CHAPTER 2: MINIMUM DESIGN the structural behavior under various

loads including static and dynamic

LOADS analysis techniques. It may include
topics like structural modeling, analysis
SUMMARY
software, and methods for assessing
Chapter 2 of the NSCP typically covers the stability. It may also include information
general provisions related to structural design on how to calculate forces, moments,
and construction practices in the Philippines. and stresses in structural members.
Here is a general outline of what Chapter 2 of 7. Design Criteria of Structural
such codes covers: Elements: Specific design requirements
for different structural elements such as
1. Definition: This provides definitions of
beams, columns, slabs, walls, and
various terms and concepts used
connections. This section may include
throughout the code to ensure a
design formulas, equations, and design
common understanding among
charts. This section typically outlines the
designers, engineers, and builders.
design criteria and performance
2. General Design Requirements: This
objectives that structures must meet. It
section typically outlines the
may specify safety factors, design
fundamental principles and requirements
loadings, and other factors that influence
for structural design. It may include
the design process.
considerations for safety, load
8. Special Design Provisions: Any
combinations, and design
special provisions or considerations for
methodologies.
unique situations, such as seismic
3. Loadings or Load Combinations: This
design requirements, design for extreme
section provides information on various
events, or specific regional conditions.
types of loads that structures may be
9. Construction Requirements:
subjected to, such as dead loads, live
Guidelines related to the construction
loads, wind loads, seismic loads, and
process, including quality control,
other environmental factors. It specifies
inspection, and testing of materials and
how these loads should be calculated
structures.
and applied in design. These load
10. Structural Integrity and Safety: This
combinations are crucial for ensuring
section emphasizes the importance of
that the structure can safely support all
ensuring the structural integrity and
expected loads and environmental
safety of buildings and other structures.
conditions.
It may include provisions related to
4. Materials: Information about the
quality control, inspections, and
materials such as the types and kinds
maintenance.
that can be used in construction, their
11. Appendices and References:
properties, and limitations. This section
Additional information, tables, and
often covers concrete, steel, masonry,
references that supplement the main
and other materials. They should be
content of the chapter.
tested and approved for use in structural
elements. Engineers and architects typically use it as a
5. Foundation Design: Guidelines for reference to ensure that structures are
designing foundations to support the designed and constructed safely and in
structure safely. This may include compliance with national standards. It's crucial
requirements for soil investigations, to consult the specific edition of the NSCP in
bearing capacity calculations, and use and work with qualified professionals when
foundation types. applying its guidelines to a construction project.
6. Structural Analysis: Explanation of the
methods and techniques for analyzing
General Idea of Chapter 2: These requirements are essential for
earthquake-resistant construction.
The National Structural Code of the Philippines
5. Rain Loads: The NSCP 2015 may
(NSCP) 2015 Edition provides guidelines and
specify minimum design loads related to
specifications for the design of buildings and
rain, especially in areas with a high risk
other structures in the Philippines. One of the
of flooding. These loads account for the
fundamental concepts in the NSCP 2015, as in
additional weight and pressure caused
previous editions, is the determination of
by rainwater accumulation on roofs,
minimum design loads. These loads are
surfaces, and structural components.
essential for ensuring the safety and structural
6. Snow Loads: In regions prone to heavy
integrity of buildings and structures in various
snowfall, the NSCP 2015 may include
environmental conditions. The NSCP 2015
provisions for minimum snow loads to
outlines several key aspects related to
account for the weight of snow on roofs
minimum design loads:
and other surfaces.
1. Dead Loads: Dead loads are the 7. Other Environmental Loads: The
permanent, static loads that result from NSCP 2015 addresses other
the weight of the structure itself, environmental loads such as soil lateral
including walls, floors, roofs, and any loads, temperature effects, and wave
fixed equipment or materials. The NSCP forces (for coastal structures) to ensure
2015 specifies minimum dead loads for comprehensive structural design
different building materials and considerations.
components to account for the self-
The idea behind establishing minimum design
weight of the structure accurately
loads in the NSCP 2015 is to provide a
2. Live Loads: Live loads are dynamic
standardized and safety-focused approach to
loads that result from the occupancy and
structural engineering. These minimum loads
intended use of a building. The NSCP
are based on local climatic and geological
2015 provides guidelines for determining
conditions and are intended to ensure that
minimum live loads for various
structures are designed to withstand the worst-
occupancy categories and types of
case scenarios they may encounter during their
spaces, such as residential, commercial,
service life. Engineers and architects use these
industrial, and public areas. These loads
minimum design loads as a basis for designing
ensure that structures can safely support
buildings and structures that are safe, durable,
the people, furniture, and equipment
and resilient to environmental forces and
they are designed to accommodate.
hazards.
3. Wind Loads: Wind loads are the forces
exerted by wind on the external surfaces
of a structure. The NSCP 2015 provides
criteria for calculating wind loads based
on factors such as the geographical
location, building height, exposure
category, and wind speed. These loads
are crucial for designing buildings that
can withstand wind forces and maintain
structural stability.
4. Seismic Loads: The NSCP 2015
considers seismic loads, which are
associated with earthquakes. It provides
seismic hazard maps and guidelines for
determining seismic design forces based
on the seismic zone and soil conditions.