weight of an element, component or piece of equipment.

The total lateral seismic force, F obtained from Eq (2.5.10) shall be distributed in proportion to the mass
distribution of the element, component or piece of equipment. These forces shall be applied in the
horizontal direction to cause the most critical loading for design. Friction resulting from gravity forces shall
not be considered to provide resistance to seismic forces.
Seismic lateral forces on attachments for floor- or roof-mounted equipment weighing less than 1.8 kN and
for furniture need not be determined for design purposes.
2.5.8.2 Horizontal Force Coefficient C: The value of the coefficient C shall be determined as follows :
a)
For elements of structure and non-structural components, and for rigid or rigidly supported
equipment supported by structures above grade, C shall be taken as those given in Table 6.2.26.
b)

For non-rigid or flexibly supported equipment, supported by a structure and located above grade on
a structure, the seismic lateral force shall be determined considering the dynamic properties of both
the equipment and those of the structure which supports it, but the value of C shall not be less than
that listed in Table 6.2.26. In the absence of an analysis or empirical data, the value of Cshall be
taken as twice the value listed in Table 6.2.26 but it need not exceed 2.0.
For piping, ducting and conduit systems which are constructed of ductile materials and connections,
the values of Cmay be taken as those given in Table 6.2.26.

c)

The value of Cfor elements, or components and equipment laterally self-supported and located at
or below ground level may be two-thirds of the value set forth in Table 6.2.26. However, the design
lateral forces obtained from Eq (2.5.10) for these elements shall not be less than that as would be
obtained using the provision of Sec 2.5.9.

2.5.8.3 Seismic Lateral Forces on Floor or Roof Diaphragms : Seismic lateral forces on floor and roof
diaphragms and collector elements shall be determined in accordance with the following formula :
n

(Ft F i )
Fx

ix

wi

w x

(2.5.11)

i x

a)

6-54

The force Fx determined from Eq (2.5.11) need not exceed 0.75 ZI w x but it shall not be less than
0.35 ZI.

Chapter 2

Loads

b)

2.5.9

When the diaphragm is required to transfer lateral forces from the vertical resisting elements above
the diaphragm to other vertical resisting elements below the diaphragm due to offset in the
placement of the elements or to changes in stiffness in the vertical elements, these forces shall be
added to those determined from Eq (2.5.11).

Seismic Lateral Forces on Non-Building Structures

Non-building structures shall include all self-supporting structures other than buildings that carry gravity
loads and resist the effects of earthquake and other lateral forces. Determination of seismic lateral forces for
such structures shall be based on the following provisions:
2.5.9.1

Seismic Dead Load : For non-building structures, the seismic dead load, W shall include all loads

defined for buildings in Sec 2.5.5.2. In addition, W shall include all normal operating contents for
structures such as tanks, vessels, bins and piping.
2.5.9.2 Fundamental Period : For structures with primary framing systems similar to buildings, the
fundamental period T, shall be determined in accordance with Sec 2.5.6.2. For other structures, T shall be
obtained by using a rational method such as Method B of Sec 2.5.6.2.
2.5.9.3 Structures Similar to Buildings : The seismic lateral forces on structures with primary framing
systems similar to buildings (i.e. structural systems listed in Table 6.2.24) shall be determined in accordance
with the provisions of Sec 2.5.5 through 2.5.8 with following modifications :
a)

Intermediate moment resisting frames (IMRF) may be used in structures within Seismic Zone 3 and
in structure importance categories III through V, if, (i) the structure is less than 15 m in height, and
(ii) R = 4.0 is used in load calculations.

b)

Seismic dead load and structure period shall be calculated in accordance with Sec 2.5.5.2 and 2.5.9.2
respectively.
Table 6.2.26
Horizontal Force Coefficient, C for Elements, Components and Equipment
Elements of Structures and Non-structural Components and Equipment(1)

II.

Value of C

Elements of Structures
1.
Walls including the following:
a. Unbraced (cantilevered) parapets
b. Other exterior walls above the ground floor(2,3)
c. All interior bearing and nonbearing walls and partitions (3)
d. Masonry or concrete fences over 1.8 m high
2.
Penthouse (except when framed by an extension of the structural frame)

2.00
0.75
0.75
0.75

3.

Connections for prefabricated structural elements other than walls, with force
applied at centre of gravity (4)

0.75

4.

Diaphragms(3,5)

Non-structural Components
1.
Exterior and interior ornamentation and appendages
2.
Chimneys, stacks, trussed towers and tanks on legs:
a. Supported on or projecting as an unbraced cantilever above the roof more
than one-half their total height
b. All others, including those supported below the roof with unbraced
projection above the roof less than one-half their height, or braced or guyed
to the structural frame at or above their centres of mass

Bangladesh National Building Code

0.75

2.00
2.00
0.75

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Part 6

Structural Design
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
III.

Signs and billboards

Storage racks (including contents)
Anchorage for permanent floor-supported cabinets and book stacks more than
1.5 m in height (including contents)
Anchorage for suspended ceilings and light fixtures (4, 6)
Access floor systems(4, 7)

Equipment
1.
Tanks and vessels (including contents), together with support systems and
anchorage
2.
Electrical, mechanical and plumbing equipment and associated conduit,
ductwork and piping, and machinery (8)

2.00
0.75
0.75
0.75
0.75

0.75
0.75

Notes: (1) See Sec 2.5.8.2 for items supported at or below grade.
(2) See Sec 1.7.2.3 and 2.5.8.2
(3) Where flexible diaphragms provide lateral support for walls and partitions, the value of C for anchorage shall
be increased 50 per cent for the centre one-half of the diaphragm span.
(4) Applies to Seismic Zones 2 and 3 only.
See Sec 1.7.2.9 and 2.5.8.3.
(5)
Ceiling weight shall include all light fixtures and other equipment or partitions which are laterally supported by
the ceiling. For the purpose of determining the seismic force, a ceiling weight of not less than 0.2 kN/m2 shall
(6)
be used. Ceilings constructed of lath and plaster or gypsum board, screw or nail attached to suspended
members that support a ceiling at one level extending from wall to wall need not be analysed provided the
walls are not over 15 m apart.
W for access floor systems shall be the dead load of the access floor systems plus 25 per cent of the floor live
load plus a 0.5 kN/m2 partition load allowance.
(7)

(8)

6-56

Equipment includes, but is not limited to , boilers, chillers, heat exchangers, pumps, air-handing units, cooling
towers, control panels, motors, switchgear, transformers and life-safety equipment. It also includes major
conduit, ducting and piping serving such equipment and fire sprinkler systems. See Sec 2.5.8.2 for additional
requirements for determining C for non-rigid or flexibly mounted equipment.

Chapter 2

Loads

2.5.9.4 Rigid Structures : For rigid structures (i.e. those with period, T 0.06 second) including their
anchorage, the total lateral force, V shall be determined in accordance with the relation :
V

= 0.5 Z I W

(2.5.12)

2.5.9.5 Flat-bottom Tanks at or Below Grade : Seismic forces for flat-bottom tanks or other tanks with
supported bottoms, founded at or below grade, shall be calculated using the procedure of Sec 2.5.9.4
considering the entire weight of the tank and its contents. Alternatively, such forces may be determined
using one of the following methods.
a)

A response spectrum analysis, which includes consideration of the actual ground motion anticipated
at the site and the inertial effects of the contained fluid.

b)

A substantiated analysis prescribed for the particular type of tank provided that the seismic Zones
and Structure Importance Categories are in conformance with Fig 6.2.10 and Sec 1.2.3 respectively.

2.5.9.6 Other Structures : For structures (other than buildings), which are not covered by Sec 2.5.9.3
through 2.5.9.5, the minimum seismic lateral forces shall be determined in accordance with the following
provisions :
a)

The total lateral seismic force, V shall be determined using the provisions of Sec 2.5.6 with the
coefficient R taken from Table 6.2.27. However, the ratio C/R shall not be less than 0.5.
Table 6.2.27
Coefficient, R for Non-Building Structures
Structure Type

b)

Coefficient
R

1.

Tanks, vessels or pressurized spheres on braced or unbraced legs

2.

Cast-in-place concrete silos and chimneys having walls continuous to the

foundation

3.

Distributed mass cantilever structures such as stacks, chimneys, silos and skirtsupported vertical vessels

4.

Trussed towers (free standing or guyed), guyed stacks and chimneys

5.

Inverted pendulum-type structures

6.

Cooling towers

7.

Bins and hoppers on braced or unbraced legs

8.

Storage racks

9.

Signs and billboards

10.

Amusement structures and monuments

11.

All other self-supporting structures not otherwise covered

The vertical distribution of the total lateral seismic force, V, may be determined by one of the
following procedures:
1.
2.

Using provisions of Sec 2.5.6.3.

Using procedures of Sec 2.5.7.

Exception:
For irregular structures assigned to Structure Importance Categories I and II, which cannot be modeled
as a single mass, the procedures of Sec 2.5.7 shall be used.

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c)

When any other established standard or method is used as a basis for obtaining the seismic lateral
forces for a particular type of non-building structure covered by this section, such a standard may be
used subject to the following limitations:
i)

The Seismic Zones and Structure Importance Categories shall be in conformance with the
requirements of Sec 2.5.4 and 1.2.3 respectively.

ii)

2.6

The values for total lateral force and total base overturning moment used in design shall not
be less than 80% of the values which would be obtained using these provisions.
MISCELLANEOUS LOADS

2.6.1

General
The procedures and limitations for the determination of selected miscellaneous loads are provided in this
section. Loads that are not specified in this section or elsewhere in this chapter, may be determined based
on information from reliable references or specialist advice may be sought.

2.6.2

Definitions
The following definitions and notation shall apply to the provisions of this section only.
ESSENTIAL FACILITIES : Buildings and structures which are necessary to remain functional during an
emergency or a post disaster period.
RATIONAL ANALYSIS : An analysis based on established methods or theories using mathematical
formulae and actual or appropriately assumed data.
SITE-SPECIFIC DATA : Data obtained either from measurements taken at a site or from substantiated field
information required specifically for the structure concerned.

2.6.3

Rain Loads
Rain loads shall be determined in accordance with the following provisions.
2.6.3.1 Blocked Drains : Each portion of a roof shall be designed to sustain the load from all rainwater
that could be accumulated on it if the primary drainage system for that portion is undersized or blocked.
Ponding instability shall be considered in this situation.
2.6.3.2 Controlled Drainage : Roofs equipped with controlled drainage provisions shall be designed to
sustain all rainwater loads on them to the elevation of the secondary drainage system plus 0.25 kN/m2.
Ponding instability shall be considered in this situation.

2.6.4

Loads Due to Flood and Surge

For the determination of flood and surge loads on a structural member, consideration shall be given to both
hydrostatic and hydrodynamic effects. Required loading shall be determined in accordance with the
established principles of mechanics based on site specific criteria and in compliance with the following
provisions of this section. For essential facilities like cyclone and flood shelters and for hazardous facilities
specified in Table 6.1.1, values of maximum flood elevation, surge height, wind velocities etc., required for
the determination of flood and surge load, shall be taken corresponding to 100-year return period. For
structures other than essential and hazardous facilities, these values, shall be based on 50-year return
period.
2.6.4.1 Flood Loads on Structures at Inland Areas : For structures sited at inland areas subject to flood,
loads due to flood shall be determined considering hydrostatic effects which shall be calculated based on
the flood elevation of 50-year return period. For river-side structures such as that under Exposure C
specified in Sec 2.4.4.1, hydrodynamic forces, arising due to approaching wind-generated waves shall also
be determined in addition to the hydrostatic load on them. In this case, the amplitude of such wind-induced
water waves shall be obtained from site-specific data.
2.6.4.2 Flood and Surge Loads on Structures at Coastal Areas : For structures sited at coastal areas, the
hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads shall be determined as follows :

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a)

Hydrostatic Loads : The hydrostatic loads on structural elements and foundations shall be
determined based on the maximum static height of water, Hm produced by floods or surges as given
by the relation :

where,
hs
yT
yg
i)

Hm = max (hs, hf )

(2.6.1)

hf =

(2.6.2)

yT yg and

= Maximum surge height as specified in a(i) below.

= Elevation of the extreme surface water level corresponding to a T-year return period
specified in (ii) below, metres
= Elevation of ground level at site, metres.

Maximum Surge Height, hs : The maximum surge height, hs, associated with cyclones, shall be
that corresponding to a 50-year or a 100-year return period as may be applicable, based on site
specific analysis. In the absence of a more rigorous site specific analysis, the following relation
may be used :
hs = hT (x 1) k
where,

ii)

hT

(2.6.3)

design surge height corresponding to a return period of T-years at sea

coast, in metres, given in Table 6.2.28.
distance of the structure site measured from the spring tide high-water
limit on the sea coast, in km; x = 1, if x<1.
rate of decrease in surge height in m/km; the value of k may be taken as
1/2 for Chittagong-Cox's Bazar-Teknaf coast and as 1/3 for other coastal
areas.

Extreme Surface Water Level , yT : The elevation of the extreme surface water level, yT for a
site, which may not be associated with a cyclonic storm surge, shall be that obtained from a
site specific analysis corresponding to a 50-year or a 100-year return period. Values of yT are
given in Table 6.2.29 for selected coastal locations which may be used in the absence of any
site specific data.

b)

Hydrodynamic Loads : The hydrodynamic load applied on a structural element due to windinduced local waves of water, shall be determined by a rational analysis using an established method
and based on site specific data. In the absence of a site-specific data the amplitude of the local wave,
to be used in the rational analysis, shall be taken as hw = hs/4 1m, where, hs is given in Sec 2.6.4.2(a).
Such forces shall be calculated based on 50-year or 100-year return period of flood or surge. The
corresponding wind velocities shall be 260 km/h or 289 km/h respectively.

2.6.4.3 Breakaway Walls : When non-structural walls, partitions or other non-structural elements located
below the maximum flood or surge elevation, are required to break away under high tides or wave action,
such non-structural elements shall be designed to sustain a maximum uniformly distributed load of 1.0
kN/m2 but not less than 0.5 kN/m2 applied on a vertical projection of the area.
2.6.5

Temperature Effects
Temperature effects, if significant, shall be considered in the design of structures or components thereof in
accordance with the provision of this section.
In determining the temperature effects on a structure, the following provisions shall be considered :
a)

The temperatures indicated, shall be the air temperature in the shade. The range of the variation in
temperature for a building site shall be taken into consideration.

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b)

Effects of the variation of temperature within the material of a structural element shall be accounted
for by one of the following methods.
i)
ii)

relieve the stresses by providing adequate numbers of expansion or contraction joints,

design the structural element to sustain additional stresses due to temperature effects.
Table 6.2.28
Design Surge Heights at the Sea Coast, hT*
Coastal Region

Surge Height at the Sea Coast, hT (m)

T = 50-year(1)
4.5

T = 100-year(2)
5.8

Chakaria to Anwara, and Maheshkhali-Kutubdia

Islands

7.1

8.6

Chittagong to Noakhali

7.9

9.6

Sandwip, Hatiya and all islands in this region

7.9

9.6

Bhola to Barguna

6.2

7.7

Sarankhola to Shyamnagar

5.3

6.4

Teknaf to Cox's Bazar

* Values prepared from information obtained from Annex-D3, MCSP.

Note : (1) These values may be used in the absence of site specific data for structures other than
essential facilities listed in Table 6.1.1.
(2) These values may be used in the absence of site specific data for essential facilities listed in
Table 6.1.1.

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Table 6.2.29
Extreme Surface Water Levels During Monsoon at Selected Locations of the
Coastal Area above PWD Datum, y *
T

Coastal Area
Location

Thana

Teknaf
Cox's Bazar
Shaflapur
Lemsikhali
Banigram

yT (m)
T=50 years(1)

T=100 years(2)

Teknaf
Cox's Bazar
Moheshkhali
Kutubdia
Patiya

2.33
3.84
4.67
4.95
5.05

2.44
3.88
4.87
5.19
5.24

Chittagong
Patenga
Sonapur
Sandwip
Companyganj

Bandar
Bandar
Sonagazi
Sandwip
Companyganj

4.72
4.08
7.02
6.09
7.53

4.88
4.16
7.11
6.2
7.94

Hatiya
Daulatkhan
Dashmina
Galachipa
Patuakhali

Hatiya
Daulatkhan
Dashmina
Galachipa
Patuakhali

5.55
4.62
3.60
3.79
2.87

5.76
4.72
3.73
3.92
3.03

Khepupara
Bamna
Patharghata
Raenda
Chardouni

Kalapara
Bamna
Patharghata
Sarankhola
Patharghata

2.93
3.32
3.65
3.66
4.41

3.02
3.37
3.84
3.75
4.66

Mongla
Kobodak
(river estuary)
Kaikhali

Monglaport
Shyamnagar

3.23
3.51

3.36
3.87

Shyamnagar

3.94

4.12

* Values prepared from information obtained from Annex -D3, MCSP

Note : (1)
(2)

c)

when the method b(ii) above is considered to be applicable, the structural analysis shall take into
account the following :
i)
ii)

d)

These values may be used in the absence of site specific data for structures in
Structure Importance Categories III, IV and V listed in Table 6.1.1.
These values may be used in the absence of site specific data for structures in
Structure Importance Categories I and II listed in Table 6.1.1.

the variation in temperature within the material of the structural element, exposure condition
of the element and the rate at which the material absorb or radiate heat.
the warping or any other distortion caused due to temperature changes and temperature
gradient in the structural element.

When it can be demonstrated by established principle of mechanics or by any other means that
neglecting some or all of the effects of temperature, does not affect the safety and serviceability of the
structure, the temperature effect can be considered insignificant and need not be considered in
design.

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2.6.6

Soil and Hydrostatic Pressure

For structures or portions thereof, lying below ground level, loads due to soil and hydrostatic pressure shall
be determined in accordance with the provisions of this section and applied in addition to all other
applicable loads.
2.6.6.1 Pressure on Basement Wall : In the design of basement walls and similar vertical or nearly vertical
structures below grade, provision shall be made for the lateral pressure of adjacent soil. Allowance shall be
made for possible surcharge due to fixed or moving loads. When a portion or the whole of the adjacent soil
is below the surrounding water table, computations shall be based on the submerged unit weight of soil,
plus full hydrostatic pressure.

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2.6.6.2

Uplift on Floors : In the design of basement floors and similar horizontal or nearly horizontal construction
below grade, the upward pressure of water, if any, shall be taken as the full hydrostatic pressure applied
over the entire area. The hydrostatic head shall be measured from the underside of the construction.

2.6.7

Loads Due to Explosions

Loads on buildings or portions thereof, shall be assessed in accordance with the provisions of this section.
2.6.7.1 Explosion Effects in Closed Rooms :
a)
Determination of Loads and Response : Internal overpressure developed from an internal explosion
such as that due to leaks in gas pipes, evaporation of volatile liquids, internal dust explosion etc., in
rooms of sizes comparable to residential rooms and with ventilation areas consisting of window
glass breaking at a pressure of 4 kN/m2 (3-4 mm machine made glass) may be calculated from the
following method :
i)

The overpressure, qo provided in Fig 6.2.12(a) shall be assumed to depend on a factor Ao/v,
where, Ao is the total window area in m2 and v is the volume in m3 of the room considered,

ii)

The internal pressure shall be assumed to act simultaneously upon all walls and floors in one
closed room, and

iii)

The action qo obtained from Fig 6.2.12(a) may be taken as static action.

When a time dependent response is required, an impulsive force function similar to that shown in
Fig 6.2.12(b) shall be used in a dynamic analysis, where t1 is the time from the start of combustion
until maximum pressure is reached and t2 is the time from maximum pressure to the end of
combustion. For t1 and t2 the most unfavourable values shall be chosen in relation to the dynamic
properties of the structures. However, the values shall be chosen within the intervals as given in
Fig 6.2.12(b).
The pressure may be applied solely in one room or in more than one room at the same time. In the
latter case, all rooms are incorporated in the volume v. Only windows or other similarly weak and
light weight structural elements may be taken as ventilation areas even though certain limited
structural parts break at pressures less than qo.

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b)

Limitations : Procedure for determining explosion loads given in (a) above shall have the following
limitations:
i)

Values of qo given in Fig 6.2.12(a) are based on tests with gas explosions in room corresponding
to ordinary residential flats, and may be applied to considerably different conditions with
caution after appropriate adjustment of the values based on more accurate information.

ii)

Fig 6.2.12 shall be taken as a guide only, and probability of occurrence of an explosion shall be
checked in each case using appropriate values.

2.6.7.2 Minimum Design Pressure : Walls, floors and roofs and their supporting members separating a
use from an explosion exposure, shall be designed to sustain the anticipated maximum load effects
resulting from such use including any dynamic effects, but for a minimum internal pressure or suction of 5
kN/m2, in addition to all other loads specified in this chapter.
2.6.7.3 Design Pressure on Relief Vents : When pressure-relief vents are used, such vents shall be
designed to relieve at a maximum internal pressure of 1.0 kN/m 2.
2.6.7.4 Loads Due to Other Explosions : Loads arising from other types of explosions, such as those from
external gas cloud explosions, external explosions due to high explosives (TNT) etc. shall be determined, for
specific cases, by rational analyses based on information from reliable references or specialist advice shall be
sought.
2.6.8

Vertical Forces on Air Raid Shelters

For the design of air raid shelters located in a building e.g. in the basement below ground level, the
characteristic vertical load shall be determined in accordance with provisions of Sec 2.6.8.1 below.
2.6.8.1 Characteristic Vertical Loads : Buildings in which the individual floors are acted upon by a total
distributed live load of up to 5.0 kN/m2, vertical forces on air raid shelters generally located below ground
level, such as a basement, shall be considered to have the characteristic values provided in Table 6.2.30. In
the case of buildings having floors that are acted upon by a live load larger than 5.0 kN/m 2, above values
shall be increased by the difference between the average live loads on all storeys above the one used as the
shelter and 5.0 kN/m2.
Table 6.2.30
Characteristic Vertical Loads for an Air Raid Shelter in a Building
No. of Storeys (1)
Above the Air Raid Shelter
< 2
3-4
> 4
Buildings of particularly stable construction
irrespective of the number of storeys
Note : (1)
(2)

2.6.9

Storeys shall mean every usable storey above the shelter floor
Buildings of particularly stable construction shall mean buildings having
bearing structural elements made from reinforced in-situ concrete.

Loads on Helicopter Landing Areas

In addition to all other applicable loads provided in this chapter, including the dead load, the minimum live
load on helicopter landing or touch down areas shall be one of the loads L1, L2 or L3 as given below
producing the most unfavourable effect :
i)
ii)
iii)

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Vertical Load
kN/m2
28
34
41
28 (2)

L1
L2
L3

=
=
=

W1
kW2
w

(2.6.4a)
(2.6.4b)

(2.6.4c)

Chapter 2

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where,

W1
W2
w
k

= Actual weight of the helicopter in kN,

= Fully loaded weight of the helicopter in kN,
= A distributed load of 5.0 kN/m2,
= 0.75 for helicopters equipped with hydraulic - type shock absorbers, and
= 1.5 for helicopters with rigid or skid-type landing gear.

The live load, L1 shall be applied over the actual areas of contact of landing. The load, L2 shall be a single
concentrated load including impact applied over a 300 mm x 300 mm area. The loads L1 and L2 may be
applied anywhere within the landing area to produce the most unfavourable effects of load.
2.6.10

Erection and Construction Loads

All loads required to be sustained by a structure or any portion thereof due to placing or storage of
construction materials and erection equipment including those due to operation of such equipment shall be
considered as erection loads. Provisions shall be made in design to account for all stresses due to such
loads.

2.7

COMBINATIONS OF LOADS

2.7.1

General
Buildings, foundations and structural members shall be investigated for adequate strength to resist the most
unfavourable effect resulting from the various combinations of loads provided in this section. The
combination of loads may be selected using the provisions of either Sec 2.7.4 or 2.7.5 whichever is
applicable. However, once Sec 2.7.4 or 2.7.5 is selected for a particular construction material, it must be used
exclusively for proportioning elements of that material throughout the structure. In addition to the load
combinations given in Sec 2.7.4 and 2.7.5 any other specific load combination provided elsewhere in this
Code shall also be investigated to determine the most unfavourable effect.
The most unfavourable effect of loads may also occur when one or more of the contributing loads are
absent, or act in the reverse direction. Loads such as F, H or S shall be considered in design when their
effects are significant. Floor live loads shall not be considered where their inclusion result in lower stresses
in the member under consideration. The most unfavourable effects from both wind and earthquake loads
shall be considered where appropriate, but they need not be assumed to act simultaneously.

2.7.2

Definitions
ALLOWABLE STRESS DESIGN METHOD (ASD) : A method for proportioning structural members such
that the maximum stresses due to service loads obtained from an elastic analysis does not exceed a specified
allowable value. This is also called Working Stress Design Method (WSD).
DESIGN STRENGTH : The product of the nominal strength and a resistance factor.
FACTORED LOAD : The product of the nominal load and a load factor.
LIMIT STATE : A condition in which a structure or component becomes unfit for service and is judged
either to be no longer useful for its intended function (serviceability limit state) or to be unsafe (strength
limit state).
LOAD EFFECTS : Forces, moments, deformations and other effects produced in structural members and
components by the applied loads.
LOAD FACTOR : A factor that accounts for unavoidable deviations of the actual load from the nominal
value and for uncertainties in the analysis that transforms the load into a load effect.
LOADS : Forces or other actions that arise on structural systems from the weight of all permanent
constructions, occupants and their possessions, environmental effects, differential settlement, and restrained
dimensional changes. Permanent loads are those loads in which variations in time are rare or of small
magnitude. All other loads are variable loads.

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NOMINAL LOADS : The magnitudes of the loads such as dead, live, wind, earthquake etc. specified in
Sec 2.2 through 2.6 of this chapter.
NOMINAL STRENGTH : The capacity of a structure or component to resist the effects of loads, as
determined by computations using specified material strengths and dimensions and formulas derived from
accepted principles of structural mechanics or by field tests or laboratory tests of scaled models, allowing
for modelling effects and differences between laboratory and field conditions.
RESISTANCE FACTOR : A factor that accounts for unavoidable deviations of the actual strength from the
nominal value and the manner and consequences of failure. This is also known as strength reduction factor.
STRENGTH DESIGN METHOD : A method of proportioning structural members using load factors and
resistance factors satisfying both the applicable limit state conditions. This is also known as Load Factor
Design Method (LFD) or Ultimate Strength Design Method (USD).
WORKING STRESS DESIGN METHOD (WSD) : See ALLOWABLE STRESS DESIGN METHOD.
2.7.3

Symbols and Notation

D = dead load consisting of : a) weight of the member itself, b) weight of all materials of construction
incorporated into the building to be permanently supported by the member, including built-in
partitions, c) weight of permanent equipment.
E = earthquake load
E = amplified earthquake load equal to (0.375R)E
F = loads due to fluids with well-defined pressures and maximum heights, including loads due to
water pressure during flood and surge.
H = loads due to weight and lateral pressure of soil and water in soil
L = Lf + (Lr or P)
Lf = live loads due to intended use and occupancy, including loads due to movable objects and movable
partitions and loads temporarily supported by the structure during maintenance. Lf includes any
permissible reduction. If resistance to impact loads is taken into account in design, such effects shall
be included with the live loads Lf .
Lr = roof live loads
P = loads due to initial rainwater ponding
R = seismic coefficient defined in Sec 2.5.3
S = self-straining forces and effects arising from contraction or expansion resulting from temperature
changes, shrinkage, moisture changes, creep in component materials, movement due to differential
settlement, or combinations thereof.
W = wind load

2.7.4

Combinations of Loads and Stress Increase for Allowable Stress Design Method
2.7.4.1 Combination of Loads : Provisions of this section shall apply to all construction materials
permitting their use in proportioning structural members by allowable stress design method. When this
method is used in designing structural members, all loads listed herein shall be considered to act in the
following combinations. The combination that produces the most unfavourable effect shall be used in
design.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.

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D
D+L
D+S
D + (W or E)
0.9D + (W or E)
D + (H or F)
D + L + (H or F)
D+S+L
D + S + (W or E)
D + L + (W or E)
D + L + (H or F) + (W or E)

Chapter 2

Loads

12.

D + S + L + (H or F) + (W or E)

2.7.4.2 Stress Increase : Except as specified in Sec 1.5.5.(b) and elsewhere in this Code, the maximum
permissible increase in the allowable stresses of all materials and soil bearing capacities specified in this
Code for working (or allowable) stress design method, when load combinations (7) through (11) in
Sec 2.7.4.1 above is used, shall be 33%.
2.7.5

Combinations of Loads for Strength Design Method

When strength design method is used, structural members and foundations shall be designed to have
strength not less than that required to resist the most unfavorable effect of the combinations of factored
loads listed in the following sections :
2.7.5.1 Load Combinations for Reinforced Concrete and Masonry Structures
1.
1.4D
2.
1.4D + 1.7L
3.
1.4 D + 1.4 S
4.
0.9D + 1.3 (W or 1.1 E)
5.
0.9D + 1.7 ( H or F)
6.
1.4D + 1.7L + 1.7 (H or F)
7.
0.75 [ 1.4D + 1.4S + 1.7L ]
8.
0.75 [ 1.4D + 1.4S+1.7 (W or 1.1E) ]
9.
0.75 [ 1.4D + 1.7L+ 1.7W ]
10.
0.75 [ 1.4D + 1.7L + 1.7 (H or F) + 1.7 (W or 1.1E) ]
11.
0.75 [ 1.4D + 1.4S + 1.7L + 1.7 ( H or F) + 1.7 (W or 1.1E) ]
12.
1.4 (D+L+E)
2.7.5.2
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Load Combinations for Steel Structures

1.4D
1.2D + 1.6Lf + 0.5 (Lr or P)
1.2D + 1.6 (Lr or P) + (0.5Lf or 0.8W)
1.2D + 1.3W + 0.5Lf + 0.5 (Lr or P)
1.2D + 1.5E + (0.5Lf)
0.9D + (1.3W or 1.5E)

Exception :
The load factor on Lf in combinations (3), (4) and (5) shall be equal to 1.0 for garages, areas occupied as places of
public assembly, and all areas where the live load exceeds 5.0 kN/m 2.

When the structural effects of F, H, or S are significant, their factored values shall be considered as 1.3F,
1.6H, and 1.2S and included with the above combinations to obtain the most unfavourable effect.
Also for buildings in Seismic Zone 3 and in Seismic Zone 2 having an Structural Importance Coefficient, I
greater than 1.0, the following additional load combinations shall be considered :
7.
8.

1.2D + 0.5L + E
0.9D + E

2.7.5.3 Load Combinations for Design using Other Materials : When structural members are designed
using the strength design method and using a construction material not covered in Sec 2.7.5.1 and 2.7.5.2,
any other code or standard having load combinations applicable for that construction material may be used
provided that other requirements of Sec 2.7 are satisfied.

Related Appendix
Appendix A

Conversion of Expressions from SI to FPS Units

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