Old codes/reference books

[EDub24]

Hi, I’m in the process of moving on to a new company and am trying to clean/purge my soon-to-be old office. I have a number of old codes (ASCE 7-05, ACI 318-02/05/08 etc etc) and reference books for old codes (books on masonry design per the 2009 IBC, seismic design per 2012 IBC etc). I hate to just toss those things out but I have been known to be a packrat. I’m wondering what other people do with their old codes and reference books?

 

[msquared48]

Save them.

Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA)

 

[Ron]

EDub24....I do mostly construction and structural forensics so I always need references for code and industry requirements that are from the time of design or construction which could be many years prior.

If you want to sell, I'm interested. Let me know list of publications and contact info.

 

[TehMightyEngineer]

Keep them. Yes you might not pull them out except once 10 years from now but that one time will be worth it.

Also, weird things happen that makes some old codes still relevant. For example, AASHTO LRFD 7th edition w/2016 interims references ACI 318-05 appendix D for anchor bolt design.

Ian Riley, PE, SE
Professional Engineer (ME, NH, MA) Structural Engineer (IL)
American Concrete Industries

https://www.facebook.com/AmericanConcrete/

 

[RickyTickyTavi]

if you decide to get rid of them. I'll take your hard copies of ACI 318 02, 05 and pay for shipping

Honestly though, I work in forensics and structural repairs. The old codes fill my library. Sometimes I need to know why an engineer from 1980, 1940, 1920, etc.. detailed something the way they did. Sometimes I have to write reports or letters explaining the code provision.

 

[Signious]

Keep them in some labeled bankers boxes tucked away. You will need them eventually - and you will kick yourself endlessly if you toss them.

 

[dhengr]

Unless your job change involves switching to cosmetics sales, or lawn care subcontracting, or some such, instead of engineering, I’d keep them as part of a professional reference library, you might need them some day.

 

[EDub24]

The jury has spoken. Looks like I’ll keep them. A number of them were printed from pdfs. If I still have the original pdfs I can probably toss those and save room on my bookshelf. Thanks!