N.Y.C. Admin. Code § BC 1616: Section BC 1616: Structural Integrity – Prescriptive Requirements

1616.1 Scope.

The intent of these provisions is to enhance structural performance under extreme event scenarios by providing additional overall system redundancy and local robustness. All structures shall be designed to satisfy the prescriptive requirements of this Section.

Exception: Structures in Risk Category I of Table 1604.5 and structures in Occupancy Group R-3 are exempt from the requirements of Sections 1615 through 1617.

1616.2 Continuity and ties.

All structural elements shall have a minimum degree of continuity and shall be tied together horizontally and vertically as specified in Chapters 19, 21 and 22 for concrete, masonry and steel, respectively.

1616.3 Lateral bracing.

Floor and roof diaphragms or other horizontal elements shall be tied to the lateral load-resisting system.

1616.4 Vehicular impact.

Structural columns that are directly exposed to vehicular traffic shall be designed for vehicular impact. Structural columns that are adequately protected by bollards, guard walls, vehicle arrest devices or other elements do not need to be designed for vehicular impact. The load combinations for vehicular impact shall be as specified in Section 1605.5.

Specific loads for vehicular impact shall be as follows:

1. Exterior corner columns shall be designed for a concentrated load of 40 kips applied horizontally in any direction from which a vehicle can approach at a height of either 18 inches (457.2 mm) or 36 inches (914.4 mm) above the finished driving surface, whichever creates the worst effect.

2. All other exterior columns exposed to vehicular traffic, and columns within loading docks, and columns in parking garages along the driving lane shall be designed for a concentrated load of 20 kips applied horizontally in any direction from which a vehicle can approach at a height of either 18 inches (457.2 mm) or 36 inches (914.4 mm) above the finished driving surface, whichever creates the worst effect.

1616.5 Gas explosions.

In buildings with gas piping operating at pressures in excess of 15 psig (193.4 kPa gauge), all key elements and their connections within 15 feet (4572 mm) of such piping shall be designed to resist a potential gas explosion. The structure shall be designed to account for the potential loss of the affected key elements one at a time by the alternate load path method. Load combinations for the alternate load path shall be as specified in Section 1605.4. In lieu of the alternate load path method, the affected key elements shall be designed to withstand a load of 430 psf (20.6 kPa) applied using the load combinations specified in Section 1605.5. The load shall be applied along the entire length of the element, and shall be applied in the manner and direction that produces the most damaging effect.

Exceptions:

1. If a structural enclosure designed to resist the specified pressure is provided around the high-pressure gas piping, only the key elements within the structural enclosure need to comply with this section.

2. A reduced pressure for gas explosions can be used based on an engineering analysis approved by the commissioner.

1616.5.1 Explosion prevention and deflagration venting.

The structural design and installation of explosion prevention systems and deflagration venting shall be in accordance with the requirements of Appendices E and G of the New York City Fuel Gas Code, as well as the New York City Fire Code, and the rules and regulations of the department.