Temporary structure design (Construction site protection fence design)

[dcredskins]

I have a situation in which my duty as a structural engineer is to tell my client if the code (IBC) has any design requirement for temporary structures like construction site protection fence design. Does IBC say anything about this? I looked at IBC, and could not find anything specific on how to design such temporary structures? In my case, the temporary fence at the construction site fell down, and hurt the worker. Now, it is legal issue.

I would appreciate your inputs.

 

[COEngineeer]

dont you rent those? Why would you spend the time and money to design and fabricate it?

Never, but never question engineer's judgement

 

[dcredskins]

COEngineer, thanks for the response.

I understand what you say. However, the problem is that the fence fell down, and somebody was hurt. Now it is in court. The matter of fact is the court believes on written evidence, not your personal judgement.

Again, the fence supplier must provide some evidence that the fence installation is per code. As a supplier you can not just supply something that is not safe to the public. Does it make sense? And my question is: is there any provision for this in IBC on how to design it?

 

[msquared48]

I don't know about the IBC code, but, depending on your country of origin, you might start by checking with OSHA standards. If it was a worker that was injured, it's an L&I claim too.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

 

[COEngineeer]

Section 3306 on IBC maybe?

Never, but never question engineer's judgement

 

[DonPhillips]

From the 2007 OBC (based on the 2006 IBC)

105.2 Work exempt from approval. Approval shall not be required for the following:
Building:
2. Fences not over 6 feet (1829 mm) high.




Don Phillips

http://worthingtonengineering.com

 

[jheidt2543]

It has been my experiance that the General Conditions section of the specifications defines the design of temporary construction like fencing, sheeting and shoring as the responsibility of the Contractor. Most of those kinds of things can be found in the OSHA Standards for protection of workers. So, as the structural engineer of record, I don't see how you could be held libel, BUT if it is in court already there's no telling what can happen.