> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://enercalc.com/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://enercalc.com/docs/sel-user-manual/calculation-modules/general/asceseismic.md).

# ASCE 7-10/16 Seismic Base Shear

How to compute seismic base shear and its vertical distribution using the ASCE 7 equivalent lateral force procedure.

This module is a presentation of equivalent lateral force procedure seismic provisions in ASCE 7.

All of the references to ASCE 7 are given on the module screens. Above each screen capture are notes as needed to call attention to entries or explain usage.

The module is designed to allow you to work downwards through the tabs on the left side of the screen. ASCE 7 skips all around in its definitions of things to check. This module simplifies the process by properly ordering the items and the necessary decisions to be made in working toward a final seismic base shear value.

The program includes a link to the USGS databases of seismic ground motion specifically for use with ASCE 7-16.

## General

![](https://3283832020-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FiBJmBoewuy4ZcBC7RF3m%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-4341db081f0eedbeb5210affc2b7645e77b2200b%2Fclip0284_was_BMP.jpg?alt=media)

## **Ground Motion**

![](https://3283832020-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FiBJmBoewuy4ZcBC7RF3m%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-420feb27a776ddf74ebbd96b7fe28663323642eb%2FASCE%207-16%20Ground%20Motion%20tab.jpg?alt=media)

**Site Class, Site Coefficients and Seismic Design Category** Select the appropriate Site Class based on the geotechnical conditions.

![](https://3283832020-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FiBJmBoewuy4ZcBC7RF3m%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-e0cc06a3e9613c716e4f09397203ad6875a666b4%2Fclip0286_was_BMP.jpg?alt=media)

**Selection of Seismic Force Resisting System**

Click one of the large boxes at the top of the tab to load the table with specific selections for that general category of Seismic Force Resisting System.

Note the checkbox for systems with flexible diaphragms. This may not apply to some building systems...check ASCE for details on the particular system of interest.

![](https://3283832020-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FiBJmBoewuy4ZcBC7RF3m%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-0362721e547b6c6c5d2c40c143dbc6877077e7c9%2Fclip0287_was_BMP.jpg?alt=media)

## **Redundancy Factor**

Depending on the Seismic Design Category determined from the prior selections of Occupancy, Seismic Ground Motion and Building System, the Redundancy Factor per ASCE will be shown here.

![](https://3283832020-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FiBJmBoewuy4ZcBC7RF3m%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-834a59d55802db97c913b6289ef3c8776c0cb062%2Fclip0288_was_BMP.jpg?alt=media)

**Specification of Building Period**

All four ASCE 7 options for building period determination are available here.

![](https://3283832020-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FiBJmBoewuy4ZcBC7RF3m%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-c1744c6ae6e2cffa0d8c706c04454be822b94597%2Fclip0289_was_BMP.jpg?alt=media)

**Evaluation of Approximate Building Period**

![](https://3283832020-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FiBJmBoewuy4ZcBC7RF3m%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-ba2d7b761b22791a3e44a609698b01a8ce36e947%2Fclip0290_was_BMP.jpg?alt=media)

**Approximate Period for Steel & Concrete Frames**

![](https://3283832020-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FiBJmBoewuy4ZcBC7RF3m%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-8eeffd0ef6ae94d549dbd43f5e515a2d6a0741c3%2Fclip0291_was_BMP.jpg?alt=media)

**Approximate Period for Concrete or Masonry Shear Wall Structures**

![](https://3283832020-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FiBJmBoewuy4ZcBC7RF3m%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-97e1dd2232508546bf939c5bcc6c77640ae99e38%2Fclip0292_was_BMP.jpg?alt=media)

**Long-Period Transition Period Reference Maps**

Maps copyright ASCE.

![](https://3283832020-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FiBJmBoewuy4ZcBC7RF3m%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-ddebd867d8dcbca7d892755f62ac9bbb58a4a3a0%2Fclip0293_was_BMP.jpg?alt=media)

**Cs: Seismic Response Coefficient**

Please check ASCE 7 section references for details.

![](https://3283832020-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FiBJmBoewuy4ZcBC7RF3m%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-1e2cdd6aefae31a88ad58a13a21be982251d1ba8%2Fclip0294_was_BMP.jpg?alt=media)

**Vertical Distribution of Base Shear**

This tab calculates the vertical distribution of seismic forces. Use the \[**Add**] button for each new level. To edit information for a level, highlight the corresponding line and click \[**Edit**].

![](https://3283832020-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FiBJmBoewuy4ZcBC7RF3m%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-288dc31cd042d584aeddca9d13c039154a833821%2Fclip0295_was_BMP.jpg?alt=media)

## **Diaphragm Forces**

Using the information entered above (on the prior tab) the force distribution results are shown here.

![](https://3283832020-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FiBJmBoewuy4ZcBC7RF3m%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-ff36d2d02f61f50b6773c9534467f9221dcf61f2%2Fclip0296_was_BMP.jpg?alt=media)


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