Arizona Requirements 1

[whyun]

I have some site specific questions for a project in Phoenix, Arizona.

1. Does City of Phoenix allow the use of steel ordinary moment resisting frame (OMRF) for lateral system?

2. Phoenix is in Zone 1. I was told by a local geotechical engineer that for the base shear calcs, use Z = 0.075 based on Zone 1 but use Zone 2B column for calculating Ca and Cv. Design will be based on 1997 UBC. Can someone who is familiar with Phoenix area confirm this requirement?

3. Address and phone number of Building Department at City of Phoenix. I went to the City of Phoenix website and was unable to locate this department.

I appreciate your help.

 

[JedClampett]

1) I think you can, but I'll check when I get to the office tomorrow.
2) The way we normally describe it in Phoenix is that we use Zone 1 accelerations, but Zone 2 detialing requirements.
3) The department you want is called Developmental Services. If you still have problems locating it, I'll get you their number.
But the biggest reason I'm responding is to make you aware is that Phoenix is in the process (and very near) to adopting NFPA 5000 as their Building Code. They are under pressure to do this in March, 2003. You might want to check how this might affect you. I'm not sure if there is a "grandfathering in" period or not. They will probably be the first entity to adopt this as a building code.

 

[whyun]

Thank you, JedClampett.

I am an engineer from California who has a project out in Arizona. It is a rail facility. Also have to get Arizona license soon. Not too familiar with the design requirements over there but I am expecting laterally, it is not as severe as California.

Further info on the above will be greatly appreciated.

Another question I have is, does Arizona have Structural Engineer license? Or is PE in Civil the final license you need for structural work? Thanks so much!

 

[JedClampett]

I can't find anything that would preclude using a OMRF. I think you have the Ca and Cv backwards. You would use the values corresponding to Z=.075, but any detailing issues involved have to be up to Zone 2 requirements. the number for Developmental Services (

http://phoenix.gov/DEVSERV/index.html),

City of Phoenix is: (602) 262-7811.
Arizona has a Structural License. Its requirements are not as rigorous as California, but there is a special exam. I've also heard rumors of Arizona not honoring reciprocity of California licensees, but you should check for yourself. Their website is: (

http://www.btr.state.az.us/)

 

[whyun]

Thank you so much for the valuable info, JedClampett. I gave you a star. Are you working near Phoenix area?

 

[JedClampett]

No problem.
Yes, I work in Phoenix. I was only sorry I couldn't find the on-line location for the City of Phoenix amendments to the 1997 UBC. I've found them before, but didn't bookmark them.

 

[whyun]

I will try to get a hold of the Phoenix amendments myself (somehow). If you come across a pdf file or something like that, please let me know the url or send to my email.

I had no idea Arizona had SE license. Is the authority similar to that of California? In CA, PE's can't sign schools, hospitals, high rise over a certain height limit (which escapes me at the moment). Is it similar in AZ?

Cheers. Have a great weekend, Jed.

 

[JedClampett]

I finally found the Ordinance and downloaded it. If you need it I'll Email it to you. It's kind of big, so if it doesn't transmit, I'll have to send you the location. Give me your Email address.

 

[whyun]

I'd appreciate that very much. What is the file size?

I am not sure how big of a file I can receive on my e-mail program (Lotus Notes). If it is say 5MB or larger, maybe url would work out better.

Anyhow, my e-mail is hyunwh@stvinc.com.

I appreciate your help!

 

[whyun]

Thank you for the file. Unfortunately, I was unable to open the TIF file. Is this document available as a pdf or html file on the internet? Phoenix site doesn't appear to have an extensive library of their requirements like City of Los Angeles does. If I missed a link, I would appreciate it if you can lead me to the proper url.

Regards.

 

[JedClampett]

Go to the City of Phoenix City clerk's website:

http://phoenix.gov/haht-bin/hsrun/payf/CCORPROD/ccImageHaht.htx;start=HS_clerkImaging

After you agree to the disclaimer, mark "Ordinances Adopted", expand the date range from April, 1997 to the present, mark "Document ID" and search for 4159. (I just ried it and it didn't work, but it should). You're looking for Ordinance G-4159.
I told you it's a pain.

 

[whyun]

Thank you JedClampett. Download was successful and I am able to open the TIF file. I really appreciate your guidance as I am completely new to Arizona requirements. (I am guessing about 95% would be the 97 UBC as is... please correct me if I am off.) Have a great weekend!

 

[JedClampett]

As far as structural design, there's not a lot of changes from 1997 UBC. The zone 2 detailing with the zone 1 acceleration is the major one.

 

[whyun]

It was interesting to note that wind exposure is classified only by height of the building.
As for seismic, it states Phoenix shall be Zone 2A with Z factor of 0.075 (with all the detailing requirements of zone 2 - I take this to mean all the items required in Zone 2 or higher shall be satisfied.

For live load requirement, I will add a general note stating that a sign must be posted.

I will also define the term "special inspector" and edit my structural observation requirement notes edited per Phoenix req's.

Thanks again! You have been more responsive than the local geotech engineer whom I've been grilling to get these information. I hope we can keep in touch. If you have any California work lined up and have any questions about COLA, DSA or OSHPD req's, please send them my way. Hopefully I can be as helpful as you have been.

Cheers.