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Thanks for all the replies. I would only consider camber if I went with a concrete on metal deck floor system. Wood frame above that. I figure I need the rigidity because the upper floors are offset from the foundation footprint. It is in DD so I will let you know how it shakes out.

I have a high end residential project with a 50ft x 50ft garage located under the upper two floors. I was going to design a couple of 50 foot deep W-beam's to avoid posts. They want to have room for 5-6 cars and a turntable. Seems crazy to have a W24 or deeper. It is going to be so heavy...

Recently I have the client pay me before they get stamped plans or calculations. That is working out well. Younger clients are using Zelle and other cash apps. I have found that younger clients pay much better than the Gen X'ers. And older clients will pay in cash. I have been asking for...

I was in Dr Murray's LRFD Steel Design class at Virginia Tech in 1998. One class he passed around an iron worker's wrench to let us feel what it's like to actually put the steel together. I still have the notes from that class.

The bench projects into the space. Many clients/architects do not want to lose the space. I have done a double bench on deeper excavations where the cellar is for storage. Underpinning is preferred. I would not excavate the entire basement, undermining the footings. You may get away with it...

here is the attachment.https://files.engineering.com/getfile.aspx?folder=b233252b-3a9d-4e8b-ac80-16021e3caadf&file=bench.heic

I would not undermine the footing. In lieu of underpinning you can do a concrete "bench". /Users/chez/Downloads/IMG_5431.HEIC

I find that AHJ's that are "cities" are more sophisticated with a more extensive plan review and submittal process. What I call "local" towns that have an inspector/plan reviewer part time will not make comments on special inspections. Sometimes the small town projects are reviewed by the...

If a contractor ignores special inspections I would bring it up to the architect first and then the client. If the local building dept needs a final sign off from the PE you can use this as leverage. Typically if the structure is complicated to require special inspections the contractor is...

I am working with architects who use ArchiCAD and they model every joist and beam in 3D. This is then transferred to a framing plan. The framing plan even shows the width of the framing members. I don't like it. I review their plans and structure, trying to make it as readable as I can for...

Thanks for the comments.

Typically residential buildings do not require special inspections but there are some modern houses that push the limits of conventional residential construction with steel cantilevers, moment frames, etc. Local building departments do not have forms or sign offs for special inspections (unlike...

Thanks everyone. Deflection is my big concern and breaking their budget with steel beams instead of wood. But I will explain it all to them.

I appreciate the comments. The space is not really "attic" but I would expect the 80 psf to be more than adequate. I am going to ask the architect what kind of shelving they are planning. There may be vaulted ceilings so they could stack stuff high but again it is only what you can walk up a...

I am designing a building for a local community theater company. The second floor is office space and storage for costumes and props. There is a typical walk up stair to access the second floor so all props/costumes will be brought up by hand and openings to rooms are standard door size...

what I am gathering regarding the fire resistance in Ventura County for an accessory structure is it needs to be non-combustable or ignition resistant materials. There are exceptions for SF and distance from other structures and property line. Unfortunately it looks like the client didn't do...

@alt0: Ojai CA I am looking for the requirements. It would be helpful if the towns has their design requirements clearly listed on their website.

This address is also in a flood plane and want verification that the structure has been designed to resist floor forces. There are no walls. Just (4) 10x10 posts supporting the roof. Common sense says "it ain't going nowhere" to quote my contractor friends.

@phamENG: thx for the info. There is no architect. This is an open air outdoor structure. I don't know why I would be required to design it for a fire. If it does endure a fire and is charred I'm sure it will be torn down.

Hi...I designed a small outdoor pavilion (free standing) in CA. The code official is asking if the lumber is sized to meet the fire code. I don't have a fire code so I am searching online and cannot find any info on this. I have had structures that needed non combustible roofing or be treated...