July 2006
H-18-8
3.5 Limitations on Steel Structures
Structures assigned to Seismic Design Categories D, E, F, the provisions of this
section shall apply to all new Critical and Essential Facilities.
a. Special steel moment resisting frame systems (if approved) shall be subject to
the following special provisions:
1. The structural engineer of record shall review FEMA 350 and FEMA 353
and other current research and recommendations regarding steel moment
resisting connections and shall adapt the findings to the design;
2. During the schematic design phase of the project, the structural engineer of
record shall submit to VA a clear statement of the criteria and design
philosophy to be used in the design of the SMRF system and its
connections, including the manner in which inelastic rotation will be
considered;
3. At the completion of the design development phase of the project, the
structural engineer of record shall submit to VA a report describing the
procedures that will be used for design, analysis, inspection, and welding of
the frame joints, including any necessary specifications for laboratory and
site testing of the connections.
4. The construction contract documents shall include a requirement for the
Contractor to develop and submit a welding procedure specification (WPS)
for each weld in accordance with Part II, Section 5 of FEMA 353. The WPS
is subject to acceptance by VA. The WPS for each weld shall be kept at
the job site and shall be available at the connection site during welding;
5. All complete penetration welds shall be inspected by means of
nondestructive testing (NDT) in accordance with Part II, Sections 3 and 5 of
FEMA 353; and
6. Full time continuous welding inspection of preparation, welding, and post-
welding procedures shall be required for all moment resisting connections in
accordance with Part II, Sections 3 and 5 of FEMA 353.
b. Steel eccentrically braced systems shall be subject to the following special
provisions:
1. Connections of non-structural elements shall not be located in the vicinity of
EBF link beams. Non-structural elements include, but are not limited to,
precast panel connections, elevator guide rail supports, stairs, and pipe
supports etc.
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