Seismic Design Maps and Tools for Buildings and Bridges
Here we provide maps, data, and tools for engineers interested in seismic design of buildings and bridges. Currently we have two separate tools for the U.S. and its Territories, for (generally speaking) imminent and current model design codes and older model design codes, respectively:
- A U.S. Seismic Design Maps Web Application for, currently, seismic design values from the 2005 ASCE-7 Standard, the 2006/2009 International Building Code, the 2003 and 2009 NEHRP Recommended Seismic Provisions, the 2009 AASHTO Guide Specifications for LRFD Seismic Bridge Design, the 2010 ASCE-7 Standard, and the 2012 International Building Code - i.e., for imminent/current model design codes (in most jurisdictions).
- A Java Ground Motion Parameter Calculator for, mainly, seismic design values from the 2000 and 2003 editions of the International Building Code (and corresponding 2002 and 1998 ASCE-7 Standard), the 2000, 2003, 2004, and 2006 editions of the International Residential Code, and the 1997 and 2000 editions of the NEHRP Recommended Seismic Provisions - i.e., for older model building codes.
We also have a third separate tool for buildings outside of the U.S. and its Territories:
- A Worldwide Seismic “DesignMaps” Web Application for seismic design values needed in using the International Building Code (§1613) and similar standards (e.g., the ASCE-7 Standard and the U.S. Department of Defense Unified Facilities Criteria) in other countries.
The corresponding maps and data are also provided via the links above.
Important Note: While seismic design maps are based on corresponding hazard maps (e.g., the USGS National Seismic Hazard Maps), their values typically differ from hazard values. Thus, engineers interested in seismic design of structures should generally use the maps, data, and tools presented here rather than values presented elsewhere on the USGS website.
