Use of P.E. Stamp 1

[mjr6550]

I recently stamped drawings for a residental addition. I specified an engineered lumber beam listing the required Fb and E. The building department came back and said they will not process the permit until I submit a cut sheet for the beam with my P.E. Stamp. This seems like an unnecessary request. Also, it seems to me that this is not a proper use of the stamp. I had nothing to do with the design of the product. Putting my stamp on the cut sheet seem to me like I am certifying the manufacturer's product. Maybe I am just venting. Their other requirement was to have a heating contractor perform heat loss calculations-for a 75 s.f. addition. I would appreciate any input regarding use of the stamp.
Thanks,
Mark

 

[hokie66]

You are right. Explain to the building department why you cannot comply with their request, but stick to your guns.

 

[lkjh345]

I agree with you and hokie66.

We regularlly just provide the size, Fb and E for engineered wood beams. This allows the contractor to choose which of several different suplliers he wants to use.

We are not asked to stamp steel beams data sheets to state that they are indeed 50 ksi (or whatever was specified) steel, we 'merely' call out the beam size and spec the grade of steel required. This is no different that what you are doing with this wood product.

 

[SlideRuleEra]

Pehaps you could compromise. In addition to the engineering properties that you specified, revise your drawing (with your PE stamp) to call out the exact beam required (manufacturer and size) and specify that Contractor proposed substitutions must be acceptable to the Engineer (you). Also submit the cut sheet for the beam you listed(without your PE stamp).

http://www.SlideRuleEra.net

http://www.VacuumTubeEra.net

 

[graybeach]

Just to get things moving could you provide a cut sheet with a PE stamped cover letter? The cover letter could state that the attached product or equal could be used and that the contractor is required to submit proposed product for your review and approval.

 

[MiketheEngineer]

I like SlideRule's suggestion - but add "Equal or Better"

 

[cvg]

how about asking the mfg to submit the cut sheet to you with his PE stamp (certifying it meets the Fb and E requirements)?

 

[RARWOOD]

He may be asking for a PE stamp on the cut sheet because wood products such as LVL & PSL are proprietary products. However those products should have code evaluation reports. I would think an evaluation report should be acceptable.

It sound to me like the Building Department is afraid to take any responsibility. I would ask them if they require sealed cut sheets for all the joist hangers and similair type products.

I agree with you that it is not appropriate for the BD to request you sign a cut sheet on a manufactured product. Your job is to prepare the drawings and specify the requirements that the materials must meet.

 

[mjr6550]

On my stamped drawings I did specify the manufacturer of the beam and I stated that substitution must be approved by the engineer. I agree I could provide a cut sheet, but it is a waste of everbodys time. In the future maybe I should specify the number of the evaluation report, but then when the contractor can't get the beam I specified and I approve an equal substitute I would be expected to provide the report for that beam. Then, would I need the building departments approval to make an equal substitution? I had the same through regarding specifying a steel beam. I had not thought of the joist hangers analogy. I did spec some specific joist hangers and was not asked to provide a cut sheet for them.
Thanks for the replies. It makes me feel better
Mark

 

[msquared48]

What cvg suggests is normal here - just the same as with plant-manufactured trusses - their engineer stamps the calcs. Where is the difference?

You may be required to review and sign off as in a "shop stamp" situation considering you set the loads to tne members, but not stamp.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

 

[DonPhillips]

Regarding the heat loss calculation, that is what the code requires. Most jurisdictions will accept the summary sheet from the Manual J calculation. What the code needs is an except for very small additions.

Don Phillips

http://worthingtonengineering.com

 

[esj]

Submit the ICC ESR report for the product you are specifying, do not stamp the product's cut sheets

 

[mjr6550]

I have since talked to the building inspector. He said he would be satisfied if I provided a letter at the time of the framing inspection stating that the actual beam used meets the specifications. I'm fine with that since it does not tie up the permit and gives the contractor options if the specified beam is not available.
Thanks
Mark