Rules for temporary structure in the USA 1

[ThomasH]

Hi all
I have an existing design of a structure designed according to Eurocode, no specific annex, I used several different annexes and designed for worst case.

It's an exhibition monter, basically a steel box. With roof (glass on steel beams), floor (glass on steel beams) and four corner steel columns with glass walls between them. The governing load was wind load and it meets most of the possible wind load situations applicable in Europe. The governing criteria was overturning, the steel frame is not the issue.

Since it is an exhibition monter it has been moved around and usually stays at each location one or possibly two weeks. It is very temporary.

Now the client wants to use the same design in the USA. The Eurocode is obviously at least not directly applicable, but what is applicable for a temporary structure? It a fairly short usage for each location. Could even the design according to Eurocode be acceptable?

Does anybody have any experience with this type of designs? Regarding the location, I don't know yet but a reasonable guess is the east coast.
Perhaps it's a question for local jurisdiction at each location?

Any ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks

Thomas

 

[Phil1934]

Section 3103 of IBC Temporary Structures will get you a start

 

[ThomasH]

Thank you, that was helpful.

According to IBC 2012 there is a requirement for permit if the structure exceeds 11.16 m² or 10 persons, as I understand it.
The box has footprint 6.04 x 2.45 = 14.8 m². Regarding the occupancy it's more complex. One box with the object inside, you stand on the outside and look in. The second box is where people meet and that will probably be more than 10 persons.

So a permit from the building official is probably required.

And the construction documents shall include a site plan, means of egress and occupant load. The focus seems to be on fire hazards. But is that really all?

I guess this ultimately is a question for the "building official".

Thomas

 

[Lomarandil]

Yes, will depend on the building official or authority having jurisdiction in each of your locations.

Structural design will most commonly need to pass some combination of IBC with ASCE 7 and AISC by reference.

That said, good design is good design. I would expect that structural changes are minor or not needed.

----
just call me Lo.

 

[ThomasH]

I am not concerned about the design as such. They are designed for fairly hign wind load and reasonambe live load. A limited amount of snow but no hurricanes or earthquakes. The snow can be removed and hurricanes or earthquakes are very unlikely given the time for usage at each site.

I have actually done two calculations the check the structure. The first according to Eurocode and then a second with more advanced FEM-analysis including imperfections and non-linear material properties. Basically testing the structure for applicable loads using numerical methods.

But regardless of the methods or codes, it needs to be approved by somebody. I guess we'll check how and who once we know the location(s) better.

Thank you

Thomas

 

[Ceinostuv]

Look into ASCE 37-14. It's been a while, but you used to calculate wind loads using ASCE 7 and then reducing that load anywhere from ~60%-~90%, depending on the expected duration. Seismic loads used to be up to engineering judgement and I typically don't apply it unless I there is a chance of a temporary structure becoming permanent.

Judgement-In-Training

 

[Lomarandil]

I thought about that Ceinstuv, but ASCE 37 is specifically for construction purposes, so I don't know if your average building official will consider it analogous.

----
just call me Lo.

 

[SlideRuleEra]

Another standard that may be more appropriate is:
"ANSI E1.21-2013 Entertainment Technology — Temporary Structures Used for Technical Production of Outdoor Entertainment Events".

This standard borrows content from ASCE 37, but is intended for use with temporary exhibits.

A free, current, legal copy can be downloaded from the "Entertainment Services & Technology Association" (ESTA) website.

http://www.SlideRuleEra.net

 

[ThomasH]

Hi again

Thanks a lot for your help so far. I will check with the client if we can get better info regarding location(s).

Then we'll see what happens.

Thomas