Anchor Reinforcement
Anchor Reinforcement
(OP)
Generally when I do a structural design with MEP equipment, I require the Contractor to design the anchorage and provide the calculations for review. I usually have a note that stipulates the equipment pad sizes need to be coordinated with the anchorage calcs regarding thickness and edge distance requirements. Most of the time there's no problem with this approach however a few times the anchorage calcs show that anchor reinforcement is needed (either for tension or shear). My position is that the reinforcement is needed by the anchors and not because the concrete foundation/equipment pad is inadequate structurally. Therefore, it should be designed by the Engineer providing the anchorage calculations. However, I've gotten into countless arguments with Contractors and their Engineers who feel the reinforcement should be designed by the Engineer doing the foundation/equipment pad design. Does anyone have any thoughts on this or can shed light on what they consider is the responsibility of the anchorage designer vs the foundation designer? If I know that reinforcement will likely be required I make that note in the drawings but most of the problems come from smaller equipment that I didn't expect anchor reinforcement to be needed. Thanks!





RE: Anchor Reinforcement
But if you're seeing the design in the submittal phase, you've got the hammer. You can:
- Reject the submittal based on the lack of the supplementary reinforcing.
- Tell the contractor that they can either have the supplier add the reinforcing or they can use an alternate means to increase the anchor capacity.
Personally, I would thank my lucky stars that the supplier's designer is taking this on and add the reinforcing. We have a devil of a time getting them to do this. Sometimes you can be right, but the job is still getting delayed.RE: Anchor Reinforcement
That said, when I'm in similar situations I usually make a half-hearted attempt to get the other engineer to design the rebar and then end up doing it myself. I already didn't have to run through the worst of the anchorage calcs and sizing a couple bars doesn't take much effort. Probably takes more of my time to argue with the contractor and other engineer than to just do it.
See this kind of similar to anchor bolts for pre-engineered buildings or other structures. Generally those guys will design the anchor bolts for the steel failure mode and leave the concrete failure modes up to the EOR. They see it as part of the foundation design. I see it as part of their anchorage design. I lose every time.
RE: Anchor Reinforcement
@MrHershey - I agree, I think I'm at the point to where I'll provide the design and rebar to keep the project moving. I just don't want the Contractor to come back with a change order. I'll have to figure out a way to word the response to make it clear we're doing this at the request of the anchor designer.
RE: Anchor Reinforcement
We typically see contractors do their own anchorage as well. Not in-house usually, but will farm out to someone. Occasionally we'll do that kind of work for contractors. Not the sexiest or most interesting work, but usually fairly headache-free and can do decent financially.
RE: Anchor Reinforcement
My all time pet peeve. The building suppliers know they can wait you out. The GC has their building and all that's keeping them from putting it up is that pain in the backside EOR.