IBC or AASTHO-Parking structure

[WWTEng]

I am looking at a proposed parking structure and my work will be limited to foundation design as the superstructure is precast. But the language in the soils report is raising questions in my mind about the applicable code. The refer to the local DOT and AASHTO standards and even the seismic site class is based on AASHTO's definitions.

Shouldn't the governing code be IBC06 (adopted code of the city)?

 

[bpstruct]

I would tend to agree that the applicable building code is likely IBC. Who is the project for? Is there any reason that you should expect truck traffic in the parking garage? You might want to call the geotech and just ask why they defined it that way. As engineers, sometimes we take the hardest route in figuring out logic behind something like this....phone call is easier and cheaper.

 

[JAE]

AASHTO wouldn't apply to a parking garage in my view. They deal with highways, bridges, culverts, etc.

Perhaps the geotech just assumed erroneously.

 

[FiniteElemet]

Design will be based upon IBC 06 and PCI 7th Edition. Stringest of the two will be adapted for element design. For steel railings, AASHTO/DOT specs can be used as vehicular loads will be coming in contact with parapet and vehicular barrier system.