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PE stamp in construction
2

PE stamp in construction

PE stamp in construction

(OP)
Hi every one,

I have a question regarding the PE stamp and I can not find the answer anywhere.

I'm am working currently in Kentucky,
If the construction company, I am working with wants to building something in Kentucky with the Indiana standard, does the stamp on the drawings have to be from a Kentucky Engineer or an Indiana engineer.

When I ask this question to the KYTC (kentucky transportation cabinet) they say that I have to put a stamp of the Kentucky PE because we are in Kentucky
When I ask this question to the INDOT (Indiana Department of Transportation) they say that I have to put a stamp of the Indiana PE because we are using the Indiana standard.


Can anyone help me ???? Thank you so much

RE: PE stamp in construction

Kentucky PE

It is the location where the project is built that matters.

Not sure what you mean by "Indiana Standard". If the building is in Kentucky, then the local codes would govern its design and construction.

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RE: PE stamp in construction

(OP)
Thank you for your answer. Do you know where I can found this rules in a paper by the government. I mean official paper.

Indiana standard = INDOT Spec.

We are not using the Kentucky spec for all the design, in some parts we are using the spec. of another state so does this design with the standard of another state need to be stamped by this state or the Kentucky where the project is built.
I do not know if you understand that the first time because you said that the design and construction must follow the state standard where the construction is done.
But in my case we are using the design of another state because this scope of work is not in the Kentucky spec.

I don't know if I am very clear.

RE: PE stamp in construction

well then the design is clearly wrong, if i'm building something in china but i'm in japan i won't use the japanese code because it's not abiding chinese law, simple as that. You abide by the laws and jurisdiction of the place where construction is taking place. Truth being told, codes are normally the same everywhere (ASHTOO, IBC, Etc.) with minimum provision changes, but still it doesn't matter if you're designing in indiana with the indiana code, you have to make sure that your design complies with the kentucky code and the PE stamp needs to be from kentucky because that's where the construction is taking place.

RE: PE stamp in construction

It is often surprisingly vague or missing in the state rules, but the seal is always for the state where the project is located. This assumes "the project" is something fixed, like a building, bridge, tank, etc. And you are considered to be practicing engineering in that state even if you are never physically present in that state.

There may be certain exceptions for federal projects or projects on tribal lands, but in those cases, it would be because it doesn't matter what state is used, not because the normal where-located state is inappropriate.

From the Kentucky law (on the website, under "Overview"):

"(a) "Engineering" shall include:
...
4. The negotiation or solicitation of engineering services on any project in this state, regardless of whether the persons engaged in the practice of engineering:
a. Are residents of this state;
b. Have their principal place of business in this state; or
c. Are in responsible charge of the engineering services performed;..."

RE: PE stamp in construction

(OP)
Ok Sponton - So how do you do when a code does not exist in Kentucky but exist in Indiana. And there is a difference between two American states than two different countries

RE: PE stamp in construction

(OP)
Ok thank you JStephen

RE: PE stamp in construction

What state is the item going to be installed in? If you're fabricating a steel beam in Kentucky that is going to be installed in Indiana, you need an Indiana PE. If it is going to be installed in Kentucky, you need a Kentucky PE.

RE: PE stamp in construction

(OP)
Nutte my question was:


For example:

I want to build a paved ditch in Kentucky, imagine there is no paved ditch code in the Kentucky standard so I want to use the code of Indiana because they have one for the paved ditch. So does the drawings need to have a Indiana PE stamp or Kentucky

RE: PE stamp in construction

This thread seems to be going no where fast.
stephencab: If the work is done in Kentucky to an Indiana Code because Kentucky doesn't have guidance on that aspect, it needs to be sealed by a Kentucky PE. Period, end of story.

RE: PE stamp in construction

Kentucky PE is required. I'm not sure why the Indiana board will tell you otherwise.

You can use the Indiana design requirements since none exist for Kentucky. I'd reference them on my drawings to communicate the basis of my design.

RE: PE stamp in construction

I imagine the Indiana board said otherwise because of OP's broken English/poor phrasing of his question.

If there is no specific code for your design in the Kentucky DOT standards, than I find it reasonable to use code from a similar state to get you on the right track. This would not affect which PE seal you would use.

The answer to this question is obvious, and people have already made it very clear that you need to use a Kentucky seal.

RE: PE stamp in construction

a license is required to "practice engineering". Practicing means holding yourself out to the public as an engineer and performing engineering services. It is a state law required to license engineers working in the state. It has nothing to do with any other state or country. You could live in China, but to design a highway in Kentucky, you would need to be licensed in Kentucky. Building codes and standards have nothing to do with engineering licensure.

RE: PE stamp in construction

Quote (stephancab)

So how do you do when a code does not exist in Kentucky but exist in Indiana. And there is a difference between two American states than two different countries

You call up the jurisdiction and ask them which building codes they have adopted. Sometimes, it's found on their (the city/county) website..

RE: PE stamp in construction

well i live in KY and the only thing i can say is that if you want to do engineering that will be built here, you need a KY PE stamp. if the code for designing such thing is not regulated by the current code in KY, do it with principles of engineering but as someone mentioned above, it still needs to be signed by a licensed engineer in KY.

RE: PE stamp in construction

the existence of user-friendly prescriptive design criteria by 1 jurisdiction DOES NOT MEAN other jurisdictions have NO design criteria.

RE: PE stamp in construction

also, your example of a 'paved ditch' wouldn't necessarily require a PE stamp where i work anyway. In most cases that is just an erosion control detail.

just tell us what you're trying to build.

RE: PE stamp in construction

Project is in Kentucky; PE stamp should be from Kentucky. Using an Indiana detail in Kentucky is irrelevant.

www.PeirceEngineering.com

RE: PE stamp in construction

(OP)
ok thank you all for your answers !

RE: PE stamp in construction

PEinc and JAE are correct.

I assume you are building a roadway of some sort. If this is a private road or not funded by KDOT, then what you use for specifications is your choice. State departments of transportation put a disclaimer in their standard specs that they are not for use on private projects. Having said that, it is common to reference a state DOT's standard specifications for private work. The use of such specifications then becomes a standard of care issue. If the InDOT specs contain something appropriate to the project that is not contained in the KDOT specs, then use it.....but since the project is in KY, the seal should be KY.

RE: PE stamp in construction

If the Indiana detail is valid for your project from an engineering standpoint, there is nothing that says you can't use it AS YOUR OWN detail. That is, remove all references to Indiana, produce whatever calcs you may need, etc. I recommend redrawing the detail, rather than using their's as-is, both for drafting consistency and to guarantee that all references to Indiana have been removed. You will be stamping this detail as your own design.

For example, about ten years ago I needed a rolled curb for a City of F_____ project, but the City of F_____ does not have a rolled curb detail. I did some internet searching and found a nice detail in the City of R___'s standard drawings. I had my cad operator redraw the detail part of the detail and place it on one of our sheets. It now became my design.

==========
"Is it the only lesson of history that mankind is unteachable?"
--Winston S. Churchill

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