Should Struct Engs be concerned w/ Floor Flatness?
Should Struct Engs be concerned w/ Floor Flatness?
(OP)
New building. The inspector is saying the elevated slab is just barely out of spec for floor flatness and floor levelness. Is there any reason why the architect should be forwarding this issue to the structural engineer? Never have heard of this problem on any project before.
I'd think as long as there isnt excess or a lack of concrete on the composite deck then that's all the struct engineer has to worry about correct?
I'd think as long as there isnt excess or a lack of concrete on the composite deck then that's all the struct engineer has to worry about correct?






RE: Should Struct Engs be concerned w/ Floor Flatness?
When things are steep, remember to stay level-headed.
RE: Should Struct Engs be concerned w/ Floor Flatness?
RE: Should Struct Engs be concerned w/ Floor Flatness?
If all the numbers add up then in my opinion this is a contractor quality control issue and not a structural issue.
RE: Should Struct Engs be concerned w/ Floor Flatness?
The architect may not have any idea on how to fix such a problem and is forwarding this to you for some information. If this is not the case, then this is a problem for the architect and contractor to work out.
RE: Should Struct Engs be concerned w/ Floor Flatness?
I too would think that this is a serviceability issue, unless it is an issue that should have been dealt with in the specifications.
However at times judgement is required by all parties involved. For examble a L/175 deflection where a L/180 deflection is required would only be a 1/16" difference on a 40" span. In your case being slightly out of spec, might be critical, or it might be just a little out of spec.
RE: Should Struct Engs be concerned w/ Floor Flatness?
The deck, beams, girders all fall within our normal deflection limits
RE: Should Struct Engs be concerned w/ Floor Flatness?
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RE: Should Struct Engs be concerned w/ Floor Flatness?
Also, we specify the FF/FL limits on the structural drawings, so for us, this would be a structural issue. We also say, in our specs, what is to be done of the concrete work doesn't meet the specification.
It would help to know what the building is being used for and the FF/FL criteria and measured values.
Sounds as though the EOR didn't set the limits, so the Architect must have. If the owner/Architect is unwilling to back off on the levelness spec, then the concrete spec should spell out what happens next.
RE: Should Struct Engs be concerned w/ Floor Flatness?
I'd write an email to the architect saying that structurally we have no exception to leaving the floor as is. Please review the floor flatness for architectural acceptability.