IBC Section 1603?
IBC Section 1603?
(OP)
Am I the only one out there that does their best to comply with this section of the building code?
I just received a set of drawings in from a large engineering company to help a fabricator out with some connection designs. While the drawings look great (we have a nice 3D BIM model shown on the plans) they are missing the entire compliance section of section 1603. I have no idea how the building was designed (is the building suppose to be a greenhouse, a movie theater a hospital?).... which makes it difficult to design the connections.
The also have stub outriggers with no moment connections and knee braces with no dimensions showing how to place the knee brace within the frame.
If the job goes forward, I'm sure this is going to be straightened out with a few phone calls. However, it is very frustrating.
I just received a set of drawings in from a large engineering company to help a fabricator out with some connection designs. While the drawings look great (we have a nice 3D BIM model shown on the plans) they are missing the entire compliance section of section 1603. I have no idea how the building was designed (is the building suppose to be a greenhouse, a movie theater a hospital?).... which makes it difficult to design the connections.
The also have stub outriggers with no moment connections and knee braces with no dimensions showing how to place the knee brace within the frame.
If the job goes forward, I'm sure this is going to be straightened out with a few phone calls. However, it is very frustrating.






RE: IBC Section 1603?
If you are struggling to tell if it is a greenhouse or hospital, maybe it is time to look into a new profession. Maybe architecture? :)
RE: IBC Section 1603?
RE: IBC Section 1603?
I didn't think of that, but what happens when the specifications get lost and the owner would like to make a change to the building in the future and has a set of drawings but not the specifications. He would either have to go back to the original designer or get someone to reinvent the wheel.
RE: IBC Section 1603?
RE: IBC Section 1603?
An engineering company with a lot of experience with these types of projects, may adopt these sorts of practices for other jobs as well. Not realizing that a company which specializes in commercial construction would be unlikely to do so.
Not defending the practice... just pointing out that it doesn't violate 1603.
RE: IBC Section 1603?
Correct, but what are Construction Documents?
Per the 2009 IBC Section 202
"CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS. Written, graphic and
pictorial documents prepared or assembled for describing the
design, location and physical characteristics of the elements of
a project necessary for obtaining a building permit."
And Section 104
"DUTIES AND POWERS OF BUILDING OFFICIAL
104.1 General. The building official is hereby authorized and
directed to enforce the provisions of this code. The building official
shall have the authority to render interpretations of this
code and to adopt policies and procedures in order to clarify the
application of its provisions. Such interpretations, policies and
procedures shall be in compliance with the intent and purpose
of this code. Such policies and procedures shall not have the effect
of waiving requirements specifically provided for in this
code."
It is up to the building official to provide an interpretation of what is required.
Whether, they allow the calculations to be considered part of the "CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS" or only to be required as part of the "Submittal documents" per Section 106 is rarely clear IMHO.
Garth Dreger PE - AZ Phoenix area
As EOR's we should take the responsibility to design our structures to support the components we allow in our design per that industry standards.