STRUCTURE 2011-04 April (Concrete)
STRUCTURE 2011-04 April (Concrete)
STRUCTURE 2011-04 April (Concrete)
POWERS OFFERS
THE MOST CODE
LISTED PRODUCTS
26 From Office-to-Condominium,
The Park Monroe COLUMNS
By Terry McDonald, S.E., P.E. and Homa Ghaemi, S.E., P.E. 5 Editorial
With the help of structural engineers, the reserve strength Structural Engineering Business
of the building structure can be utilized for dramatic effects, as Unusual
expanding the realm of possibilities for owners and develop- By John A. Mercer, Jr., P.E., SECB
ers. This was the case with the Park Monroe at 55/65 E. 7 InFocus
Monroe in Chicago, Illinois. The Park Monroe renovation The Importance of an
consisted of converting the top ten office floors to condo- Engineering License
minium units, which required numerous structural tasks. By Richard Hess, S.E., SECB
and Jon A. Schmidt, P.E., SECB
9 Building Blocks
STRUCTURE
Steven H. Miller
ON THE COVER
Overlooking downtown Chicago’s beautiful Millennium Park, the
Park Monroe was renovated from an office building to a mixed-
IN EVERY ISSUE
A Joint Publication of NCSEA | CASE | SEI
Publication of any article, image, or advertisement in STRUCTURE® magazine does not constitute endorsement
by NCSEA, CASE, SEI, C 3 Ink, or the Editorial Board. Authors, contributors, and advertisers retain sole
responsibility for the content of their submissions.
T
he CASE Winter meeting held in Jacksonville, FL is
now in the books. It was held just prior to the NCSEA
Winter Institute. Hats off to Mike Tylk and the NCSEA
Continuing Education Committee.
CASE Committee meetings culminated in watching the final Space
Shuttle Launch from Cape Kennedy late on Thursday afternoon.
Flaming orange fire 117 miles to the south was visible through a
slight haze in the atmosphere as the Shuttle Launch made its way
streaking out of our atmosphere. A reflecting flash of light was all
we could see as the Shuttle must have been making its roll over, and
then it was gone from sight. About 10 minutes later, a thundering section to failure. The member held approximately 135,000 lbs. prior
sound made its way past our location on the beach of the Amelia to excessive deflection and flexural failure.
Island Plantation Resort drowning out the sound of the Atlantic’s It is apparent that the ongoing challenge for the EOR in the
waves splashing on the beach. Reflections of the 1950’s television marketplace is the proliferation of new building and construction
series of Flash Gordon came to mind, proving once again that man technologies that require a SSE’s experience and oversight. More and
can achieve what he can conceive. more projects are being constructed with an assemblage of industry
The theme of the Winter Institute was Deferred Submittals: What SSEs supplying a specific product for a project, thereby displacing
the EOR Needs to Know and Show from Design to Construction, the apparent importance of the EOR. As a result, the decline in the
which at first seemed to be not too daunting a subject, but as we got EOR’s market share and importance is becoming a concern.
into the presentations there was an apparent picture of a problem Continuation of this trend to shift market share due to new construc-
developing. A lot of presentations centered around coordination tion systems is going to require additional coordination by someone to
of information between the Engineer of Record (EOR) and the insure that the project requirements are met and not misinterpreted,
Specialty Structural Engineer (SSE). or misrepresented by the gaggle of SSEs.
My first job experience out of the university was working for a pre- Ultimately, I believe Risk Management will surface as the champion
stressed concrete company as a SSE. It was there that I learned the for the need of an EOR at the helm of a project. “Attention to detail”,
submittal process for shop and placement drawings with the General an inherent trait of a good SSE, is going to become more important
Contractor and the A/E for the project. I spent a lot of time educat- for the EOR going forward. Many EOR’s do pay attention to the
ing the EORs on how to specify loading information needed by the details, while a few may not. The insurance industry will continue
precast (P/C) industry SSE to properly design P/C members. Many to be the barometer for these trends, measured with our Liability
EORs were intimidated by prestressed design, as this was back when Insurance Rates.
the Prestressed Concrete Institute’s Handbook was in it’s Version 1.0. CASE to the rescue! The CASE documents and Risk Management
Issues that continued to present themselves were mostly concerned Toolkit committees have successfully focused on these problems,
with the mechanical system loads-to and openings-in the P/C. Getting recently supported by a 2011 CASE survey. The mission of CASE has
the GC, mechanical contractor, and A/E to understand that once the been successful in helping mitigate the Risk that CASE structural firms
member was cast, all bets are off on strengthening a member for an have faced in the past. Firms concerned about the viability of their
opening or for an additional load. structural engineering practices should consider CASE membership
That all had to happen prior to to receive free CASE documents and tools.
placing the concrete that would Is it “Business As Usual” in your firm to use contracts with “scope
®
achieve a compressive strength of of services” and systems that “document the coordination” of RFIs
structure
5000 psi plus. Receipt of infor- and submittals in-and-out of your office? One goal of CASE is to get
mation and changes also had to all engineering firms to adopt a culture of risk management and best
a member benefit
meet a plant casting schedule to business practices to achieve lower insurance rates for all structural
insure delivery to a project at a engineering firms.
specified time. Is it “Business As Unusual” in your firm?▪
One of the highlights of the
Institute was the visit to the
John A. Mercer, Jr., P.E., SECB (Engineer@minot.com), is the
CANAM steel joist fabrication
president of Mercer Engineering, PC, in Minot, North Dakota.
plant and GATE Precast Plant in
STRUCTURAL He currently serves as Chair of the Council of American Structural
Jacksonville, FL. The most excit-
ENGINEERING
Engineers (CASE) and is a CASE representative on STRUCTURE’s
INSTITUTE ing part of the plant visits was the
Editorial Board.
loading of a 73-foot, 32-inch DT
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Geodetic Science invites applica-
STRUCTURE® (Volume 18, Number 4). ISSN 1536-4283.
tions for a tenure-track assistant professor position in the area of infrastructure. Research areas sought Publications Agreement No. 40675118. Owned by the
include: sustainable structures, green buildings, smart structures and structural health monitoring National Council of Structural Engineers Associations and
using sensor networks, energy efficiency in buildings, resilient infrastructure, hazard mitigation and published in cooperation with CASE and SEI monthly by C3
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of NCSEA, CASE and SEI; the non-member subscription
or hurricanes), rehabilitation of existing infrastructure, improvement of structural performance using rate is $65/yr domestic; $35/yr student; $90/yr Canada;
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earned doctoral degree in civil engineering or closely-related field is required and the potential to STRUCTURE® is a registered trademark of National Council of
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half of this research conducted in the College of Engineering. The Department currently has 19 National Council of Structural
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T
o be or not to be… licensed. That is the question; at least, have mastered the academic technical subjects that form the basis
it is one of the questions prompted by those among the of our work. Then they must pass one or more discipline-specific
public who perceive man-made disasters to be attributable examinations to demonstrate the ability to apply those fundamen-
to bad engineering. This question has been raised again in tals in the solution of the types of problems dealt with in their field.
investigations of the Deepwater Horizon blowout explosion of April Such rigorous qualification is especially critical for those who will
20, 2010 that caused the tragic deaths of eleven workers, economic be independently responsible for unique structures with life safety
challenges for affected communities that rely on tourism, and envi- features present. A building is such a project, and so is an offshore
ronmental impacts that are still being assessed. platform. When a structural engineer designs a building in any local
(Fortunately, the near total destruction of the Gulf beaches did not jurisdiction, that governmental entity first requires submission of
occur as many anticipated. This is probably because the oil involved plans with the designer’s seal and signature on it. When the United
was “light” crude, much of which tends to evaporate, and because States Government is asked to issue a permit for an offshore drilling
of the little creatures that live off of the oil that naturally flows into platform, why does it not do the same?
the ocean from deep water fissures in the earth’s crust located around Unfortunately, federal agencies appear to be among the worst
the globe.) offenders in not insisting that professionally recognized and licensed
The question is important, although the reason why it has become engineers take responsibility for these kinds of projects. It is one thing
a prominent issue at this time has more to do with national politics for the military to function that way in a war zone where a landing
and environmentalism than it does with the state of the engineer- field or defensive shelter has to be built immediately to save lives. It
ing profession. More specifically, the question of whether engineers should be recognized that other arms of the government, which either
responsible for activities involving life safety and environmental impact commission or issue permits for construction or resource develop-
should be required to be licensed should receive more attention than ment, should operate differently and mandate professional licensing
it normally does. of the men and women who design and supervise those activities.
Before addressing the political issues that frame this discussion, we The bottom line is that all engineering documents, whether intended
should point out an important factor that is given scant attention by for public or private projects, should be prepared and sealed by a
the reporting media, the politicians involved and the acclaimed experts licensed individual with the appropriate technical qualifications as
in academia. The term “engineer” includes a great many different demonstrated by education, experience and examination. Requiring
“professions” with widely varying tasks and responsibilities, which certification by someone with a professionally recognized license
have in common only the fact that the technical basis for their work not only increases the likelihood of that person’s capability, it also
is derived from physics and chemistry. These are now understood to causes that person to realize that he or she is the only one who will
be one subject, as was the case when they were jointly called “natural be held responsible, and that he or she cannot assume that someone
philosophy” a couple of centuries ago. else will take care of a portion of the work. That is a big incentive
Those of us who graduated in the civil/structural engineering field for someone to make sure that he or she knows all that is involved,
usually have very different responsibilities than engineers in other, and not just a part of it.
more “process-oriented” engineering disciplines. This is due primarily Indications are that the decisions that led to the Gulf oil spill were not
to the nature of our work. For one thing, the loads and forces that we entrusted to licensed engineers. If they had been, would the outcome
design a structure to resist might be expected to occur only once during perhaps have been different? We will never know.▪
its anticipated period of service, and therefore the work of a structural
engineer may never be tested during his or her lifetime. However, it
is also possible that the maximum force could occur tomorrow or the
Richard L. Hess, S.E., SECB is a consulting structural engineer
next day. Each new building–unless it is a tract home or a repetitious
in Southern California, specializing in the retrofit, repair and
manufacturing facility–is a unique project, never to be replicated,
alteration of buildings and other structures. He can be reached at
under the design responsibility of an engineer of record who seals
RLHess@HessEng.com.
and signs the construction documents. There is no prototype to be
tested before many more of the same are produced as with airplanes Jon A. Schmidt, P.E., SECB is an associate structural engineer at
or electrical components, for example. Burns & McDonnell in Kansas City, Missouri. He can be reached
Individuals who intend to pursue a career in engineering must at jschmid@burnsmcd.com.
first pass a test in the relevant fundamentals, showing that they
Shearwalls:
• Shear wall deflection and story drift
• Deflection derived stiffness for force distribution
• Hold-down design using editable database
Sizer:
• Full control over bearing and span lengths
• Supporting member bearing design
• Full, clear or design spans
• Multiple beams and columns in one workspace
• Integration with Autodesk Revit® (optional)
Robert Jonkman, P.Eng, Manager, Structural Engineering and WoodWorks Software, Canadian Wood Council
www.woodworks-software.com 800-844-1275
Load Load Load Load
Building
Chord/Rim 4' 4' 4'
24'
Blocks
Interior 4x2 blocking
(blocked floors only)
Rail
24'
I-Joists
"Other" Edge
Nailing
Chord/Rim
Boundary
Continous Panel
Nailing
Edge Nailing
Reaction Reaction
Parallel to Load
M
odern light-frame roof and (International Code I-Joist Diaphragm Systems
floor systems routinely com- Council 2009) and
bine pre-fabricated wood the Special Design
I-joists with wood structural Provisions for Wind and Seismic (SPDWS) Performance Trends Observed
panel sheathing. A primary function of a light- (American Wood Council 2008). Tables,
frame floor or roof is to serve as a diaphragm like 2009 IBC Table 2306.2.1(1), were first
with Full-Scale Testing
that collects lateral load and transfers it to developed in the 1950s and have evolved over
By Ned Waltz, P.E., SECB
the shear walls and foundations. Diaphragm time. The original rationalizations for these
and J. Daniel Dolan, P.E.
design provisions for light-frame wood con- tables were based on an analysis of sheathing
struction have been successfully employed and attachment schedules for lumber-framed
for decades and were originally developed diaphragms with plywood panel sheathing.
for lumber framing. Designers often wonder They have been subsequently modified based
if they are equally applicable to diaphragms on results from a variety of full-scale test pro- Ned Waltz, P.E., SECB is the Senior
framed with wood I-joists. The objective of grams that introduced additional materials, Engineer for Product Evaluation at
this article is to provide some insight into failure modes, and design considerations. Weyerhaeuser’s technology center in
how shear capacities are rationalized for I-joist Original I-joist framing products used lami- Boise, ID. He may be reached at
diaphragms, and to summarize potentially nated veneer lumber (LVL) or sawn lumber ned.waltz@weyerhaeuser.com.
useful trends observed with full-scale testing. flanges with thicknesses of 1.5 inches or
J. Daniel Dolan, P.E. is a Professor of
greater. These thicknesses were consistent
Civil and Environmental Engineering
with 2-inch nominal material typically used
Diaphragm Design to “block” a lumber diaphragm and exceeded
and Director of Codes and Standards for
the Composite Materials and Engineering
Diaphragms are typically modeled as deep, specified minimum fastener penetration
Center at WSU. He may be reached at
in-plane beams. Perimeter framing is designed requirements. Provided that the diaphragm
jddolan@wsu.edu.
to act as tension/compression chords or struts. configuration adhered to the manufacturer’s
Wood structural panel sheathing combines fastener spacing recommendations to avoid
with joists to serve as the “web” that transfers splitting, and the flange material could ratio-
shear. Joists provide out-of-plane stiffening nalize equivalent fastener performance to
and load transfer between discrete panel an appropriate sawn lumber species, it was
sheathing elements. This makes sheathing- judged that application of shear design tables
to-framing attachment a critical element that like 2009 IBC Table 2306.2.1(1) could be
often defines shear capacity of the assembly. extended to these products.
Wood structural panel diaphragms are nor- As I-joist products are optimized, it has
mally designed in accordance with provisions become common to see LVL flange thick-
of the International Building Code (IBC) nesses less than 1.5 inches. The industry
STRUCTURE magazine 9
of this rotation is typically consistent between
diaphragm tension and compression chords.
Due to panel geometry, the observed move-
ment between adjacent sheathing panels is
typically several times greater along long edge
joints than at short end joints. The large rela-
tive movement between panel edges creates a
tension perpendicular-to-grain splitting force
across the framing at the fasteners for adja-
cent panels. At panel end joints, it induces
perpendicular-to-grain forces into the framing
as panel end joints rotate and the nails induce
perpendicular-to-grain prying forces into the
framing. Ultimately, these deformations lead to
failure in some combination of panel buckling/
crushing, sheathing nail withdrawal, framing
Figure 2: Illustration of Test Setup (24 x 24 ft., Case 5 shown). splitting, and/or sheathing edge tear out. The
Case 1 diaphragms tested exhibited similar
has long recognized that reducing flange relatively low variability of full-scale assembly behavior with the exception that panel bear-
thickness beyond a certain threshold has testing, two replicates have typically been ing and crushing were also observed between
the potential to adversely impact sheath- tested for each condition per the requirements interlocking panel rows. Figure 4 (page 12)
ing nail embedment and split resistance to of ASTM E455. Nearly all I-joist diaphragms illustrates the mode of failure observed for
the point where diaphragm capacity may have been tested with dimensions of 24 feet by a “blocked” Case 1 diaphragm. However, as
be influenced. International Code Council 24 feet to focus on shear transfer capabilities with the benchmark sawn lumber tests, the
Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) acceptance cri- and to correspond with a benchmark sawn dominant failure modes observed with I-joist
terion for I-joists defines that threshold as lumber diaphragm test database. diaphragms were tension perpendicular-to-
15/16 inch (ICC-ES 2010) based primarily Regardless of configuration, observed grain fracture of the framing and sheathing nail
on sheathing nail embedment calculations. diaphragm behaviors are fundamentally withdrawal. Sheathing related failure modes
I-joist products with flanges thinner than consistent. Initially, diaphragms deform played a less significant role. Given that many
15/16 inch are subsequently required to elastically as a deep beam without percep- of the potential diaphragm failure modes that
conduct “full-scale horizontal diaphragm tible relative movement between framing limit capacity are not typically addressed by a
testing” to rationalize performance. and sheathing. At loads in excess of design connection analysis, the importance of test-
At present, at least two manufacturers have loads, visible relative movement can be based verification for diaphragm systems that
conducted full-scale diaphragm testing to inves- observed between adjacent sheathing panels depart significantly from the historical basis
tigate performance of I-joist product lines with and between panels and framing. Figure seems to be confirmed.
flange thicknesses less than 15/16 inches. Both 3 illustrates these trends for a 2009 IBC
manufacturers have developed related design Table 2306.2.1(1) “Case 5” diaphragm con-
recommendations and limitations that are figuration that aligns panel joints in both
Performance Trends
included in their evaluation reports. In general, directions. Shear flow causes panels at the The compiled database of full-scale I-joist
the manufacturers have proven equivalence to reactions to rotate in opposite directions diaphragm tests provides an opportunity to
a subset of the current diaphragm design tables towards the span centerline. The magnitude draw comparisons between similar test sets.
for sawn lumber. They generally do not permit continued on page 12
thinner flanged I-joist products to be used in the
highest load applications that require the closest
sheathing attachment schedules.
Full-Scale Testing
At present, Weyerhaeuser has conducted 41
full-scale tests on I-joist diaphragm systems
framed with I-joists with LVL flange thick-
nesses between 1⅛ and 1¼ inches. Figures
1 (page 9) and 2 illustrate test conditions
chosen to be consistent with requirements of
ASTM E455 (ASTM 2004) and benchmark
testing conducted with sawn lumber. A variety
of I-joist materials, sheathing products, dia-
phragm configurations, sheathing fasteners,
and fastening schedules have been tested to
verify shear transfer and deformation perfor-
mance capabilities. Given the high cost and Figure 3: Typical Diaphragm Movement Mechanisms (Case 5 Shown).
Uncracked
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While extrapolations beyond tested condi- framed with LVL flanges that had the same
tions should be approached with caution, species and grade but used a slightly thicker
comparisons in Table 1 suggest trends that veneer peel had about 15% less capacity. As
could be useful to the designer: with the last item, this would seem to confirm
that diaphragm performance is product depen-
Flange Species
dent. It further emphasizes that extrapolation
Douglas-fir LVL flanged I-joists outperformed of performance recommendations between
their southern pine counterparts in 4 out of seemingly similar manufacturers and products
the 5 similar diaphragm configurations tested should be avoided.
(Lines 1-5). This trend contradicts what is
Blocking Quality
expected based on a sheathing fastener con-
nection analysis that assumes a higher specific Line 7 illustrates the influence that blocking
gravity for southern pine. This trend may selection can have on capacity. Even with
be due to the difference in tension perpen- I-joist materials taken as being a constant
dicular-to-grain strengths or typical veneer between tests, use of low specific gravity
thicknesses of the LVL fabricated with each blocking material (0.45 vs. the intended
species. How well these particular commercial 0.50) reduced diaphragm capacity by about
species combinations fit the specific gravity- 15%. This shows that selection of a blocking Figure 4: Failure Modes – Framing Splitting from
based fastener design models may also play a material is likely as important as selection of a Panel Prying (Case 1 Shown).
role. Regardless, it highlights that an I-joist joist and should be consistent with the design
manufacturer needs to evaluate the diaphragm assumption. For example, avoid using spruce- splitting and can provide for increased edge
performance of each primary species used for pine-fir blocking if Douglas-fir diaphragm distance and staggered nail patterns that pro-
flange material. It also suggests that designers design values are targeted. vide better load transfer.
should avoid applying the diaphragm recom-
Flange Width Nail Size
mendations for one I-joist product to another.
Comparisons on Lines 8-11 illustrate that, as Line 12 illustrates that a relatively intense
LVL Veneer Thickness
with sawn lumber, wider framing results in 10d sheathing nail pattern resulted in a
The Line 6 comparison illustrates what a increased capacity. This is consistent with the 16% increase in capacity relative to using 6d
relatively subtle difference in I-joist product code design provisions and can be attributed sheathing nails. In contrast, corresponding
composition can have on capacity. Diaphragms to the fact that wider framing tends to reduce shear design capacities for lumber diaphragms
increase by about 70%. This highlights
the importance of flange splitting and
the need for the manufacturer to address
the resulting capacity limitations in
their design guidance. Also, since the
design recommendations provided by
the manufacturer are typically governed
by “worst case” conditions that involve
larger diameter fasteners, there is likely
some relative conservatism associated
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Notes:
1
All of the tests summarized in this table used I-joist framing with laminated veneer lumber (LVL) flanges. The “DF” and “SP” species designations
represent Douglas-Fir and southern pine, respectively.
2
All of the tests summarized in this table used either plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) sheathing materials.
3
Except as noted in Lines 14 and 15, all of these full-scale diaphragms had dimensions of 24 ft. x 24 ft.
4
The majority of the comparisons are based on the average of two tests. However, only a single diaphragm was tested in the following cases: Line 3
Variables 1 and 2, Line 14 Variable 2, and Line 17 Variable 1.
5
Sheathing nail sizes were as follows: 6d - 0.113 x 2.0 in., 8d - 0.131 x 2.5 in., 10d - 0.148 x 3.0 in.
“Case 1” configuration that requires fewer fas- This highlights the importance for the man- diameter common nail. Line 17 provides a
teners and interlocks the panels. It also suggests ufacturer to evaluate a configuration that similar comparison for a proprietary fastener
that there are some relative benefits for the encourages realistic stress flows through the that claims superior diaphragm performance
designer to, whenever possible, favor specifica- system if design values are being developed. for some configurations based on small-scale
tion of diaphragm “cases” that use interlocking The designer should also specify products that fastener testing and analysis. In reality, the
panels and fewer fasteners to transfer shear. have been rationalized accordingly. proprietary fastener performed about the
same as the smaller diameter ring shank nail.
Diaphragm Size Fastener Type
Extra withdrawal and lateral resistance doesn’t
The 24-foot by 24-foot diaphragm size used Lines 16 and 17 provide some insight into the necessarily translate into improved diaphragm
for most of the testing summarized by Table relative influence of fastener selection. Eight performance if an alternative failure mode not
1 was chosen to promote shear distortion in penny (8d) ring shank (0.120-inch diameter) addressed by the fastener review, such as fram-
a condition that combined full-size sheathing and 8d common (0.131-inch diameter) nails ing splitting, governs. The designer should
elements with at least 2 interior panel joints are assumed to provide equivalent perfor- be cautious when specifying proprietary fas-
in each direction. It also corresponded with mance for unblocked diaphragms in some teners that claim diaphragm performance
a benchmark database for sawn lumber. As prescriptive situations. The full-scale tests of improvements that have not been verified
suggested by Lines 14 and 15, testing other Line 16 suggest that the smaller diameter ring against all failure modes possible in a full-
sizes may result in slightly different answers. shank nail actually out-performed the larger scale diaphragm.
continued on next page
STRUCTURE magazine 13 April 2011
1600
1400
In some cases, a designer will also need to
1300
predict diaphragm deformation. For sawn
1200
lumber diaphragms, this is typically done
using either the traditional “4-term” or simpli- 1100
Conclusions
Subject to the manufacturer’s recom-
mendations, pre-fabricated wood
I-joists can be used for diaphragm
“I really like the fact that you actively support and communicate construction. However, the per-
directly with your clients on a regular basis, and that you are formance of an I-joist diaphragm
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regular guys like us…I KNOW that you are accessible.” assembly will be dependent on specific
I-joist product used and its relevant
attributes (i.e. flange geometry, mate-
David D. Kampe, P.E. rial, species, veneer thickness for LVL
ddk Engineering flanges, etc.). Few I-joists can serve
as a direct substitute for sawn-lumber
framing in the full range of appli-
cations addressed by building code
diaphragm design provisions. The
manufacturer’s sheathing nail spacing
and diaphragm design recommenda-
tions should always be considered as
part of the design process.▪
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Solaris Tekla
Structures Model
COLLABORATE
TO REDUCE RISK Wayne Muir, P.E.,
Managing Principal & President,
Structural Consultants, Inc.
*All images courtesy of Structural Consultants, Inc. Denver, CO
Wayne Muir and his team have done it again! Using the Tekla Structures BIM Model, Structural Consultants, Inc. (SCI)
delivered more information to the estimators earlier in the project, lowering the financial risk to the owner and his
contractors. The steel package gave the fabricator, detailer and erector a better understanding of the engineer’s design
intent and put greater certainty into the cost model for a major subcontract early in the project. At the same time,
the architect and SCI successfully exchanged BIM models to collaborate their designs. “Being able to collaborate and
coordinate our design efforts in the Tekla Structural environment was a tremendous asset to this project, that really paid
off during the construction phase,” says Wayne Muir.
4D BIM or Simulation-Based
Modeling
By Jim Jacobi, P.E.
Figure 1: Sequential film strip images from video production showing the planned erection
sequence for a pedestrian bridge.
A
s building information model- if ” scenarios to test and improve differ-
ing (BIM) based project delivery ent schemes. Simulations of installation
methods continue to take hold in conflicts, design clashes, and work-
our industry, an intriguing and flow management can be performed
Jim Jacobi, P.E. (JJacobi@WalterPMoore.com),
sophisticated modeling technique is begin- before the work begins. Construction
is a senior principal and the Chief Information
ning to emerge. It is often referred to as 4D sequences can be simulated to facilitate
Officer at Walter P Moore in Houston, Texas.
BIM or Simulation-Based Modeling and quick and effective decision-making by
relies on integrating components of the 3D the contractor, design team, and owner.
BIM with time- or schedule-related infor- They can be performed continuously
mation. The use of the term 4D is intended for an overview, or stepped through to
to refer to the fourth dimension: time. The show the project at particular points in
construction of these so-called 4D models time. Because these sequences are linked
enables one to visualize the entire duration to actual project schedules, they provide
of a series of events and is being used by a valuable context. The same technology
variety of project participants from designers can be used to resource space planning
to contractors. scenarios and evaluate various equip-
These 4D models expand the value of ment placement options, to name but
the traditional 3D models developed two examples. Real-time navigation
during the BIM-enabled design process, through the modeled environment is
together with a project’s scheduling supported during the simulations to
systems, by improving understanding enhance exploration.
and collaboration for all project par- The process of creating a 4D model can
ticipants. Some of the key attributes be relatively straightforward so long as
associated with these models will the BIM models have been developed
improve site planning by enabling “what with sufficient granularity. Individual
STRUCTURE magazine 17
elements (or groups of elements) in a proceed unencumbered. However, if the example, consider the modeling practice
discipline’s BIM model must be linked 3D model has been created with no regard for the deck of a parking garage structure.
with discrete, date-driven construction for such construction-related segregation, Depending upon the structural configura-
activities that are generally contained in then some remodeling effort will likely be tion of the garage, it may prove expedient
the contractor’s schedule. The 4D model required to ensure an accurate linking of to model a large slab monolithically. If a
creator uses a simple process to link model model components to time line activi- construction simulation model is desired
elements with line items in the construc- ties. For this reason, it is important for for the project, the monolithic garage
tion schedule. If the 3D model has been developers to align the model as close to decks will need to be remodeled and seg-
developed in relatively close correlation actual conditions as possible if it is known regated to match the placement schedule
with the intended fabrication or erec- that a 4D model will eventually be needed envisioned by the contractor. Similarly,
tion plan, then the process of assigning for a project. if one models a multistory column as a
individual model components (or groups Modeling for expediency alone may not single element, instead of several floor-
of components) to time line events can serve well if a 4D model is desired. For to-floor elements, rework on the model
may be required in order to obtain
an accurate visual depiction of the
erection process. A good tag line to
I
t is a credit to our structural engineering that have been initiated in response to struc-
profession that failures have been, and tural failures of buildings that were caused by
continue to be, used to improve design, design and/or construction errors, oversight
construction and regulatory practices. and regulatory practices, as well as by misuse updates and discussions related
We do not just pay up, rebuild and walk away and inadequate maintenance. The author has to codes and standards
– we delve, we learn, and we improve. been an expert consultant/witness in several
Following a failure, engineers often carry of the cases cited.
the forensic investigations to great details, so 1) Serious “soul searching”, review and
as to have reasonable engineering certainty debate among architectural and struc-
not only in the cause(s) of the failures but tural design professionals regarding
also in the identification of the responsible the need for improved control and
parties, which is needed for resolution of the peer review of the design of long-span
frequently inevitable disputes. A valuable structures. An early documentation of
peripheral benefit of the laborious search is a formal effort was the 1981 report,
a clearer understanding of structural behavior Towards Safer Long-Span Buildings,
and a better appreciation of pitfalls in current by the Long-Span Building Panel of
practices. These can provide information and the American
material to effect eventual changes in design Institute of
and/or construction practices, codes, stan-
dards, oversight and regulatory procedures,
Architects
(AIA). It
Changes in Codes, Standards
and even in local laws. opined that and Practices Following
While the investigations of the causes of “indepen-
structural failures are performed by engi- dent design Structural Failures
neers, and the subsequent changes in codes, reviews
standards and practices are developed by should not be mandatory,” but
engineers, those changes are often influ- suggested that guidelines be created
Part 2: Buildings
enced or are even driven by economics and to, among other things, “develop
By Robert T. Ratay, Ph.D., P.E.
local politics. comprehensive, coordinated building
The “lessons learned” from failures are inter- code requirements covering long-
esting but worthless if not heeded and not span design and construction” and to
acted upon to prevent their re-occurrence. “develop guidelines for design review
The author’s intent with this article is to of the architect’s and engineer’s
bring awareness to the fact that changes in structural design and calculations.”
design and construction practices, codes, Related activities of the previous and
standards, oversight and regulatory proce- subsequent years popularized the idea Robert T. Ratay, Ph.D., P.E. is a
dures have and continue to come about as and, on many projects, introduced structural engineer in private practice in
the result of costly and catastrophic failures, the practice of peer review. This effort Manhasset, NY, and an Adjunct Professor
and to urge our fellow professionals to con- followed the catastrophic collapse of at Columbia University. He has been an
tinue that trend. the space-frame roof of the Hartford expert consultant/witness on some 200
Civic Center in Hartford, CT on the cases of structural problems, some of which
evening of January 18, 1978 (Figure resulted in changes of codes, regulations and
Illustrative Cases 1), just hours after the University practices. He is the Editor-in-Chief of three
The following are just a few examples of wel- of Connecticut Men’s Basketball books: Handbook of Temporary Structures
comed changes in design and/or construction team defeated the University of in Construction, 2 nd ed., Forensic Structural
codes, standards, regulations and practices Massachusetts (the author’s Alma Engineering, 2 nd ed., and Structural
Mater), and was enhanced by other Condition Assessment. He can be reached at
long-span roof collapses at the C. Structures@RobertRatay.com.
W. Post Center Auditorium of Long
Island University in Greenvale, NY
in 1978, the Kemper Memorial
Arena in Kansas City, MO in 1979,
and the Rosemont Horizon Arena in
Rosemont, IL in 1980.
2) Nationwide debate and judicial court
proceedings on the matter of delega-
Figure 1: Collapsed space frame roof at Hartford
tion of design responsibility by licensed
Civic Center.
STRUCTURE magazine 21
and periodically fueled by catastrophes
attributed in part to inappropriate
delegation of design responsibilities.
3) Temporary ban and tighter design
and construction requirements in
some states on lift-slab construction.
This was the result of the April 23,
1987 collapse during construction
of the L’Ambiance Plaza 16-story
residential building in Bridgeport,
CT (Figure 3), in which 28 workers
Figure 4: Collapsed Berkman Plaza.
of the lift-slab construction project
were killed. The L’Ambiance Plaza component conformance of large
catastrophe also added fuel to the structures. It defines a “threshold”
debate on the matter of delegation building as: “Any building which is
of design responsibility as a result of greater than three stories or 50 feet
the alleged deficiencies in the design in height, or which has an assem-
of the post-tensioned slabs that had bly occupancy classification that
been delegated to the contractor. exceeds 5,000 square feet in area,
4) Requirements for an Independent and an occupant capacity of greater
Figure 2: Collapsed skyways in Kansas City Structural Engineering Review than 500 persons. ” The threshold
Hyatt Hotel. (ISER), Connecticut Public Act inspection must also include a final
88-358 and 89-255, were adopted by conformance certification by a quali-
professional engineers to contractors. the Connecticut legislature in 1988 fied Special Inspector. The Florida
Part of the early debate was the article, and 1989 “to assure the stability and Statute 553.79 provides that the
The Hyatt Regency Decision – One integrity of the primary structural Board of Architecture and the Board
View, by Robert Rubin and Lisa support systems” in structures exceed- of Engineering certify individuals
Banick in the August, 1986 issue of ing certain threshold limits. The most as Special Inspectors, and that only
The Construction Lawyer. In this article, recent documentation of the require- those individuals with experience in
the authors opined that “The Hyatt ments and explanation of the review design and construction of buildings
collapse should be used as impetus to process are in the Recommended of these specific types and sizes of
modify structural engineering prac- Guidelines for Performing an buildings may be licensed as Special
tices [related to delegation of design Independent Structural Engineering Inspectors. This followed a number
responsibility] in order to avert other Review in the State of Connecticut, of collapses, deaths and injuries in
potential tragedies – even though it Document SEC/CT-301-08, pre- the 1970s and 1980s, particularly the
is recognized their implementation pared and issued by the Structural Harbour Cay Condominium inci-
might not have averted the Hyatt Engineers Coalition of Connecticut dent in Cocoa Beach, FL on March
collapse. It is a good opportunity for on 2008/07/08. These acts were in 27, 1981, when a five-story flat-plate
re-evaluation and remediation.” The response to the three major structural reinforced concrete building col-
issue is still alive today, as discussed in failures in the State of Connecticut: lapsed as concrete was being placed
the article, Structural Design Delegation, Hartford Civic Center, Mianus River for the roof slab, killing 11 workers
by David Hatem and Matthew Bridge, and L’Ambiance Plaza. and injuring 23 others. A more recent
Tuller in the November 2009 issue of 5) Requirements by the State of Florida case prior to the 2008 revision of the
STRUCTURE. The authors report Building Construction Standard, Standard was that of the multi-level
that “Over the last decade, national Chapter 553, effective May 30, 2005, reinforced concrete parking structure
groups representing structural engineers revised April 28, 2008, of “threshold at Berkman Plaza in Jacksonville, FL
have provided guidelines for provid- inspection” of certain construction (Figure 4), under construction on
ing appropriate contract language to activities in order to ensure structural December 6, 2007, where 60% of
outline the design services included in the structure collapsed “like a stack
‘normal’ structural design, and those of pancakes”, killing one and injuring
that are delegated to third-parties.” One 23 others. At the time of this writing,
of these organizations is the Council of this project is still in litigation.
American Structural Engineers (CASE), 6) Buildings Bulletin 2009-011, dated
which developed a series of National June 30, 2009, issued by the New
Practice Guidelines. This undying York City Department of Buildings
attention, debate and re-evaluation was (which will soon find its way into the
triggered by the catastrophic failure of NYC Building Code) with “require-
two suspended walkways in the Hyatt ments for using existing structures to
Regency Hotel in Kansas City, MO, support the weight of concrete during
on July 17, 1981 (Figure 2), killing placement and the inspection proce-
114 and injuring over 216 people; Figure 3: Collapsed lift-slab buildings at dures and requirements
L’Ambiance Plaza.
O
ften times building owners and developers are not fully
aware of the possibilities when considering renovations
for their properties. With the help of structural engineers,
the reserve strength of the building structure can be
utilized for dramatic effects. This was the case with the Park Monroe
at 55/65 E. Monroe in Chicago, Illinois. Overlooking downtown
Chicago’s beautiful Millennium Park, the Park Monroe was renovated
from an office building to a mixed-use office and luxury condominium
Figure 2: The existing two-story space at the 48 th floor where the original
building. Once dubbed a “graceless hulk” by a 2006 Chicago Tribune cooling tower was placed. This tower and supporting structure were demolished
article titled Edifice Wrecks, the building was transformed taking to allow for the new 49 th floor.
advantage of its location and unobstructed views of Lake Michigan
and Millennium Park (Figure 1). consisted of converting the top ten office floors to condominium
Built in 1972, 55/65 E Monroe is made up of 8-to10-inch thick light units, which required numerous structural tasks.
weight concrete flat slabs supported by 33-inch x 33-inch interior
columns and closely spaced 12-inch x 24-inch perimeter columns. The
lateral force resisting system consists of several 12- to 16-inch thick
New 49th Floor Structure
shear walls. The lower level of the building houses commercial space Originally, the south half of the 48th floor was a two-story open space
and a 9-story, 300,000 square foot parking garage. Above the garage, where three large cooling towers were located (Figure 2). The cooling
office levels extend to the roof level. The Park Monroe renovation towers were removed to make room for an entirely new 49th floor with
10,000 square foot of space for a swimming pool, hot tub, fitness
center, and landscaped outdoor terraces. The reserve strength in the
existing structure allowed a substantial amount of load to be added
without reinforcement. The logistics of transporting construction
materials to the top of the occupied high-rise building in the heart of
Downtown Chicago were studied by the General Contractor and the
design team, and cast-in-place concrete was selected as the preferred
material. This decision was driven by the fact that use of structural
steel would have necessitated transport via the existing freight eleva-
tor. However, the limited size of the elevator would have required
numerous splices in 30-foot long steel beams.
The swimming pool which contained about 12,000 gallons of water
was framed out with cast in place concrete beams. To make the beam
to existing column connection, a concrete haunch with threaded
“U” rods and a plate washer was designed (Figure 3). To avoid the
reliance on epoxy anchorage for the sustained tension of the top steel
reinforcing bars into the existing columns the beam was assumed to
Figure 1: Balcony view of Lake Michigan and Millennium Park.
be simply supported on this haunch.
ROUGHEN SURFACE
TO ¼" AMPLITUDE PROVIDE 1 ½" NOTCH
PL /4 x 9x WIDTH OF
3
COL.
1"
1' - 6"
4 - 1" DIA. A36
2' - 3"
THREADED ‘U”
1' - 6"
RODS W/ NUTS &
WASHERS - HOLD
RODS 6" FROM
EDGE OF HAUNCH 6 - #7 - DRILL & EPOXY
4 - #5 TIES - DRILL & 6" 1' - Ø" INTO EXIST. CONC.
EPOXY INTO EXIST. COL. W/ 6" MIN. EMB.
CONC. COL. W/ 6"
MIN. EMB.
Figure 3: New concrete support beam below new swimming pool. Note the cast haunch and plate washer at back side of existing concrete column.
The outdoor terrace, with up to 3 feet of soil in the landscaped occurred at several areas: 1) the north end of the 49th floor, where the
areas, had a combined service load reaction of 250 kips at each slab to use changed from office (70 pounds per square foot) to outdoor terrace
existing column connection. To transfer this large load to the existing (100 pounds per square foot); 2) the roof of the 50th floor mechanical
columns, shear collars were designed which relied on a combination level where a portion was upgraded to 100 pounds per square foot for
of shear friction and a 1½-inch bearing around the perimeter of the an outdoor terrace; and, 3) the second floor office space (70 pounds
column (Figure 4, page 28). per square foot) to the tenant storage room (125 pounds per square
foot). In all of the above cases, the structural capacity was increased
effectively by taking advantage of the existing bottom steel reinforce-
Increasing Floor Capacities for the New Use ment and the additional top steel reinforcement in areas of negative
In an effort to increase the load carrying capacity of the 10-inch 2-way moment. This is not always the case as, often the additional weight
slabs, 3-inch lightweight structural bonded overlay was utilized. This of the overlay or floor height restrictions eliminate this approach
ADVERTISEMENT - For Advertiser Information, visit www.STRUCTUREmag.org
2' - Ø "
on the guidelines by International Concrete
Repair Institute (ICRI). These guidelines A 8" A
1' - 4"
include roughening the surface, wetting the
substrate to provide a saturated surface dry ROUGHEN SURFACE
TO ¼" AMPLITUDE
(SSD) condition at the time of placement, 4 - #6
application of a neat sand cement slurry, and
proper curing procedures.
Large Openings in
Slabs and Walls 3" 6"
tegically placed to avoid column strips. The U-BAR CHIP OUT SLAB TO
ACCOMMODATE NEW
resulting unbalanced moments at columns THREADED RODS
increased the punching shear at several loca- 3" TYP. AND GROUT SOLID THREADED ROD
W/ NUT
tions. To increase the punching shear capacity
and to avoid an underside concrete shear
collar for aesthetic reasons, u-shaped rein-
forcing steel was drilled through the slab on 2-PL ¼ x3 x3 PER
U-RODS
all four sides (Figure 5). The additional steel
pushed the critical shear section away from EXIST. CONC. COL.
- SEE PLANS FOR EXIST. CONC. COL.
the column and thus increased the capacity. COL. SIZES - SEE PLANS FOR
COL. SIZES
This analysis was completed similar to shear
stud reinforcement in new construction.
The redesign and upgrade of the mechanical PLAN SECTION
systems necessitated large duct penetrations
through the existing 12- to 16-inch thick con- Figure 5: Additional shear reinforcement detail to increase the punching shear capacity due to the
crete shear walls. A finite element structural unbalanced moment created by new roof openings.
analysis model was developed to evaluate
various locations and configuration of new openings in the shear walls, In addition, the weight limit on the freight elevator resulted in 1,600
and their effect on the structure’s lateral force resisting system. The round trips for the concrete buggies alone. Needless to say, careful
mechanical engineer was provided with a list of preferred locations review of the reinforcing steel shop drawings was necessary with the
by the Structural Engineer of Record for the new openings, which high number of splices.
helped accelerate the design and coordination process and minimized By employing various methods of strengthening, the architect and
the effect of the mechanical upgrades on the structure’s lateral system. developer were given the freedom and versatility to “dream up”
One of the major challenges of this project was that it took place significant changes and deliver an exceptionally unique urban living
while 40 floors of office and retail space below were occupied. All experience. The new residents can truly live by the lake as they take
construction materials were lifted by using the freight elevator which advantage of all that Downtown Chicago business, theater and shop-
limited the length of the steel reinforcement to 12-foot long sections. ping districts can offer.▪
StructurePoint’s suite of productivity tools are so easy Visit StructurePoint.org to download your trial
to learn and simple to use that you’ll be able to start saving copy of our software products.
time and money almost immediately. And when you use
For more information on licensing and pricing
StructurePoint software, you’re also taking advantage
of the Portland Cement Association’s more than 90 years options please call 847.966.4357 or e-mail
of experience, expertise, and technical support in concrete info@StructurePoint.org.
design and construction.
STR 6-09
Structural
ForenSicS
investigating structures
and their components
Inside Information Through The jetty consists of 35 sand-filled cylindrical cofferdams, or cells, each 39 feet
in diameter. The space between them is bridged by additional steel piles that
Real Time Dynamic form sand-filled half-cells.
Structural Monitoring
A
Unique Method Allows n unusual investigation was recently and measured current performance under
conducted in a major European real-world conditions. It gave engineers useful
Engineers to “See the Unseen” port. A vital structure, a jetty, information about the location, nature, and
and Optimize Design was probed to assess its structural extent of potential problems, information
soundness using an innovative, cutting-edge that could not be obtained by any other
By Michael Chusid, RA, FCSI, CCS structural health monitoring technology that cost-effective means. It helped the owner to
and Steven H. Miller, CDT allows engineers to “see” inside a structure and prioritize maintenance requirements; enabled
observe its performance in great detail. This engineers to design appropriate, cost effective
technique, called “real time dynamic struc- solutions where they are needed; and reduced
tural monitoring,” uses some familiar tools upgrade cost estimates by 90%.
and concepts, but in an unconventional way.
Michael Chusid, RA, FCSI, CCS is Unlike other structural health monitoring sys-
the founder and president of Chusid tems, real time dynamic structural monitoring
The Jetty
Associates, a marketing and technical records entire structural performance, not just The lead-in jetty helps guide ships into and
consulting services firm. He can be a measurement of the extent of movement of out of port, sheltering them against a strong
reached via www.chusid.com. individual components. Performance data are cross-current. It is vital to the continued
used to derive a detailed picture of the inner operation of the port, which, in turn, is vital
Steven H. Miller, CDT is an award-
life of the structure. to the local economy. Extending its service
winning writer and photographer and an
This process has been termed a structuro- life was a high priority for the owner.
associate of Chusid Associates. He can be
cardiogram (SKG) because it detects the The jetty, constructed in 1974, is 500
reached via www.chusid.com.
inner function of the structure by sensing its meters (1630 feet) long, built on a series of
vibrational patterns, in much the same way 35 cylindrical cofferdams or cells, each 12
an electrocardiogram (EKG) reveals the func- meter (39 feet) in diameter. The cell walls
tion of the human heart. The data is analyzed are constructed of steel sheet piles and are
using sophisticated computer algorithms to filled with sand. Additional piles form arcs
resolve it into its individual component pat- from one cell to the next, presenting a more
terns. Interpretation of these patterns using continuous wall against the sea and creating
3-D computer models can determine how additional “half-cells” between the main cof-
the structure and its component elements are ferdams. Large fenders are attached along the
performing, what condition led to that perfor- active side of the jetty.
mance, and whether it is stable or changing. The reinforced concrete deck that runs across
This approach allowed the owner to assess the top of all the cells is 1meter (3.25 feet)
conditions of the jetty that could not be seen, thick. Over the center of each cell, there is
30 April 2011
a cut-out in the deck to allow access to the been difficult due to the inaccessibility of period. They are thus called the “resonant fre-
main sand chamber. This cut-out is separated much of the structure. quencies” of the structure. Other frequencies
from the main sand chamber by a 50-mil- The SKG senses standing waves that are gen- reflect chaotically and cancel out quickly.
limeter (2-inch) concrete cap, making the erated in the structure when it is excited. The Excitation of the structure, which induces
cut-out into a small upper chamber. The physical dimensions and material properties of the vibrations to be recorded, was supplied
upper chamber is filled with sand and capped any structural unit will tend to favor certain fre- constantly by wind and waves. Additionally,
at deck level. Beneath the concrete deck, the quencies of vibration, because their wavelengths there were two instances of ships impacting
main chamber of each cell is likewise filled fit within the dimensions of the structural unit the jetty during monitoring, lucky circum-
with sand, approximately 19 meter (62 feet) in neat, whole-number multiples. Vibrations at stances that allowed the jetty’s response to
deep. The half-cells between cofferdams are these special frequencies reflect back and forth such impacts to be recorded from different
sand-filled, too. from the ends of a structural unit in synchro- points on the structure.
The jetty is subjected to battering by both nization, reinforcing each other, allowing the
continued on next page
waves and ships. The tidal range is unusually frequency to persist or resonate for an extended
high – in excess of 12 meter (39 feet) dif-
ference between low and high tide. The RedBuilt—G
configuration of the structure makes the
C
cofferdam walls largely inaccessible to
inspection. The portions that are exposed
on the exterior of the structure are mostly
underwater or within the tidal zone. In
addition, the water is extremely silt-laden,
making it virtually opaque. 4 COLOR Pro
Under these conditions, visual inspec-
tion of the underwater sections was not is
feasible. Some steel sampling of cell walls
was done by divers. Samples were used to
assess corrosion levels. Ultrasound read-
ings were attempted as well. However, COATED Pap
the challenges of tides and visibility made
a complete assessment by this method
prohibitively expensive.
alue.
A New Form of Monitoring
To supplement the data they had been
able to gather underwater, the owner
engaged STRAAM Corp., New York, NY,
to assess the jetty using real time dynamic
structural monitoring. Readings were INDIGO Pres
taken during one week in September,
2010. Each cell was monitored individu-
ally for 30 minutes.
At RedBuilt™ we help you design and select the most cost-efficient engineered
Real time dynamic structural monitor- wood structural system available—saving you time, money, errors and stress.
ing uses a single sensing device – the SKG
– capable of measuring motion in three You’ll work with one highly-experienced technical representative who knows you
and your building needs, regardless of its location. Backed by a team of design
dimensions with highly sensitive accel-
technicians and licensed engineers, you’ll have the confidence of knowing that the
erometers. Readings were taken simply integrated components and accessory products specified in your structural frame
by placing the SKG on the deck of the package work together seamlessly and efficiently, speed construction and perform
jetty. It was positioned at an optimum better over the long run.
location over each cell, so response would
Unsurpassed technical and job-site support. Innovative, high performance products.
be measured across the deck, along the World-class service. Visit www.redbuilt.com or call 866.859.6757 and learn
deck and vertically. about the value of total support from RedBuilt.
This simple set-up is in sharp contrast
to traditional strain-gage monitoring
used to assess structural health. Strain
gages require more numerous instru-
ment locations and longer monitoring
periods to establish a structure’s com-
plete range of motion. Conventional
static monitoring of the jetty would have www.redbuilt.com // (866) 859-6757
www.Bentley.com/Structural
© 2010 Bentley Systems, Incorporated. Bentley, the “B” Bentley logo, MicroStation, RAM, and STAAD are either registered or unregistered trademarks
or service marks of Bentley Systems, Incorporated or one of its direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries. Other brands and product names are
trademarks of their respective owners.
LegaL PersPectives discussion of legal issues of interest to structural engineers
T
he majority of design errors that Unlike the owner’s Spearin obligation to the
result in claims against structural contractor, however, the designer does not –
engineers are detected, analyzed under normal circumstances – owe the owner
and resolved during the construc- perfect plans and specifications. Rather, the
tion phase of the project. In addition to the designer is expected to perform its services
risk of a failure due to a deficient design, there including the development of drawings and
is the potential for the construction contractor specifications using reasonable care, a standard
to suffer economic losses because of the error, that allows for certain errors under certain cir-
and finally, the ever present risk of personal cumstances. Similarly, in nearly all jurisdictions
injury or property damage claims that can the owner will not be able to recover from its
and do expose the design professional to sig- design professional for the cost of items omit-
nificant potential liability. As with all other ted from the design documents. This so-called
aspects of a structural engineers’ engagement rule of betterments or added value recognizes has been allowed a degree of flexibility to
on a project, your duties, rights, and respon- that if the omitted item had been included in select products or means and methods that it
sibilities will be defined by your agreement the original design, then the owner would have believes it can most efficiently and effectively
with your client. In most circumstances, the paid for it as a part of the contractor’s bid. The incorporate into the project. Shop drawings
structural engineer functions as a subconsul- rule seeks to preclude the owner from being are also required for delegated design aspects
tant to an architect or lead designer who is put in a better position than it would have of the project such as curtain wall connec-
either in contractual privity with the owner been in the absence of the omission from the tions, where the contract documents require
on a design-bid-build arrangement or with the contract documents. the contractor to retain its own professional
constructor on a design-build project. Your Personal injury and property damage claims engineer to design some certain aspect of the
client’s and your client’s client expectations can come from anyone who has been hurt or project. In the former case, the structural engi-
regarding the scope of services provided may damaged as a result of your services. These neer’s role is to review for compliance with
vary under the two procurement models. Your claims against structural engineers are often the intent of the design and ensure the owner
risks during the construction phase, however, the result of very attenuated contacts with the that if the contractor complies with the details
remain essentially the same. actual event that gave rise to the injury. They provided in the shop drawings then that ele-
are often also accompanied by unwelcome and ment of the project will be satisfactory. With
potentially harmful publicity. Personal injury delegated design, the structural engineer can
The Claims and property damage claims are more difficult rely on the contractor’s selected professional
Claims for economic losses typically originate to defend than purely economic claims. No engineer’s seal as evidence that the design
with the contractor alleging a defect in design one expects a crane to fall on their build- complies with the criteria provided by the
has somehow caused him to expend more ing. No one expects that a worker should get structural engineer. Delays in the review of,
money than would have been the case without hurt on the job or that a passer-by should be or contractor dissatisfaction with, the sub-
the defect. Under a design-bid-build procure- injured while minding his or her own busi- stance of the review can result in an economic
ment model, the so-called Spearin Doctrine ness in the vicinity of a construction project. claim. Allowing a product or techniques that
provides that if a contractor is bound to Conventional wisdom holds that juries in the owner later finds unsatisfactory can also
explicitly follow the drawings and specifi- these types of litigation are more interested result in a claim.
cations, and doing so does not result in a in compensating the injured than protecting Requests For Information (“RFIs”) are the
satisfactory product or result, then the owner the rights of the design professional. contractor’s opportunity to seek clarification
must reimburse the contractor for its addi- or ask questions about specific aspects of the
tional costs to obtain the satisfactory results. The Services Giving contract documents. When properly admin-
Faced with a claim from its contractor, the istered and executed, the RFI process allows
owner will often turn to its designer and seek
Rise to Claims inconsistencies and conflicts in the drawings
indemnification for any loss it incurs because The structural engineer provides three essential and specifications to be detected and cor-
of the design defect. The owner’s rationale for services during the construction administra- rected prior to encountering the problem
this demand for indemnification is a simple tion phase of the project that may give rise during construction. Unfortunately, some
one: “but-for the error in your contract docu- to claims for defective service. contractors seem to make a game of the
ments, I would not have incurred this cost; The structural engineer reviews and acts RFI process with the aim of discrediting
accordingly, you should reimburse me for upon shop drawings that represent the “flesh- the design in order to bolster a Spearin type
that additional payment to my contractor.” ing out” of the design. Here, the contractor claim against the owner.
M
anufacturers are constantly Because there are no design provisions in ACI Chen and Liu (2004) showed that EPS con-
trying to develop new con- 318, which is referenced by the International crete with a density range of 50-115 lb/ft3 and
struction materials that may Building Code (IBC), for concrete mixtures a compressive strength range of 1500-3600 psi
enable them to produce with lightweight synthetic particles as aggre- can be achieved by partially replacing coarse
structural systems that are less labor- gate replacement, an acceptance criteria has and fine aggregate with EPS beads. Babu and
intensive, more environmentally friendly, been developed to address building code Babu (2004) studied the use of EPS beads as
or easier to construct. One of these inno- compliance. The purpose of this acceptance lightweight aggregate in both concrete and
vations is an alternative material used to criteria is to demonstrate that lightweight mortar containing fly ash replacement of 50
produce reduced-density concrete. In recent synthetic particles can be added to concrete percent in the cementitious material. Their
years, strength-to-weight ratio of concrete as a partial replacement for conventional study indicated that the EPS mixtures pro-
has been of interest to manufacturers, since fine or coarse aggregate, to create a struc- duced with fly ash showed lower absorption
dead weight represents a very large portion tural concrete while maintaining mechanical, values compared to control mixtures, and
of the design load in concrete construction. durability and fire characteristics of concrete found to have a better chemical resistance.
Higher strength-to-weight ratio of con- as defined by the building codes. Bouvard et al. (2007) characterized the micro-
crete used in the construction may result structural, mechanical and thermal features
in structural efficiency, reduced dead load of EPS concretes with various densities. They
of the structure, reduced project costs, and
Literature Research concluded that EPS bead is a practical mate-
easier transportation and handling of the The first step in developing the acceptance rial for the building industry as lightening
concrete. Higher strength-to-weight ratio criteria was to conduct a literature review component of a supportive structure.
may even cause a reduction in the number to find out what has been done in regard to
and size of the steel reinforcements, by reduced-weight concrete with lightweight
reducing the design load. synthetic particles. Some of the research work
Alternative Materials
Conventionally, reduced-density concrete can be summarized as follows: Under the Building Code
can be produced by replacing normal-weight In research conducted by Zaher Kuhail In the United States, where the power to regu-
aggregate with lightweight particles in par- (2001), concrete with compressive strengths late construction is vested in local authorities,
tial increments or as full replacement, or by up to 3000 psi was achieved using poly- a system of model building codes is used.
introducing air bubbles into concrete mix- styrene beads as aggregate replacement The purpose of the model building codes is
tures as in the cases of aerated concrete or at dosages up to 1 lb/ft3. Babu and Babu to establish the minimum requirements to
air-entrained concrete. Since most of these (2003) produced lightweight concrete safeguard the public health and safety through
techniques require special manufacturing by using expanded polystyrene beads as structural strength. The IBC is the predomi-
processes or equipment, new techniques lightweight aggregate and silica fume as nate model building code in the United States.
have been under investigation. One way of supplementary cementitious material. They The IBC has been adopted in all 50 states, the
producing simple and relatively inexpensive reported that the chloride permeability and District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the
reduced-density concrete that does not require corrosion resistance of these concretes, even U.S. Virgin Islands, and by the Departments
special equipment is to use proprietary light- at a minimal silica fume content level, was of Defense, State, and Commerce. The IBC
weight synthetic particles (polymer spheres) as observed to be significantly improved. permits manufacturers to demonstrate the
a partial replacement for fine or coarse aggre- Yamasaki et al. (1994) produced concrete code compliance of products not specifically
gate in the concrete mixture, as the density using polystyrene beads with a diameter described in the code itself. Section 104.11 of
of polymer spheres is nearly negligible when of less than 1/16 of an inch as an aggregate the IBC allows alternative materials, designs,
compared to that of conventional aggregate. having no water absorbability. When pro- methods of construction and equipment,
Polymer spheres are rigid, closed-cell plastic duced with low water-to-binder ratio, this provided that any such alternative has been
materials manufactured by suspension polym- concrete showed excellent durability and approved by the code official. One common
erization in water. In many cases, the polymer thermal insulation properties. Miled et al. method of verifying the code compliance of
spheres utilize expanded polystyrene as the (2007) conducted research on particle size materials that are alternatives to the materi-
base polymer and are specially formulated and effects on expanded polystyrene (EPS) beads als specified in the code is through product
produced to be used in concrete mixtures. The used in lightweight concrete and reported testing in accordance with an acceptance
advantages of using polymer spheres are that that the compressive strength of EPS light- criteria. An acceptance criteria outlines spe-
they are lightweight, have negligible absorp- weight concrete increases significantly with cific product sampling, testing and quality
tion of water, improve insulating properties, a decrease in EPS bead size for the same requirements to be fulfilled in order to obtain
and are inert with alkalis. concrete porosity. code-compliance verification (an evaluation
Acceptance Criteria
(AC408) Requirements
The IBC references ACI 318 for design
and production of structural concrete.
Because there are no provisions in ACI
Material Properties
AC408 gives consideration to maximum
replacement volume, and maximum size
and density of synthetic particles that will
be recognized in the evaluation report.
AC408 requires synthetic particle prop-
erties, including maximum diameter
and gradation, bulk density, and water
absorption to be tested in accordance
with ASTM C 136, ASTM C 29 and
Fire-resistance
and Combustibility
AC408 also contains two optional tests:
noncombustible building material eval-
uation by testing in accordance with
ASTM E 136 to show that concrete with
lightweight synthetic particles can be clas-
sified as noncombustible material; and
fire-resistance-rated construction tests
conducted in accordance with ASTM
E 119 to determine the fire-resistance
ratings of assemblies with concrete con-
taining the lightweight synthetic particles
in the concrete mixture.
Acceptance Criteria
Statements
If a product demonstrates through tests
that it satisfies all requirements of AC408,
an evaluation report is issued verifying
that the product can be used as an alterna-
tive to building code-specified materials.
However, evaluation with AC408 of con-
crete produced using polymer spheres,
T
Specifications for Iron Railroad Bridges all the conditions by
heodore Cooper was born on and Viaducts” forming, in the words of the your chief engineer,
January 13, 1839 in Cooper’s Engineering News-Record, the “first authorita- Mr. E.A. Hoare, and Theodore Cooper.
Plain, New York. He prepared for tive specifications on bridge construction that myself, it was decided
college by going back to Easton, had been published and circulated.” While he that an 1,800-foot channel span was most
Pennsylvania (his mother’s hometown) and contributed many articles to the Transactions desirable if the expense was not too great.”
studying at John Vanderveer’s Academy. In ASCE, his two most well received articles, for Within a week of submitting his report and
1855, he entered Rensselaer Polytechnic which he received the Norman Medal, were having it accepted, he was appointed con-
Institute. Graduating in 1858, he went to those entitled The Use of Steel for Bridges in sulting engineer to oversee the final design
work on the Hoosac Tunnel and the Troy and 1879 and American Railroad Bridges in 1889. and construction of the longest cantilever
Greenfield Railroad. He entered the Navy at In 1895, he was appointed a member of a bridge in the world. Work on the founda-
the outbreak of the Civil War and served on the Board of Consultants by President Cleveland tions started late in 1899. During mid-1900
gunboat, Chocura, throughout most of the War. to determine what the span for a bridge across to mid-1903, some work continued on the
After the war, he split his time between being an the Hudson River should be to maintain river design and details of the anchor and canti-
instructor at the Naval Academy at Annapolis, traffic. Charles Macdonald of the Union lever spans, but funding problems delayed
Maryland and served on naval ships. Bridge Company had proposed a 2,400-foot actual work until 1905.
In 1872, Cooper resigned from the Navy and span cantilever. Cooper, as a member of the Government financial support on the
went to work for James Eads on the St. Louis Board, prepared a design for a 3,100-foot Quebec Bridge was not received until 1903,
Bridge. After serving as inspector at the plant suspension bridge for estimating purposes. at which time a final contract was signed with
making the steel and later for the firm fab- The Board rejected the cantilever proposal of the Phoenix Bridge Company. Cooper made
ricating the steel, he was placed in charge of Union Bridge due to its having a pier in the several changes to the specifications that later
construction of the bridge. Eads was away for river. Union Bridge later prepared plans for would be partly responsible for the bridge
long periods of time seeking funding for the a 3,100-foot span suspension bridge much failure. The first was a reduction in wind load
bridge and regaining his strength after several like Cooper’s design, but the bridge was not from 56 to 30 pounds per square foot. In
illnesses. Cooper, along with Henry Flad, C. built due to lack of funding. addition, he recommended an increase in
Shaler Smith, Jacob Hays Linville and Walter In 1899, Cooper was at the pinnacle of a rolling loads and an increase in allowable
Katte of the Keystone Bridge Company, was long and successful career at the age of 60. working stresses in the members to 20,000
given a great deal of responsibility for the If he retired at that point, he would rank pounds per square inch under a Cooper E-30
actual process of cantilevering the steel arch among his contemporaries as one of the great loading and 24,000 pounds per square inch
pieces out over the river. engineers of the latter part of the 19th cen- under a Cooper E-50 loading over the entire
After completion of the bridge, Cooper tury. However, he became associated with a length of the bridge.
became its chief engineer before going to the proposal to build a large bridge across the St. The Phoenix Bridge Company designed the
Delaware Bridge Company at Phillipsburg, Lawrence at Quebec. He was first approached bridge in accordance with Cooper’s revised
New Jersey to work with Charles Macdonald. by the Quebec Bridge Company to serve as specifications, and fabrication and construc-
He then went to work for the Keystone Bridge consulting engineer to review the plans that tion of the superstructure began. In June 1907,
Company under Jacob Hays Linville. were submitted. They used an earlier Phoenix Szlapka of the Phoenix Bridge Company
By 1879, Cooper had established himself Bridge cantilever design as a base plan, but reported to Cooper that the weight of steel
to such a degree that he became a consulting indicated they would entertain other designs. delivered to the site was much higher than was
engineer with offices in New York City. In They received proposals from four of the larg- used for dead weight in the design. It turned
this capacity, he consulted on many major est bridge companies. They were the Phoenix out that Szlapka used dead weight estimates
bridge structures throughout the northeast. Bridge Company, the Dominion Bridge from the earlier 1,600-foot span design and had
These were the Seekonk Bridge in Providence, Company, the Keystone Bridge Company not updated them for the 1,800-foot span. He
Rhode Island, the Sixth Avenue Bridge across and the Union Bridge Company. reported the total assumed weight for the entire
the Allegheny River in Pittsburgh, the Second Cooper reported on June 30, 1899, determin- bridge was low by 7.5 million pounds, and the
Avenue Bridge across the Harlem River in ing “The Phoenix plan was slightly lower in weight of half the suspended span plus the
New York City, the Newburyport Bridge estimated cost” and he thought it “an exceed- cantilever arm was 3.5 million pounds higher
over the Merrimack River in Massachusetts ingly creditable plan from the point of view of its than the 18 million pounds assumed. This was
and the Junction Bridge across the Allegheny general proportions, outlines and its constructive a major mistake and should have caused much
River. The Sixth Avenue Bridge replaced John features” and it was the “best and cheapest plan greater alarm than it did. Cooper rationalized
A. Roebling’s twin span suspension bridge and proposal of those submitted to me...” it by saying that the error only increased the
built in 1859, which in turn replaced Lewis He was then asked to follow up on the sug- stresses by 7 to 10%, and that was still accept-
Wernwag’s wooden bridge. It was a two span gestion made earlier that a 1,800-foot span able. The Board accepted Cooper’s opinion,
bridge with bowstring trusses spanning 439 might be more economical, given the better and work continued. With this error, the fate
feet 3 inches. It was built in 1893 around foundation sites that would be associated with of the bridge was probably already decided.
The KPA Group was an Award Winner for the Fox Oakland Theater Seismic Retrofit project in the
2010 NCSEA Annual Excellence in Structural Engineering awards program (Category – Forensic/
Renovation/Retrofit/Rehabilitation Structures)
T
he successful completion of an intersecting steel trusses, resting on four margi-
$87 Million Seismic Retrofit and nally braced columns that originally formed a tall
Renovation of the Historic Fox open entrance that was in-filled during the 1950s.
Oakland Theater revitalized the Roof construction was of steel trusses sup-
“Uptown” district of Oakland, where it attracts porting a thin cast-in-place concrete slab
large audiences for every event. over the theater and wood trusses over the
The 3,400 seat theater opened in 1928, but wrap-around buildings.
was closed in 1966 and remained boarded up Typically, all columns and walls were supported
until 2009 when it reopened after an extensive on individual concrete spread footings bearing
seismic retrofit and complete restoration to its on a well compacted sand layer. Concrete was
original splendor as a Performing Arts Theater extensively employed as floor slabs, seating
and home to The Oakland School for the Arts. levels, walls and fire proofing for the theater. doweled into the existing walls to brace
As originally constructed, gold paint and other Wood framing and plaster were extensively used the trusses supporting the Dome to
multicolored accents were lavishly applied on in the wrap-around buildings. resist earthquake forces.
many parts of the theater giving the entire faci- The Fox is located between two known major • New concrete slabs to enhance dia-
lity an opulent glow, enhanced by rich carpeting, earthquake fault lines, the San Andreas and phragm capacities at selected locations.
drapes, light fixtures and decorative elements Hayward Faults. Major structural elements • Changes of the theater floor from fixed
in what is often described as a “Moorish” or would be significantly overstressed and/or seating to multiple open platforms
“Mystical” character. All theater walls were unstable if subjected to strong earthquakes called for a series of elevated platforms
extensively ornamented with painted plaster that periodically strike the San Francisco Bay over historic designated floors, and
decorative elements. Ceilings incorporated large Area. Ensuring a reasonable level of seismic also resulted in a doubling of the floor
decorative plaster elements integrated into an performance in different parts of the Fox, live loads. A series of light gage steel
intricate pattern. Massive urns, statues, balcony while preserving the historic elements, called supported platforms were devised to
rails, ramparts, and other intricate decorative for a number of unique solutions tailored for transfer loads off of existing floor slabs
elements were created from plaster and then the particular areas. and on to tunnel side walls.
positioned at various levels of the theater as part Due to the unique characteristics of the ori- • New steel diagonal trusses below the
of the original ornamentations. ginal construction, and the wide variety of roof and floor levels of the wrap-
Ornaments were typically attached by an materials and details, several different retrofit- around buildings.
organic webbing of coconut husks and plaster ting elements were developed and introduced • New interior shear walls in the warp-
wrappings. Interior walls were constructed to brace the different building parts. New around building.
from plaster supported off of rods or suspen- elements were carefully placed such that the • New structural tubes epoxy bolted into
ded from structural elements. grandeur of the theater and its historic status the back of the walls and connected to
As an important historic theater, all painted was not adversely impacted. new floor diaphragms.
surface, plaster details and ornamentations were Significant retrofitting elements included: • New steel channels added to reinforce
deemed historic, and were to be preserved and res- • New buttresses hidden in the adja- brick pilasters and interconnected to
tored as part of the seismic retrofit and renovation. cent wrap-around building on each new diaphragms.
The Fox was constructed as a main thea- side of the roof to stabilize the roof, • New shear walls anchored against over-
ter building surrounded partially with two and also connected to the balcony turning by micro piles.
wrap-around wings that support a massive to resist seismic forces and reduce • New floor diaphragms in wrap-
entrance dome. The theater was framed with demands on diaphragms. around buildings.
a steel skeleton of riveted girders, trusses and • A new steel frame behind the prosce- Since opening, the Fox has become a pro-
columns that supported multiple levels. The nium wall braced back diagonally to minent large music venue, attracting near
theater floor slab was supported on subter- the main building corner columns. sell-out crowds and transforming the newly
ranean walls forming heating tunnels and • New shotcrete walls behind prosce- invigorated “Uptown District”.▪
utility spaces. The balcony was framed with nium side walls, theater back wall,
two-way cantilevered trusses. balcony side walls and other locations Hratch Kouyoumdjian, S.E., LEED AP is
The wrap-around buildings are steel framed to enhance wall capacities. Founder and Principal of The KPA Group
structures with wood floors and brick exterior • Two new U-shaped concrete walls in Oakland, California and Structural
walls. A large concrete entrance dome pro- constructed immediately to the north Engineer of Record. He can be reached at
jects above the roof and is supported on two and south of the entrance structure and hratchk@thekpagroup.com.
EN
GIN
CT
RS
ST
rules and eligibility, as well as entry forms, see the Call for NCSEA
10:00 am Pacific, 11:00 am Mountain,
G
N
UIN
UC
CO
ED
Diamond
Reviewed Approved in All 50 States.
Also in Christchurch at the time of the earthquake was Structural Engineering Institute president
Roberto T. Leon, P.E., Ph.D. The professor of structural engineering, engineering mechanics and
materials at Georgia Institute of Technology was a week into the start of a teaching fellowship at
the University of Canterbury in Christchurch. Read Leon’s report to ASCE about his experience of
what it was like during and after the quake, on and around
campus. www.asce.org/Disaster-Preparedness-and-Response/
Errata Leon-New-Zealand-Earthquake-Diary.aspx
SEI posts up-to-date errata information for our
publications at www.SEInstitute.org. Click on
“Publications” on our menu, and select “Errata.” If you
have any errata that you would like to submit, please
Conference Spotlight
email it to Paul Sgambati at psgambati@asce.org. The aim of IABMAS 2012 is to bring
IABMAS 2012
together all the very best work that has
July 8-12, 2012
Have You Been Missing Important Lake Como, Italy
been done in the field of bridge main-
tenance, safety and management and
SEI News and Information? related topics, to stimulate and promote research into this
field, and to bridge the gap between theory and practice. The
SEI uses e-mail as the primary method of communicating 6th International Conference on Bridge Maintenance, Safety and
with members. Since a number of our members don’t have a Management (IABMAS 2012) is organized on behalf of the
current e-mail address on file, they are not receiving the SEI International Association for Bridge Maintenance and Safety
Update, calls for papers, announcements about conferences, (IABMAS) under the auspices of Politecnico di Milano, Milan,
programs, etc. Please take a few minutes to update your email Italy. SEI Members Fabio Biondini and Dan Frangopol will serve
at www.asce.org/myprofile, or call 800-548-ASCE ext. 2723 as Conference Chairs for IABMAS 2012. Visit the conference
or 703-295-6300, or email member@asce.org. website for more information: www.iabmas2012.org/.
The House of Representatives is expected to approve legisla- both goods and services valued at more than $600 annually
tion to repeal a new tax requirement that would dramatically from any vendor.
expand the circumstances under which companies would be The Senate has already passed 1099 repeal language as an
required to file IRS Form 1099s. amendment to the FAA reauthorization bill. The two cham-
ACEC has been active in opposition to the 1099 mandate, bers must still reach agreement on how to offset the costs
which will require that businesses file 1099s for purchases of of the repeal.
The Business of Design Consulting (BDC) program addresses finance, marketing, risk management, contracts, leadership,
the challenging realities of the current business environment, human resources, and information technology.
providing the strategic insights and best-practice management BDC is recommended for owners, senior executives, principals,
skills fundamental to success for design professionals. business administrators, project managers at all levels, human
This intensive four-day course offers engineering firm execu- resources managers, and managers of facilities and infrastruc-
tives and managers the collective state-of-the-art expertise of ture projects.
the A/E industry’s leading practitioners. The curriculum delivers For complete details on course content and to register:
essential 2011 updates on the real-world business topics not www.acec.org/education/eventdetails.cfm?eventid=1237.
offered by engineering schools, including business management,
Get a solid framework of information to help you address partnerships, professional ethics and licensure issues, LEED
legal and contracting issues, recognize and mitigate potential and green liability, doing business overseas, BIM and electronic
risks and protect your firm’s bottom line from three of the A/E documents, and more.
industry’s leading experts. Serving as faculty are legal counsels and long-time advocates
Ten Top Legal Issues Facing Engineers, May 12-13, Philadelphia, of major ACEC firms: Bernard Sacks, The Louis Berger Group,
offers valuable and practical details on a range of critical legal Inc.; Peter J. Coote, Pennoni Associates; and Gerard P. Cavaluzzi,
issues facing Member Firms, including contract provisions, Malcolm Pirnie, Inc. Their joint knowledge of the business of
insurance of all types, human resources issues, litigation disclo- engineering is unsurpassed in the industry.
sure and privacy issues, non-standard contracts, public/private For complete details on course content and to register:
www.acec.org/education/eventdetails.cfm?eventid=1242.
T
he structural engineering and steel engineer in the past could
construction industry (SESCI) had and still can share very capa-
a jump on the building informa- ble CIS/2 models with the
tion modeling (BIM) industry owner, architect, contractors,
before BIM was even born. It is called CIS/2, fabricators and detailers. In
and it came into being in the 1990s with the the computer industry, in the
development of personal computers. same timeframe, IBM devel-
For the sake of argument, I will propose oped a new computer called
that the term “BIM” first appeared around a “PC” and even wrote an
2004. It is rooted in an earlier term, “Building operating system – ironically
Product Model,” which was discussed by called OS/2 – to compete
Charles Eastman of Georgia Tech in the with Microsoft DOS, which
1970s. In the United Kingdom, the Steel became the de facto stan-
Construction Institute holds copyrights to dard. The computer industry
CIS/2 publications that date back to 1993. advanced and advanced, yet the steel industry of mostly small players. As a result, no SESCI
Comprehensive information under the somehow managed to continue with “busi- participant is willing to give away any pro-
banner of CIMsteel Integration Standards ness as usual.” prietary knowledge. Examples include CAD
Release 2: Second Edition (2003) is available “Business as usual” is the problem with drawings, engineering analytical models, BIM
at www.cis2.org, which reports that it was CIS/2, and with BIM in general, for the models, steel detailing models, CNC files
last modified on Thursday August 14, 2003 steel industry. The differences, one can argue, output for the control of steel fabrication
– seven years ago. must be within the economic and competitive machines – the list goes on. Recognize, on
So CIMsteel/2 was fully developed and environments of each industry. The com- the other hand, that there is no problem with
documented before the word BIM was puter industry flourished, but the SESCI sharing a letter or email. The sharing issue is
ever spoken. “CIM” stands for Computer languishes in its traditional delivery methods related to the expert knowledge. If this special-
Integrated Manufacturing, which is undoubt- and approach. ized knowledge is given away, it diminishes
edly the first cousin of today’s BIM. CIS/2 We can identify the parallels and differences the economic advantage of one firm over
is an acronym for Computer Integration in the two developments to understand what another. It tends to create a more competi-
(Manufacturing of ) Steel, Release 2. The steel happened. DOS, the disk operating system, tive environment than currently exists, and
industry was progressively articulating a com- along with the IBM PC hardware specifica- that environment is already too competitive.
puter integration strategy long before CIS/2; tions, became the standards adopted by an Given this background, is it possible to
in fact, more than 35 years of thinking has entire industry. CIS/2 was developed by an adapt CIS/2? Secondly, does it remain valu-
gone into solving the problem that we now international consortium inside the steel able in the current business environment? The
call “BIM” inside the construction industry. industry. European and US companies par- answer to both of these questions is, “Maybe.”
AISC has, in fact, supported the adoption of ticipated and contributed to the base of CIS Ultimately, there is one driving force: market
CIS/2 to aid the economy and efficiency of knowledge. One difference is that the steel and customer needs determine what is valu-
producing structural steel. industry was already mature, with lots of active able. Given that new BIM standards are
So what happened? Why is the SESCI organizations and competing companies. The currently emerging, CIS/2 may not, in fact,
not leading the development of BIM in the introduction of CIS/2 required a business to provide the value necessary to compete.
design and construction community? The adapt to a new practice. It also needed a form Retooling the SESCI is absolutely necessary
answer is that CIS/2 has not added enough of vertical integration, that is, data-sharing to compete globally. A second option is to
value to improve the business of those who between businesses that in fact may be rivals. change the business environment. One idea is
try to adopt the standard. It is simply not Personal computers were new to business; there to integrate projects vertically using Integrated
“standard” enough. was no retooling of an existing operation. PC Project Delivery (IPD) contracts ... but that is
As a thought exercise, imagine the changes technology enhanced business operations – and a whole new topic for another time.▪
in the SESCI compared to the changes in from the perspective of computer technology
the computer industry. Many U.S. software supporting the business, one can argue that
vendors adopted CIS/2 as a part of their steel the SESCI is as progressive with computer Thomas W. Hartmann, P.E. is an U.S.
detailing and structural engineering prod- technology as any other industry. expatriate structural engineer working for
ucts. There are CIS/2 import and export file Lack of vertical integration is one problem in Aurecon in their Vietnam office. He may be
functions in many of the engineering soft- the steel industry. This is another important reached at twhartmann@gmail.com.
ware packages, so the technology is available and essential difference in the adoption out-
to share at a detailing level. A structural comes. The construction industry is made up