scope:

This document defines minimum acceptance criteria for new reinforced concrete moment frames designed for regions of high seismic risk or for structures assigned to satisfy high seismic performance or design categories, where acceptance is based on experimental evidence and mathematical analysis.

Reinforced concrete moment frames, designed on the basis of a weak beam/strong column concept, shall be deemed to have a response that is, as a minimum, at least equivalent to the response of monolithic frames designed in accordance with 21.2 through 21.5 of ACI 318-99,¹ when both of the following conditions are satisfied:

Tests on frame modules, in accordance with this document, establish the dependable and predictable strength, drift-ratio capacity, relative energy dissipation, and stiffnesses required by the acceptance criteria of 9.0.

The frame as a whole, based on the results of the tests of 3.2.1 and analysis, shall be demonstrated as able to retain its structural integrity and support its specified gravity loads through peak displacements equal to or exceeding storydrift ratios of 0.035.