AISC special inspections

[frauw]

Hello,
I live in europe and are not very familiar with the AISC. Unfortunately it's difficult to get answers to special questions in Europe, so I try this forum, perhaps somebody can help me.
We plan to build a steam boiler in USA, of course for the steam boiler we have to take the ASME Code. But we have to build also the steel construction for the boiler. We have a company that will calculate the steel construction acc AISC. The first question is, do we have to apply also the IBC? I know that in the IBC are listed special inspections, In the AISC 360 I found only inspections, but for me it was not very clear, who has to execute these inspection.
So, the questions are: Do we have to apply both: IBC and AISC 360?
If our fabricator is not certified acc AISC, do we have to authorise a third party for these inspections? And if yes, from which organization are the inspectors who execute these special inspections?
Thank you in advance for helping me, as I said, in Europe it's very difficult to get information about this.
Best Regards
Silke

 

[Ron]

frauw...in general you will have to comply with the locally mandated building code. In most areas of the US, that will be the IBC; however, it is not the code in all areas. Many states have their own building codes (usually based on IBC with local variation).

Also, even though your fabricator might be qualified, the field erection of the structure will still have to be inspected as well. That's usually where Special Inspection comes in.

 

[frauw]

Thank you Ron for your answer. I checked the state, where we plan to build the steel structure, and they have the IBC with some special regulations.

But I have another question?
How is the AISC connected with the IBC? Has the steel structure to be according to both, the IBC AND the AISC?
And is the IBC also required for industrial steel structure, like our steel structure for the boiler?

Where can I find a list of the Special Inspectors, which are accepted, or do I have to conatct the jurisdiction of the state, where we plan to build it?

 

[Ron]

frauw...AISC 360 is a referenced document in the IBC (see Chapter 35). In the administrative provisions of the code (See Chapter 1), it considers referenced standards to be inclusive...as if they were included in the code. Further, administrative provisions state that in the event of a conflict between the code and the referenced document, the more stringent requirement will apply. Also, in the event that a provision is not contained in both, the provision still applies. For instance, if AISC does not address field Special Inspection, but the code does address field inspection, the code applies.

Check with the Building Official (or "Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)). They will tell you their interpretion and expectation. Get it in writing.

 

[Duwe6]

Attached is a copy of the 'Code of Standard Practice'. It deleniates EVERYBODIES responsibilities and limits. A superb item, even if it was not incorporated into your structural contract.

 

[JAE]

frauw,
In addition to the above, know that it may not be the state that dictates the applicable code, but most often it is the city (if the project is within a city limits). Usually, we do an online search for the city government website and then find their public works, or permitting division. Then we call them directly and ask them what the applicable code is (IBC 2006, IBC 2009, etc.).

Also - many times cities will adopt an IBC code, say the IBC 2006, and they will amend it to suit their particular city government, local construction practices, etc.

Some cities post this information on their websites but many times you simply have to call or email them.

 

[johnwalton75]

Frauw,

I am assuming you are looking at AISC 360-10 Chapter N, which replaces IBC Chapter 17 for structural steel inspection and testing effective with the 2012 IBC This version became available this past July, but likely won't be adopted by the local building jurisdictions until sometime in 2012 or perhaps even 2013. If they have not yet adopted the 2012 IBC, then you must follow both. If the have adopted 2012 IBC, the you are indeed satisfying IBC 2012 requirements by following AISC 360-10 Chapter N. You can also request the local building official to accept, as a variance, AISC 360-10 Chapter N in lieu of IBC Chapter 17, even thought they have not yet adopted IBC 2012. Most accept newer codes, even though not yet adopted officially by their local government.

 

[frauw]

Thank you all for your help, it helped me a lot and know I understand much more about the IBC and the AISC 360.
I wrote also to the official building to get information which Building Code has to be applied.

But I have another question. In the AISC 360 are listest ASTM Material. Is it also allowed to use european material? Or under which cricumstances is it allowed to use european material? How do we have to proceed when we want to use european material?

 

[johnwalton75]

Frauw,

These are cumbersome issues, and somewhat controversial. AISC 360 uses the term "approved" for steels in A3.1a. A2 references atandards, but does not limit you to those standards. So who does the approving? I look to A1, which states "Where conditions are not covered by the Specification, designs are permitted to be
based on tests or analysis, subject to the approval of the authority having jurisdiction." In a typical building, the AHJ is your building official. He or she will normally rely upon the expertise of the structural engineer of record to determine if steels made to European standards (or any other standard) are suitable, often by a comparison of composition, mechanical properties, and production processes.

In the case of welding these steels, you have the issue of prequalification of WPSs for these steels. Clause 3.3 states "Only base metals and filler metals listed in Table 3.1 may be used in prequalified WPSs. (For the qualification of listed base metals and filler metals, and for base metals and filler metals not listed in Table 3.1, see 4.2.1.)" So you can spend lots of $$$ or Euros qualifying each WPS for the steels used, or you could go to the general statement in Clause 1.4.1 Engineer’s Responsibilities that states "The Engineer shall be responsible for the development of the contract documents that govern products or structural assemblies produced under this code. The Engineer may add to, delete from, or otherwise modify, the requirements of this code to meet the particular requirements of a specific structure. All requirements that modify this code shall be incorporated into contract documents." In the same manner as I described for AISC, the Engineer of Record could waive the qualification testing if the steel is suitably similar to an ASTM or other steel listed in Table 3.1.

 

[Duwe6]

Concur with johnwalton75 on Euro steels and their WPS's. And as he said, put it into the job Spec.

 

[MiketheEngineer]

If you are out in the "Boonies" and much of the US is just that - there might not be any local building official. Check it out.