What is Buildings

Generally, a building can be defined as an enclosed structure intended for human
occupancy. However, a building includes the structure itself and nonstructural
components (e.g., cladding, roofing, interior walls and ceilings, HVAC systems,
electrical systems) permanently attached to and supported by the structure. The
scope of the Provisions provides recommended seismic design criteria for all
buildings except detached one- and two-family dwellings located in zones of
relatively low seismic activity and agricultural structures (e.g., barns and storage
sheds) that are only intended to have incidental human occupancy. The Provisions
also specifies seismic design criteria for nonstructural components in buildings
that can be subjected to intense levels of ground shaking.