Lateral Analysis

Quick start

1. Add a Lateral Analysis calculation and enter a description.
2. Complete the project seismic information and review it in Seismic Factors. Use Manual Entry when supplying project-specific values yourself.
3. Select the number of stories and the distributed-weight or total-weight method. Enter the required level weights and elevations.
4. Complete R, Ie, ρ, Ct, and the period exponent x. Review the diaphragm redundancy selection.
5. Choose Run Model.
6. Review Design Forces, Response Spectrum, and Building Elevation, then save and generate the report.

Site and building inputs

Review the site class, risk category, seismic design category, and displayed seismic parameters, including SDS, SD1, S1, and TL. The module checks required site data and consistency of the selected seismic design category. Opening the ASCE Data Form is not a substitute for confirming that the data applies to your project site.

Enter system-specific response, importance, redundancy, and period parameters. The current interface accepts redundancy factors of 1.00 or 1.30. Select whether the diaphragm force calculations use unity redundancy.

Elevations are measured from the building reference level and must increase from the lowest level to the roof. The current module supports up to three stories and requires positive total weight at each active level.

Weight methods and units

Distributed weight method (psf) works with distributed level weights. Total weight method (lb) works with total level weights. Do not mix the two bases or interpret a distributed result as a total force.

Complete the diaphragm and partition weight entries applicable to each active level. Check the displayed units on the input and output tables before using the results elsewhere.

Factors, forces, and diagrams

The Seismic Factors tab shows the period and seismic response calculations, coefficient limits, and final ASD and LRFD factors. Design Forces shows the vertical distribution of story and diaphragm loading.

The Response Spectrum and Building Elevation tabs provide graphical review of the analysis. Check that the level count, heights, weights, and force distribution match the intended model. A successful calculation does not by itself establish that the selected structural system is eligible for this analysis method.

Using the analysis in Wood Shear Wall

Create or open a separate Wood Shear Wall calculation and choose Import Lateral Analysis. Select the source calculation, review the imported inputs, and run the receiving calculation.

The import copies inputs; it is not a continuously synchronized link. If the source changes, import again as needed and rerun the receiving calculation. The Lateral Analysis module itself does not design wall sheathing, holdowns, or wall segments.

Saving and reports

Save the project to retain the analysis inputs. Generate the calculation report after completing and reviewing the model. The report identifies ASCE 7-22 and ELF Method 2. In Lateral Analysis mode, it excludes the individual wood shear-wall design documents.

Use the current inputs and output together when checking the report. Investigate incomplete site data, invalid elevations, or out-of-range input messages rather than relying on a previous result.