Design of Llama Barn

[structurepe]

I am designing a new Llama Barn (approx. 2000 SF), which code does it apply (IRC or IBC)? Please help.

 

[SteelPE]

I would say it depends on the shape of the structure. My state doesn’t use the IRC but it does use an interpreted version of it. If the building is for a private residence and you can make the building fit into the IRC requirements (shear wall size/spacing, stud height, story height, floor/roof spans, tributary area to bearing walls etc.) then I think you would qualify under the IRC. If not, then you have to start using the IBC.

I'm sure someone here will disagree with me.

 

[structurepe]

If this helps, it is one story wood framed barn. I have enough walls to be considered as braced walls (shear walls). BTW, it is in Maryland.

 

[SteelPE]

I am in the process of finishing a similar project. I was asked to design a 60’x40’ garage for a homeowner who owns trailer trucks. The required clear height was 16'.

This particular structure violated the shear wall spacing; shear wall height; shear wall aspect ratio; and tributary area of roof to bearing walls requirements. Therefore I was force to use portions of the commercial code in order to be in compliance. In the end I had them increase the size of the garage to 60’x48’.

This was my first wood structure so I am no way an expert. I’m sure other people will give you their opinion.

 

[JKStruct]

SteelPE's on the right track. I'd also point out that this could probably be determined quickly by calling the local authority having jurisdiction.

On a side note, be sure to provide spitoons at 4'-0" c/c max.

Sorry, couldn't resist.

 

[structurepe]

JKStruct, I am glad I do not have to work at the barn after I design it. May be I have to, you never know, the way the economy is going.

 

[JAE]

I thought the IRC was only for one and two family dwellings?

 

[structurepe]

JAE, how do you define one and two family dwellings? The Llama barn I am designing is one story, wood framed, 10' tall, approx. 2000 SF. I am not sure if I can consider it as commercial building (IBC). However, I have called the county regarding this, and have not heard back yet.

 

[JAE]

Well...is it intended to house a family or two of humans? Or llamas?

I'm not sure llamas fall under the IRC definition of family - but I could be wrong!

 

[SteelPE]

JAE

Doesn’t the IRC have an out for “accessory structures”? If this is for a private residence, wouldn’t you classify it as an accessory structure?

Again, I don’t have the IRC just my state version of the IRC.

 

[JAE]

I see in the IRC that it includes the phrase "and accessory structures".

In the definitions, accessory structure is defined as [red]"a structure not greater than 3000 s.f. in floor area and not over two stories in height, the use of which is customarily accessroy to and incidental to that of the dwelling(s) and which is located on the same lot."[/red]

I'm not sure a llama barn applies to "incidental to" a home, but that might depend on the local culture, etc. If riding your llama to work is the typical mode of transportation, then that might qualify it under the IRC.

If the llama barn is there simply to house llamas and to market them, then I would say not under the IRC.

 

[msquared48]

JAE:

The Dali Lama would take issue with you on that point.

This is an agricultural building. Use the IBC, unless you intend to house your mother-in-law in the hay loft. Hay...now that's not a bad idea!

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

 

[SteelPE]

JAE,

The definition in my area is a little different. I agree if you are selling the llamas to the public then you probably qualify under the IBC.

Does it make that much of a difference to use the IRC vs. the IBC? I always thought of the IRC as a prescriptive design code. No real engineering knowledge needs to be known. Just follow the tables and charts and you are pretty much all set (maybe that is just my ignorance though).

 

[structurepe]

I agree with SteelPE. It does not mean you can not design residential (one and two dwellings) buildings using IBC. IRC is a manual (prescriptive code), I would say, and IBC is a performance code, describes minimum acceptable performance for construction. If I have a doubt, I would definitely design using IBC. This is my take. I do not know what other engineers think of.

 

[jhardy1]

I would suggest one of the following would be the applicable code for llamas:

British Llama Society Code of Conduct:

http://www.borderllamas.com/code_of_conduct.htm

Camelid Code of Welfare:

http://www.llama.org.nz/camelidcodeofwelfare.htm

:-D

 

[msquared48]

I think that we all neede Lamaz classes.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

 

[structurepe]

I talked to the county official finally, and I was told that it will be IBC.

Thanks to all for the comments.