Alright, let’s talk about something that’s been gaining a lot of traction in our field, especially for those of us dealing with complex structures or designing in areas where Mother Nature likes to throw a curveball (hello, seismic zones!). I’m talking about Performance-Based Design, or PBD.
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In our first three posts, we’ve journeyed through the “what and why” of Performance-Based Design (PBD), mapped out the typical PBD process and player lineup, and even gotten our hands dirty with the nitty-gritty of modeling, analysis, and verification. If you’ve been following along, you know PBD isn’t just a fancy buzzword; it’s a powerful approach to designing structures that meet specific, tangible performance goals.
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In our first two posts on Performance-Based Design (PBD), we covered the “what and why” – shifting from prescriptive codes to targeting specific building performance – and then we looked at the “who and how” of setting those crucial performance objectives. If you missed them, I’d suggest giving them a read first as we’re about to jump into the deep end of the pool.
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Welcome back! In our last chat (An Introduction to Performance Based Design), we unpacked what Performance-Based Design (PBD) actually is and why it’s becoming such a critical approach, especially for us here in Canada dealing with everything from high seismic zones in B.C. to unique client demands across the country.
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We spend a lot of time ensuring our structures are strong enough (hello, ULS!). But what about how they feel and perform day-to-day? That’s where Serviceability Limit States (SLS) come in. Sagging floors, cracked partitions, or that annoying bounce when someone walks by – these are all SLS concerns. The National Building Code of Canada (NBC) 2020 has brought SLS criteria more formally into the main body of the code (Article 4.1.3.4.), underscoring its importance.
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Ever wonder how we landed on the structural design provisions we use today in Canada? The National Building Code of Canada (NBC) hasn’t always looked the way it does. It’s a living document, evolving with research, experience, and a continuous drive for safer, more reliable structures.
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Let’s be honest, navigating load combinations can sometimes feel like a complex dance. Get one step wrong, and the whole routine can fall apart. The National Building Code of Canada (NBC) 2020, specifically Article 4.1.3.2. and its associated tables, lays out the choreography for ensuring our structures are safe under various loading scenarios. Whether you’re getting to grips with principal and companion loads or double-checking a tricky overturning case, a solid understanding here is non-negotiable.
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Welcome to my structural engineering blog! I’m Arun Kishore, a Structural EIT based in Vancouver, BC, Canada. This blog is a space where I plan to document my continuous learning journey, share insights, and discuss the diverse world of structural engineering – from codes and standards to design procedures, innovative ideas, and material-specific topics.
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