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Building Code-Related Design Criteria

For Virginia Tech's Blacksburg campus:

Ground Snow Load
30 psf

Wind Exposure
Category B (unless otherwise determined by actual site conditions)

Seismic Zone
2

Spectral Response Acceleration

  • Ss%g: 28% (unless otherwise determined by actual site conditions)
  • S1%g: 7% (unless otherwise determined by actual site conditions)

Subject to Damage from

  • Weathering: Severe
  • Frost Depth: 24” min.
  • Termite: Moderate to heavy
  • Decay: Slight to Moderate

Ice Shield Required
Yes

Flood Hazard
Some areas yes; refer to Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) for more information

Climate Zone
4

Winter Design Temperature
16 F

Yearly Heating Days
4150

Yearly Cooling Days
1154

Mean Annual temperature
55 F

Air Freezing Index
250

Latitude/Longitude
37° 13’ 38.94” N / 80° 25’ 19.70” W

For additional information, contact the Office of the University Building Official at 540-231-5534.