building with URM exterior loadbearing brick walls, interior partitions, and parapets is slated for

a complete interior reconfiguration, without any change of occupancy or loading. According to

the project architect, no structural modifications would be made. The only changes would
include a new partition layout, replacing the windows, and applying new finishes throughout.
The building is assigned to SDC C. Following the IEBC-18, what minimum level of structural
upgrade is needed?

Solution Since the proposed work includes reconfiguration of space in the entire building, it
falls into the category of Alteration—Level 3. Because no framing alterations are planned, the
work does not qualify as substantial structural alteration. Special provisions for SDC F also do
not apply, but some other provisions of the IEBC Section 906 do, specifically:

1. Anchorage of existing URM walls at roof line, unless adequate anchorage is already
present (an unlikely scenario).
2. Bracing of the URM parapets, using reduced-level seismic forces discussed above.
3. Anchorage of any remaining URM partitions, using reduced-level seismic forces.

Because the building is assigned to SDC C, and no reroofing is involved, a roof diaphragm
evaluation is not required. If, as is likely, the building has no vertical LLR elements other than
the URM exterior walls, the architects should be advised not to alter those by making new
openings, etc. Otherwise, a lateral-load evaluation, and a possible seismic retrofit, would be
required. Also, some additional repair efforts might be required following the condition
evaluation of the existing building.

Example 1.3: Conversion of Existing School to Office A state agency in New England wished
to purchase an old school building and convert it to its offices “with only cosmetic changes,” as
they said. The building was wood-framed with exterior walls of unreinforced brick. A
preliminary condition assessment that included a field visit was already performed; it has found
that in general the framing was in fair condition. The wood floor joists were slightly sagging, but
were of reasonable sizes. The sloped roof framing consisted of a hodgepodge of rafters, posts,
and dormers; it could not be readily analyzed. There were some sagging lintels in exterior walls,
but the masonry was generally intact. No existing drawings or other design information was
available. Following the IEBC-18, what minimum level of structural work could be expected?
How expensive would that be? The answer could influence the agency’s decision to finalize the
purchase or not.

Solution The code and occupancy analysis:

Existing occupancy was a school with 150 people.

Planned occupancy was an office with 90 people.

From IBC Chapter 3 and Table 1604.5:

Existing Risk Category II (< 250 in school), Educational Group E

Proposed Risk Category II (< 300 in office), Business Group B