] [Thread] [Date] [Author]

[Byainc(--nospam--at)aol.com]

In a message dated 1/7/2000 4:17:18 PM Pacific Standard Time, 
Mark.Swingle(--nospam--at)dgs.ca.gov writes:

<< The code DOES allow a soft story.  However, the penalty is severe.  A soft
 story is a.k.a. a vertical irregularity of Type 1 (Table 16-L), and you must
 therefore perform a dynamic analysis per 1629.8.4.
  >>

Mark:

This, IMHO, is not completely accurate. Although as a general rule table 16-L 
references section 1629.8.4, Item 2 (Dynamic procedure) for structures with 
stiffness irregularity, Section 1629.8.3, Item 3 specifically allows the use 
of static procedure for any irregular structure less than 6 stories or 65 ft 
in height. There may be other ramifications for the design based on the type 
of irregularity, but dynamic procedure is not required.

Ben Yousefi, SE
San Jose, CA