Submitting calculations
Submitting calculations
(OP)
To continue a topic brought up in Engg vs. Conventional Construction - residences in Florida http://www .eng-tips. com/viewth read.cfm?q id=141657& amp;page=1 :
I designed a restaurant in San Bernardino, CA, and the local building department used an outside consultant to check drawings and calcs. The whole project--drawings and calcs--had to be submitted three or four times before they were satisfied. They were very thorough, and annoying, as azcats said, with their check. I've also submitted projects in Florida, where some local jurisdictions required calcs, and some did not. I can understand it, if there are certain things they require that often are missed. Then there are the jurisdictions that require calcs, for no other reason, I'm certain, than to store away for ammunition should something go wrong.
Then again, I can also see a solid point in the argument that the seal and signature on the drawings should be evidence enough. Otherwise, what's the point in going through the licensing process?
Having to issue calcs, though, got me in the habit of making my calcs neatly organized and "pretty", as opposed to the chicken scratches I used to generate. Plus, like henri2 said, it keeps us honest.
I designed a restaurant in San Bernardino, CA, and the local building department used an outside consultant to check drawings and calcs. The whole project--drawings and calcs--had to be submitted three or four times before they were satisfied. They were very thorough, and annoying, as azcats said, with their check. I've also submitted projects in Florida, where some local jurisdictions required calcs, and some did not. I can understand it, if there are certain things they require that often are missed. Then there are the jurisdictions that require calcs, for no other reason, I'm certain, than to store away for ammunition should something go wrong.
Then again, I can also see a solid point in the argument that the seal and signature on the drawings should be evidence enough. Otherwise, what's the point in going through the licensing process?
Having to issue calcs, though, got me in the habit of making my calcs neatly organized and "pretty", as opposed to the chicken scratches I used to generate. Plus, like henri2 said, it keeps us honest.






RE: Submitting calculations
eddy c,
I am talking about doing what ever calcs you feel needed to design with competance, putting them in a file and leaving them there until needed.
do i need to write down that 2X10s at 16" o.c. can span 10' in a house to make it ok?
I just think having to take the time to "pretty up" my calcs and send them in eliminates some of my efficieny by having to over document things for little perceived benefit. that being said certain things obviouly require calcs to be done regardless of the submittal required.
RE: Submitting calculations
thread507-89434
RE: Submitting calculations
I have worked with the State Fire Marshal in to review structural drawings as part of their plan review process. An experienced structural engineer can review a set of structural construction documents (CD's) and determine if something doesn't appear to be appropriate. in my opinion, having the calculations doesn't help me determine if the building is "safe" and meets code.
RE: Submitting calculations
Thanks for the link. You had a lot of great comments in the thread!!! i agree with you completely
tfl
RE: Submitting calculations
One good example of why it's good to require that calcs be submitted -- keeps people honest and keeps designers up to speed with current Code requirements.
In Key West, Florida, I found that the common practice was to design, permit, and build according to perscriptive methods, none of which is allowed by the code. It's a 140-150 mph wind zone and significantly beefier lateral-load-resisting system is required.
The Florida Building Code states that in those places where an engineered design is required, calculations are required to be submitted as part of the construction documents. Further, the building official is required to examine the documents (or hire someone qualified to do so) to ascertain whether the design is in fact in accordance with the code.
We've got responsibilities with regard to our license, but they've got stated responsibilities as well. Good for prevention of honest errors and omissions; bad, of course, when the power of plan check (so to speak) is abused. Or not used at all!
I state code sections in my Engineering vs Conventional Construction thread if you want to reference.
RE: Submitting calculations
RE: Submitting calculations
I have caught many errors. Anyone who says they are offended submitting calcs to engineers reviewing the plans are a bit too self confident for my taste. When someone points out a legitimate mistake in my work, all I can say is "Thank you."
On th other hand, I don't think we are paid adequately to prepare neat work. Given the timeframe of a usual project, they'll just have to take what I have.
RE: Submitting calculations
RE: Submitting calculations
All in all, I think it is a good idea to require calculations with drawings. It's not a problem for the competent engineers, and it weeds out the plan-stampers (more common than I like to believe).
RE: Submitting calculations
Richard A. Cornelius, P.E.
WWW.amlinereast.com
RE: Submitting calculations
RE: Submitting calculations
RE: Submitting calculations
I am sure many structural engineering associations and enforcing jursidictions have come up with guidleines for submittal of computer calculations.
RE: Submitting calculations
RE: Submitting calculations
RE: Submitting calculations
The narrative is followed by all of the input files, then relevant output for the design.
It is important to submit a computer file whether the plan reviewer will use it or not.
A picture is worth a thousand words. So, I tend to include a few graphic files that includes the nodes, member numbers, design element sizes etc., as many as needed to represent the design.
A good submittal not only helps the plan checker, but also the design engineer down the line. I, on several occasions, inherited projects done by former employees without comprehensive calculations. It was sort of a nightmare to decipher the calculations even with the final computer model file...
RE: Submitting calculations
RE: Submitting calculations
RE: Submitting calculations
DPA
RE: Submitting calculations
RE: Submitting calculations
_____________________________________
I have been called "A storehouse of worthless information" many times.
RE: Submitting calculations