The Ontario Building Code | Earthquake Reinforcement
9.20.1.2. Earthquake Reinforcement
(1) In locations where the seismic spectral response acceleration, Sa(0.2), is greater than 0.55, loadbearing elements of masonry buildings more than 1 storeyin building height shall be reinforced with not less than the minimum amount of reinforcement as required in Subsection 9.20.15.
(2) In locations where the seismic spectral response acceleration, Sa(0.2), is greater than 0.35, but less than or equal to 0.55, loadbearingelements of masonry buildings 3 storeys in building heightshall be reinforced with not less than the minimum amount of reinforcement as required in Subsection 9.20.15.
9.20.2. Masonry Units
In Plain Language
Masonry construction needs earthquake reinforcement meeting the requirements set out in this article, addressing masonry's relative brittleness under seismic loading compared to wood framing.
This is a plain-language summary of the 2012/2017 Ontario Building Code text above, for general understanding only and not a substitute for the Code. Always confirm current requirements against the 2024 edition (O.Reg. 163/24) or a qualified professional before construction.