Lumber grade bearing exterior wall
Lumber grade bearing exterior wall
(OP)
A local contractor is doing a remodel on an old (1940s) building which was burned by fire the back half (30') of the Bldg has about 18' ceiling height, he is leaving the burned 2x4 exterior bearing wall and framing inside of it using economy grade 2x4s with a height of about 17' the diffence in relation to the ceiling height has been made up with a large girder (4x12 GluLam), it is obvious this is under framed since you can see the deflection in the studs. Also the floor system under this wall is in such bad shape that over the last week that side of the bldg has dropped to the point that the subfloor is popping up at the joints about 4' away from the wall.
I don't really have any specific question for this just looking for some comments. I should add that the foundation under this particular wall has been removed and the bldg is now resting on temporary supported directly resting on dirt about 3' in under the bldg.
I don't really have any specific question for this just looking for some comments. I should add that the foundation under this particular wall has been removed and the bldg is now resting on temporary supported directly resting on dirt about 3' in under the bldg.






RE: Lumber grade bearing exterior wall
If this is the case, you should call the contractor and the owner on their mistakes - tell them they are responsible! They have assumed responsibility for persuing this project without professional guidance. Secondly, make them understand that you are there to save their ass.
Once that is made clear, then they should be willing to do whatever you tell them to do.
Question #2: Are you concerned about proper methods of temporary shoring, about general negligance to adhere to construction documents, or about the general sequence of construction this contractor is persuing?
RE: Lumber grade bearing exterior wall
RE: Lumber grade bearing exterior wall
RE: Lumber grade bearing exterior wall
Thanks
RE: Lumber grade bearing exterior wall
RE: Lumber grade bearing exterior wall
I find it greatly encouraging that you follow your consience.
If I may stand on my soapbox for a minute: what makes a person an engineer? Is it the ability to read and understand the code? Is it experience gained in the field? I would say no. Anyone with a half wit of intelligence can read and understand the building code and attempt to build a structure that complies with it. Anyone can gain experience in the field - as a contractor, owner/ builder, etc.
What makes a person an engineer? It's his or her consience. An engineer thinks with his/her consience. An engineer will adhere to the code and to willingly go beyond the code as his/ her consience dictates. An engineer's consience compels him/ her to personally observe the construction that he/she has approved.
I can see that you are such a person. I am encouraged that there are a few of us that act on our consience.
RE: Lumber grade bearing exterior wall
I'am located in Washington State in the North Cascades Area I would tell you the name of the town but I'am sure this is all going to blow up in the near future and living in a small town of about 700 people and having 4 children I need to be careful about fueling the fire too much.
I thank all of you that have responded it is comforting to know I'm not just being my analytical self and being to act
RE: Lumber grade bearing exterior wall
Owner, contractor, building inspector all in one. Thats a hoot. Hopefully he's not your local sherif, judge, and lawyer on the side.
RE: Lumber grade bearing exterior wall
http://www.dol.wa.gov/forms/651300.pdf
Typically we use 2x8s for a lightly loaded 17' high wall.
Good luck