Wherever these provisions refer to the applicable building code and there is none, the requirements for performing nonlinear response history analysis of seismic force-resisting systems of structural steel or of structural steel acting compositely with reinforced concrete shall be in accordance with those stipulated in Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures (ASCE/SEI 7) Chapter 16 and in conformance with this appendix.
This appendix shall be limited to the systems specified in Section 1.7. All systems designed or verified by this appendix shall meet the requirements of the provisions within Chapters A through K using load and resistance factor design (LRFD). When approved by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ), exceptions to such requirements may be taken as justified by the nonlinear analysis in accordance with this appendix. All exceptions, including exceptions to this appendix, shall be documented and justified by the engineer of record. Where reference is made to the AISC Seismic Provisions for Evaluation and Retrofit of Existing Structural Steel Buildings (ANSI/AISC 342), hereafter referred to as ANSI/AISC 342, it shall be permitted to use other substantiated guidelines subject to the approval by the AHJ.
User Note: Although ANSI/AISC 342 is intended for existing structures, many of the provisions therein apply to this appendix and are referenced but not repeated herein.
User Note: When the analysis and design are subject to an independent structural design review according to the applicable building code or the AHJ, ASCE/SEI 7, Chapter 16, includes requirements for such a review.