The Ontario Building Code | Methods of Analysis
4.1.8.7. Methods of Analysis
(1) Analysis for design earthquake actions shall be carried out in accordance with the Dynamic Analysis Procedure described in Article 4.1.8.12., except that the Equivalent Static Force Procedure described in Article 4.1.8.11. may be used for structures that meet any of the following criteria:
(a) in cases where IEFaSa(0.2) is less than 0.35,
(b) regular structures that are less than 60 m in height and have a fundamental lateral period, Ta, less than 2 s in each of two orthogonal directions as defined in Article 4.1.8.8., or
(c) structures with structural irregularity, of Type 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 8 as defined in Table 4.1.8.6., that are less than 20 m in height and have a fundamental lateral period, Ta, less than 0.5 s in each of two orthogonal directions as defined in Article 4.1.8.8.
In Plain Language
Seismic design analysis is generally carried out using the Dynamic Analysis Procedure, though the simpler Equivalent Static Force Procedure can be used instead for structures meeting the specific conditions described in a related article.
This is a plain-language summary of the 2012/2017 Ontario Building Code text above, for general understanding only and not a substitute for the Code. Always confirm current requirements against the 2024 edition (O.Reg. 163/24) or a qualified professional before construction.