scope:

This standard provides minimum loads, hazard levels, associated criteria and intended performance goals for buildings, other structures, and their nonstructural components that are subject to building code requirements. The loads, load combinations, and associated criteria provided herein, are to be used with design strengths and allowable stress limits contained in design specifications for conventional structural materials. Used together, they are deemed capable of providing the intended performance levels for which the provisions of this standard have been developed. Procedures for applying alternative means to demonstrate acceptable performance are also described. 

The minimum design loads, hazard levels, and associated criteria and intended performance goals contained in this standard are derived from research and observed performance of buildings, and other structures, and their nonstructural components under the effects of loads. These parameters vary depending on the relative importance of the building, other structure, or nonstructural component. The loads provided in this standard include loads from both normal operations and rare hazard events. All loads and associated criteria are prescribed to achieve an intended performance, which is defined by a reliability index or limit state exceedance probability or preservation of function during a specific hazard event. 

Loads and load combinations are set forth in this document with the intent that they be used together. If one were to use loads from some other source with the load combinations set forth herein or vice versa, the reliability of the resulting design may be affected.

With the 2016 edition of the standard, the title was modified to include the words "and Associated Criteria" to acknowledge what has been in this standard for many editions. For example, Eearthquake loads contained herein are developed for structures that possess certain qualities of ductility and post elastic energy dissipation capability. For this reason, provisions for design, detailing, and construction are provided in Chapter 11 through 22. In some cases, these provisions modify or add to provisions contained in design specifications. However, this standard only adds associated criteria when the modification is needed to achieve the intended structural performance when subjected to the loads specified herein.