Code of Massachusetts Regulations
780 CMR - STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
Chapter 17 - Structural Tests and Special Inspections
Section 1705 - STATEMENT OF SPECIAL INSPECTIONS
Subsection 1705.3 - Seismic resistance

Universal Citation: 780 CMR MA Code of Regs 1705.3

Current through Register 1531, September 27, 2024

The statement of special inspections shall include seismic requirements for cases covered in Sections 1705.3.1 through 1705.3.5.

Exception: Seismic requirements are permitted to be excluded from the statement of special inspections for structures designed and constructed in accordance with the following:

1. The structure consists of light-frame construction; the design spectral response acceleration at short periods, SDS, as determined in Section 1613.5.4, does not exceed 0.5g; and the height of the structure does not exceed 35 feet (10 668 mm) above grade plane; or

2. The structure is constructed using a reinforced masonry structural system or reinforced concrete structural system; the design spectral response acceleration at short periods, SDS, as determined in Section 1613.5.4, does not exceed 0.5g, and the height of the structure does not exceed 25 feet (7620 mm) above grade plane; or

3. Detached one- or two-family dwellings not exceeding two stories above grade plane, provided the structure does not have any of the following plan or vertical irregularities in accordance with Section 12.3.2 of ASCE 7:

3.1. Torsional irregularity.

3.2. Nonparallel systems.

3.3. Stiffness irregularity-extreme soft story and soft story.

3.4. Discontinuity in capacity-weak story.

1705.3.1 Seismic-force-resisting systems. The seismic- force-resisting systems in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F, in accordance with Section 1613.

Exception: Requirements for the seismic-force-resisting system are permitted to be excluded from the statement of special inspections for steel systems in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category C that are not specifically detailed for seismic resistance, with a response modification coefficient, R, of 3 or less, excluding cantilever column systems.

1705.3.2 Designated seismic systems. Designated seismic systems in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F.

1705.3.3 Seismic Design Category C. The following additional systems and components in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category C:
1. Heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) ductwork containing hazardous materials and anchorage of such ductwork.

2. Piping systems and mechanical units containing flammable, combustible or highly toxic materials.

3. Anchorage of electrical equipment used for emergency or standby power systems.

1705.3.4 Seismic Design Category D. The following additional systems and components in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D:
1. Systems required for Seismic Design Category C.

2. Exterior wall panels and their anchorage.

3. Suspended ceiling systems and their anchorage.

4. Access floors and their anchorage.

5. Steel storage racks and their anchorage, where the importance factor is equal to 1.5 in accordance with Section 15.5.3 of ASCE 7.

1705.3.5 Seismic Design Category E or F. The following additional systems and components in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category E or F:
1. Systems required for Seismic Design Categories C and D.

2. Electrical equipment.

1705.3.6 Seismic requirements in the statement of special inspections. When Sections 1705.3 through 1705.3.5 specify that seismic requirements be included, the statement of special inspections shall identify the following:
1. The designated seismic systems and seismic- force-resisting systems that are subject to special inspections in accordance with Sections 1705.3 through 1705.3.5.

2. The additional special inspections and testing to be provided as required by Sections 1707 and 1708 and other applicable sections of this code, including the applicable standards referenced by this code.

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