3109.5.2 Hydrostatic Load

Habitable structures shall be designed in consideration of the hydrostatic loads which would be expected under the conditions of maximum inundation associated with a 100-year storm event. Calculations for hydrostatic loads shall consider the maximum water pressure resulting from a fully peaked, breaking wave superimposed on the design storm surge with dynamic wave setup. Both free and confined hydrostatic loads shall be considered. Hydrostatic loads which are confined shall be determined using the maximum elevation to which the confined water would freely rise if unconfined. Vertical hydrostatic loads shall be considered as forces acting both vertically downward and upward on horizontal or inclined surfaces of major structures (e.g., floors, slabs, roofs, walls). Lateral hydrostatic loads shall be considered as forces acting horizontally above and below grade on vertical or inclined surfaces of major structures and coastal or shore protection structures. Hydrostatic loads on irregular or curving geometric surfaces may be determined in consideration of separate vertical and horizontal components acting simultaneously under the distribution of the hydrostatic pressures.