ASEP recently introduced the 2nd printing of NSCP 2015. Thanks for the webinar they conducted last month because many structural engineers were made aware of the changes in the 2nd printing. Most important of this is shown below:
BEAMS FOR SPECIAL MOMENT FRAMES
Remember that in almost all cases, the framing system we used in most part of Philippines is SMRF since we are an earthquake prone region. In the 2nd printing, NSCP now allowed 200mm minimum girder dimension from the previously 250mm. This has a lot of cost implications. The previous 250mm made many architects bit angry especially when youre project is a typical residential one. With this new provision, for sure it will be a great relief. However, lets not forget that implementation of this minimum dimension should be carefully observed since many recent earthquakes prove too strong for very small beam and column dimensions.
COLUMNS FOR SPECIAL MOMENT FRAMES
Remember that in almost all cases, the framing system we used in most part of Philippines is SMRF since we are an earthquake prone region. In the 2nd printing, NSCP now allowed 250mm minimum column dimension from the previously 300mm. This has a lot of cost implications. The previous 300mm made many architects bit angry especially when your project is a typical residential one. With this new provision, for sure it will be a great relief. However, lets not forget that implementation of this minimum dimension should be carefully observed since many recent earthquakes prove too strong for very small beam and column dimensions.
Many are not aware that our design base shear from earthquake is a reduce base shear because NSCP allowed our structure or expect it to behave INELASTICALLY during earthquake if you follow the seismic detailing NSCP recommends. For discussion of this detailing, refer to the videos below:
Girder Design and Detailing
Column Design and Detailing
