The Code of Standard Practice no longer makes the distinction, but in general, a non-self-supporting steel frame requires interaction with other elements (a precast concrete shear wall system, masonry infill, metal deck diaphragms, etc.) for stability while resisting gravity and/or lateral loads, even when completely erected. A self-supporting steel frame, once completely erected, is stable while resisting gravity and/or lateral loads. Note that structural steel and non-structural elements are as defined in the AISC Code of Standard Practice Sections 2.1 and 2.2, respectively; see also 2.6.3 and the AISC Code of Standard Practice Section 7.10. for requirements related to identifications in the Construction Documents regarding the Lateral Load Resisting System.

The provisions in ASCE Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures cover most loads in building structures, including design live loads and lateral loads as referenced in AISC Specification Section B2.

Design force requirements for these items are commonly specified in the Applicable Building Code. Also, ANSI/ASSP A1264.1 covers safety standards and the National Association of Architectural Metals Manufacturers publishes standards that cover the design of miscellaneous and certain other non-structural steel elements.