Code Sections and Analysis - The Analysis of Irregular Shaped Structures - page 2

F i g u r e 1.1 Continuous load path issues.
and cladding. It does not, however, mention individual structural components or design
requirements as the seismic design section does. Some designers may interpret the lack
of discussion of structures and their components in those chapters to imply that drag
struts and collectors are not required for wind design and that diaphragm discontinui-
ties do not have to be addressed if wind controls. Section 1604.10 of the 2009 IBC
addressing wind and seismic detailing says, “Lateral-force-resisting systems shall meet
seismic detailing requirements and limitations prescribed in this code and ASCE 7,
excluding Chap. 14 and Appendix 11A, even when wind load effects are greater than
seismic load effects.” Diaphragms, drag struts, collectors, and shear walls function the
same way regardless of whether loads applied to the diaphragm are from wind, seis-
mic, soil, or other pressures. All irregularities and/or discontinuities within a system of
diaphragms and shear walls must be addressed. It is easy to overlook the definitions
section when thumbing through the codes and standards, believing that the contents
therein are already understood. A quick review will show that the definitions actually