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There are three structural performance issues to address in your documents. The first is design loading. We require the design to be based on the prevailing Code (most frequently the IBC 2000). Then we list the loading, including live load, collateral dead load, wind design criteria (speed...

Getting back to your question about bolt torque, the erector should calibrate impact wrenches on site to correlate the torque with the required tension. This should be done with each wrench at least once a day. Similarily the steel inspector should calibrate his torque wrench in the same...

Think about the stability of the section during modification, and the effect of heating the section when welding. You probably want to shore the existing member, and even jack it to relieve existing stresses if possible. If you approach the design based on limit states principles, you should...

Here's a rule of thumb for wood framing: The shear capacity of wood is 1 kip per foot. That is: one 2x12 will carry about 1000 pounds, one 2x6 will carry about 500 pounds, etc. Nigel

The National Building Code in Canada has a limit on wind drift. The basic limit is H/500, which can be relaxed to H/400 if finishes are detailed to accommodate the increased drift. This may have changed in the 13 years since I practiced there - maybe one of our Canadian friends would chime in...

Matt, Don't forget to check for uplift! Metal buildings are very light, and the uplift force on a column can be as large as the gravity load. I design for a 1.5 factor of safety against uplift, as I see this as comparable to overturning. Also, check for horizontal loads at the columns. It is...

Paul, If you float the slab instead of pouring it over the foundation wall, then you should dowel the slab to the wall to control vertical movement. This is particularly necessary at a doorway to protect against a trip hazard due to heave or settlement of the slab. In the Dallas Texas area it...

I would not use a loose lintel for a span over about 8 feet. End rotation of the lintel at the supports will create very high bearing stresses on the masonry at each end of the opening. Two approaches we commonly use for longer spans: 1. Span a tube steel between columns, in the plane of...

ACI 318 has several requirements for "Structural Integrity". These requirements are intended to protect against progressive collapse. Nigel

The Canadian building code used to limit inter-story drift to H/500, or H/400 if the building finishes are detailed to accommodate the calculated drift. I have not practiced there since 1990, so cannot say whether that requirement has changed. It is probably a good guide for office buildings...

We have designed fuel bays for truck facilities in many locations across the country. We found that the canopies are typically bought as a pre-engineered package. The supplier provides the full canopy, including structure and finishes. They also design the foundations. I suggest that you...