Design not following codes and standards

Question

Design not following codes and standards

CANeng11 (Civil/Environmental)

(OP)

20 Nov 19 02:05

I'm being asked to look at a proprietary product that was analyzed in a way that is not typical for the type of product. In fact, if you look at it using normal design principles, it doesn't work. Since they didn't follow accepted standards in their original design and analysis, how would one go about proving their design work for their product? Would it require a university study or testing by a certified agency? It is a structural product.

msquared48 (Structural) · Answer 1 · 2019-11-20 05:50:18

True. If you cannot prove it works by calculations, then you are relegated to performance testing, but by a reputable testing agency. The results have to be scientifically repeatable.

May still be a stretch to get some jurisdictions to accept it.

Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA, HI)

jdonville (Geotechnical) · Answer 2 · 2019-11-20 17:16:52

If it doesn't work using traditional design, then respectfully suggest that they go back to the drawing board. Structural products, for good reasons, usually require a pretty rigorous evaluation for code approvals including lab tests to failure.

Lomarandil (Structural) · Answer 3 · 2019-11-21 07:25:08

Maybe Jdonville, but there are still numerous areas in engineering where a substantial gap exists between "what works" and "what can I numerically prove will work". Some of that gap is viable, even though the numbers and theory aren't there to show why.

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just call me Lo.

jdonville (Geotechnical) · Answer 4 · 2019-11-22 22:14:35

I don't want to bet my license on it, unless the fee will keep me in beer and skittles for the rest of my life.

mk3223 (Mechanical) · Answer 5 · 2019-11-23 23:15:42

May ask for the application references of the proprietary product and compare them with your process.
Also, may ask to have SME or the 3rd party to an evaluation if you aren't comfortable with the product.

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