Brooklyn since 2014All five boroughsSame-day response during business hours

What is NYC BC § 1605.3.1?

Quick Answer

This section outlines the basic load combinations for structures using allowable stress design as permitted by the code. It specifies the critical effects that must be resisted from various combinations of loads, including dead, live, and wind loads. Applies to building owners involved in structural design and compliance.

General informational summary. Not legal advice for your situation. Consult an attorney before acting on any specific matter.

Michael Nacmias - Founding PartnerMichael Sargo - Partner
From the team atNacmias Law Firm, PLLCBrooklyn-based attorneys representingproperty owners across all five boroughsMeet the team →

1605.3.1 Basic load combinations.

BC § 1605.3.1

Where allowable stress design (working stress design), as permitted by this code, is used, structures and portions thereof shall resist the most critical effects resulting from the following combinations of loads: D + F(Equation 16-12) D + H + F + L(Equation 16-13) D + H + F + (Lr or S or R)(Equation 16-14) D + H + F + 0.75 (L) + 0.75 (Lr or S or R)(Equation 16-15) D + H + F + (0.6W or 0.7E)(Equation 16-16) D + H + F + 0.75 (W or 0.7E) + 0.75L + 0.75 (Lr or S or R)(Equation 16-17) D + H + F + 0.75 (0.7E) + 0.75L + 0.75S(Equation 16-18) 0.6D + 0.6W + H(Equation 16-19) 0.6 (D + F) + 0.7E + H(Equation 16-20) Exceptions: 1. Crane hook loads need not be combined with roof live load or with more than three-fourths of the snow load or one-half of the wind load.

2.Flat roof snow loads of 30 psf (1.44 kN/m 2 ) or less and roof live loads of 30 psf (1.44 kN/m 2 ) or less need not be combined with seismic loads. Where flat roof snow loads exceed 30 psf (1.44 kN/m 2 ), 20 percent shall be combined with seismic loads.

3.Where the effect of H resists the primary variable load effect, a load factor of 0.6 shall be included with H where H is permanent and H shall be set to zero for all other conditions.

4.In Equation 16-19, the wind load, W, is permitted to be reduced in accordance with Exception 2 of Section 2.4.1 of ASCE 7.

5.In Equation 16-20, 0.6D is permitted to be increased to 0.9D for the design of special reinforced masonry shear walls complying with Chapter 21.

Common Questions

Our team

Meet the people you will work with

Free case review

Have a matter that touches § 1605.3.1?

Free 15-minute case review with the attorney handling your matter. Same-day response during business hours across all five boroughs — OATH hearings, Housing Court, and real estate closings.

Or email us

[email protected]

An attorney reads every message.

  • Same-day response

    During business hours

  • Direct attorney access

    Same lawyer from intake to close

  • Flat-fee pricing

    On most OATH and closing matters