Recent content by rlflower

This is a technical question regarding the 318-14 Building Code Section 17.4.5: The equations for bond strength in tension appear to have a "glitch". The tensile capacity should be a function of the effective length of the bond. However, the critical edge distance is also a function of the bond...

Thanks, MotorCity, for your input. I hadn't thought of treating this as an architectural component; I think you are correct in suggesting this. I am curious, though, with this apparent code philosophy regarding "not similar to a building" simply because it is attached to a building. If this were...

I am a structural engineer and I have a client here in California who wants to install Aluminum patio covers that were manufactured in New Zealand. These can be described basically as aluminum frame non-building structures, similar to buildings, that are attached to residential structures. I...

I have a client that desires to hang drapes across a path of egress about 25 feet from an egress door. This path of egress serves as one of two paths of egress serving a facility with an occupancy of about 500 persons. Reference: the 2013 California Building Code, Chapter 10, Section 1008.1...

I agree with XR250 and I would stress the importance of the deflection consideration. A minor amount of deflection may not be a structural concern but can be a serious detriment as far as your client is concerned. If the deflection of the ridge is readily visible, that can become a problem...

First of all, I would strongly suggest having a soils engineer involved if you haven't already. He/she may help you achieve favorable bearing and sliding resistance capacities. Secondly, I would suggest sitting down with the client and the contractor to work out some cost viable alternatives...

Thanks to all for the input. Upon discussing this with the client, I have suggested they look into a design of three or four piles with a pile cap in lieu of the aforementioned massive footing. The other thing I suggested was a modification of the legs supporting the tank; if the legs are...

There was a thread here regarding reinforcement of mass concrete a few months ago. I would like to open the subject again with hopes to get some input on a specific design scenario. I am submitting a proposal for a contractor's bid on the installation of a pair of large (and tall) industrial...

Here in California at least, there are sufficient inspections and observations conducted during construction as required by code. I tend to agree with Lomarandil regarding inspections; allowing the owner to make their own judgement as to when to call for an inspector is perhaps best. What...

Is it a requirement for realtors to have a general inspection of any given property during escrow? Perhaps this would be a state law? Richard L. Flower, P. E., LEED Green Associate Senior Structural Engineer Complere Engineering Group, Inc.

Perhaps several of you have conducted structural evaluations and/or inspections of residential construction. This subject is of interest to me in light of recent events highlighted on previous posts. A couple of questions I would like to present here: 1.) Should there be general mandatory...

Check the roof deck manufacturer's catalog and the mfr's technical rep for their recommendations. This sounds like a common problem that they may have already addressed to their satisfaction at least. Richard L. Flower, P. E., LEED Green Associate Senior Structural Engineer Complere Engineering...

I agree with JAE and KootK. I would only add that industrial floors require a smooth finish with minimal cracking so that hard-wheeled apparatus such as forklifts and pallet jacks can function properly. Pallet jacks in particular cannot navigate well over even the slightest crack. Richard L...

Thank you for your post, slideruleera. For clarification, the Simpson strong-tie technical rep did not recommend "Z-Max or hot-dipped galvanized equivalent" for marine environments. My call to him was concerning a project that is in an environment that is not that extreme - in Monterey near the...

I will concede to your assessment with regards to the location, hokie66. Richard L. Flower, P. E., LEED Green Associate Senior Structural Engineer Complere Engineering Group, Inc.