In our region (Puget Sound WA), it seems like Geotechs keep increasing their seismic surcharge recommendations.
In the days prior to it being a code requirment, the few Geotechs ahead of the curve were commonly recommending about 8H (in psf)
Once it became codified, the design...
Looking for guidance regarding structural design for pre-fabricated metal buildings.
We're talking the classic structural steel moment frame "bents" with light gauge purlins & girts with metal deck/siding.
Seems like the standard in the US is for these structures to be designed by the supplier...
We've recently been asked to provide structural calcs for precast concrete stair treads.
Most suppliers are providing 2.5" thick treads x up to 4 feet spans and 3" thick for spans above that.
ACI 318 Cover Requirements:
A. < #5 bar in precast elements exposed to earth or weather = 1.25 inch.
B...
In our area (Western WA), it's very common to work without a Geotechnical report for residential construction.
The acceptable standard by most jurisdicttions is to use 1,500 psf for allowable bearing pressures.
I presume this is intended to cover a "worst possible case" based on the lowest...
We've been asked to design a buried detention vault that is in a right of way along a major city street.
Because of this, the City is requiring that we conform to the relavent transportation codes.
1. AASHTO LFRD Bridge Design Specifications.
2. WSDOT Bridge Design Manual.
3. WSDOT Geotechnical...
We're working on an industrial project where the owner wants the exterior shell to be CMU.
It's quite tall in places + 29 feet and in a high seismic area (Sds = 0.816) so we're definitely needing to use the slender wall design procedure.
Several designs are possible involving multiple...
We're working on a site with a new 3-story building replacing a previous structure. Prior to the footing excavations they had a utility locating service come out and discovered 3 lines (4" + 4" + 3" water and storm lines) running directly under a highly loaded bearing line! The pipes are...
Looks like the IBC and UL ratings have a disconnect
IBC Table 721.1 (1) footnote "k" states
"Interior spans of continuous slabs, beams and girders shall be permitted to be considered restrained"
Which hints that exterior spans are unrestrained.
However UL 263 Table C1.1 lists all concrete...
We rarely (if ever) get involved in legal work,
Background Info
We're reviewing the condition of an existing building for an owner that's fueding with the jurisdiction over competing visions for an existing retail space. The City would like to see it torn down and incorporated into a...
Wondering if we should spend some time looking at vibrations on this project
It's 5 levels of wood framed apartments over 3 levels of PT conrete two way slabs.
We're curious if vibrations created from the parking use on the lowest two levels could potentialy transmit upward, through the top...
We're working on a project with very poor soils and may have to deal with higher than normal differential settlements. As a mitigating solution, the Geotechnical engineer is looking at the potential for a mat foundation.
We understand conceptually how a rigidly interconnected system will be...
Good Morning everyone,
This is my first post. Really appreciate all input.
In every engineering office that I’ve ever worked in, we’ve billed Time & Materials for hours spent during construction support including:
A. Correspondence with design team, contractors, suppliers etc.
B. Limited...
