I have helped to evaluate a small residential structure damaged by fire, one w/ CMU walls. I don't remember any cracking or spalling, which is the main issue that I know of with concrete and fire. Concrete I believe always retains a certain amount of moisture, and if superheated that water...
THis is not really a structural question as much as it is a geotechnical issue. I would have the soil tested by a licensed geotech and have him make reccomendations to you. No two sites are the same and lots of funny stuff can be happening underground. From what I have read TX can have some...
Before reccomending any more books, have you taken any structural courses? Have you worked under a licensed PE who is competent in structural engineering? These are things I would do prior to buying books and references. If you have been working a while you should know what your boss or other...
My first impression is that this is not a great idea. Bonding steel and wood alone sounds quite difficult and expensive, and I have never heard of it (not that you cannot do it). Please more clearly define the problem with this joist, deflection, shear stress, bending stress, cracking, etc. I...
ChipB
I take it you went to FSU/FAMU COE? Me too, class of fall 98. Rough year for our boys. At least Miami lost, HA HA.
Back to engineering. Have you considered changing your floor joists form bearing to hanging on a ledger beam? This way they brace the walls in direct compression. You will...
If for no other reason, like you stated, you should charge a nominal fee for review of each plan to make sure the GC did not make changes. Also you have liability X the # of structures, so you should recieve a nominal fee for your increased insurance payments.