Lumber grade bearing exterior wall

[Patman]

A local contractor is doing a remodel on an old (1940s) building which was burned by fire the back half (30') of the Bldg has about 18' ceiling height, he is leaving the burned 2x4 exterior bearing wall and framing inside of it using economy grade 2x4s with a height of about 17' the diffence in relation to the ceiling height has been made up with a large girder (4x12 GluLam), it is obvious this is under framed since you can see the deflection in the studs. Also the floor system under this wall is in such bad shape that over the last week that side of the bldg has dropped to the point that the subfloor is popping up at the joints about 4' away from the wall.
I don't really have any specific question for this just looking for some comments. I should add that the foundation under this particular wall has been removed and the bldg is now resting on temporary supported directly resting on dirt about 3' in under the bldg.

 

[rlflower]

Question #1: If you are the engineer for this remodel, have you been called onto the job after all this you have described has taken place?

If this is the case, you should call the contractor and the owner on their mistakes - tell them they are responsible! They have assumed responsibility for persuing this project without professional guidance. Secondly, make them understand that you are there to save their ass.

Once that is made clear, then they should be willing to do whatever you tell them to do.

Question #2: Are you concerned about proper methods of temporary shoring, about general negligance to adhere to construction documents, or about the general sequence of construction this contractor is persuing?

 

[Patman]

Here's what is so interesting about this project....I'am a Building Inspector in Training and the Contractor is also the property owner and the Building Inspector who is suppose to be training me, Obviously he is not capable of training anyone or is he qualified to be a Building Inspector(this is in a very small town). I was asked to do the Inspections on this building but declined due to my belief that for the Inspections to come out of the same Dept was a conflict of interest, I recommended that the County oversee this project. In the meantime I have made daily visits to the site just out of curiosity and have also informed this guy that what he is doing is not safe and he needs to have an Engineer take a look at the project.This is a good example of the crisis taking place in this small town, this Contractor/Building Inspector has the Mayor in his corner and is doing this kind of work all over town in violation of the Building Codes and Zoning Codes, this last week I gave my notice simply because I cannot continue to be involved in anyway with this kind of disregard for public safety, My biggest concern is he plans on putting a Daycare in this building when he's finished.

 

[boo1]

Sound like a call to the state board is needed!

 

[Patman]

State board? have any information as to where to find a contact number? I will look for it myself in the meantime.
Thanks

 

[boo1]

Where are you located?

 

[rlflower]

Patman,

I find it greatly encouraging that you follow your consience.

If I may stand on my soapbox for a minute: what makes a person an engineer? Is it the ability to read and understand the code? Is it experience gained in the field? I would say no. Anyone with a half wit of intelligence can read and understand the building code and attempt to build a structure that complies with it. Anyone can gain experience in the field - as a contractor, owner/ builder, etc.

What makes a person an engineer? It's his or her consience. An engineer thinks with his/her consience. An engineer will adhere to the code and to willingly go beyond the code as his/ her consience dictates. An engineer's consience compels him/ her to personally observe the construction that he/she has approved.

I can see that you are such a person. I am encouraged that there are a few of us that act on our consience.

 

[Patman]

In response to BOO1,
I'am located in Washington State in the North Cascades Area I would tell you the name of the town but I'am sure this is all going to blow up in the near future and living in a small town of about 700 people and having 4 children I need to be careful about fueling the fire too much.
I thank all of you that have responded it is comforting to know I'm not just being my analytical self and being to act

 

[ronster]

FYI, the minimum width of a bearing wood stud or post is l/50 or in your case 17x12/50=4.08" > 3.5". Even if wall was solid 2x4 studs it would not work. If it never snows and the wind doesn't blow then everything should be OK.

Owner, contractor, building inspector all in one. Thats a hoot. Hopefully he's not your local sherif, judge, and lawyer on the side.

 

[boo1]

Check:

http://www.dol.wa.gov/forms/651300.pdf

Typically we use 2x8s for a lightly loaded 17' high wall.

Good luck