|
When should I bring in the assistance of an engineer?
We are happy to provide early schematic engineering assistance,
especially on projects that have unique framing systems or are located
in unusual locations (on a bluff exposed to winds, when snow loads are
heavy, etc.). This can provide early assurance that the project is
close on layout to what is needed to withstand the design loads.
Normally we become involved when a building department requires certain
components to be designed by an engineer (lateral bracing for the view
wall of a house, foundation system, long beam spans, etc.). At that
point we will look at the plans you provide and either give you a firm
quote or a rough estimate of the price, and timeframe for the scope of
work that you require. Some projects are complex enough that we
recommend that we become involved at the design development stage (when
plans and elevations are mostly complete for all levels and all views
of the building, and when framing plans show rough locations of
members) for a full gravity and lateral analysis (beams, shear walls
and foundation).
What’s the best way to send plans to you?
You are welcome to email full-sized PDFs of each plan sheet to the
email address shown below, or email AutoCAD files. When doing so,
please let us know what scope of work is required and your desired
timeframe.
Do you normally create framing and foundation plans?
We normally create structural framing and foundation plans in
conjunction with our architectural designs. When working with
other designers or architects we do these only as requested. If
the designer prefers, our calculation report with schematic layout of
framing and foundation systems may be used by them to create the
framing and foundation plans. We find that most
building departments do not require an engineer to prepare the plans or
stamp them, and this is a way to save the owner money. When building
departments
require the framing and / or foundation plans to be stamped by the
engineer, then we would almost always need to create these plans.
What DO you typically provide?
For a typical home requiring a gravity and lateral analysis (beam /
column / foundation sizing and shear wall analysis), we will use the
plans you provide to create simple diagrams for reference in our
report. These diagrams refer to beams, columns, footings, etc. and
tables show the required sizes, connections, and options for each as
appropriate. The diagrams are also used to specify minimum nailing
requirements and hardware for shear wall bracing. Also included are
details that show foundation reinforcing requirements, shearwall
attachment details, roof framing details, etc. Along with these
diagrams, sketches, and tables of callouts are the calculations used to
create them, bound together in one report. Most designers will use our
diagrams to revise the framing plans for the member sizes they prefer,
then paste up our sketches onto plan-sized pages to include in their
plan set to submit.
Can I avoid the cost of engineering?
Building jurisdictions usually require engineering for homes that do
not meet their 'prescriptive' requirements as specified in the building
code (typically the latest International Residential Code). This means
that perimeter openings and interior walls would need to be placed at
certain spacings to provide a generally-acceptable bracing capability
to resist wind and earthquakes. Foundations can be designed
prescriptively, though in our opinion, the code-required reinforcing is
significantly less than what is prudent. Also, the members used to span
larger distances must come from the span tables in the code. Note that
other criteria apply regarding snow loads, wind speed, dead loads of
materials, etc. Once you've met these criteria, your building
department can confirm whether or not engineering is still required for
certain elements.
How accurate must I be in providing the location of my future building?
The short answer is: quite accurate. For projects near urban areas an
address and nearest intersection is fine. For rural areas we prefer the
property location and the building's placement on the property. For
wind calculations this is important when the structure is located near
the top of a hill or bluff (where wind pressures are higher). This is
also important when higher elevations call for higher snow loads.
Possibly the best way to provide this is with a plat map showing where
the structure is to be located. For those who are willing to do a bit
more, you can find the latitude and longitude coordinates for your
property which can be found at this link (http://www.terraserver.com/). Then just email the link at the top or email a PDF of the resulting webpage.
What can I do to permit my client almost an entire wall of glass?
The system we’ve employed that has worked quite well in the past is to
create a rigid steel bent or ‘U’ shape that goes from one corner of the
room, directly under the roof line, and to the other corner of the
room, within the thickness of the wall. Depending on sizes and loading,
the bent may also benefit from horizontal beams and / or vertical posts
within the steel assembly. All posts are attached directly to the top
of concrete walls if possible. Windows, wall framing, and roof framing
are attached to the steel using 2x nailers the thickness of the wall
system, which are bolted or screwed onto the steel frame.
Are you willing to travel to my site?
We are certainly willing to travel to your site, should that be
necessary. Normally we work from the plans provided by others that show
the important site features (slope, etc.) and obtain additional
information from those who have seen the property, the soils, etc. But
when desired or required we are happy to travel to your job site to
assist on the design and construction requirements. Note that
travel
costs typically include mileage, flights, a rental car, hotel, per diem
(or common daily rate), and hourly charges on site. Construction
site administration is not something that we do.
|