George Mason University is required to enforce the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) and the Statewide Fire Prevention Code (SFPC). These codes are administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development and reference the International Codes as published by the International Code Council. Periodic amendments are utilized to update codes and incorporate new reference standards.
- Virginia State Building Codes
- Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC)
- Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code (SFPC)
- Virginia DHCD Building and Fire Codes Overview
- Free Online Virginia Construction and Trade Codes
In addition, for state owned property, the Commonwealth of Virginia Bureau of Engineering and Buildings has incorporated the requirements of the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design excluding the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) Scoping requirements. In cases that the ADAAG standards and ICC ANSI Standards conflict, the most extensive requirements shall govern.
Local Design Load Criteria
The following load criteria are based on Chapter 16 of the Virginia Construction Code, the 2010 ASCE-7 and Chapter 3 of the 2012 Virginia Residential Code.
This information is provided for reference only and HECO/CPSM requirements take precedence.
| Type | Criteria | ||
| Ground snow load | 25 psf | 1.25 kN/m2 | |
| Wind: | |||
| Basic Ultimate (Vult) |
90 mph |
40 m/s 51 m/s |
|
| Frost depth |
24 in.
|
600 mm
|
|
| Earthquake spectral response acceleration | at short periods: 0.129 at 1 second period: 0.053 |
||
| Residential Seismic Design Category | B | ||
| Weathering probability for concrete | severe | ||
| Termite infestation probability | moderate to heavy | ||
| Decay probability | slight to moderate | ||
| Ice shield underlayment required | yes | ||
| Flood hazards (date of entry into National Flood Insurance Program) | 3/5/1990 | ||
| Winter Design Temperature | 17°F | -9°C | |
| Air freezing index | <=1500°F | <=815°C | |
| Mean annual temperature | 50°F | 10°C | |