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phamENG: thanks. We also went with that same approach of weak-axis bending.

jayrod12: The ceiling is just a decorative element but must be braced seismically (and documented as such). It is not hung: it is framed with a secondary layer of joists. Therefore instead of wire bracing, it felt like the sheetrock should be sufficient for the very small 40plf diaphragm shear...

Can anyone provide a reference that shows the allowable horizontal floor diaphragm capacity of 1/2" or 5/8" Gypsum Wallboard (GWB) as a floor diaphragm on light-gauge cold-formed metal joists? We found the IBC table which lists GWB diaphragm on wood joists (70plf). We also found the AISI tables...

Thank you for the help everyone.

Thank you everyone for your input

Does anyone have experience using galvanized TC bolts outside? A basic property of TC bolts is the ends are sheared off during install. This leaves a surface without galvanizing, which starts corroding immediately. Is this something I should be concerned with? Why even make galvanized TC bolts...

We spec masonry dobies or plastic chairs in concrete footing pours cast against earth. The contractor used regular steel chairs instead. We flagged it because we are concerned metal chairs will corrode and deteriorate the ftg. We asked them to correct it but it didn't happen. The client...

dik & SlideRuleEra, thanks for the help and links. I am printing now and will read. At first glance this looks very helpful. I am working in USA. Feel free to chime in with any other resources you might find helpful.

I am a structural engineer. I need to better understand when we can use wood framing and when we must use light gauge or other noncombustible materials. I am looking for a cliff's-notes-style primer on this part of the building code. Do you know of any good resources?

In a concrete roof slab, can concrete reinforcing cover be reduced from 1-1/2" to 3/4" if a roofing membrane is present? ACI vaguely alludes to this but I haven't found a straight answer anywhere.

In the x-direction, the entire first floor has garage door, doorway, sliding glass door, or floor-to-ceiling windows. Imagine your classic "soft story." I am not exaggerating. There is 1 interior partition but it is drywall over slab on grade. I imagine that's a big part of what's holding...

Thank you everyone for your replies so far. I apologize for my delay in response. (P.S. Can anyone advise how I can get email notification of replies to this thread?) Clarifications: The building is built and occupied. The 2-family structure was designed by a Registered Architect. I don't think...

As structural engineers, we were retained to design an addition to a building. Partway through the design process, we realized that many aspects of the recently-constructed building did not satisfy basic structural building code. Namely, the building has zero lateral (wind or seismic) force...

Hi guys, OP here. Thank you for all the thoughtful discussion. A brief follow up to what wound up happening for us: we made it clear again that proper permits were required. Some time passed and we wound up not hearing much. Turns out, the contractor hired a locally notorious robo-stamper PE /...

We are structural engineers hired by the contractor working on a multifamily residential structure. It has come to my attention that the contractor intends to construct our design without filing for building permits. We have put it in writing that we believe he must file for permit. There is no...

Imagine a partition wall below a long-span truss with expected deflections of 1/2" up or down. Often us Structural Engineers will specify deflection clips or similar methods to allow for this truss' deflection. Now imagine a single-family home 2 stories plus basement. Roof rafters' expected...

Ron - Thanks for your input. I think there is a slight misunderstanding: my drawings are not the ones being re-used. A different engineer's drawings are being reused on a project that I am on. KootK - this is a good possible solution. Thank you.

Thanks Mike. I appreciate your input. First, it sounds like you don't think I'm overreacting then? Second, in the future, we will definitely cut things off with this architect. I need a strategy just for this project. Last, I feel reporting to the building dept would be poking the hornet's...

As a structural engineering firm, in response to very specific scope RFP, we were hired to provide sizing of masonry lintels and wood joist sizes--nothing else. We are not stamping any plans or calculations. Our sizes were communicated to the architect via email, to be incorporated into their...