A building in Maui County requires seismic design. The structure is located in Seismic Design Category D. What is the maximum building height allowed for ordinary moment-resisting frame construction?
Correct Answer
B) 35 feet
In Seismic Design Category D, ordinary moment-resisting frames are limited to 35 feet in height per Hawaii Building Code seismic provisions.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
In Seismic Design Category D (SDC D), ordinary moment-resisting frames (OMRFs) are limited to 35 feet in height. SDC D represents high seismic hazard, and OMRFs lack the ductility and detailing required to safely dissipate energy in tall structures during major earthquakes. The 35-foot limit restricts their use to low-rise buildings where seismic demands are more manageable.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: 50 feet
50 feet is not the code limit for OMRFs in SDC D. This value might appear plausible but exceeds what the code allows for this frame type in high seismic zones.
Option C: 65 feet
65 feet would apply to more ductile frame systems with special detailing requirements. Ordinary moment-resisting frames do not qualify for this height in SDC D because they lack the required ductility.
Option D: No limit
'No limit' is incorrect and dangerous — SDC D imposes strict height restrictions precisely because seismic forces scale with building height. Unlimited height is only possible with specially designed and detailed systems.
Memory Technique
SDC D = 'Danger zone' for ordinary frames. Think '35 feet — a 3-story max' for OMRFs in SDC D. Three floors, three letters in SDC D — 35 feet.
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