Question about threshold buildings in Florida 1

[struct_eeyore]

I've always been under the impression that a threshold building (in Florida) requires a separate set of drawings from both the architect and engineer. I've now been tasked with finding the code snippet that provides this requirement; however, from my search it now appears that either the arch. or the engineer can be the prime (?) - anyone have any input on this? Not that I intend to take on the architectural scope services of course...

 

[jimstructures]

structee,

Could you explain what you mean by "threshold building"?

Jim H

 

[MOJOJOHN]

No, your impression is wrong.

Suggest you go to Florida statute 553 and look up threshold. Rules are there.

Also,

http://www.fbpe.org,

then legal, then administrative rules, then threshold. Requirements of threshold engineer are there.

 

[Ron]

Structee....agree with MOJOJOHN....A standard set of plans is all that is required; however, the structural engineer of record is required to provide and file a threshold inspection plan that must be followed by the threshold inspector of record. The threshold inspector does not have to be the same as the structural engineer of record.

@jimstructures....a threshold building is a special designation in Florida. In general, it is any building that is greater than 3 stories in height, or has an assembly occupancy of more than 500 people or has an assembly area greater than 5000 sf. It was enacted in the mid 1980's as a result of the collapse during construction of the Harbor Cay condominium in Cocoa Beach. The collapse killed multiple people and was a result of both improper design and improper construction, both of which are intended to be circumvented by the Threshold Inspection Process.

 

[phamENG]

Ron, how does that relate to the more generic special inspections requirements? Those criteria sound very similar to what we have in VA as the line between when special inspections are or are not required (also the line between when a registered design professional is required and when one isn't so long as prescriptive codes are followed).

 

[Ron]

phamENG...very similar although we also have special inspection requirements in Florida that are not related to Threshold Buildings. To be a Threshold Inspector, you must meet certain criteria for certification, including being a licensed professional engineer or architect. Separate certification is required as an adjunct to your professional license.

 

[phamENG]

Thanks, Ron. I grew up down there and still have lots of family and friends in the Tampa Bay area. I've been pondering applying for reciprocity - good to know there are lots of other rules to look into.

 

[struct_eeyore]

@Ron,

In other words, a structural engineer is only required to be hired on to lay out the threshold inspection plan, even if the architect did the structural design? - however odd that is?

 

[MOJOJOHN]

The structural engineer designs the building and must write the threshold inspection plan. If he is a threshold inspector he may be hired to inspect it, if he is not, he may not be the official inspector And inspection must be done by a threshold inspector.

Architects may do the same by law but in reality do not.

 

[Ron]

MOJOJOHN is correct.

In addition, a Building Official is allowed to designate any building as a threshold level building if they desire. That is not often done, but I've been certified as a Threshold Inspector since 1985 and have seen it done on several occasions, mostly having to do with retail buildings. Technically, supermarkets and large retail stores are threshold buildings because of the potential occupancy. They all exceed the 5000 sf requirement and can exceed the 500 person occupancy during certain periods such as large sales.

 

[MOJOJOHN]

Ron,

Agreed. Also post tensioned building as the building departments don't know how to inspect them.

 

[Ron]

MOJOJohn...what part of the state are you in?

 

[MOJOJOHN]

Ron,

South Florida.

Any more specific info might be a violation of the rules.

 

[Ron]

North Florida here, but I do work all over the state...forensic.

 

[MOJOJOHN]

Ron,

Also primarily forensic all over Florida . We have an engineer in Tampa also. We probably know each other.