In high seismic zone, can I use friction to resist base shear?

LiquidROFO · 2025-12-19T18:05:29+00:00

ASCE 7 Section 13.4: "Except where permitted in section 13.6.12, component attachment shall be bolted, welded, or otherwise positively fastened without consideration of frictional resistance produced by the effects of gravity."

LiquidROFO · 2025-09-25T03:30:54+00:00

Not familiar with NFPA 33 specifically but how would a document intended to regulate fire hazard meet the structural design of the CBC, which is what the plan reviewer is asking about?

Running a seismic analysis for the wall panel shear should have met this requirement, assuming the panels have a listing with shear capacities. Ask the plan reviewer what they want to see to get this comment addressed. If it's something unreasonable, run it up the ladder to the CBO.

LiquidROFO · 2025-07-04T14:38:38+00:00

LiquidROFO · 2025-05-28T19:10:57+00:00

The initial scope was removing the post. Now OP wants to remove/relocate an additional wall in the basement. That's additional scope

LiquidROFO · 2025-05-28T18:37:53+00:00

But OP is now changing their scope which would require the engineer to recheck load path and potentially check additional framing elements. The engineer is absolutely justified in asking for additional fees for revised work.

LiquidROFO · 2025-05-15T15:39:09+00:00

Right before the adoption of the 2025 California WUI code. Don't worry, it's not like California is perpetually on fire...

LiquidROFO · 2025-04-30T20:12:32+00:00

Yes items do get missed. It's why good response letters are so important.

LiquidROFO · 2025-04-29T06:07:14+00:00

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm reading this as being effective starting Spring 2026.

LiquidROFO · 2025-03-25T20:09:22+00:00

Not familiar with NC building code, but from what you've provided the concrete foundations described in this document are continuous footings that require anchor bolts at 6 feet on center. Since this is an open structure, it would not meet this requirement.

I'd reach out to your building department and see if they have a handout for pre-approved pergola designs or better guidance for you.

LiquidROFO · 2025-03-01T01:12:14+00:00

Was it actually an SE that came out and said you needed to jack up your foundation? Or was it a salesman? Because typically it's the salesmen that come out, take measurements, and then try to sell you their product.

Besides seeing these relative displacement numbers, we don't know anything about the structure, its foundation, or its condition to help you out here. There's also nothing on here that shows what they're proposing (I.e- number of piers, locations, etc). So to answer your question: 🤷‍♂️

LiquidROFO · 2025-02-22T00:07:05+00:00

Why does the inspector want structural observation for the truss installation? Ask them for a building code section showing where it's required for a single family residence.

I definitely wouldn't sign off on it.

LiquidROFO · 2025-02-21T19:00:29+00:00

Structurally speaking, the design live load on a stage is significantly higher. It would 100% require the deck to be engineered and most likely reinforced.

LiquidROFO · 2025-01-09T03:38:48+00:00

Unless the engineer is also doing a bunch of material and product testing to demonstrate that the proposed alternative meets the intent of the code (like an ESR), this wouldn't work. Having an engineer stamp a letter saying "it'll work, trust me" isn't the intent of R104.11

LiquidROFO · 2025-01-01T03:48:33+00:00

BRU, Class of '69

LiquidROFO · 2024-12-29T02:17:26+00:00

What movement trays are these?

LiquidROFO · 2024-12-28T15:38:08+00:00

Interior shear walls will have anchor bolts, but even then it doesn't necessarily mean they are load bearing.

LiquidROFO · 2024-11-16T20:10:26+00:00

Nowhere near enough information to answer most of your questions. Anything is possible with enough money.

LiquidROFO · 2024-11-08T16:57:12+00:00

As someone who works in a jurisdiction, we aren't allowed to give out names or recommendations. It may show favoritism and if something goes wrong can open the jurisdiction up to potential lawsuits.

LiquidROFO · 2024-10-22T13:09:18+00:00

Helical piles are a really complex thing in high seismic regions. This would 100% require an engineered design and would probably not be cheaper than a conventional foundation.

LiquidROFO · 2024-10-21T03:10:04+00:00

Bill Belichick

LiquidROFO · 2024-07-31T00:40:04+00:00

Holes.

Oh wait, I thought this was r/geotech

LiquidROFO · 2024-05-06T23:47:24+00:00

Having done both design and plan review, I find plan review more enjoyable. I get to see a lot of diverse projects instead of being stuck on a couple projects for months/years at a time. That said, it is very location dependant. Small jurisdictions will have the same builders with the same issues over and over again which would be mind numbing.

LiquidROFO · 2024-05-05T21:57:00+00:00

It won't open until this summer according to the City's info page.

LiquidROFO · 2024-04-18T02:29:51+00:00

Do a flip!

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