Structural Engineering - Method - Structural Functions, Loads, and Design Criteria

Oct 28, 2026

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Part 536 focuses on structural engineering requirements for analysis and design. It defines a systematic, comprehensive evaluation approach across structural functions, resiliency, redundancy, robustness, durability, and sustainability, and requires consideration of function, operation, loading, stability analysis, structural analysis, and material criteria. It specifies design-load evaluation using ASCE 7 and, when needed, the IBC, and addresses reinforced concrete criteria for general structures plus hydraulic and environmental structures. The section also outlines stress limits for flexural tension reinforcement, yield strength limits, construction-joint implications, and guidance for riser spillway seismic analysis and concrete slabs-on-ground design.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages7

Reading Time18 min

AccessFree to download

536.0 General

536.1 – 536.9 Reserved

536.10 Method

536.11 Function

536.12 Loads

536.20 Design Criteria for Reinforced Concrete Structures

536.21 Design Criteria for Reinforced Concrete Hydraulic and Environmental Structures

536.22 Design Criteria for Concrete Slabs-on-Ground

Part 536 – Structural Engineering 536.0 General NRCS provides structural engineering assistance in a variety of applications. Structural engineering requires the use of sound engineering principles. 536.1 – 536.9 Reserved 536.10 Method A. The method selected for the analysis and design of structures must be based on a systematic and comprehensive evaluation of the structural functions expected during the design life. Consideration must be given to the structural resiliency, redundancy, robustness, durability, and sustainability. B. The structural design method must include an evaluation of the following: function, operation, loading, stability analysis, structural analysis, and material criteria. In practice, the structural design will typically involve an iterative evaluation of each of these elements. 536.11 Function All structure functions, whether intended or not, must be considered in the structural design evaluation. Functions typically include all the operational structure conditions for each external condition imposed on the structure. The designer must consider structure conditions imposed during construction, normal operations, extreme events, and maintenance activities. 536.12 Loads A. Consider all anticipated loads and load combinations in the design of a structure. Loads typically include wind, snow, hydraulic, earth, occupancy, vehicular, equipment, and seismic. Designs must consider loads imposed during construction, normal operations, extreme events, and maintenance activities. B. Use the applicable provisions of the current American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures (ASCE 7) to develop design loads and load combinations. In lieu of compliance with ASCE 7, use the applicable provisions of the current International Building Code (IBC) to develop design loads and load combinations. C. In addition to the requirements in ASCE 7 or the IBC, where required by State regulation, local regulation, or other legal mandate, develop design loads and load combinations using local guidance and requirements. 536.13 – 536.19 Reserved 536.20 Design Criteria for Reinforced Concrete Structures A. Design reinforced concrete structures, not classified as hydraulic or environmental in section 536.21 of this subpart, in accordance with the applicable provisions of the current American Concrete Institute (ACI) Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete (ACI 318) . The specified yield strength of reinforcement (fy), must not exceed 60,000 pounds per square inch (psi) unless approved in advance by the Director, Conservation Engineering Division (CED) . B. In lieu of the applicable provisions ofACI 318, designers may use the applicable provisions of the current ACI Code Requirements for Environmental Engineering Concrete Structures (ACI 350) to design reinforced concrete structures. 536.21 Design Criteria for Reinforced Concrete Hydraulic and Environmental Structures A. A hydraulic structure is any structure subjected to hydrostatic or hydrodynamic pressures, either externally or internally. An environmental structure is any structure intended for conveying, storing, or treating water, wastewater, or other liquids and nonhazardous materials, such as solid waste, and for secondary containment of hazardous liquids or solid waste and designed to be liquid-tight, with minimal leakage under normal service conditions. B. Design reinforced concrete hydraulic and environmental structures in accordance with the applicable portions ofthe current ACI 350. (1) The flexural tension reinforcement stress due to unfactored loads must not exceed 20,000 psi. (2) The specified yield strength of reinforcement (fy) must not exceed 60,000 psi unless approved in advance by the Director, CED. (3) Construction joints, intended to be watertight, prepared in accordance with ACI Joints in Concrete Construction (ACI 224.3R-95), Section 3.2.1, need not inclu

FAQs

What evaluation approach does 536.10 require for structural analysis and design?

The method must be based on a systematic and comprehensive evaluation of expected structural functions during the design life, considering resiliency, redundancy, robustness, durability, and sustainability. It must include evaluation of function, operation, loading, stability analysis, structural analysis, and material criteria, typically through iterative assessment.

Which standards are used to develop design loads and load combinations?

Design loads and load combinations are developed using ASCE 7. If ASCE 7 compliance is not used, designers use the applicable provisions of the current International Building Code (IBC). Additional local guidance is required when mandated by state or local regulation.

What are key limits and definitions for reinforced concrete hydraulic and environmental structures in 536.21?

Hydraulic structures experience hydrostatic or hydrodynamic pressures, and environmental structures convey, store, or treat water, wastewater, or other liquids and nonhazardous materials with minimal leakage under normal service. The section sets stress and reinforcement yield strength limits, addresses construction joints for watertight behavior, and references applicable provisions of ACI 350.

Oct 28, 2026

Upload by Jake