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Recent content by RVSWA

  1. RVSWA

    50 FOOT BEAM SPAN QUESTIONS

    It was built in 1960.
  2. RVSWA

    50 FOOT BEAM SPAN QUESTIONS

    Stranger than fiction I tell you... This project was 8 blocks from my office, he called me upon your recommendations to hire an engineer. As a follow-up, Hokie66 was on the right track. The walls and columns are un-reinforced CMU, seismic accelerations being Ss=1.25 and S1=0.41, I recommended...
  3. RVSWA

    Snow (Drifting and Sliding) on residential decks

    Mike's right Steve1415, we have had a number of jobs over the years designing decks that were torn off by sliding snow from an upper roof. They come in with that "Guess we should have had that engineered in the first place" look on their face. The last one ripped the rim joist out along with...
  4. RVSWA

    Design Responsiblity

    The recession has sent me looking for work outside my office. I have been acting as a "Field Coordinator" of sorts and in my case I'm pleased that the Engineering firm that designed the building has been the only reliable party both through their drawings and consultation. The remaining...
  5. RVSWA

    holes in wood joists

    The strap can be sized to provide the strength necessary, but if you consider the nail slip I think you will find the deflection would be beyond a tolerable limit. The glue and wood option is better, though again the glue one chooses is important. As an example, floor adhesive, while strong is...
  6. RVSWA

    Snow Drift Loads for flat roofs

    Generally a code specified standard is still the standard unless an amendment has been made by the local jurisdiction. What code are you using? IBC? ASCE sells a book that explains the provisions of the snow load chapter quite nicely.
  7. RVSWA

    Forms of compensation

    With regards to avoiding taxes, there are two ways to do this, the legal way, through deductions and then there is the other way. I have a close friend who is an IRS auditor and we've had many a beer over his experiences. If you want to outsmart him you're gonna have to switch degree's, and...
  8. RVSWA

    Starting a Structural Engineering Firm

    Marinaman's advice is worth thinking about... HARD. I own a Structural firm with a partner and one employee. To survive, I have contracted myself out as a Foreman on a condo job just to pay the bills. If you want to see a look of worry on someones face, jump in a trench with a shovel and...
  9. RVSWA

    Structural Reviews

    For existing conditions just have them remove 4 of the 5 layers of old roofing material to reduce the weight so you can claim you've improved the structures performance.
  10. RVSWA

    Anchor bolts in retrofit double sill plate

    josta, I believe your solution addressed the necessary force transfer from the sheathing to the concrete.
  11. RVSWA

    blocking requirements for 20' tall 2x6 stud wall

    I believe fire blocking is required every ten vertical feet, but your sheathing should provide sufficient support. Out of plane wind loads are generally a concern with 20' high walls. King studs at openings need to be designed as well as a tributary stud spacing design. Using your load...
  12. RVSWA

    Typical Residential Construction in South Africa

    I have a friend planning to move from Arizona, US to South Africa. She has had preliminary plans drawn and expects to have a local Architect finish them when she moves over... the economy is cause for delay. I am from the Pacific Northwest and while I don't like to be presumptuous, I expect...
  13. RVSWA

    Frost Depth Requirements for Unheated Slab on Grade

    Mike's right.
  14. RVSWA

    Laid Off Structural Engineer - Suggestions to build resume?

    If you aren't able to take a class and you are going to stay in one place, then make your job spending (aside from looking for work) a number of hours a day at your local library. Study deeper into the topics you are likely going to work in... I think it would help to keep your spirits up and...
  15. RVSWA

    There is hope!

    Unemployment is often considered a lagging indicator and there are a few independent (ie not politically motivated) economists that are find leading indicators to be changing direction. It may take 6 months before we all start hearing it on the news, but I think we are at the turning point. We...
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