Common seismic requirements (Seismic: AISC 341)

Tekla Structural Designer
Modified: 22 Jul 2025
2025
Tekla Structural Designer

Common seismic requirements (Seismic: AISC 341)

AISC 341-22

Required strength

The required strength (including overstrength effects) for a member should be determined from:

The expected yield stress Ry × Fy

The expected tensile strength Rt × Fu

Grade Fy Ry Rt
A36 36 1.5 1.2
A53B 35 1.6 1.2
A500B 42 1.4 1.3
A500B 46 1.4 1.3
A500C 46 1.3 1.2
A500C 50 1.3 1.2
A501 36 1.4 1.3
A529 50 1.2 1.2
A529 55 1.1 1.2
A572 42 1.3 1.0
A572 50 1.1 1.1
A572 55 1.1 1.1
A913 50 1.1 1.1
A913 60 1.1 1.1
A913 65 1.1 1.1
A992 50 1.1 1.1
A1085 50 1.25 1.15

Seismic classification - all members

When required by the seismic checks, the classification of elements of the cross section for various member types is as follows.

Compiled from Table D1.1a and D1.1b of AISC 341-22

Section Element Width thickness ratio Application λhd – highly ductile λmd – moderately ductile
I (rolled) Flange bf /(2×tf) Beams, Columns, Braces 0.30 × √(E/(Ry × Fy)) 0.38 × √(E/(Ry × Fy))
Web h/tw Braces 1.49 × √(E/(Ry × Fy)) 1.49 × √(E/(Ry × Fy))
Columns, Beams when NOT part of a Moment Frame

Ca = αs × Pr/(Ry × Fy× Ag)

LRFD αs = 1.0

ASD αs = 1.5

Ca ≤ 0.113

2.45 × √(E/(Ry × Fy)) × (1 - 1.04×Ca)

Ca > 0.113

2.26 × √(E/(Ry × Fy)) × (1 - 0.38 × Ca) but ≥ 1.56 × √(E/(Ry × Fy))

Ca = αs × Pr/(Ry × Fy× Ag)

LRFD αs = 1.0

ASD αs = 1.5

Ca ≤ 0.113

3.76 × √(E/(Ry × Fy)) × (1 - 3.05×Ca)

Ca > 0.113

2.61 × √(E/(Ry × Fy)) × (1 - 0.49 × Ca) but ≥ 1.56 × √(E/(Ry × Fy))

Columns, Beams when part of a Moment Frame

Ca as above

2.5 × √(E/(Ry × Fy)) × (1 - Ca)2.3

Ca as above

5.4 × √(E/(Ry × Fy)) × (1 - Ca)2.3

H-Pile Flange bf /(2 × tf) Beams, Columns Not Applicable 0.45 × √(E/(Ry × Fy))
Web h/tw Beams, Columns Not Applicable 1.5 × √(E/(Ry × Fy))
Flange bf/(2 × tf) Braces Not Classified Not Classified
Web h/tw Braces Not Classified Not Classified
RHS and SHS Walls

(bf -3×t)/t

and

(d-3×t)/t

Braces

0.65 × √(E/(Ry × Fy)) 0.76 × √(E/(Ry × Fy))
Walls as flanges

(bf -3×t)/t

or

(d-3×t)/t

Columns, beams 0.55 × √(E/(Ry × Fy)) 1.00 × √(E/(Ry × Fy))
Walls as webs#

(bf -3×t)/t

or

(d-3×t)/t

Columns, beams

Ca = αs × Pr/(Ry × Fy× Ag)

LRFD αs = 1.0

ASD αs = 1.5

Ca ≤ 0.113

2.45 × √(E/(Ry × Fy)) × (1 - 1.04×Ca)

Ca > 0.113

2.26 × √(E/(Ry × Fy)) × (1 - 0.38 × Ca) but ≥ 1.56 × √(E/(Ry × Fy))

Ca = αs × Pr/(Ry × Fy× Ag)

LRFD αs = 1.0

ASD αs = 1.5

Ca ≤ 0.113

3.76 × √(E/(Ry × Fy)) × (1 - 3.05×Ca)

Ca > 0.113

2.61 × √(E/(Ry × Fy)) × (1 - 0.49 × Ca) but ≥ 1.56 × √(E/(Ry × Fy))

CHS D / t Braces 0.053 × E/(Ry × Fy) 0.062 × E/(Ry × Fy)
D / t Columns 0.038 × E/(Ry × Fy) 0.070 × E/(Ry × Fy)
C (rolled) Flange bf / tf Braces 0.30 × √(E/(Ry × Fy)) 0.38 × √(E/(Ry × Fy))
Web h / tw Braces 1.49 × √(E/(Ry × Fy)) 1.49 × √(E/(Ry × Fy))
Tees Flange bf / (2×tf) Braces 0.30 × √(E/(Ry × Fy)) 0.38 × √(E/(Ry × Fy))
Stem d / tw Braces 0.30 × √(E/(Ry × Fy)) 0.38 × √(E/(Ry × Fy))
Angles Both legs

L1 / t

and

L2 / t

Braces 0.30 × √(E/(Ry × Fy)) 0.38 × √(E/(Ry × Fy))
Double angles Outstand leg – legs in continuous contact L1 / t

(long leg B to B)

or

L2 / t

(short leg B to B)
Braces 0.30 × √(E/(Ry × Fy)) 0.38 × √(E/(Ry × Fy))
Double angles Both legs – legs separated L1/t

and

L2 / t
Braces 0.30 × √(E/(Ry × Fy)) 0.38 × √(E/(Ry × Fy))

# For RHS/SHS columns in SCBF and OCBF, the classification is conservatively based on the ‘flange rules’ for both long and short sides. RHS/SHS in any other SFRS applications are currently beyond scope.

In the above table the terms have their usual meaning as follows:

  • bf = width of flange and for RHS width of shorter side
  • tf = thickness of flange of I/H, channel or Tee
  • h = height of web inside flanges (d – 2 × tf) of I/H or channel
  • tw = thickness of web
  • d = depth of SHS and for RHS depth of longer side
  • t = thickness of hollow section RHS, SHS, CHS
  • D = diameter of CHS
  • L1 = Short leg (from root to toe) of single angle
  • L2 = Long leg (from root to toe) of single angle
  • E = modulus of elasticity of steel – 29000 ksi
  • Fy = minimum yield stress
  • Pr = Required axial strength (ASD or LRFD)
  • Ag = gross area of section

AISC 341-16

Required strength

The required strength (including overstrength effects) for a member should be determined from:

The expected yield stress Ry × Fy

The expected tensile strength Rt × Fu

Grade Fy Ry Rt
A36 36 1.5 1.2
A53B 35 1.6 1.2
A500B 42 1.4 1.3
A500B 46 1.4 1.3
A500C 46 1.3 1.2
A500C 50 1.3 1.2
A501 36 1.4 1.3
A529 50 1.2 1.2
A529 55 1.1 1.2
A572 42 1.3 1.0
A572 50 1.1 1.1
A572 55 1.1 1.1
A913 50 1.1 1.1
A913 60 1.1 1.1
A913 65 1.1 1.1
A992 50 1.1 1.1
A1085 50 1.25 1.15

Seismic classification - all members

When required by the seismic checks, the classification of elements of the cross section for various member types is as follows.

Compiled from Table D1.1 of AISC 341-16

Section Element Width thickness ratio Application λhd – highly ductile λmd – moderately ductile
I (rolled) Flange bf /(2 × tf) Beams, Columns, Braces 0.32 × √(E/(Ry × Fy)) 0.40 × √(E/(Ry × Fy))
Web h/tw Braces 1.57 × √(E/(Ry × Fy)) 1.57 × √(E/(Ry × Fy))
Columns, Beams

LRFD

Ca = Pu/(φc×Ry × Fy×Ag)

φc = 0.9

ASD

Cac×Pa/(Ry × Fy×Ag)

Ωc = 1.67

Ca≤ 0.114

2.57 × √(E/(Ry × Fy)) × (1-1.04×Ca) but for SMF only ≤ 2.57 × √(E/(Ry × Fy))

Ca> 0.114

0.88 × √(E/(Ry × Fy)) × (2.68-Ca) but ≥ 1.57 × √(E/(Ry × Fy))

LRFD

Ca= Pu/(φc × Fy×Ag)

φc = 0.9

ASD

Ca= Ωc × Pa/(Fy×Ag)

Ωc = 1.67

Ca≤ 0.114

3.96 × √(E/(Ry × Fy)) × (1-3.04×Ca) but for IMF only ≤ 3.96 × √(E/(Ry × Fy))

Ca> 0.114

1.29 × √(E/(Ry × Fy)) × (2.12-Ca) but ≥ 1.57 × √(E/(Ry × Fy))

RHS and SHS Walls

(bf -3×t) /t

and

(d-3×t)/t

Braces

0.65 × √(E/(Ry × Fy)) 0.76 × √(E/(Ry × Fy))

(bf -3×t)/t

and

(d-3×t)/t

Columns 0.65 × √(E/(Ry × Fy)) 1.18 × √(E/(Ry × Fy))
CHS D/t Braces 0.053 × E/(Ry × Fy) 0.062 × E/(Ry × Fy)
Columns 0.053 × E/(Ry × Fy) 0.077 × E/(Ry × Fy)
C (rolled) Flange bf / tf Braces 0.32 × √(E/(Ry × Fy)) 0.40 × √(E/(Ry × Fy))
Web h / tw Braces 1.57 × √(E/(Ry × Fy)) 1.57 × √(E/(Ry × Fy))
Tees Flange bf /(2 × tf) Braces 0.32 × √(E/(Ry × Fy)) 0.40 × √(E/(Ry × Fy))
Stem d / tw Braces 0.32 × √(E/(Ry × Fy)) 0.40 × √(E/(Ry × Fy))
Angles Both legs L1 / t

and

L2 / t
Braces 0.32 × √(E/(Ry × Fy)) 0.40 × √(E/(Ry × Fy))
Double angles Outstand leg – legs in continuous contact L1 / t

(long leg B to B)

or

L2 / t

(short leg B to B)
Braces 0.32 × √(E/(Ry × Fy)) 0.40 × √(E/(Ry × Fy))
Both legs – legs separated L1 / t and L2 / t Braces 0.32 × √(E/(Ry × Fy)) 0.40 × √(E/(Ry × Fy))

In the above table the terms have their usual meaning as follows:

  • bf = width of flange and for RHS width of shorter side
  • tf = thickness of flange of I/H, channel or Tee
  • h = height of web inside flanges (d – 2 × tf) of I/H or channel
  • tw = thickness of web
  • d = depth of SHS and for RHS depth of longer side
  • t = thickness of hollow section RHS, SHS, CHS
  • D = diameter of CHS
  • L1 = Short leg (from root to toe) of single angle
  • L2 = Long leg (from root to toe) of single angle
  • E = modulus of elasticity of steel – 29000 ksi
  • Fy = minimum yield stress
  • Pu = required axial strength using LRFD (seismic) combinations
  • Pa = required axial strength using ASD (seismic) combinations
  • Ag = gross area of section

AISC 341-10

Required strength

The required strength (including overstrength effects) for a member should be determined from:

The expected yield stress Ry × Fy

The expected tensile strength Rt × Fu

Grade Fy Ry Rt
A36 36 1.5 1.2
A53B 35 1.6 1.2
A500B 42 1.4 1.3
A500B 46 1.4 1.3
A500C 46 1.4 1.3
A500C 50 1.4 1.3
A501 36 1.4 1.3
A529 50 1.2 1.2
A529 55 1.1 1.2
A572 42 1.3 1.0
A572 50 1.1 1.1
A572 55 1.1 1.1
A913 50 1.1 1.1
A913 60 1.1 1.1
A913 65 1.1 1.1
A992 50 1.1 1.1
A1085 50 1.4 1.3

seismic classification - all members

When required by the seismic checks, the classification of elements of the cross section for various member types is as follows.

Compiled from Table D1.1 of AISC 341-10

Section Element Width thickness ratio Application λhd – highly ductile λmd – moderately ductile
I (rolled) Flange bf / (2 × tf) Beams, Columns, Braces 0.30 × √(E/Fy) 0.38 × √(E/Fy)
Web h / tw Braces 1.49 × √(E/Fy) 1.49 × √(E/Fy)
Columns, Beams

LRFD

Ca= Pu/(ɸc×FyAg)

ɸc = 0.9

ASD

Ca = c × Pa/(Fy × Ag)

Ωc = 1.67

Ca ≤ 0.125

2.45 × √(E/Fy) × (1 - 0.93 × Ca) but for SMF only ≤ 2.45 × √(E/Fy)

Ca > 0.125

0.77 × √(E/Fy) × (2.93 - Ca) but ≥ 1.49 × √(E/Fy)

LRFD

Ca = Pu/(ɸc × FyAg)

ɸc = 0.9

ASD

Ca = c × Pa/(Fy × Ag)

Ωc = 1.67

Ca ≤ 0.125

3.76 × √(E/Fy) × (1 - 2.75 × Ca) but for IMF only ≤ 3.76 × √(E/Fy)

Ca > 0.125

1.12 × √(E/Fy) × (2.33 - Ca) but ≥ 1.49 × √(E/Fy)

RHS and SHS Walls

(bf -3×t)/t

and

(d-3×t)/t

Braces

0.55 × √(E/Fy) 0.64 × √(E/Fy)

(bf -3×t)/t

and

(d-3×t)/t

Columns 0.55 × √(E/Fy) 1.12 × √(E/Fy)
CHS D / t Braces 0.038 × E/Fy 0.044 × E/Fy
Columns 0.038 × E/Fy 0.07 × E/Fy
C (rolled) Flange bf / tf Braces 0.30 × √(E/Fy) 0.38 × √(E/Fy)
Web h / tw Braces 1.49 × √(E/Fy) 1.49 × √(E/Fy)
Tees Flange bf / (2tf) Braces 0.30 × √(E/Fy) 0.38 × √(E/Fy)
Stem d / tw Braces 0.30 × √(E/Fy) 0.38 × √(E/Fy)
Angles Both legs L1 / t

and

L2 / t
Braces 0.30 × √(E/Fy) 0.38 × √(E/Fy)
Double angles Outstand leg – legs in continuous contact L1 / t

(long leg B to B)

or

L2 / t

(short leg B to B)
Braces 0.30 × √(E/Fy) 0.38 × √(E/Fy)
Both legs – legs separated L1 / t

and

L2 / t
Braces 0.30 × √(E/Fy) 0.38 × √(E/Fy)

In the above table the terms have their usual meaning as follows:

  • bf = width of flange and for RHS width of shorter side
  • tf = thickness of flange of I/H, channel or Tee
  • h = height of web inside flanges (d – 2 × tf) of I/H or channel
  • tw = thickness of web
  • d = depth of SHS and for RHS depth of longer side
  • t = thickness of hollow section RHS, SHS, CHS
  • D = diameter of CHS
  • L1 = Short leg (from root to toe) of single angle
  • L2 = Long leg (from root to toe) of single angle
  • E = modulus of elasticity of steel – 29000 ksi
  • Fy = minimum yield stress
  • Pu = required axial strength using LRFD (seismic) combinations
  • Pa = required axial strength using ASD (seismic) combinations
  • Ag = gross area of section

AISC 341-05

Required strength

The required strength (including overstrength effects) for a member should be determined from:

The expected yield stress Ry × Fy

The expected tensile strength Rt × Fu

Grade Fy Ry Rt
A36 36 1.5 1.2
A53B 35 1.6 1.2
A500B 42 1.4 1.3
A500B 46 1.4 1.3
A500C 46 1.4 1.3
A500C 50 1.4 1.3
A501 36 1.4 1.3
A529 50 1.2 1.2
A529 55 1.1 1.2
A572 42 1.3 1.1
A572 50 1.1 1.1
A572 55 1.1 1.1
A913 50 1.1 1.1
A913 60 1.1 1.1
A913 65 1.1 1.1
A992 50 1.1 1.1

seismic classification - all members

When required by the seismic checks, the classification of elements of the cross section for various member types is as follows.

Compiled from I-8-1 of AISC 341-05 and Table B4.1 of AISC 360-05.

Section Element Width thickness ratio Application λps – seismically compact λps – conventionally compact
I (rolled) Flange bf / (2 × tf) Beams, Columns[1], Braces 0.30 × √(E/Fy) 0.38 × √(E/Fy)
Web h / tw Columns[2], Beams, Braces

LRFD

Ca = Pu/(ɸc × FyAg)

ɸc = 0.9

ASD

Ca = c × Pa/(Fy × Ag)

Ωc = 1.67

Ca ≤ 0.125

3.14 × √(E/Fy) × (1 - 1.54 × Ca) but for SMF only ≤ 2.45 × √(E/Fy)

Ca > 0.125

1.12 × √(E/Fy) × (2.33 - Ca) but ≥ 1.49 × √(E/Fy)

3.76 × √(E/Fy)
RHS and SHS Walls

(bf - 3t) / t

and

(d-3t) / t

Columns, Braces 0.64 × √(E/Fy) 1.12 × √(E/Fy)
CHS D / t Columns, Braces 0.044 × E/Fy 0.070 × E/Fy
C (rolled) Flange bf / tf Braces 0.30 × √(E/Fy) N/A
Web h / tw Braces

LRFD

Ca = Pu/(ɸc × FyAg)

ɸc = 0.9

ASD

Ca = c × Pa/(Fy × Ag)

Ωc = 1.67

Ca ≤ 0.125

3.14 × √(E/Fy) × (1 - 1.54 × Ca)

Ca > 0.125

1.12 × √(E/Fy) × (2.33 - Ca) but ≥ 1.49 × √(E/Fy)

N/A
Tees Flange bf / (2 × tf) Braces 0.30 × √(E/Fy) N/A
Stem d / tw Braces 0.30 × √(E/Fy) N/A
Angles Both legs L1 / t

and

L2 / t
Braces 0.30 × √(E/Fy) N/A
Double angles Outstand leg – legs in continuous contact L1 / t

(long leg B to B)

or

L2 / t

(short leg B to B)
Braces 0.30 × √(E/Fy) N/A
Both legs – legs separated L1 / t

and

L2 / t
Braces 0.30 × √(E/Fy) N/A

Note 1: The relaxation on the compactness limit for columns in SMF as per note “b” to Table I-8-1 is not taken into account.

Note 2: These limits are not modified by Note [j] to Table I-8-1 i.e. this dispensation is not taken into account.

In the above table the terms have their usual meaning as follows:

  • bf = width of flange and for RHS width of shorter side
  • tf = thickness of flange of I/H, channel or Tee
  • h = height of web inside flanges (d – 2 × tf) of I/H or channel
  • tw = thickness of web
  • d = depth of SHS and for RHS depth of longer side
  • t = thickness of hollow section RHS, SHS, CHS
  • D = diameter of CHS
  • L1 = Short leg (from root to toe) of single angle
  • L2 = Long leg (from root to toe) of single angle
  • E = modulus of elasticity of steel – 29000 ksi
  • Fy = minimum yield stress
  • Pu = required axial strength using LRFD (seismic) combinations
  • Pa = required axial strength using ASD (seismic) combinations
  • Ag = gross area of section
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