Book excerpt: Significant Changes to Seismic Load Provisions of ASCE 7-10: An Illustrated Guide focuses on the revisions to the seismic load requirements set forth in the latest edition of the Standard for minimum design loads. Mirroring the organization of the seismic chapters in ASCE 7-10, this handy reference briefly summarizes each change to the seismic provisions that might affect actual practice or enforcement and immediately follows up with the precise wording of the change. The impact of each update is explained in clear, straightforward language accompanied by diagrams, examples, and color photographs and illustrations to enrich the reader s understanding. Significant Changes to the Seismic Load Provisions of ASCE 7-10: An Illustrated Guide translates the changes to the seismic provisions of ASCE Standard 7-10 into a form readily accessible by structural engineers, architects, contractors, building officials and inspectors, and allied professionals. S. K. Ghosh is president, Susan Dowty is vice president and Prabuddha Dasgupta is engineering manager of S. K. Ghosh Associates Inc., a seismic and building code consulting firm based in Palatine, IL and Aliso Viejo, CA. All three are active in development and interpretation of U.S. codes and standards.