I have a metal building where the new owner would like to remove a center column. It looks like the column is part of the original building's endwall frame, and then the frame was left alone when another bay was added on (a full width frame in the newer part is next to this frame). So you have...
Posted here because I am looking for input mainly from structural engineers.
In considering upgrade of our computer systems (small structural design firm), we are looking into dual monitors. Any structural engineers out there using a dual configuration. If so, what are the advantages...
Outlook folders are stuffed with old emails. Many ways to file them, but none seem to be the best way. Do you move them into "project directories" with all the other project stuff and then lose them from Outlook? Or copy them and then have duplicates? After a few gigabytes here and there the...
Are there any ACI or other code limitations on how high cmu walls can be built in one day? Obviously an 8' high wall is not an issue, but what about 10, 15 or even 20'? Will the mortar have issues?
I have been doing some wind/seismic calculations for relatively light structures. The wind forces are much higher than the seismic forces in this case due to site locations.
When using the equivalent lateral force procedure I come up with basically a percentage of the weight to use as my base...
In calculating wind forces on a piece of equipment going on a roof, I noticed that ASCE 7-05 has added section 6.5.15.1 which says to multiply my wind forces by a factor of 1.9 This has caught me by surprise. Any ideas why we are basically doubling our forces now? And if that is the case, why...
Does anyone have experience with glulam beams delaminating? I have a beam which has failed possibly due to the beam delaminating from moisture swelling. The beam is in an area where there has been moisture (poorly vented crawlspace). The glue lines have split open while the 2x wood laminations...
I have a 3-d frame which will be constructed with light gage metal c-studs. Where two horizontal members will tie into a vertical member (kind of like horizontal blocking intersecting a vertical stud), should I use the same screw holes in the vertical member for attaching the connecting clips...
I work primarily with residential and smaller commercial projects, so this question may not apply to all. When I create a foundation plan drawing I have typically shown all the dimensions. Many times I am just copying from a plan designer's drawing (or taking their cad file and manipulating)...
Occasionally I need to print out new sets of plans that have been previously issued and sign/seal them (contractor lost originals or other reasons). As the original sets may have been signed months ago, it seems like something is missing if I just sign with today's date. Should I add a line...
We are a small engineering firm and struggle with backup file storage. Cad files (both ours and what is sent to us by architects) take up a bunch of disk space. Scanning project documents is also nice, but agin there needs to be a place to put them. It's convenient to have ready access to...
I am designing a 6" concrete deck that will have about a 5' cantilevered radius portion (picture a half-circle cantilever). I am trying to come up with an efficient design and not get carried away with reinforcement. Putting in rebar that follows the radius looks good on paper, but is not very...
We are trying to get a handle at our firm on what constitutes an efficient number of draftsmen assuming everyone is reasonably productive (and not surfing the internet all day). Common sense tells me if an engineer's office is backed up with overdue projects while a draftsman has nothing to do...
I am working through the analysis of a two-story building where the architect has specified stacked bond (in lieu of normal running bond) for the cmu walls. I know about the increased horizontal reinforcement requirements in the cmu, but am having trouble locating how out-of-plane flexural...
How do other folks approximate dimensions on their drawings? For example, when I have a foundation plan based on a rather weak set of building plans (residential projects do not always have complete architectural drawings) I will usually put +/- after my dimensions and follow that with a note...
Have two questions about 2000 IRC that hopefully someone can provide answers for. Is there a wind speed limit above which the wind load code provisions do not apply (similar to 2003 version)? Also, are there deflection limits under wind loads for walls with varying finishes (brittle vs. flexible)?
Suppose a building was originally designed, drawings were sealed and submitted, permits approved, and construction has begun. Now during construction, the original engineer of record can no longer be reached or is unavailable for whatever reason. As this building is being constructed in the...
Here in Florida our new code now contains language taken from the International code limiting stud deflections due to lateral (i.e. wind) loads . Distinction is made between brittle and flexible finishes. If I consider stucco to be a brittle finish I am hard pressed to get a 2x4 framed wall to...
