Seismic Design Maps and Tools for Buildings

Here we provide maps, data, and tools for engineers interested in seismic design of buildings. Currently we have two separate tools for the U.S. and its Territories, for (generally speaking) present and imminent model building codes, respectively:

• A Java Ground Motion Parameter Calculator for, mainly, seismic design values from the 2009, 2006, 2003, and 2000 editions of the International Building and Residential Codes (and corresponding 2005, 2002, and 1998 ASCE-7 Standard) - i.e., for present model building codes (in most jurisdictions).
• A U.S. Seismic “DesignMaps” Web Application for, currently, seismic design values from the 2009 NEHRP Recommended Seismic Provisions, the 2010 ASCE-7 Standard, and the 2012 International Building Code - i.e., for imminent 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. For design of bridges, we have a fourth separate link/tool, a Seismic Design Parameters CD for values from the 2009 AASHTO Guide Specifications for LRFD Seismic Bridge Design.

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.