Design vs. engineering question

[gteacher]

I hope I don’t speak for Richard, but I don’ think there is any intent here to offend anyone.

With proper respect to your years of experience, that only gives you knowledge of what everyone else has done in the past. Unless you have done the structural calculations and understand the background behind the presumptive design of the building codes, you won’t understand under what conditions a structure is stable. You don’t need an engineering degree to make these calcs, they are fairly simple and well documented. The only difference is that the engineer if forced to verify the design as a condition of his stamp.

I don’t know a lot about earthquake design but do know something about wind loads and design. There is no question that hurricane straps, nails and wall bracing will mitigate high wind damage and lower insurance costs—that is something that wasn’t commonly done in the past – based on experience. Note that we are using lighter weight materials now, which requires more caution. My only point here is that someone knowledgeable has to be held responsible. The old: ”I always did it this way in the past” is a big negative in our industry and the primary reason for the regulatory nightmare in Florida and other states.

If you feel that you are just as capable of making these cals, I say no problem – only that you do. Do them and be responsible. A good book(s) to use is “Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and other Structures” or " Wood Frame Construction manual for Family Dwellings" by ASCE and AWC.

[Alaskan Son]

Gerry,

Thanks for you tactful response.

I'm not sure anyone is really understanding what I'm asking though. Its not a question of to engineer or not to engineer, not even a question of whether or not I'm qualified to do the calcs myself.

The question is...When performing professional design services (especially with Chief which is not an engineering program), where do you think a designers plan drawing responsibilities should end, and the engineers plan drawing responsibilities begin?

[tmunson]

Gerry,

Thanks for you tactful response.

I'm not sure anyone is really understanding what I'm asking though. Its not a question of to engineer or not to engineer, not even a question of whether or not I'm qualified to do the calcs myself.

The question is...When performing professional design services (especially with Chief which is not an engineering program), where do you think a designers plan drawing responsibilities should end, and the engineers plan drawing responsibilities begin?

To me it is obvious. I have not read through all of the treads yet so I may be repeating someone else. Most areas now use the IRC (International Residential Code). As long as your design is within the prescriptive path of that code you can design it. In many cases I'm not required in my state (Washington) to have an engineer involved (this does vary throughout the state, some jurisdictions always require an engineer's stamp and calc.). When I do need an engineer I send him what I have and he not only checks my calcs but determines what needs to be done to those parts of the design that fall outside the prescriptive path of the IRC. I know right away when I'm working on a project for someone when an engineer will need to be involved. It is important that you know the IRC and any other code requirements adopted by the jurisdiction where the project is located.

Good luck with your new business. You have using a great product in CA.

Author of Learning Chief Architect Step By Step