For puposes of assesing wind, snow, and seismic loads, steel buildings and other structures are assigned importance factors based upon the classification set forth in the table below. This modification recognizes the extent to which the degree of hazard to human life and property are more or less severe than normal, and thus, whether the design loads should be correspondingly increased or decreased.
Classifications of Steel Buildings and Other Structures for Wind, Snow, and Earthquake Loads. |
Nature of Occupancy |
Category |
|
| All steel buildings except those listed below. |
|
I |
| Steel b uildings and structures where the primary occupancy is one in which more than 300 people congregate in one area. |
|
II |
Steel buildings and structures designated as essential facilities including, but not limited to:
Hospitals and other medical facilities having surgery or emergency treatment areas;
Fire or rescue and police stations;
Primary communication facilities and disaster operation centers;
Power stations and other utilities required in an emergency;
Structures having critical national defense capabilities.
|
|
III |
| Steel buildings and structures that represent a low hazard to human life or to a property in the event of failure, such as agricultural buildings, certain temporary facilities and minor storage facilities. |
|
IV |
|
|
|
