As all structural engineers familiar with building design know, diaphragms constitute an integral part of the lateral load resisting system. When the load under consideration is seismic, the diaphragms themselves often constitute a majority of the inertial mass, as well as the means of delivering inertial forces to the vertical elements of the seismic load resisting system (SLRS). While building codes have paid careful attention to diaphragm design, this area remains rife with ambiguity and differing opinions. This article will not put an end to such debate, of course, but will serve as one example of a coherent philosophy of diaphragm design for seismic loading.

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