USA Law (California) tank and steel building
USA Law (California) tank and steel building
(OP)
Good morning,
i'm an italian engineer. I must design some tanks that will be sent in california.
I do not know laws in california, so someone can explain me about laws? In Italy there is a law (NTC2008) the rapresent a obligation for steel and concrete buyildings, the enegineers can use Eurocodes and other regulations adding to the NTC2008.
The API an ASME normatives are a obligation or the are other laws?
i'm an italian engineer. I must design some tanks that will be sent in california.
I do not know laws in california, so someone can explain me about laws? In Italy there is a law (NTC2008) the rapresent a obligation for steel and concrete buyildings, the enegineers can use Eurocodes and other regulations adding to the NTC2008.
The API an ASME normatives are a obligation or the are other laws?





RE: USA Law (California) tank and steel building
First off, most of California is a high seismic area, and incorporating a tank into a building would require a civil or structural engineer for the building design.
If the tank is pressurized (greater than 15 psi), it would generally fall under the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, which is usually referenced by state boiler/pressure vessel laws.
If not pressurized, the tank could be built to API or AWWA rules if applicable to the configuration, but wouldn't necessarily be required to comply with one of those two.
In most cases, the building would be subject to local building codes, typically IBC codes of varying years.
RE: USA Law (California) tank and steel building
If I desgin only following API650 , it's enough ?
thank you
RE: USA Law (California) tank and steel building
RE: USA Law (California) tank and steel building
For all other tanks- code of construction is generally by agreement between purchaser and supplier. Large oil and industrial tanks will typically be built per API-650. Small tanks may be non-code. There are also AWWA D100 (municipal water storage), NFPA-22 (fire-protection water storage), API-12D/12F (oil-field tanks), UL-142 (smaller petroleum storage tanks), UL-58 (underground petroleum storage tanks), API-620 (pressures up to 15 psi), etc.
FIgure in each case, the tanks would need to comply with a local building code, typically some version of IBC codes, and those codes reference ASCE 7 for wind and seismic loads.
And, as far as I know, in California, the application of wind and seismic loads to "mechanical" items is still considered civil/structural engineering.
There are federal rules and may be state laws relating to emissions issues and product containment/ leak detection.
OSHA (or in California, CAL-OSHA) rules will apply to ladders, stairs, handrails, confined space work, etc.
RE: USA Law (California) tank and steel building
If you're just trying to learn more about CA laws/codes, ignore this. Otherwise, you will want to review specifically the set of requirements that you're being asked to work to in your procurement specification. I'm guessing that you're not an ASME shop, so probably you're not being asked to supply those types of vessels, but I could be wrong.
RE: USA Law (California) tank and steel building
Thank you very much JStephen for answer.
However i'm talking with notification organism ( TUV , BUREAU VERITAS , etc.etcc ) for validation of calculus.
RE: USA Law (California) tank and steel building
-What code is the system designed to?
-Do the tank drawings/calculations require a professional engineer (PE) stamp? Does that person have to be licensed in california?
-Is this a nuclear plant? If so, does it need an ASME N-stamp?
Legal technical documents need requirements from your customer.
RE: USA Law (California) tank and steel building
I think it's necessary PE engeener.
No is a nuclear plant , are brew tanks .
I have responded explainig that i am an "italian PE engeneer " i can only do a preliminary analisys following bulding codes, API620 and ASCE7.
For Legal Technical document i contacted notification organism (that don't has responded ) or alternatively he has to contact an american PE enegeneer.
RE: USA Law (California) tank and steel building
If your contract says that you will provide a tank that meets California laws, then you probably need to figure out what will meet legal requirements for your customer. Did they at least specific a design/nameplate pressure/temperature that would guide you on the US design code applicable to this?
If your contract just says that you'll meet customer requirements and all he gives you is "Seismic Zone 4" and you've told him the design codes that you plan to use (as well as lack of PE stamping), then it seems like you're covered from a commercial standpoint.
RE: USA Law (California) tank and steel building
Apparently your client provided your firm with outdated information. And you are probably dealing with a hard nose purchasing agent. I suggest that you contact a local structural engineer to assist you with the loading criteria. You can contact the Structural Engineers Association of California -- http://seaoc.org/professional-resources -- for assistance.
It is likely that your work will be reviewed by the local authorities for compliance, so you are doing the correct thing reaching out to the engineering community. You should also be aware that California is very litigious.
Good luck
RE: USA Law (California) tank and steel building