Existing Structure Converted to Essential Facility
Existing Structure Converted to Essential Facility
(OP)
I've been a lurker on this forum for quite some time and have gotten some great info from these threads and now I'm posting about an upcoming project.
I have been asked to evaluate an existing structure for future use as an essential facility. I have done seismic retrofits in the past with masonry but that was due to audits from the entities insurance company.
The building in question is a one story steel structure built many, many years ago. Questions:
1) Does the existing building code apply in this situation? I'm a little fuzzy on this requirement as I haven't dealt with the rehab of a building to be turned into an essential facility.
2) The latest and greatest Oregon Structural Specialty Code is set to be adopted around July 1. The existing building analysis is supposed to kick off at the end of March. Any issues with the timing on this relative to the new code adoption? The old code should supersede in this instance due to the project starting before the adoption of the new code.
3) Should a geotech investigation be in order, or just assume the minimum bearing pressure? That could make or break the foundation designs. I could try to back calculate to a bearing pressure based on existing footings (I have done that before) but it makes me a little queezy with an essential facility.
I have been asked to evaluate an existing structure for future use as an essential facility. I have done seismic retrofits in the past with masonry but that was due to audits from the entities insurance company.
The building in question is a one story steel structure built many, many years ago. Questions:
1) Does the existing building code apply in this situation? I'm a little fuzzy on this requirement as I haven't dealt with the rehab of a building to be turned into an essential facility.
2) The latest and greatest Oregon Structural Specialty Code is set to be adopted around July 1. The existing building analysis is supposed to kick off at the end of March. Any issues with the timing on this relative to the new code adoption? The old code should supersede in this instance due to the project starting before the adoption of the new code.
3) Should a geotech investigation be in order, or just assume the minimum bearing pressure? That could make or break the foundation designs. I could try to back calculate to a bearing pressure based on existing footings (I have done that before) but it makes me a little queezy with an essential facility.






RE: Existing Structure Converted to Essential Facility
RE: Existing Structure Converted to Essential Facility
RE: Existing Structure Converted to Essential Facility
2) It depends on the jurisdiction. Most of the time there is a "grace period" for project already well into design that are OK for the old code. Call your local permit office.
3) A geotechnical evaluation is in order, and will likely be a small percentage of the cost to structurally evaluate and retrofit this building.
RE: Existing Structure Converted to Essential Facility
What do people generally charge for investigating existing structures? It's been years since I did the seismic retrofits, and that was with a previous company and I did not do the budget on it.
Thanks
RE: Existing Structure Converted to Essential Facility
Depending on the facility you may need to analyze per ASCE 41, which will give you a more realistic view of your actual building performance. Take note that a new ASCE 41 is due out in a couple of weeks. The new one won't be referenced by the 2012 OSSC, but you may still be able to use it with agreement from the building official.
By the way, which county is this in?
RE: Existing Structure Converted to Essential Facility
I was thinking I would base my analysis on the 2012 IBC, which the new OSSC should be essentially aligned with that anyway and they will both reference the ASCE 7-10. I was not aware the new ASCE 41 would be out in a couple of weeks so I will definitely look to purchase it.
Any recommendations on fee for something like this? I was thinking $0.25/sqft for a feasibility type study, which would be analyzing the major components and little to no detailing.