The total horizontal load on a building from wind, earthquakes, or soil that the structure must resist.
The total horizontal load applied to a structure or structural element from wind, seismic activity, soil pressure, or other horizontal sources. Lateral loads are resisted by the building's structural system and flow through the diaphragm to vertical lateral force-resisting elements. Proper lateral load design prevents overturning, sliding, and story drift.
Seismic analysis showed the building must resist a base lateral load of 450 kips distributed across all floor levels.
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