KAUFMAN, TX 3

[hagi10]

Dear All,
I got few questions regarding Kaufman County if any one of you ever had experience?

- Do they still use IBC 2003 (ASCE 7-02) in Kaufman 75142, TX?
- What are the Wind and Seismic load calculation parameters (eg; Exposure Category etc.)?
- How bad the soil and what kind of foundation types are available before we get the soil report?
- How is the permit process works and are there any special requirements from Kaufman county?
- Any web-site or contact number that I can get information from the county?

Thanks much,
hagi10

 

[JAE]

http://www.kaufmancounty.net/

 

[TXStructural]

Soils will probably vary from sandy to the worst clay imaginable. The east side of Dallas (Forney for example), has some of the most expansive clay soils in the US, with real world PVR experience of 6-9 inches. In the clay, avoid excavating and backfilling with sand or granular bases and watch the use of void cartons, since all of these promote the collection of free water, allowing uncontrolled swelling. Further east, you could have deep sand instead.

Consider careful detailing for wind, as we do tend to get small, intense supercells with tornadoes and gusty thunderstorm winds, as well squall lines (from the northwest) which frequently remove roofs and knock down PEMBs and trees.

Most counties in Texas do not regulate building, it is the domain of the cities, although some cities do have extraterritorial jurisdiction for nearby rural areas.

 

[hagi10]

Thanks much TXStructural! I have 4 more questions...

- What "Wind Exposure Category" should be used at Kaufman, 75142 TX?

- There are roll-up doors on two opposite sides of the warehouse in which the total area of openings may be large enough to qualify for "Partially Enclosed" if roll-up doors on one side are closed and other side are open. Should the warehouse be designed as "Enclosed" or "Partially Enclosed"? What "City of Kaufman" will consider when they review the drawings for permit?

- PEMB (Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings) or Conventional Steel Frame Warehouse (structural HSS steel columns, Vulcraft joists, girders with Insulated Metal Panels and braces) are suggested in Kaufman area considering wind, bad soil and wagons/cranes will be traveling all around the warehouse? What are the limitations of PEMB?

- What is the latest adopted code (IBC 2003 or 2006) in Kaufman, TX?

 

[Ron]

hagi10...get on the phone and call the building department in Kauffman, TX. Then you'll have the exact answer you need. Stop being lazy.

Further, you are asking questions that imply you have little experience. If you use a PEMB, someone else will do these things for you. If you go conventional steel framing, you'll have to do them yourself, using experience, engineering judgment and a little research.

Although you'll probably get a different answer from the PEMB folks, in my opinion, if the building has roll-up or sliding doors, it should be designed as a partially enclosed building (the open area around several roll-ups or one large roll-up can meet the criteria for a partially enclosed condition). These doors cannot be adequately sealed at the edges against high winds.

As for the limitations of PEMB's...there are many, particularly if you are going to have cranes attached to the structure. Yes, they can be designed for most any conditions...just make sure the design properly addresses those conditions.