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Recent content by RPGs

  1. RPGs

    Residential renovations suck and are not worth the fees! {PROVE ME WRONG!}

    They are so insistent. A year ago I made an account just to see what the lead fee was and I was called 6 times by 6 different sales reps over a week. Each time I said I just wanted to know the fee and please don't call again. It finally stopped I think after I spoke to every sales rep at the...
  2. RPGs

    Residential renovations suck and are not worth the fees! {PROVE ME WRONG!}

    Thanks @jerseyshore those are great tips for getting new clients. At my old job my boss would pay for leads from a website (cant remember which one it was) when we were slower, with mixed results. Interestingly, it was also his policy for clients to pay up-front for site visits by credit card...
  3. RPGs

    Residential renovations suck and are not worth the fees! {PROVE ME WRONG!}

    Reading these replies, especially from SE2607, makes me want to go back to the small residential projects so bad. There's plenty of headaches in dealing with one-off clients and homeowners, but every day is exciting, different, and gives me the opportunity to put my best foot forward in many...
  4. RPGs

    Unable to obtain existing foundation drawings

    Is there an option to GPR scan the existing footings?
  5. RPGs

    Shear wall schedule and notes

    Perhaps this isn't super helpful, but I'm not sure where to direct you other than refer to someone else's plans. Podium/pedestal buildings with upper wood or CFSF walls tend to have lots of shear wall schedules and notes. I've done framing inspections for a bunch of them, so I had some...
  6. RPGs

    CMU Wall Removal

    Seems reasonable. Personally, I've never seen shear studs used as you show them, but of course that doesn't mean it isn't done, or it wouldn't work. I imagine it'd be quite difficult to install and inspect. I'd potentially look at post-installing anchors to the side of the CMU course, fastened...
  7. RPGs

    Engineering Design 'Stack'

    FE Analysis & Design: RAM Elements (I see I'm the only one here--my firm's choice. I preferred RISA 3D at my old job to be honest) Enercalc SEL Steel Connection Design: RAM Connection Manual Calculations: Hand-written calculations (Samsung S9 Tablet Notes) Excel spreadsheets Anchors...
  8. RPGs

    SE Exam New format April 2024

    For sure--lesson learned. At the time it seemed to work VERY well for developing raw speed (the name of the game). I still knew where to find things and didn't suffer hugely during the exam, but it was quite a shock to find out I wouldn't have the option of using page numbers AT ALL in their...
  9. RPGs

    SE Exam New format April 2024

    I passed the CBT PE Civil: Structural this year and the thing that bothered me the most was that, during studying and blasting practice problems, I thought I was clever by focusing on memorizing page numbers in the reference material, since I found just knowing and entering frequently used page...
  10. RPGs

    SE Exam New format April 2024

    Wow thanks for posting that. Illinois board going in guns blazing. Good on them. Anyone here disagree with their assertions? My favorite line: The conclusion is damning and that last sentence is epic... subtle jab at the cost of the exam?
  11. RPGs

    2024 Firm Personnel Changes

    Oh--my apologies. Not my intent at all. There was a thread identical to this a year ago and I hugely enjoyed the discussion and learned a lot myself. I didn't realize it might be inappropriate. I think you're right though that this may not be the right forum and I'll report it to be removed.
  12. RPGs

    2024 Firm Personnel Changes

    As we approach 2025, I am hugely curious to see how your structurally-inclined (or otherwise, feel free to join in) engineering firms have changed in the last year. Also looking to hear your stories about your journey in the profession, your thoughts, advice, and any significant moves in your...
  13. RPGs

    Load Rating of Steel Mezzanine

    Personally, I don't think I would be worrying much about the lateral capacity if it's a low-seismic region AND you've established the building is providing at least SOME nominal lateral bracing. For the foundation, if you don't have ANY drawings, then I'd most-likely be looking to verify the...
  14. RPGs

    What category of crack is this?

    I understand your frustration. It's not pleasant, but that's what engineers cost. You could talk to a contractor and they may do a repair estimate for free based on what they believe the best solution may be, but if you want an engineer's official assessment for the record, you have to pay for...
  15. RPGs

    What category of crack is this?

    I think you should hire a local structural engineer to come take a look and write a report with observations, analysis, and recommendations.

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