PLAN AND SPECS DISCREPANCIES

[jtt1452]

I AM A STRUCTURAL STEEL DETAILER. THE PROJECT I AM WORKING ON CALLS FOR A572 GR 50 STEEL IN THE GENERAL NOTES ON A STRUCTURAL DRAWING. THE PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS IN SECTION 05120 CALLS FOR A36 STEEL. WHICH ONE WOULD GOVERN? I KNOW SPECIFICATIONS GOVERN PER SECTION 3 PARAGRAPH 3.3 IN THE ASD MANUAL NINTH EDITION, BUT IS THIS AN EXCEPTION?
THANKS, TIM T.

 

[JAE]

Tim,
Even though you say by the letter of the "law" the specs would govern, I would suggest you check with the engineer of record as to the correct steel. This is a very critical issue in terms of structural strength so you really want to get it right.

I would go the extra mile and verify what the engineer's intent was. My guess is that the drawings are correct as many times specs get "written" on the fly and the drawings are more intentionally created.

If the job is already bid, there may be an issue with cost as the Gr. 50 is more expensive...but safety trumps cost, right?

 

[Lutfi]

I echo JAE's comments. However, I want to add that many steel mills provide dual certification for steel (A36 or A992). In your situation, do what is right and contact the engineer to resolve this critical matter.

I must admit, most of my designs are based on A36 steel then I specify grade 50. Most fabricators will not get you A36; they will get dual certified steel.

 

[Ron]

jtt1452...JAE is right. Get verification from the structural engineer.

With regard to conflicts between plans and specs, don't believe the wive's tales. NEITHER governs unless the contract states so. Otherwise, a conflict is a conflict is a conflict!...and must be resolved by the designer.

 

[cgrim10]

i just happened to have seen this today in the green book, code of standard practice sect. 3.3 discrepancies.
i however am a firm believer in an answered rfi. cg

 

[burtonli]

You should confirm the material with the designer, or according to the note of the drawing. Sometimes, engineer used materials different from the specification.

 

[haynewp]

I have heard the same as Lutfi, and if it costs the same then why not just use the 50?