Recent content by rday

I can't think of a reason to NOT take the FE. As many have said, you never know where life will take you or what may happen in industry.

2009 IBC Section 16 Table 1609.3.1 is equivalent basic wind speeds fastest mile vs. 3-sec gust. It's a place to start.

I would stiffen. I woud refer to AISC 13th Edition Section J10.7 on unframed ends of beams and girders.

spats, No. Must be at least three. per the 2005 NDS 4.3.9 Repetitive Member Factor, "members which are in contact or spaced not more than 24" on centers, are not less than three in number......"

My wall certificate says I am "...duly licensed..." as a professional engineer. My seal says Colorado Registered Professional Engineer.

It could be designed as plain concrete. Why not just call the designer and ask?

I work for a small consulting firm and we had a similar situation. We held a meeting and instituted furlough days (1 a week) with each employee picking their own day. This was a measure to keep us all employed and when things pick up we go back to business as usual. It's not the best for...

Your boss is exactly the person to whom you should be directing questions. Part of the senior's role is to mentor young engineers. Your boss knows you lack practical experience and expects some questions that may seem stupid to you. Trust me they are not. I'm a senior engineer and love...

I don't the the advice you're getting from the engineers here is crap. ;-) Contact an attorney. NOW!

Also, be aware the are numerous manufacturers of laminated veneer lumber (LVL). Microlam in the trade name of the Weyerhauser product. Before using their values try to verify it is their product.

StruCalc only does one side when calculating the size requirement of a hip beam. My question from your sketch is how are you supporting the top end of this beam (these beams)? StruCalc assumes a pin connection at each end. From you sketch, I can't tell how you're addressing this issue.

I've never seen anything in any code that prohibits hairpins.

I really dislike sq ft pricing. I assume you're not actually pricing that way, just backing out a number as a comparison. $0.30 is way too low. I charged more for side work, when I used to do side from home. For residential I am averaging about $1.40 sq ft, for low to medium rise commercial...

In my position, I would price the same way now I did last year and the year before. By what we believe it will cost us to do the work. I am with a small firm and believe our fees are reasonable. I know of several large local firms that have indeed lowered fees on recent proposals. This after...

Since the state board approved him to sit for the FE; I assume there is a path to licensure. I think you may be better served taking the electrical afternoon portion. The afternoon portion does cover some stuff you will not have seen.