ABSTRACT
For buildings in regions of low seismic risk Uniform Building Code (UBC) zones 0 and 1, and for those assigned to International Building Code (IBC) seismic design categories (SDC) A or B, just about any structural system that has a recognizable load path for gravity and lateral loads is permitted. The load path should be continuous and have adequate strength and stiffness to transfer the forces from the point of application to the point of resistance. This is one of the most fundamental considerations in structural design that applies across the board to all engineered structures. The identification, selection, design, and detailing of load path using the provisions of governing building codes constitutes the principal structural engineering task.
