Reviewing Existing Anchor Bolts

[waytsh]

Hi All,

I apologize if this has been asked before but I searched the forum and couldn't find anything. I am working on some recommendations for the renovation of a steel building and will need to review the existing foundation for the new loads. The problem is that there are no drawings available for the foundations. For the footings we will be able to do some exploratory excavating to determine the size and thickness. My problem is going to be determining the capcaity of the anchor bolts not knowing the configuration of the bolts (embedment depth and headed or "J")and the reinforcing in the pedestal. What options are available and how have others handled this problem in the past?

Thank you

 

[steellion]

Measure the anchor rod diameter, and if you know the approximate age of the structure, dig into the historical guidelines to determine what was most popular to use at that time.

 

[apsix]

Assume you have a problem if the calculated load is anywhere near (50%?) the capacity determined by steellion's method.

 

[waytsh]

It looks like the building was built in 2002 and the steel portion was designed in accordance with the 1996 BOCA code with 1999 Amendments. The foundations were not designed by the same company that did the steel building but I assume they would have used the same code. Do you know what document or standard would have been used along with this code?

 

[racookpe1978]

2002 and no one in the owner/arch firm/builder have drawings or plans or spec's or purchase orders?

Sure, minor things might get "field run" but concrete anchors have to be spec'ed on both the concrete drawings and the steel drawings.

2002 is very recent. Find out who was the contractor, who poured the concrete, and who did the steel erection. Buy him/them lunch, (dinner & movie ?), golf fees and ask.

It will be cheaper than digging holes. And guessing based on spec's that (probably) were not followed. (If they weren't drafting and filing record copies of their drawings for their concrete foundations, why should I think they would follow the most recent building spec's? )

 

[waytsh]

I find it unusual as well that there are no drawings. We have located what appears to be an early set of foundation drawings (some hand sketches) but it only shows rough footing and pedestal sizes. No mention of the anchor bolts or the reinforcing. From what I understand there was a law suit immediatley following the completion of the project because of cost over-runs. I have a feeling this might be playing a role in why there "appear" to be no final foundation drawings.