I'm working on a structure with a "free" roof just like the one in ASCE7 Figure 27.3-4, but instead of a monoslope profile it is a convex curve. What are your opinions on the best way to calculate wind loads for a roof like this? Should I just connect the ends of the are with a straight line...
I am doing residential framing design in the Austin, Texas area. I have a client who would like to build stud walls with utility grade lumber at the top plate. He has pointed out to me that several engineers in my area allow this. I have tried to verify that this is acceptable with an...
When does a masonry arch need a lintel?
I believe the following factors affect this decision;
1. What is the span of the arch?
2. What is the height of the arch?
3. What is the angle of the springline?
3. Is there sufficient wall on the sides of the arch to resist the thrust?
4. Is the...
I am working on a project in Austin, Texas that has drilled piers as part of the foundation. This is a city building, so they like us to use their pre-approved concrete mixes. The mix that they have pre-approved for piers has air entrainment. We used Masterspec to put together our specs, and...
Should corner bars be used in elevated concrete beams? I typically use 2-24"x24" corner bars in grade beams with diameters to match the longitudinal reinforcing. Should I use similar bars in elevated beams? My elevated beams have top bars that terminate with a standard hook and bottom bars...
I am trying to use a program called SRWall to design a mechanically stabilized earth retaining wall with gabion facing. The soil will be reinforced with 12 Gage PVC coated welded wire in a 3"x3" grid. There are several input values in the program that I am struggling to nail down. I am...
I am working on a project where the the contractor is concerned about honeycombing in a particular pour. The contractor has requested that the size of the coarse aggregate be reduced from 1" to 3/8" for this pour. He has also requested that river rock be used instead of crushed limestone...
I am working on a project with an elevated concrete beam. The beam is fully loaded from above and will not experience any torsion. The stirrups in the beam were fabricated a few inches too tall. The contractor has asked to cut the stirrups just below the top to turn them into U-shapes. He...
I'm looking for a formula to calculate the force in a compression ring. I have a ring with a diameter of 50' and a uniformly distributed force of 36klf around the circumference.
Any help finding the appropriate formula is much appreciated.
I am working on a building that will be constructed using tilt up concrete sandwich panels. The geotechnical engineer has recommended a foundation consisting of a slab on grade stiffened with grade beams. I am trying to figure out if I need to use a pour strip for this type of foundation, or...
I am working on a building at a water treatment facility. The roof is framed with steel joists and deck. The steel is required to be protected from both fire and corrosion, since there will be corrosive off-gassing from the processes taking place in the building.
Currently the architect is...
