Metal Building Specs

[McQSE]

What specifications do you include with your metal building structural plans? I include specifications on:
Concrete-
• Strength
• Aggregates
• Admixtures
• Reinforcement
• Inserts
• Reinforcement Cover
• Tolerances for reinforcement placement
• Splice lengths
• Reinforcement hooks
Steel-
• Material strengths
• Bolt hole sizes & anchor rod hole sizes
• Bolt strengths and anchor rod strengths
• Base plate grouting
• Welding
• Cleaning and shop painting
• General shop drawing notes
• General connection design notes

I also have some general specs and some foundation specs. I cover all this information on one full size sheet. I have an architect asking me for more specs. He is asking about forming specs. I have specified that all reinforcement and inserts shall be securely tied and supported to maintain position during placement of concrete. I think this should cover everything from my side from a forming standpoint. Means of construction is the contractor’s responsibility. Am I wrong?
Do you have anything you would add to the spec list or other comments?

Thanks

 

[ajh1]

I like your list for concrete. I would add a requirement that anchor rods be set with a template to insure accuracy.

On the steel side, while most of the items are relevant, realistically unless you have some pretty unusual needs the metal building manufacturer will produce everything to their standard practice. All major manufacturers have been involved with the AISC-MB certification program in the past and are now transitioning to the IAS accreditation programs (AC 172 and/or AC 472). This insures basic quality control and process control. AISC has eliminated the AISC-MB program causing the shift.
Most major manufacturers have standard generic specs available to assist local professionals in what is important to the manufacturer.

The other item that is highly critical is that you do a good job of defining the loading requirements that the building has to sustain along with any specific serviceability issues you may have.

 

[dik]

I tried to upload the general notes I use for Metal Building Systems... and it appears to be lost.

Use the attached as a rough guide... filling in the blanks and revising the standards...

Dik

 

[JLNJ]

The architect might need help specifying maximum permitted sway. If you don't want an extrememly flexible building you need to speak up at the beginning.