Code checking drawings
Code checking drawings
(OP)
Does anyone have any experience checking drawings for code compliance? My firm has signed on with a local municipality to check drawings that have been submitted for building permit. Each department in the office is checking their own portion of the drawings, so I get to do the structural.
My first reaction is that all I need to do is make sure that the information in section 1603 of the IBC is shown on the drawings but that also seems like a gross over-simplification of things. The code explicitly says that the things in section 1603 are to be listed on the drawings, so that's easy enough to check. Beyond that I feel like I'm opening a can of worms and entering a gray area with no distinct beginning and end. I think at some point in the process I cross the line between checking for code compliance and doing a peer review or a design check of sorts.
Anyone have any insight or words of wisdom?
My first reaction is that all I need to do is make sure that the information in section 1603 of the IBC is shown on the drawings but that also seems like a gross over-simplification of things. The code explicitly says that the things in section 1603 are to be listed on the drawings, so that's easy enough to check. Beyond that I feel like I'm opening a can of worms and entering a gray area with no distinct beginning and end. I think at some point in the process I cross the line between checking for code compliance and doing a peer review or a design check of sorts.
Anyone have any insight or words of wisdom?






RE: Code checking drawings
I would ask the municipality for a check list of what they prefer to focus their review on. Every jurisdiction has different hot buttons and I would think they would have a checklist for more consistently with plan reviews. But maybe not.
RE: Code checking drawings
Dik
RE: Code checking drawings
Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA)
RE: Code checking drawings
You as a code reviewer should be checking against the direct code requirements, i.e. is the loading correct, and then as dik indicated zero in on any items that appear to be undersized.
I don't feel you need to do detailed design, however if you have appropriate experience you should be able to know when something doesn't feel right and check those.
RE: Code checking drawings
RE: Code checking drawings
RE: Code checking drawings
Dik
RE: Code checking drawings
- Verify that the submitted drawings and calcs are signed and sealed correctly. Engineer for engineering and architect for architecture. Cross signing drawings should be flagged for review. An engineer who stamps electrical and structural drawings should also be questioned.
- Check that the drawings address local building code requirements. Checking for compliance on local code variances are usually fruitful. (Fairfax County published their common rejection history - http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes/construction/re... )
- Check the clarity of the drawings.
- Confirm that special inspections will be performed and who is responsible.
- Review deferred submittal list.
- Confirm the drawings are issued for construction and not preliminary
- Confirm Geotech investigation is signed and sealed and referenced correctly on structural drawing
Although not responsible, the Code official does have authority over and should check:
- basic structural load paths
- quick sniff at seismic
The EOR, of course is completely responsible for and has authority over the construction documents
RE: Code checking drawings