I am working on a project where they client wants to use a continuous bent plate in lieu of the bottom track of a steel stud wall. I am hoping someone here knows a reference that either allows or doesn't allow this and has additional information. My concern is that one of the legs is not...
This is part rant and part wanting others thoughts.
Lately I have been noticing a change in plan reviews for both my projects and in talking with other engineers, below are a few things I have noticed.
1. 3rd party reviewers are becoming very common.
2. Plan reviewers are making ridiculous...
There has been some recent discussion for snow load increases in the upcoming codes, here is another recent failure that may have been related to snow loading.
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Recently we have been getting RFI's and substitution requests regarding 16d common nails (0.162x3 1/2) not having nail gun options. Typically they are asking to use 16d Sinker nails (0.148x3 1/4) which is roughly equivalent to a 10d common for capacity. 16d common nails have been used for as...
We got an RFI recently asking if we could change the A35 clips connecting the lintel to jamb studs for out of plane loading to LTP clips. The contractor is arguing that "no one else requires this" and "the tolerances are too tight to fit the window with that clip there". First I want to point...
I debated in my mind whether to post this question here or geotechnical and ultimately decided this is the best location because I am more wanting input from other structural engineers.
I have started seeing more and more questions from the geotechnical engineers asking how many boreholes and...
NDS section 4.1.5 states: Wood-frame shear walls, wood-frame diaphragms, trusses, and other wood members and systems shall not be used to resist seismic forces contributed by masonry or concrete walls in structures over one story in height.
The exceptions are as follows:
1. Wood floor and roof...
I have been seeing more and more requests for our CAD files over the past year from sub-contractors and contractors. Typically we have the client sign our CAD release form with the standard liability clauses, etc. and send out the files.
I am considering starting to charge for these files as we...
Is it common practice that the contractor "rubber stamps" the shop drawings before being sent to the architect/engineer? In my area every shop drawing that comes through has been stamped by the contractor stating the documents are in general conformance with the contract documents, however not a...
I am curious if someone could explain to me why with PT slabs on grade the deflection limits for "Prefab Roof Trusses spanning the full length or width of the foundation" are limited to L/1000 for Center Lift and L/2000 for Edge Lift. Wouldn't this apply to most residential structures? In my...
For years I have been using the full building dimensions of complex, multi-diaphragm buildings to calculate the distance "a" for the wind pressure coefficient zones. Recently while discussing wind design with a few engineers we came to the conclusion that this is a grey area. Some are basing the...
