Introduction to the Changes in the Seismic Provisions of the 2020 National Building Code of Canada

By the end of this webinar, you will be able to:

• Recognize how inelastic behaviour and ductility influence seismic response in structures
• Describe key NBCC procedures used to determine seismic loads for different types of structures
• Identify major differences between the NBCC 2010 and NBCC 2015 seismic design provisions
• Explain how changes to seismic hazard, site effects, higher mode effects, and base shear calculations affect design considerations
• Interpret important updates related to low-hazard areas and buildings with flexible diaphragms

Description

Seismic design requirements continue to evolve as new research, field observations, and lessons from earthquake damage improve how lateral loads are understood and applied in practice. For engineers and technical professionals involved in structural design, staying current with changes to the National Building Code of Canada is essential for supporting safe, compliant, and defensible design decisions.

This course provides a focused introduction to the significant changes in seismic design provisions between NBCC 2010 and NBCC 2015. You will review how the code approaches seismic hazard, site effect factors, higher mode effects, and seismic base shear, while also exploring updates related to low-hazard areas and buildings with flexible diaphragms.

Through clear explanations and conceptual examples, this course helps you strengthen your understanding of the practical implications of these code changes. Rather than focusing on full numerical design examples, the course emphasizes the concepts and reasoning needed to recognize where the provisions differ and how those differences may affect engineering judgment in seismic design.

Who Should Attend:

This course is designed for:

• Structural engineers
• Design engineers
• Engineering consultants
• Project engineers
• Contractors involved in structural or building projects
• Municipal and city engineers
• Technical professionals who need an introductory understanding of seismic provision changes between NBCC 2010 and NBCC 2015

• Inelastic behaviour and ductility
• Seismic provisions differences between 2015 and 2010 NBCC
• Low-hazard area simplified provisions
• Buildings with flexible diaphragms