Connection between adjacent structures
Connection between adjacent structures
(OP)
Due to a special condition imposed by the local coastal commission, a current garage design I am working on "requires that the foundation... shall be designed to facilitate moving the structure in the future if necessary."
As such, the garage is being place directly against one corner of the existing residence but the two structures will NOT share a common wall as the garage may be relocated someday.
Obviously there would be issues seismically between two such structures so my question is if anyone knows of any resources, code, or tried-and-true methods of connection between two such adjacent buildings to ensure that the resulting structures moves like a single unit (or as close as possible)
thanks a lot.
As such, the garage is being place directly against one corner of the existing residence but the two structures will NOT share a common wall as the garage may be relocated someday.
Obviously there would be issues seismically between two such structures so my question is if anyone knows of any resources, code, or tried-and-true methods of connection between two such adjacent buildings to ensure that the resulting structures moves like a single unit (or as close as possible)
thanks a lot.






RE: Connection between adjacent structures
An insoluble problem ceases to be a problem.
Do they really mean, "move the building and foundations"?
Michael.
Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.
RE: Connection between adjacent structures
BA
RE: Connection between adjacent structures
I assume the foundation does not need to be moved.
And, yes, unless they are connected, they will behave as two structures. You will have to install a seismic joint between the two structures - probably 1 or 2" wide - with a flexible jount.
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
RE: Connection between adjacent structures
How much movement are you expecting by the way, or do you know?.
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
RE: Connection between adjacent structures
RE: Connection between adjacent structures
paddingtongreen - I believe their intention with the wording is that at the slab level the connection between structure and foundation needs to be such that the garage can be moved. the foundation will certainly remain.
BAretired - that was my initial inclination as well. Im new to this sport though and was just curious if there was a common method of accomplishing this when dealing with light framed construction...i dont really have the feel yet for what would be "easy" to disconnect if/when the garage is separated.
msquared48 & MiketheEngineer - sorry i dont yet have expected drift values yet, but because of the scale of this project(single family home) I would think the 2-3" gap should work. Ill run the numbers. msquared48, would you mind elaborating on "flexible joint" between the two structures?
thanks again all
RE: Connection between adjacent structures
BA
RE: Connection between adjacent structures
RE: Connection between adjacent structures
Try googling "flexible seismic joints at roof", or something similar and see what you get.
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering