This Seismic Design Guide for Metal Building Systems provides a practical and comprehensive resource that will help engineers, building officials and plan checkers ensure that designs are compliant with the requirements of the 2015 International Building Code® (IBC®). Four practical design examples are provided in narrative form to illustrate acceptable approaches dealing with the most common seismic design issues encountered with metal building systems. In addition to the realistic design examples listed below, this publication provides background on the technical basis and insight into the impact of more recent code developments.

• Design Example 1: Determination of Seismic Design Forces
• Design Example 2: Design of Frames, Columns, Bracing and other Elements of the Lateral Force Resisting System
• Design Example 3: Evaluation of Design Options for a Metal Building with a Concrete Deck Mezzanine (Rigid Diaphragm)
• Design Example 4: Determination of Seismic Design Forces and Detailing Requirements for a Metal Building with Concrete or Masonry Walls (Hardwalls)

The design recommendations in this guide are based on the 2015 IBC®, American Society of Civil Engineers/Structural Engineering Institute (ASCE/SEI) 7-10, American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) 360-10/341-10, and standard industry practice. Notes are also provided to point out differences in the 2018 IBC®, ASCE/SEI 7-16, and AISC 360-16/341-16. An appendix also includes resource information on new research and recommendations. This publication focuses on Allowable Stress Design (ASD) but points out differences and/or advantages of Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) when appropriate.