Concrete Masonry Building Design 4

[JAS34]

Hello engineers,

I am looking for guidance in the design of a reinforced concrete masonry structure. This building is for fire fighter training in the town of Pass Christian, Mississippi. The town, on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, was, as we know, hit very hard by hurricane Katrina. Now with the economic downturn, the town is even tighter on money for rebuilding.

I am a licensed civil engineer in the state of Mississippi. However, my entire career has been in ship design for the United States Navy. So, I am competent in civil and structural engineering design principles, however, I have no actual experience in the details of building design. I have the desire to begin stepping into the building design line of work, so for this particular case, I have offered to volunteer my services. Basically, I am now looking for confirmation that I am on the right path with my design approach.

(1) I confirmed that the town of Pass Christian, Mississippi, officially builds to the 2006 International Building Code

(2) From the 2006 IBC, Chapter 16 (in conjunction with ASCE 7) states both the loads and load combinations for design

(3) Once the loads and load combinations have been calculated, I then determine the building’s structural free-body diagram based on its construction

(4) Applying the load combinations to the structural free-body diagram results in shear, moment, and deflections for the various members

(5) I am looking to design the members to the strength design method and then check the member deflections to the serviceability requirements, all of which is stated in ACI-530 (called out by the 2006 IBC)

(6) I am thinking there may be a final step of doing some kind of “whole” building check for deflections

So, from all of these statements above, does it sound like I am on the right path?

Also, more posts are to follow, as I will definitely have more questions along the way.

Thanks in advance to all that reply,
Jeff

 

[JAE]

Generally the steps you indicate are correct.

For a fire-fighter training center - is this building to be used for actual fire training? i.e. having specialized equipment to mimic actual flames and smoke and the trainees actually apply water to the flames?

If so, this can be a very specialized type of structure in that you have significant water exposure. Most buildings are designed and detailed to keep outside water out where this type of building does just the opposite - takes water inside and tries to deliver it outside.

I would also seek some advice from other local structural engineers as volunteering your services for a public building design can still expose you to liability should you do something wrong - and you would be hard pressed to defend yourself without being able to show applicable experience in building design - Mississippi does have the requirement that you not practice outside your field of experience.

 

[dik]

It's not the normal undertaking for a person not familiar with the codes and by-laws of the area. This may be dictated by local by-laws or state regulations. On a complete project one would normally require an architect, a geotekkie, a structural engineer, a mechanical engineer, and an electrical engineer. I don't know which ones you can avoid.

YOu need to get an architect or a drafting service that can design the building layout or you have to visit a building similar to it and see what you want... Maybe review plans of the other establishment. You have to be careful because Architects work is generally copyrighted. The drafting service/architect may be able to point you in the direction of doing this for the least cost. You will likely have to pay fees of some kind... You may be able to get a drafting service prepare a set of plans. Check with local jurisdictions; the building may require post-disaster serviceability.

You can discuss the construction with local contractors, masons, mechanical and electrical contractors and get additional information. You have electrical, sewer, water, telephone, etc. to hook up...

You should then approach a local structural engineer that is prepared to do this work possibly for a reduced fee, explaining your circumstances... he may also be starving and in the same boat...

Dik

 

[SkiisAndBikes]

Is the proposed training center to be used as a smoke building or a burn building or other function? There are unique criteria for each of these types of buildings, for example the installation of specialized fire protection panels within the burn buildings. Thermal stresses in the burn buildings can wreak havoc on structures.

I remember a number of years ago finding some design information for these types of structures via google. I believe they were USA publications and may be of use to you.

 

[concretemasonry]

Aside from the usual considerations for fire or burn-out buildings, there are other factors to consider.

Karina hit in late August 2005 before the national 2006 IBC was approved.

I spent about 6 months from Pass Christian and eastward along the coast for disaster recovery (not disaster relief). After the total destruction form the 28' storm surge and worse following debris loaded receding water. It is difficult to imagine the forces that occur. I talked with a person that survived with his grandmother in the third floor bathtub of a reinforced concrete condo after the three buildings between him and the coast were gone and just became the debris in the receding water.

Since this project will probably be funded by Federal and State money there still may be recent local conditions that could probably need to be considered in the slow moving national code process. - The possibility must be considered as due diligence in the design and criteria required. The occurrence has happened and documented and the changes in the protective barrier have made the possibility a design factor.

It a point to look before you commit your design to since codes and standards do not always keep up with local or site conditions before it filters down to standards and codes.

I tend to be a little "loose" when it comes to design, but you still have to consider everything.

Dick

Engineer and international traveler interested in construction techniques, problems and proper design.

 

[dik]

JAE... any smoke/fire towers that I've been involved with use propane flames bubbling through water in a tray and smoke generators... Haven't done any real fire towers... can they do the same... might simplify things...

Dik

 

[SkiisAndBikes]

Some fire training tower specific links that might be of interest for your background research.

http://www.nfpa.org

http://www.firefacilities.com

http://www.elaengineers.com