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Seismic Design for Low Seismic Risk Locations – Seismic Design Categories A, B, and C (12:30pm – 2:00pm Eastern)

Speaker:
Thomas Heausler, PE, SE
Date:
January 14, 2026
Session Details

1.5 PDHs / 0.2 IACET CEUs

This SEU session will address the ASCE 7-22 and IBC requirements for low seismic risk regions, namely Seismic Design Categories A, B, and C which exist predominantly in the Central and Eastern United States. The presentation will highlight the differences in a Seismic Design Category (SDC) C structural design compared to a structure designed to SDC D. The speaker will then discuss further relaxation of seismic design requirements in Seismic Design Categories B and A. Calculations for a steel-framed building structure example will be explained in detail with specific attention to the unique provisions, or lack thereof, for Seismic Category C, and then B and A.

Learning Objectives:

  • Identify the design requirements unique to Seismic Design Category (SDC) A, B, and C buildings and systems compared to Seismic Design Category D.
  • Review how to design a steel building through example calculations.
  • Develop a consistent workflow and calculation format which serves as a checklist and minimizes errors.

Current SE University subscribers can access the recording in their SEU Resource Center account. Please use the link below to view the session page in the SEU Session Library.