National Park Service and US Department of the Interior
Denver Service Center Workflows
HomePlanningDesign and ConstructionTransportationInformation Resources
Design Standards

square bullet STRUCTURAL STANDARDS

Laws:

United States Code (USC):

Executive Orders (EOs)

Building Codes and Standards

  • IBC 2003 (All buildings with an assembly occupancy and a total occupancy greater than 300 shall be designed as a Category III structure in accordance with Table 1604.5)
  • IBC-06 (for all projects in which Predesign begins after September 30, 2006)
  • IEBC 2003
  • IEBC-06 (for all projects in which Predesign begins after September 30, 2006)
  • ASCE 7-02
  • ASCE 7-05 (for all projects in which Predesign begins after
    September 30, 2006)
  • ACI 318-05
  • ACI 301-05
  • ACI 530-05
  • AISC ASD 9th edition, LRFD 3rd edition, or AISC 13th edition
  • NDS-2005
  • AITC Timber Construction Manual, 5th edition

Directives, Standards, and NPS Guidelines

Load Requirements

  • Floor live Load: IBC 2003 or IBC 2006, as applicable
  • Roof Live Load: IBC 2003 or IBC 2006, as applicable
  • Snow Load: IBC 2003 or IBC 2006 as applicable, as required for building location, with consideration of:
    • Unbalanced snow load
    • Snow drifting at lower roofs and projections
    • Roof valley snow drifting
    • Sliding snow
  • Wind Load: IBC 2003 or IBC 2006, as applicable, as required for building location
  • Seismic: IBC 2003 or IBC 2006, as applicable, as required for building location
  • Vehicle Bridges: HS20
  • Pedestrian Bridges and Boardwalks: 85 psf

Foundations

  • Frost Depth: As required for building location

Concrete

  • Minimum slab-on-grade thickness 4" at thinnest point
  • Minimum compressive strength at 28 days: as required by design, but not less than 3000psi
  • Minimum 15% flyash content
  • Reinforcing steel: ASTM A615 Grade 60

Masonry

  • Concrete masonry minimum f'm: 1500 psi
  • Reinforcing Steel: ASTM A615 Grade 60
  • Below grade walls and retaining walls grouted solid

Steel

  • W Shapes: ASTM A992, 50 ksi
  • S, M, HP and Channels: ASTM A36 or A572 Grade 50
  • Angles and Plates: ASTM A36
  • TS or HSS: ASTM A500, Grade B, 46 ksi
  • Minimum Fillet Weld Size: 3/16"

Wood

  • Minimum roof sheathing thickness, 5/8"
  • Minimum wall sheathing thickness 1/2"
  • Framing Lumber (depending on location and availability)
    • Southern Pine No. 2 or better
    • Hem Fir No.2 or better
    • Douglas Fir Larch No.2 or better
  • Provide blocking between roof framing members at
    bearing locations
  • Provide plywood or OSB sheathing over heavy timber decking to create a diaphragm
  • Whenever possible, engineered lumber (Glulams, LVL’s) shall be substituted for solid sawn members larger than 8x8.

Professional Guidance

Coastal/Marine Construction

Tornado Shelters

Back to top ^

Sections
Accessibility
Civil / Environmental
Landscape Architecture
Architectural
Roofing / Waterproofing
Structural
Mechanical
Fire Protection
Electrical
Lighting
Sustainability
Design Standards -
entire document (PDF file)

Site Map | Contact | | Disclaimer | FOIA | US Department of Interior | USA.gov | ParkNet | DSC