Basic roofing question for commerical buildings 1

[delagina]

I have zero commercial and residential structure experience. I work in industrial.

Is there any guide I csn read what type of roof you choose to use in commercial buildings. Do I just decide on my own whst to use? Or is it the architect thst will tell me what he wants to use and I will space the purlins based of that.

I am not looking for the structural analysis. More like the normal procedure how this is done like which is the scope of architect as opposed to the structural engineer.

 

[hokie66]

It is a primary responsibility of the architect to keep water out of buildings. So in my opinion, the choice of a roofing system is his.

 

[DaveAtkins]

The architect will choose the type of roof. If you want to be conservative, assume a ballasted membrane roof, which weighs the most (I think).

DaveAtkins

 

[delagina]

Thank you.

What is the normal separation of responsibilities in commercial buildings between architect and structural engineer?

Building layout, roofing and sidings are all architect scope I suppose.

Any link to a complete structural drawing deliverable of commercial building that I can use as a go-by.
Aside from columns, beams and foundation sizes and rebars, what are the other deliverables structural engineers normally submit.

 

[dik]

Best wait until he determines the roofing type. In mean time, depending on snowload and superstructure you can provide him with a proposed structure framing. DL including MECS (Mech, Elect, Ceiling, & Structure) will likely be 20 to 25 psf (except for ballasted).

Dik

 

[delagina]

Should this waterproof detail show in architect drawing or structural drawing.
I know these are basic questions.
I am just trying to understand the basic separation of deliverables between architect and structural engineer in commercial/residential industry.

 

[Rabbit12]

Architectural

 

[Ron]

First of all, Delagina....I applaud that you are asking this question. One issue I have run into over the years is that each discipline of engineering gets so focused on its own area that there is little or no recognition of interaction with other disciplines and the building itself. It is important, as a structural engineer, to know something about waterproofing.....if for no other reason, to see that your structure is protected.

Secondly, that detail is a miserable attempt at waterproofing. It should show in the architectural plans, though there is nothing wrong with making a notation in the structural plans to effect of "See Architectural Plans for Waterproofing Details".

The "beam" noted in the detail is not appropriately protected against water intrusion. That's a typical example of having all of our structural prowess go to waste because no one raised a waterproofing flag!

Learn all you can about waterproofing and roofing. It will serve you well.

In my state, there is a crossover area between architecture and engineering. Engineers are allowed to do some things architects normally do and likewise. Waterproofing and roofing are commonly in this crossover area. I have designed, inspected and tested millions of square feet of roofing systems, and have designed numerous waterproofing details for walls, windows, roof/wall interfaces, stucco and others. As a structural engineer, I want to see the structure protected in the best way it can be.