MCC on Eng Tips
Civil/Environmental
I dislike starting my membership in this forum with a question like this, but it is what prompted me to finally sign up.
We design agricultural pole barns several times a year. Typically I only look at loads and ensure the structure can resist it. I leave construction techniques (unless load conditions require specificity), fastening, and other basic items covered in the ICC to the Owner/Builder. Recently we had an Owner purchase treated lumber for his columns, he didn't tell the lumber yard what it was for, and bought the cheapest boards available. Turns out, he bought no-ground-contact rated treated lumber (0.05 pcf Copper Azole) - he is installing 2x6 laminated columns. The inspector caught that they were not for ground installation and halted the project. I believe we have the situation resolved, but now he has stated he wants someone else to pay for the solution. Can it be considered industry standard to not specify what "level" of treated wood in an agricultural pole barn? Dimension columns are usually rated for in-ground, but the Owner opted for the laminated alternate. There is a disclaimer that builder must comply with IBC where not specifically stated on the plan, and I doubt this Owner has even heard of the Codes other than they are something he see's no point in. He's not going to get anywhere with his sabre rattling but I want to ensure that I'm not placing an unnecessary burden on Owner/Builders.
The second part to the question is: is concrete considered ground contact (no exposure to moist soils)? I'm unable to find a definition of ground in the IRC or through the American Wood Preservers Association (they are on vacation until 9/23). Is fully embedded in a concrete pier considered in-ground installation as far as wood treatment level requirements.
Mods: Please move this post to any other section as necessary.
MCC
We design agricultural pole barns several times a year. Typically I only look at loads and ensure the structure can resist it. I leave construction techniques (unless load conditions require specificity), fastening, and other basic items covered in the ICC to the Owner/Builder. Recently we had an Owner purchase treated lumber for his columns, he didn't tell the lumber yard what it was for, and bought the cheapest boards available. Turns out, he bought no-ground-contact rated treated lumber (0.05 pcf Copper Azole) - he is installing 2x6 laminated columns. The inspector caught that they were not for ground installation and halted the project. I believe we have the situation resolved, but now he has stated he wants someone else to pay for the solution. Can it be considered industry standard to not specify what "level" of treated wood in an agricultural pole barn? Dimension columns are usually rated for in-ground, but the Owner opted for the laminated alternate. There is a disclaimer that builder must comply with IBC where not specifically stated on the plan, and I doubt this Owner has even heard of the Codes other than they are something he see's no point in. He's not going to get anywhere with his sabre rattling but I want to ensure that I'm not placing an unnecessary burden on Owner/Builders.
The second part to the question is: is concrete considered ground contact (no exposure to moist soils)? I'm unable to find a definition of ground in the IRC or through the American Wood Preservers Association (they are on vacation until 9/23). Is fully embedded in a concrete pier considered in-ground installation as far as wood treatment level requirements.
Mods: Please move this post to any other section as necessary.
MCC