Section 1708 Structural Testing for Seismic Resistance

The testing and qualification specified in Sections 1708.2 through 1708.5, unless exempted from special inspections by the exceptions of Section 1704.1, 1705.3 or 1705.3.1 are required as follows:

1. The seismic-force-resisting systems in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F, as determined in Section 1613 shall meet the requirements of Sections 1708.2 and 1708.3, as applicable.
2. Designated seismic systems in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F subject to the special certification requirements of ASCE 7 Section 13.2.2 are required to be tested in accordance with Section 1708.4.
3. Architectural, mechanical and electrical components in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F with an I_p = 1.0 are required to be tested in accordance with Section 1708.4 where the general design requirements of ASCE 7 Section 13.2.1, Item 2 for manufacturer's certification are satisfied by testing.
4. The seismic isolation system in seismically isolated structures shall meet the testing requirements of Section 1708.5.

Where reinforcement complying with ASTM A 615 is used to resist earthquake-induced flexural and axial forces in special moment frames, special structural walls and coupling beams connecting special structural walls, in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category B, C, D, E or F as determined in Section 1613, the reinforcement shall comply with Section 21.1.5.2 of ACI 318. Certified mill test reports shall be provided for each shipment of such reinforcement. Where reinforcement complying with ASTM A 615 is to be welded, chemical tests shall be performed to determine weldability in accordance with Section 3.5.2 of ACI 318.

Testing for structural steel shall be in accordance with the quality assurance plan requirements of AISC 341.

The registered design professional shall state the applicable seismic certification requirements for nonstructural components and designated seismic systems on the construction documents.

1. The manufacturer of each designated seismic system components subject to the provisions of ASCE 7 Section 13.2.2 shall test or analyze the component and its mounting system or anchorage and submit a certificate of compliance for review and acceptance by the registered design professional responsible for the design of the designated seismic system and for approval by the building official. Certification shall be based on an actual test on a shake table, by three-dimensional shock tests, by an analytical method using dynamic characteristics and forces, by the use of experience data (i.e., historical data demonstrating acceptable seismic performance) or by more rigorous analysis providing for equivalent safety.
2. Manufacturer's certification of compliance for the general design requirements of ASCE 7 Section 13.2.1 shall be based on analysis, testing or experience data.

For required system tests, see Section 17.8 of ASCE 7.