STRUCTURE Dec21 Digital

STRUCTURE
NCSEA | CASE | SEI DECEMBER 2021
SOILS AND
FOUNDATIONS
INSIDE: Slover Library 22

Avoiding Sinkholes 10
Structural Movement 14
Calculating Rain Loads 40
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4 STRUCTURE magazine
Contents
D ECEM BER 2021
Cover Feature
22 SLOVER LIBRARY
By David Mykins, P.E.
The challenge for this project was

renovating a 115-year-old historic
building, a mid-century commercial
building, and connecting the two with
a new, modern addition. A tight urban
site, unsuitable soils for foundations,
a high water table, construction
concerns about vibrations, and historic
requirements all combined for some
unique solutions.
Features Columns and Departments

26 BYPASSING EXPANSIVE SOILS 7 Editorial 40 Code Updates
Invest in Your Success and the Calculating Rain Loads
WITH HOLLOW CORE PLANKS Future of Structural Engineering per 2021 IBC
OVER A CRAWLSPACE By Anne M. Ellis, P.E. By Sandra Hyde, P.E., and
John “Buddy” Showalter, P.E.
By Eric Homburg, P.E.
The Oscar Johnson Jr. Community Center will utilize mass timber
8 InFocus
Automation and the Future 44 Historic Structures
construction. Perhaps the most daunting issue was expansive
of Structural Engineering Quebec Bridge
soils. The solution is building the foundation using a suspended
By Eytan Solomon, P.E. Failure #2,1916
hollow core plank slab system supported by elevated concrete By Frank Griggs, Jr., D.Eng, P.E.
beams constructed on top of belled piers. 10 Construction Issues
Avoiding Sinkholes during 47 Professional Issues
28 FIRE ENGINEERING EXPOSED Mechanized Closed-Face A Vision for Structural
TIMBER AT PIG PATCH HOUSE Tunneling Engineering Licensure
By Hee Yang Ng, C.Eng, P.E. By The Structural Engineering
By Sanja Buncic, C.Eng, and Matthew Smith, M.Eng, P.Eng
Licensure Coalition
This single-family custom home was built in England from
14 Structural Monitoring
mass timber panels, suspended insulated precast concrete 48 Talking Points
Repair, Defer, or Do Nothing
floor planks at ground floor level, and RC ground beams The Case for Science-Based
By Steven F. Keppel, P.E., Scott J. DiFiore, P.E.,
on mini concrete piles used as foundations. This project and Giuliana A. Zelada, P.E. Public Policy
demonstrated that mass timber could be successfully applied By John A. Dal Pino, S.E.
to satisfy architectural and sustainability goals while meeting 17 Engineer's Notebook

life safety requirements. The Hidden Cost of Copy 51 Spotlight
and Paste – Part 1 A New Link in Calgary’s
32 ADAPTIVE REUSE OF THE By Jason McCool, P.E. Covered Walkway System
HISTORIC WITHERSPOON 18 Codes and Standards 58 CASE Business Practices

BUILDING – PART 4 2021 IBC Significant Structural Coordination and
By D. Matthew Stuart, P.E., S.E., P.Eng, SECB Changes – Part 2 Completeness of Structural
Part 4 of this four-part series continues the discussion of the By Sandra Hyde, P.E., and Construction Documents
John “Buddy” Showalter, P.E. By Jeff Morrison
structural investigations, including the Gray columns, new floor
openings, and demolition of the second-floor mezzanine to 36 Structural Design
allow for a new second-floor loft. Challenging and interesting, Pour Strips In Every Issue
the adaptive reuse of the building was a sustainability By Gordon H. Reigstad Ph.D., P.E., S.E., 4 Advertiser Index
achievement and a historical success. Jason G. Reigstad, and Jared M. Reigstad, P.E. 50 Resource Guide
– Earth Retention
Publication of any article, image, or advertisement in STRUCTURE® magazine does not constitute endorsement 39 InSights 52 NCSEA News
by NCSEA, CASE, SEI, the Publisher, or the Editorial Board. Authors, contributors, and advertisers retain sole
Adaptation Advantage 54 SEI Update
responsibility for the content of their submissions. STRUCTURE magazine is not a peer-reviewed publication.
Readers are encouraged to do their due diligence through personal research on topics. By Stephanie Slocum, P.E. 56 CASE in Point
D E C E M B E R 2 0 21 5
EDITORIAL
Invest in Your Success and the Future
of Structural Engineering
By Anne M. Ellis, P.E., F.ASCE
H ow much are you willing to invest in your success? Structural

engineers spend $10s, if not $100s of thousands preparing
to launch their careers technically. And that is usually sufficient for
national trends of embodied carbon in the structural systems we
design. Published targets for structural embodied carbon reduction
will be developed as a result. We’ve seen an immediate impact on
the first five years of a career. Beyond this, what are you personally industry momentum around SE 2050 and its goals. Without the SEI
investing to enhance your career and your practice? For our practices, Futures Fund grant, we might not have built the momentum we have
firms, and companies to grow and thrive requires competent people, today. The SEI Futures Fund grant was the catalyst we needed, and
21st-century solutions to address 21st-century problems, business it couldn’t have come at a better time,” said Michael Gryniuk, Chair
savvy, and more. Ensuring a strong pipeline of people, solutions, of SEI SE 2050 Committee.
and business aids necessitates collective There are many more programs making
investment. No one firm can accomplish an impact and generating returns for the
this alone. This is where the SEI Futures savvy, future-forward structural engi-
Fund comes in. neers investing in the SEI Futures Fund.
The SEI Futures Fund is your vehicle for Your career can Consider:
impact investing through collective action • Global Practice Guide to prepare
to improve our profession and careers. be your very best and empower those with the passion
Donations from one individual or organiza- and ambition to work globally with
tion to the SEI Futures Fund are combined investment in a the technical, professional, and busi-
with donations from others providing for ness requisites for success
significant investments in programs that
otherwise may not happen. Since 2014,
changing economy. • Structural Fire Engineering
Curriculum to help develop future
the SEI Futures Fund has awarded grants engineers that can work in innova-
totaling over $800,000 to: tive environments and address the
• Promote student interest in 21st-century demands of clients
structural engineering • Facilitation and Leadership Training Workshop to equip
• Support younger member involvement in SEI local chapter leaders with usable tools on facilitation to
• Provide opportunities for professional development improve their leadership skills to boost their volunteer and
“With a grant from the Futures Fund, the SEI Global Activities professional endeavors
Division hosted the Future Impact of Covid-19 on the Commercial I encourage you to contribute to the SEI Futures Fund and track
Development Market virtual event, kicking off informative and timely your individual impact return on investment (IROI):
presentations on the impact the pandemic and other global events
IROI = IV-IIA × 100%
are expected to have on our profession,” said Derek Skolnik, Chair IIA
of SEI Global Activities Division. where: IV = Impact value
These SEI Futures Fund investments generate social, environmental, IIA = Initial investment amount
and economic benefits to donors and our profession. The programs You will quickly see your investment is delivering outsized returns.
considered for investment are evaluated through an impact lens. “A Futures Fund scholarship allowed me to attend my first Structures
Consider these SEI Futures Fund-generated impacts: Congress. That opportunity led me to 7 more Congresses, 3 national
• Social: Was your firm able to grow through new hires of committee chair positions, 2 task committees, 2 job offers, a position
students and/or young professionals that received one of the on the Futures Fund Board, and many lifelong friends and mentors.
hundred+ SEI Futures Fund scholarships to engage at an There’s no doubt my career would look different if I hadn’t received
in-person Structures Congress? that scholarship,” said Linda Kaplan, SEI Futures Fund Board member.
• Environmental: Are you considering structural embodied Your career is the most important investment you will ever make.
carbon in your design, capitalizing on the industry benchmarks It is an alternative and diversification to your traditional invest-
and targets generated by the SE 2050 database developed ment portfolio. Your career can be your very best investment in
thanks to the $25,000 investment from the SEI Futures Fund? a changing economy. As you invest in your career, invest in the
• Economic: Are you better able to manage your practice risks SEI Futures Fund with a tax-deductible, year-end gift at
thanks to knowledge gained from the Agreement Basics for https://bit.ly/3osX0O5. Thank you for investing in the
Engineers guide included with this magazine thanks to the SEI future of structural engineering!■
Futures Fund $13,500 investment to publish and distribute it
to 30,000 practicing structural engineers? Anne Ellis is the Executive Director of the Charles Pankow Foundation and
“The SEI Futures Fund has allowed us to take a major step forward serves as an outside director on the boards of Alpha Corporation and
in advancing the goals of net-zero embodied carbon structures. The GEI Consultants. In addition, she is chair of the SEI Futures Fund Board,
serves on the ASCE Industry Leaders Council, and is chair of the Board of
grant provided us with the resources needed to develop our beta
Directors of the National Institute of Building Sciences.
database of structural embodied carbon that will allow us to establish
STRUCTURE magazine D E C E M B E R 2 0 21 7
INFOCUS
Automation and the Future of
Structural Engineering
By Eytan Solomon, P.E., LEED AP
In July 2021, I discussed the “hot” topic of automation and the future for structural engineers with two of the industry’s leading experts in digital design:
Rob Otani is a Senior Principal and the Chief Technology Officer at Thornton Tomasetti, and Zak Kostura is an Associate Principal and the
Americas Region leader of Advanced Digital Engineering at Arup. Below are highlights from our discussion.
There are two things that we call “code.” First, building codes, self-perpetuating. If you simplify the process of designing, you give
meaning the rules for structural design – including the jurisdic- yourself the opportunity to iterate that design more and focus on
tional codes and model codes (like the International Building things you would not otherwise be able to. Plus, there are advances
Code [IBC]) and code-referenced standards (like the American in culture and technology.
Institute of Steel Construction’s AISC 360). And then computer
code, meaning the software programs we use for structural analysis When you are talking about designing a design process, it sounds
and design. A frequent question is – what is stopping ALL of the like systems engineering.
written building code from becoming written computer code?
Kostura: At Arup, before someone gets to the point where they
Otani: Nothing is stopping us. It’s just hard to implement. It’s hard to automate anything on a project, in theory, they are supposed to
create an app that is going to redirect you to all those other things… A put a workflow together that documents the design process. The
lot of engineering is actually not just designing a beam. It is deciding workflow diagram allows you to understand the linear parts of your
what beam to design, what material to use, etc. process versus the iterative. It helps you understand the dependen-
Kostura: Yeah, I would say that it may be shocking to a structural cies between the two. For example, if you look at three commercial
engineer, but I think building code is typically more forgiving high-rise buildings, you might say that no one piece of software will
than computer code. A lot of discretion and judgment goes into design all three of these entirely. But when you map the workflow for
engineering that you only appreciate when you try to automate these three projects, you see that certain steps are common. Those
it. One of the things that I really had to learn a lot about when I common steps can be a tool or a set of tools. The more you can
got into coding software is the concept of user-experience design. channel that and think about it in terms of process, the more clar-
You really have to plan what you’re doing and the group of users ity you have about how far you go with the scope of any software.
you are trying to help. In our line of work, there is a fundamental
question about who uses the software. There’s one line of thinking Can people be taught to think that way before they have really
that you can make software for engineers to assist in completing mastered the job?
the design. Alternatively, the end-user could be someone else, such
as the architect or owner with less understanding of the internal Otani: Well, there are a couple of questions there. The end-user is not
process. So it’s important to think going to see a lot of that. I think Zak
about the user we are building that was referring to the person who is
software for. It defines what the mapping this out. I think you know
software will do. “A lot of engineering is actually the machine learning apps that we
Otani: So, tools like RAM, SAP not just designing a beam. It is have created over the years. We need
2000, or ETABS already have code- independent little physics-based
based automation in their systems. deciding what beam to design, checks along the way because, you
By the way, they didn’t always. And know, engineers hate a black box.
I would argue that is what makes what material to use, etc.” They love Excel because all the for-
them reliable tools for structural mulas are very clear. The engineers
analysis and design. can write their own little checks along
Rob the way. What Zak was talking about,
Is it only a matter of time before Otani in general terms, is called robotic pro-
cess automation. They use that in the
all design is automated?
automotive industry, where a very
Kostura: I don’t think so. clear road map is needed to identify
Otani: I don’t think it is going to when and what to check along the
happen in our lifetimes. way because the engineers just by
Kostura: Is Apple ever going to be nature don’t trust anything.
done designing the iPhone? No, Kostura: Digital practitioners talk
because design is something that is about user journeys. What’s the
process that the user goes through? What is the user’s goal, and what training every year to keep current. This has affected the “shelf
is the process to accomplish that goal? It is amazing to me how many life” of our project managers: their shelf life used to be their entire
project engineers are unable to sit down and articulate the process. careers. Like, someone who was 50 in 1990 could tell someone who
It isn’t a technique we prioritize, so most engineers are not getting was 21 exactly how to do the job – with tracing paper, the green
better at it. (AISC) book, whatever it was. And today, the senior folks who
know their stuff inside and out have a hard time being a mentor
When the author was in engineering school, in the early aughts, to the engineer who is churning away (with all the new software).
there was a requirement to take one coding class. Should aspiring And I’m not even talking about Revit, just the engineering tools.
structural engineering students be taking more coding classes?
However, most would assume that
Otani: I would say yes. I mean,
must be and has been the case for
everyone is not going to be a con-
decades in things like aerospace
sultant software developer, but you We know that our profit where you clearly have needed
kind of need to know what’s pos-
more advanced computing for the
sible. Like to Zak’s point, if you margins on conventional design analysis, and yet they had their
recognize something that is a real
pain point, and you have a little will not get bigger in the future. gray-haired engineers.
bit of software development knowl- Kostura: The difference is that
edge, you can piece things together nobody is expected to make a profit
to automate the process. So I think
it’s awareness. Zak on the first prototype in aerospace
and automotive. In our industry, that
Kostura: We are in a time-based Kostura is precisely what we are expected to
business, right? And we know that do, so we have a lot less rigor than
our profit margins on conventional they do.
design will not get bigger in the Otani: Aerospace has ridiculous QA/
future. They are probably going to QC. There are checks upon checks
continue to get smaller, so I think upon checks. For example, you put
we must equip as many engineers as a new pillow in an airplane, and it
possible with the ability to readily has to be verified.
identify repetitive tasks and perform Kostura: You know, it’s another
them more efficiently. That has been the role of technology for 40 delineation between us and aerospace and automotive that you do
or 50 years, and I think to Rob’s point, a new way is needed with not have this awkward transfer of risk and responsibility midway
competence and literacy in design thinking and programming. through the project, right? From design to construction. You have
And every organization is going to face a dilemma around what a team that is incentivized to collaborate and work together. If
you task an Engineer to know and what you leave in the hands of someone misses something and the model’s not correct initially, it
another professional digital practitioner. A lot of us in engineering is everybody’s problem, not just one person’s problem. And the way
are experimenting with Cloud services now, right? You can run up we have carved our industry up makes it harder to undo. So that is
an AWS [Amazon Web Services] instance and run your FE [Finite a big issue for all of us.
Element] model there, which is faster. And if you were to use
Do you think that will lead to more design-build?
Microsoft, you might choose Azure services over AWS. You might
get a price break today, but next year AWS might be cheaper. And if Otani: Yes. I think it will. I think it is going to go in two directions.
you do the analysis in the middle of the night, it is even cheaper than I think contractors will start to get more involved in design because
during the day. You can save money by analyzing when computing they can have more influence during that time. For example, do not
resources are less in demand, like electricity. Cloud economics is use that facade material because we cannot get it for two years. As well
an example of a field of expertise that will ultimately come into our as the engineers going further and producing shop drawings. And
analytically-heavy industry. Can you expect the engineers to increas- having the contractor we know who will build it fill in the rest because
ingly take that on? It seems like most organizations are ultimately we have been staring at this project for two years, right?
going to come to a point where they have to make a clear decision Kostura: We are all looking for a way to hedge our profits, right?
about what digital skills should be left in the hands of people who Because the conventional things we do are getting harder to make
practice structural engineering every day or in the hands of another money doing. So, what else can you do? What added services can you
field of conventional building design. They will also need to decide offer? There are many great ways to extend what you’re already doing.
how they cover the other areas of digital knowledge, like cloud Otani: In the startup world, they talk about making the process vertical.■
economics and many others.
Otani: Yes, but take that one step further. Recently, I did some- The author would like to thank both Rob and Zak for their
thing with a technology-in-architecture practice group. I showed a insights into these critical topics. There is much food for thought
graph of the software I had when I first started: Risa 2D and SAP as structural engineers consider how the profession integrates
90. That’s it – those two things. And by the way, there were only with new technologies and innovations.
three computers in the entire office. So today, there is probably
at least 10 times that amount of software, right? So, the engineer Eytan Solomon is a Senior Associate at Silman and a member of
coming out of college needs to know so much more than I knew. STRUCTURE’s Editorial Board. (solomon@silman.com)
And now, the practicing engineer needs to have significantly more
D E C E M B E R 2 0 21 9
construction ISSUES
Avoiding Sinkholes during Mechanized
Closed-Face Tunneling
By Hee Yang Ng, MIStructE, C.Eng, P.E.
R apid transportation by metro has become an indispensable devel-

opment for many modern cities. Due to the depth and length
of the tunnels, these urban subway lines are often built using circu-
lar tunnel boring machines (TBM). Two common types of TBMs
are slurry TBMs and earth pressure balance (EPB) TBMs. While
the tunnel shield and completed segmental tunnel linings (usually
discrete precast concrete panels assembled together or precast rings)
are relatively safe, the TBM excavation process can be potentially
dangerous. This article looks at some measures and good practices to
avoid sinkholes (Figure 1) during closed-face tunneling. The intrica-
cies of tunneling and TBMs are much broader than the overviews
included here.
Key Principles of TBM Construction Figure 1. Sinkhole caused by TBM tunneling work.
A TBM typically consists of a cutterhead, excavation chamber, and
a shield in very simplistic terms. The strong cylindrical steel shield annulus which needs to be grouted to minimize risks of ground and
provides a safe environment for removing spoils from the excavation lining movement.
chamber and erecting the permanent linings. At the front of the EPB TBMs are more suited for cohesive soils (clay/soft ground),
TBM, a cutterhead is equipped and configured strategically with while slurry TBMs are for cohesionless soils (sand/rock/mixed ground
disc cutters to break down rock and appropriately sized openings to of soil and rock) with additives/conditioning agents and bentonite
allow excavated materials to be removed from the face. Face pressure slurry added, respectively, to condition the excavated spoils for easy
is regulated via slurry flow and plastic paste discharge for slurry and removal. Slurry TBMs are more elaborate in setup as the slurry needs
EPB TBMs, respectively. It is important to note that the cutterhead to be recycled, requiring a separation plant on the ground. The better
needs to overcut a slightly larger diameter to allow the shield to control of face pressure for slurry TBMs allows such TBMs to be
advance by jacking against completed linings. Similarly, the linings used in more difficult (e.g., high groundwater and permeable) and
being erected within the shield means that there is a “tail-void” or heterogeneous ground conditions. Slurry TBMs are also sometimes
equipped with powerful crushers and grizzly bars to deal with
boulders (or rock debris) and prevent jamming the TBM.
Choosing the correct TBM type with adequate and suitable
specifications to deal with the site-specific ground conditions
is a critical first step in ensuring safe tunneling (Figure 2).
Ground Settlement
A sinkhole is a case of a sudden (and usually substantial) void
formed at the ground surface. The usual small magnitude
ground surface settlement caused by TBM tunneling can be
estimated using a Gaussian (normal) distribution curve. This
settlement is due to the volume loss in the ground in the pro-
cess of tunneling. Volume loss can include losses at the TBM
face, the shield, and the tail void. The Gaussian distribution
assumes that the area encompassed by the curve is equal to
the volume loss. Two key parameters are required to define
the curve: the volume loss, Vl, and i, the distance from the
tunnel centerline to the inflection point. The volume loss is
usually expressed as a percentage of the tunnel face area, say
0.5% to 3%. i is a fraction of the tunnel depth, which can
typically be 0.25H for sand and 0.5H for clay, where H is
Figure 2. Schematic view of EPB TBM and Slurry TBM. the depth to the tunnel centerline. For clay, this value can
range from 0.4H to 0.7H for stiff clay and soft clay,
respectively. Although obvious, to minimize impact
to property and structures, surface settlement needs
to be minimized, and therefore, volume loss needs
to be as small as possible, preferably below 0.5%.
Figure 3 shows a comparison of ground surface settle-
ment for TBM in clay and sand. The tunnel diameter
is 19.7 feet (6m) and located at 65.6 feet (20m) below
ground, using a volume loss of 2%. Ground settlement
in stiff clay and sand will show a narrower trough
width. Therefore, the maximum settlement would be
higher than soft clay to maintain the same area enclosed
by the curve, assuming the same volume loss.
A simplified finite element simulation of volume loss
in sand and clay using volume contraction is shown
in Figures 4 and 5 (page 12). It can be seen that the
settlement trough in sand is very narrow, with much Figure 3. Gaussian curve for ground surface settlement due to TBM tunneling.
settlement occurring on top of the tunnel and the
soil movement wedge surface propagating upwards at an angle of 60° During TBM excavation, the TBM face has to balance two primary
(measured from horizontal) to almost vertically (like a chimney-type sources of loadings, namely from soil and water. In terms of total
mechanism). In clay, the settlement trough is much wider, and some stress for undrained loading, where water is not considered explic-
designers assume the soil movement wedge to be at 45° measured from itly, the face pressure required to prevent collapse can be calculated
the horizontal tunnel centerline (springline). This is due to the plastic from overburden pressure less Nccu, where Nc is the stability number
flow of soft clay, where there is substantial movement horizontally (equal to 9 for deep tunnels with soil cover greater than 3 times
from the sides of the tunnel due to the generally higher horizontal the tunnel diameter), and cu is the soil undrained shear strength.
stress compared to sand. Whereas for sand, the frictional nature of Notice that Nccu is analogous to the ultimate bearing capacity of
the material means that vertical stress is usually higher than horizontal 9cu in piles. Surcharge (if extensive in area) and pressure variation,
stress, resulting in a greater tendency of downward soil displacement typically 1.45 to 4.35 psi (0.1 bar to 0.3 bar or 10 to 30 kPa), can
above the tunnel. In addition, the failure surface of sand tends to be included if necessary. To control settlement, a more stringent
propagate upwards in a path of least resistance, which is vertically Nc is used. For example, to control settlement below 2%, Nc could
upwards because the frictional strength decreases most rapidly in the be 4.5 (half of 9).
vertical direction with decreasing confining stress. Similarly, for effective stress, the face pressure required to prevent
collapse can be calculated from the sum of water pressure and effec-
tive soil balance pressure (submerged soil unit weight times tunnel
TBM Face Stability diameter) less soil cohesion, with some coefficients applied (e.g., 0.2
The tunneling process is an unloading process as soil support is and 2 respectively for effective soil balance pressure and soil cohesion).
removed when the ground is excavated. Therefore, the control of face The water pressure term is going to be the dominant factor when
pressure during TBM operation is critical. Inadequate face pressure the groundwater table is high. Again, to control settlement, a higher
could result in the face lacking support and the soil becoming unstable, pressure is necessary to balance the soil pressure (use a higher coef-
causing ground loss and possibly a sinkhole. Conversely, the soil might ficient, e.g., 0.6). The maximum face pressure should not be greater
be forced upwards if the face pressure is excessive, causing a blow-out than the total vertical overburden pressure to prevent ground heave.
or ground heave. Slurry might also be leaked out. Occasionally, operatives may need to enter the excavation chamber
to inspect, repair, clear obstructions, or change worn-out tools (also
known as cutterhead interventions). In such an instance,
compressed air is required to balance the water pressure
to prevent water ingress. As soil pressure cannot be
balanced, it may be necessary to ensure such stoppage
and interventions are carried out in stable ground, for
example, docking within a jet grout block. In addition,
dewatering and grouting might be required. Ensuring
that the membrane filter cake (an impermeable layer
on the soil surface formed by small particles clogged
or wedged together under pressure) is maintained and
effective is crucial for compressed air support, especially
during prolonged stoppages.
Controlling Over-Excavation
Another critical aspect in preventing sinkholes is in
the control of over-excavation during TBM tunnel-
Figure 4. Ground settlement due to TBM in sand. ing. The theoretical volume of soil to be taken out
D E C E M B E R 2 0 21 11
High-Risk Activities
Designers need to be aware of several high-risk
activities during TBM tunneling. These include
break-in/break-out from shafts, stoppage and inter-
ventions, mixed ground (soil and rock) conditions,
worn-out cutting tools, and TBM flushing for a
slurry TBM. Flushing is a process to circulate slurry
in an attempt to revive a choked or jammed TBM.
Without shield advancement, the slurry discharge
could easily result in over-excavation. Therefore,
such a procedure must only be carried out under
authorization and close supervision with adequate
control and precautionary measures in place. The
tunneling team must follow strict procedures when
encountering unexpected events, such as a jammed
TBM. This is to avoid allowing the TBM operator
free rein in carrying out repeated and extended
Figure 5. Ground settlement due to TBM in clay. flushing and discharging excessive materials. It is
always tempting to repeatedly run the slurry flow
can be determined by the tunnel geometry, i.e., the product of the in the excavation chamber to revive a jammed TBM.
face area and length of the tunnel. If the actual excavated amount A mixed-face condition occurs where the TBM face has both soil and
exceeds this theoretical amount, it means there is over-excavation. rock. This is particularly challenging for TBM because of the vastly dif-
Over-excavation can be potentially dangerous because when more ferent stiffness of soil and rock. As the rock at the bottom of the TBM
soil is taken out from the ground, underground voids are formed, face resists the cutterhead’s advance, the soil at the top of the TBM
and these could culminate in a sinkhole being formed at the ground is continuously drawn into the excavation chamber. Therefore, over-
surface. In addition, the formation of a sinkhole can be sudden with excavation can quickly occur. In addition, broken rock fragments that
few tell-tale signs. Therefore, closely monitoring over-excavation and are too large to enter the cutterhead openings are trapped in front of the
setting an over-excavation limit is crucial in preventing sinkholes. TBM and rotated. This overbreak also contributes to over-excavation
Determining over-excavation is not a straightforward task because due to the drawing in of more material compared to TBM advancement.
the soil volume in situ is obviously different from the volume of loose
soil after excavation. Some designers estimate the expanded volume
or swell of the soil after excavation by applying a “bulking factor”
Precautionary and Remedial Measures
of 1.2 to 1.3 for soil and even higher for rock. However, additives In built-up areas, it may be helpful to visually annotate the TBM
or slurry are added for closed-face tunneling, either EPB or slurry, alignment on the ground surface. In addition, surface surveillance
and need to be accounted for. Furthermore, there is a possibility of by eye helps detect visible ground settlement, especially when ground
water intrusion and additive or slurry loss into the ground. Ground settlement readings are not yet taken or made available. In critical areas,
make-up is also likely to vary along the TBM alignment. Therefore, it is also helpful to have a drilling rig ready and on standby so that
designers have to be aware of the limitations and significance of over- any backfilling of voids by grouting can be carried out immediately.
excavation monitoring. Ground improvement by grouting is a commonly employed tech-
While soil volume may be different before and after excavation, the nique in TBM operations. In difficult ground conditions such as
weight or mass of soil must remain the same. For a slurry TBM, the mixed-face tunneling, grouting the weaker zones helps to provide
measurement of flow and fluid density at the input and output is a more stable excavation process and minimize the risk of over-
used to monitor over-excavation. As an illustration, to find out the excavation. Grouting may also be used in other higher-risk areas,
volume of soil excavated, the mass excavated can be found by first such as break-in/break-out locations.
multiplying density with flow and time and taking the difference at the
input and output pipes. Then, volume can be estimated by dividing
mass by density. EPB measurement methods include physical muck
Conclusion
skip counts and direct weight measurements. The avoidance of sinkholes is a crucial aspect of safe TBM construction.
Designers for TBM tunneling should always specify the limit of Starting with a good understanding of the ground conditions, a suitable
over-excavation allowed. Typically, this can be a value of 15% to 20% TBM tunneling method and machine with appropriate capabilities can
deviation in volume excavated for a single ring or a rolling average be selected. Maintaining adequate face pressure and working within allow-
of 5 to 10 rings. When such a limit is breached, the tunneling team able over-excavation limits are the two main control measures preventing
needs to know what immediate actions are required for reporting, sinkholes. When over-excavation occurs, a common error is to rely on
verification, review, and remedial work. The response required might grouting a sinkhole as an afterthought in an attempt to rush through
vary according to the risk to the public; for example, depending on tunneling with no regard for over-excavation and excessive slurry
whether tunneling is over a greenfield site (minor consequence) or discharge. The better way is to suspend excavation and restart
in close proximity to existing buildings or critical infrastructures after verification and review to confirm it is safe to continue.■
(severe consequence). When the over-excavation limit is breached,
Hee Yang Ng is a Principal Engineer with a building control agency in
it is essential not to excavate further until verification and review are
the Asia-Pacific region.
done to confirm that it is safe.
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structural MONITORING
Repair, Defer or Do Nothing
Structure Movement Monitoring for Efficient Planning and Decision Making
By Steven F. Keppel, P.E., Scott J. DiFiore, P.E., and Giuliana A. Zelada, P.E.
S ymptoms of building movement can develop obviously and sud-

denly, or more subtly over years or decades. Common symptoms
include cracks in walls or floors, racked windows and door frames,
and sloping or uneven floors. While each of these symptoms causes
concern, not all are equal. Some symptoms could be a sign of struc-
tural deterioration in need of immediate repair. In contrast, other
symptoms may be a remnant of previous movement that occurred
years ago and has since stabilized. In between, a range of conditions
exist. Given the range of potential repair actions and related costs, it
is essential to identify the cause and an appropriate scope of repair.
Severe symptoms require immediate investigation to determine
whether emergency actions are required. However, suppose the engi-
neer and building owner determine that immediate actions are not
warranted. In that case, a thoughtful structure movement-monitoring
program serves as a valuable tool to identify the appropriate type,
timing, and extent of repairs. Collecting the data and understanding
the symptoms provide significant value to the owner, the building,
and its tenants, as repairs can focus on what is essential.
Crack in masonry unit block wall.
This article highlights types of structure movement monitoring
(referred to herein as monitoring or the monitoring program) that can
be implemented to help the owner isolate the cause of damage and • Instruments: Digital or optical levels, total station, 3-D laser
plan for effective repairs, along with several examples that illustrate scans, deformation monitoring points (DMPs).
varying conditions and subsequent actions. • Considerations: Determine whether long-term repeatability
is necessary. Identify appropriate location, quantity, and type
of permanent or temporary DMPs and reference benchmarks
Instrument Types and Considerations (BMs). Evaluate the level of accuracy needed and sophistica-
Monitoring may employ a variety of instruments depending on the tion of the equipment
conditions and type of structure. Several instruments commonly used
Below-Grade Measurements
with considerations for selection and installation are listed below. Costs
can vary widely depending upon the sophistication of the instruments. • Purpose: Measure soil movements or groundwater elevations.
• Instruments: Groundwater observation wells, extensometers,
Crack and Joint Measurements
and inclinometers.
• Purpose: Monitor displacement at joints or cracks. • Considerations: Installation requires test borings which can be
• Instruments: Crack monitors and disruptive to building operations and
displacement gauges (visual/manual occupancy. Interior access is often more
or electromechanical readout; 1-D, challenging than exterior access.
2-D, or 3-D); tiltmeters; hand-held Additional considerations are common
levels; and many others. to all instruments. Business considerations
• Considerations: Choose based on include the building’s value and expected
the configuration, access, and antici- useful life, time-horizon for repairs, poten-
pated movement (type, magnitude, tial repair costs, owner budget, and safety.
and direction). Sometimes the best Technical considerations include accuracy
solution is the least sophisticated requirements, frequency and duration of
(e.g., pen marks or pins mounted on data collection, repeatability, manual or
either side of a crack and measured automated readings, power source, and
with a tape measure or calipers). cell service for remote data transmission.
Logistical considerations include access,
Deformation Survey
durability, protection from the weather,
• Purpose: Measure displacement Cracks in masonry block wall repaired with supplemental construction, vandalism, impacts to
of structural components, ground carbon reinforcement. The monitoring program verified the tenant use of the space (e.g., trip hazards
surface, utilities, etc. performance of these repairs. or aesthetics), and possible placement near
sensitive equipment affected by vibrations remnants of long-ago movements, and no
or levelness (e.g., manufacturing, medical, safety risk exists. This condition is a some-
or testing). what best-case scenario, where proactive
instrumentation, monitoring, and patience
Developing Monitoring save the owner repair cost and disruption.
In some cases, No Action may result from
Programs several rounds (or years) of monitoring and
Developing an effective monitoring pro- a thorough investigation and assessment.
gram requires investigation to identify
Example of No Action
the program objectives. The investigation
includes a visual assessment, a desktop An owner was concerned that its building
study, and sometimes destructive or was settling. Multiple tenants reported
invasive activity that includes building cracked wall finishes, gaps between
openings or subsurface exploration. wood trim and floors, and sloped floors
• Visual Assessment: A visual assess- Temporary repair involving underslab void filling. Coring,
in a 100-year-old, multi-story residential
ment identifies the type of distress filling voids with grout, and patching can be performed over building. The structure consisted of wood
symptoms, magnitudes, locations, a few days compared to a longer construction period for a framing and masonry-bearing walls sup-
trends, construction materials, and permanent repair. ported on concrete and stone foundations.
age of the symptom. After performing a visual assessment of
• Desktop Study: A review of avail- the structure and symptoms, the engineer
able data, including construction implemented a monitoring program that
drawings, repair records, construc- included crack gauges, a structure defor-
tion permits, historical photos, or mation survey, and floor levelness readings
prior subsurface investigations gives every six to twelve months over two-plus
a head start in understanding build- years. Results showed that the symptoms
ing construction, foundation types, were not caused by foundation settle-
and potential load paths. ment but rather a combination of creep
• Invasive Investigations: When of the wood framing and localized framing
conditions permit or when historical reconfiguration and repairs over the life of
data is absent, an invasive investiga- the building. Seasonal dimensional change
tion consisting of building openings of wood trim and flooring finishes caused
(e.g., at framing connections, gaps to be more apparent in the winter
column to foundation interfaces) months, and the foundation was stable.
and/or subsurface investigations Permanent repair involving slab replacement is usually more No repairs were required. The instrumen-
(e.g., soil test borings or test pits) disruptive to the client’s space compared to temporary repairs. tation remained on the structure to allow
provides critical information to future readings if new symptoms develop.
diagnose a problem.
An immediate visual assessment of severe distress symptoms coupled
with a brief desktop study can quickly identify the potential need
Repairs (with Verification)
for immediate emergency stabilization. In many cases, after ruling In many cases, the need for repairs is evident based on visual inspection.
out immediate safety issues, the engineer can develop correlations However, desktop study, instrumentation, and monitoring help define the
between building construction (or renovations), foundation type, appropriate type of repair. In some cases, instrumentation and monitor-
and subsurface conditions, identify possible contributors to dis- ing can verify the adequate performance of a more cost-effective repair.
tress symptoms, and identify what to measure. Then, armed with
Example of Repairs with Verification
knowledge, the engineer can develop a targeted instrumentation
plan with the type, location, and quantity of instruments and the An owner reported cracks in the shear walls for a multi-story masonry
frequency of data collection to help establish whether movement apartment building. The engineer completed an investigation and
has stabilized or is worsening. monitoring program to evaluate the cause. The monitoring program
The owner and its engineer must work together to balance priorities. consisted of deformation surveys and crack gauges and showed that
For example, what areas are most important to diagnose and repair? the foundation was no longer moving. The engineer developed repairs
What areas must be maintained without disruption in the short for the shear wall, supplemented with a monitoring program for a few
term? Does the owner’s time-horizon permit monitoring beyond a years after repairs to confirm performance, saving the client the costs
year? The owner’s specific needs and input influence the program. and disruption of more significant and conservative foundation repairs.
The monitoring program informs decisions for a range of outcomes,
from no action needed, to implementation of repairs, to deferred
action where repairs are prioritized over time.
Repairs (Temporary, with Monitoring)
Depending on the project, permanent repair may not be the best
option for the client. For example, permanent settlement mitigation
No Action repairs such as soil improvement grouting, foundation underpin-
The engineer’s recommendation may be No Action if the monitoring data ning, or replacement of a slab-on-grade with a structural slab are
shows that movement is no longer ongoing, the distress symptoms are often disruptive to the client’s operations, even if repairs are phased.
continued on next page
D E C E M B E R 2 0 21 15
Test pit excavation to observe buried wood pile foundations and extract specimens. Example of a disruptive foundation underpinning repair requiring capital planning.
The monitoring program informed the locations for the test pit investigation. Foundation underpinning repairs consist of needle beams supported on micropile
foundations.
Depending on the structure, rate of measured movement, cause of The structure deformation survey was critical for repair planning.
settlement, and the client’s use of the space, a temporary repair can High accuracy and repeatability of the survey data are essential to
“buy time” and serve as an effective means to limit disruptions to understanding behavior. In this case, structure deformation monitoring
operations. While a permanent repair could be the most robust solu- techniques involved a high precision digital level and an invar survey
tion, the temporary repair supplemented with monitoring may better rod, collecting multiple rounds of data, and performing a least-squares
suit the client’s needs. adjustment of the elevation data to obtain an appropriate accuracy
not achievable with traditional survey methods. This was particularly
Example of Temporary Repairs with Monitoring
important since the survey traversed multiple interior building spaces.
An owner reported settlement of a slab-on-grade at a cleanroom For this high-value building, the owner agreed to engage the engi-
medical manufacturing facility. The building’s structural framing was neer to evaluate and estimate the remaining service life of the timber
supported on deep foundations and exhibited little to no movement. piles supporting the structure. Combined with the groundwater and
The slab-on-grade settlement significantly impacted serviceability structure movement monitoring program, the engineer identified
and facility operations due to racked door frames, damaged utilities, trends and established a low to high-risk priority matrix for repairs
and reduced equipment usage. within the structure. This priority matrix helped the owner develop
A subsurface investigation identified the presence of voids beneath a capital plan for long-term repairs. The owner continues to use the
the slab-on-grade, in addition to compressible subgrade. The engineer monitoring program to update its capital plan as needed based on
implemented a monitoring program combined with temporary repairs measurements as time progresses.
in targeted areas to mitigate slab settlement by filling the under-slab
voids with a lightweight grout. The monitoring program consisted
of frequent structure deformation surveys and annual ground pen-
Conclusion
etrating radar surveys to detect under-slab voids and identify areas There are a variety of instruments available for monitoring the behav-
at risk of sudden settlement. The monitoring program allowed the ior of structures and their foundations. Some tools can be used in
owner to slow damage to the floor slab and equipment, manage risk day-to-day work; others are more complex and require planning,
of additional settlement, and maintain facility operations. investigation, and some level of disruption to the tenants.
When initial investigations determine that structural safety is not a
concern, time for thoughtful and targeted monitoring typically can
Repairs (Deferred and/or Prioritized) save the owner unnecessary disruption and repair costs. An effective
In many instances, repairs are warranted but not required immediately. monitoring program helps owners understand the source of distress,
The owner and engineer can work together to plan for what can often serves as a tool to document symptoms over time, and ultimately helps
be costly and disruptive foundation repairs. Since repairs are deferred the owner and its engineer make decisions about the extent and time-
and implemented over time, monitoring is a critical tool to help plan liness of needed repairs, if any. Ultimately, the successful monitoring
and prioritize repairs. program allows owners to control priorities and budgets for
repairs and provides time to plan for disruptions to occupancy
Example of Deferring and Prioritizing Repairs
and facility operations.■
A historic and iconic masonry building previously experienced set-
tlement due to timber pile deterioration resulting from lowered All authors are with Simpson, Gumpertz & Heger, Inc. in Waltham, MA.
groundwater levels. The monitoring program consisted of groundwater Steven F. Keppel is a Senior Consulting Engineer. (sfkeppel@sgh.com)
observation wells, borehole extensometers, tiltmeters, various types of Scott J. DiFiore is a Principal. (sjdifiore@sgh.com)
crack monitors, and an extensive network of structure deformation
Giuliana A. Zelada is a Senior Project Manager. (gazelada@sgh.com)
monitoring points on walls and foundations.
engineer's NOTEBOOK
The Hidden Cost of Copy and Paste
Part 1
By Jason McCool, P.E.
D elegated design of steel connections and stairs for various steel

fabricators has occupied most of my last ten years at the struc-
tural engineering firm I represent. I have seen contract documents
from structural engineers and architects from all over the country,
from sole proprietors working out of their houses to some of the
most well-known design firms with a worldwide presence. With that
said, I am often asked by exasperated fabricators or freelance detailers
about contract documents that just do not make any sense to them.
Sometimes, I am even offered work because the contract documents
are so confusing that the fabricator mistakenly thinks design is being Outdated references. Unfortunately, drawings are often like houses:
delegated to them. Thus, I sometimes serve as an interpreter first they accumulate junk and need a good spring cleaning every year.
before serving as an engineer, followed by a stint as an unofficial In the last few years, I have personally seen general notes referencing
defense attorney of our profession when the cause of the confusion the 1979 welding code, the 1997 building code, and the 7th and 8th
becomes apparent. editions of the American Institute of Steel Construction’s (AISC)
What is that cause? Typical details and boilerplate specifications. Steel Construction Manual (that is the 1970 and 1980 manuals for
Of course, reinventing the wheel on each new job is a good way the younger engineers reading this). My first thought when I see
to lose money, so it is beneficial to reuse as many details and notes references like that in a set of drawings is, “If something so obviously
as possible. Once you invest time getting a good detail drawn and wrong that would take a few seconds to fix was left that way, what
annotated, you naturally will want to use it as a standard. That often else was overlooked?” Now, in case you think those are just obvious
requires making it generic enough that it can be applied to a variety gaffes to pass over, one engineer friend called me asking for advice as
of similar conditions. Unfortunately, those conditions sometimes are he was being ordered by an Engineer of Record (EOR) to redesign
not as similar as we would like to imagine. and resubmit his steel joist calcs based on the AISC’s 9th edition steel
With that in mind, here are the first three of ten obstacles I have manual (from 1989) as shown on the EOR’s drawings. AISC 360-10
encountered using other engineers’ design documents while working was the steel design standard adopted by reference by that state’s
on behalf of steel fabricators over the last ten years: building code at the time. Some design programs are not set up to
Inapplicable details. Do not add details that are not applicable switch back and forth between different editions of standards. And
anywhere on your project, especially if you have not added the details newer editions of references tend to have more research and testing
that actually do apply. For instance, is your client’s new project behind them, allowing capacities to increase in later editions or new
in Bismarck, North Dakota, very similar to their previous one in limit states to be imposed as deficiencies are discovered.
Hayward, California? Unless you intend to give local fabricators heart The flip side is that if you specify “latest edition” of some code or
attacks, do not copy connection details from a building in Seismic standard just to avoid having to update references in your drawings but
Design Category (SDC) E to a project in SDC A. Another instance have not familiarized yourself with it yet, be prepared for RFIs or back
of this issue is where copied details reference delegated design when charges from those who have read it more closely. A prime example is
the design is not being delegated on the current project. The result AISC’s Code of Standard Practice (COSP, 303-16). The 2016 edition
has often been a frantic email from a fabricator asking for a quote on added requirements that the EOR shall provide a bidding quantity
connection design for a project bidding on the day they came across for reinforcement of framing at connections (e.g., column web dou-
a delegated design reference buried in a detail somewhere. Good blers, etc.) if the EOR is not fully designing that reinforcement and is
housekeeping benefits everyone. delegating the connection design to the fabricator. See COSP section
Contradictory specifications. Some cases are simply amusing, like 3.1.2(2)(b) and its Commentary. I was involved in a project where the
a steel stair specification requiring the stairs on a project in Arkansas structural drawings referred to the “latest edition” of the COSP (2016)
to be stamped by a California-licensed structural engineer. Others can but simply had the note “web plates/stiffeners etc. as req’d by design.”
raise serious questions and cause unnecessary delays. Do not assume In this case, the EOR, by his own reference to the latest edition, should
that a caveat like “in the event of discrepancies between drawings have provided an approximate tonnage of reinforcing for competing
and specs, the drawings shall govern” clears up the confusion caused fabricators to bid fairly but did not. References matter.
by not reading through your own specs thoroughly. This is especially These might seem relatively minor compared to errors like under-
true if you made the Inapplicable Details mistake above. The specs sizing a beam, but they can still cause questions and delays.
are still binding on the fabricator, so if you copy a spec referencing In the next installment, I will look at 4 more issues to
Architecturally Exposed Structural Steel (AESS) Category 4 to your watch out for.■
typical egress stair, the fabricator can rightly say you specified “show-
Jason McCool is a Project Engineer with Robbins Engineering Consultants
case elements” and price accordingly. I have received plenty of specs
in Little Rock, Arkansas, and a member of STRUCTURE’s Editorial Board.
that looked like nobody on the design team bothered reading them.
(jmccool@robbins-engineering.com)
Specs should not be an afterthought.
CODES and STANDARDS
2021 IBC Significant Structural Changes
Part 2: Foundations (Chapter 18)
By Sandra Hyde, P.E., and John “Buddy” Showalter, P.E.
T his five-part series (Part 1, STRUCTURE, November 2021)

includes discussion of significant structural changes to the 2021
International Building Code (IBC) by the International Code Council
(ICC). This installment includes an overview of changes to Chapter
18 on foundations and soils. Only a portion of the total number
of code changes to this chapter are discussed in this article. More
information on the code changes discussed here can be found in the
2021 Significant Changes to the International Building Code, available
from ICC.
IBC Chapter 18 provides criteria for geotechnical and structural con-
siderations in selecting, designing, and installing foundation systems to
support the loads imposed by the structure above. Basic requirements
for all foundation types are provided, including requirements specific
to shallow and deep foundations. The following modifications were
approved for the 2021 IBC. Code text for each section is included
with new text identified by underlining, followed by a brief descrip-
tion of the change significance.
Figure 1. Frost protection is required in front of a swinging door only.
Frost Protection at Required Exits
Frost protection for egress doors has been added to the foundation frost protection. Doors that do not swing – for example, a revolving
requirements. door at a lobby entrance – do not require frost protection (Figure 1).
1809.5.1 Frost Protection at Required Exits. Frost protection
Helical Piles
shall be provided at exterior landings for all required exits with
outward swinging doors. Frost protec- Calculation of the allowable axial design load
tion shall only be required to the extent for helical piles has been clarified.
necessary to ensure the unobstructed 1810.3.3.1.9 Helical piles. The allow-
opening of the required exit doors. able axial design load, Pa, of helical piles
Change Significance: Frost protection shall be determined as follows:
must now be provided for exterior landings Pa = 0.5Pu (Equation 18-4)
at all required means-of-egress doors. In where Pu is the least value of:
addition, where frost protection is required, 1) Base capacity plus shaft resistance
landing areas immediately adjacent to egress of the helical pile. The base capac-
doors must be provided with the same ity is equal to the sum Sum of the
frost protection systems as the building areas of the helical bearing plates
being served by the exit. This protection times the ultimate bearing capac-
is designed to prevent concrete landings ity of the soil or rock comprising
from heaving, thereby compromising the the bearing stratum. The shaft
normal operation of required egress doors. resistance is equal to the area of the
Such heaving actions can render an egress shaft above the uppermost helical
door entirely unusable. bearing plate times the ultimate
Section 1809.5.1 is intended to provide skin resistance.
heave protection only for the area of a land- 2) Ultimate capacity determined from
ing immediately adjacent to exit doors and well-documented correlations with
only for the area required to allow a door to installation torque.
swing open at least 90 degrees from a closed 3) Ultimate capacity determined from
position. The remaining portions of a larger load tests when required by Section
patio or sidewalk need not be provided with Figure 2. Helical piles. 1810.3.3.1.2.
4) Ultimate axial capacity of pile Because piles can be subjected to ten-
shaft. sion caused by overturning moment
5) Ultimate axial capacity of pile during an earthquake, mechanical
shaft couplings. means to transfer the tension to the
6) Sum of the ultimate axial pile cap must be designed for the
capacity of helical bearing plates required tension force and not less than
affixed to pile. ten percent of the pile compression
Change Significance: Larger helical capacity. This requirement focuses on
pile elements are now common, and the attachment of a pile to the pile cap
shaft friction can play an important role with enough strength in the connec-
for larger shaft diameters (Figure 2). tion that the pile steel will not pull out
Pa , the base capacity plus the shaft of the pile cap. See Section 1810.3.11
resistance, may now be used when for more information on changes to
determining the allowable axial load. the pile cap requirements.
Shaft resistance is the shaft area mul- Piles located in site class E or F soils
tiplied by the shaft’s ultimate skin – poor, liquifiable, and expansive
resistance for the length above the soils – must satisfy the requirements
shallowest bearing plate. Base capac- for moderately ductile members per
ity is the soil or rock ultimate bearing AISC 341.
capacity in the bearing layer multi-
Deep Foundation Element
plied by the total number of bearing
Splicing
plates multiplied by the plate area for
all plates in that layer of soil or rock. Deep foundation element splices for
The term shaft resistance is used to be buildings in Seismic Design Category
consistent with Section 1810.3.3.1.4 A and B regions designed by general
addressing allowable shaft resistance. engineering practices do not have to
Determination of ultimate capacity meet the 50 percent tension and bend-
Figure 3. Installation of H-piles.
by load testing has never been intended ing capacity requirements.
to be a requirement for all piles. Adding the reference to Section 1810.3.6 Splices. Splices shall be constructed so as to provide
1810.3.3.1.2 for load tests clarifies when a load test for ultimate and maintain true alignment and position of the component
capacity must be made available. Details for the load test are covered parts of the deep foundation element during installation and
in the load test provisions. subsequent thereto and shall be designed to resist the axial and
shear forces and moments occurring at the location of the splice
Structural Steel H-Piles
during driving and for design load combinations. Where deep
The design and detailing of H-piles must now conform with require- foundation elements of the same type are being spliced, splices
ments of AISC 341, Seismic Provisions for Structural Steel Buildings, shall develop not less than 50 percent of the bending strength of
for a structure assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or F. the weaker section. Where deep foundation elements of different
1810.3.5.3.1 Structural steel H-piles. Sections of structural materials or different types are being spliced, splices shall develop
steel H-piles shall comply with the requirements for HP shapes the full compressive strength and not less than 50 percent of
in ASTM A6, or the following: the tension and bending strength of the weaker section. Where
1) The flange projections shall not exceed 14 times the mini- structural steel cores are to be spliced, the ends shall be milled or
mum thickness of metal in either the flange or the web and ground to provide full contact and shall be full-depth welded.
the flange widths shall be not less than 80 percent of the Exception: For buildings assigned to Seismic Design Category
depth of the section. A or B, splices need not comply with the 50 percent tension
2) The nominal depth in the direction of the web shall be not and bending strength requirements where justified by
less than 8 inches. supporting data.
3) Flanges and web shall have a minimum nominal thickness {remainder unchanged}
of 3⁄8 inch.
For structures assigned to Seismic Design Category
D, E, or F, design and detailing of H-piles shall also
conform to the requirements of AISC 341.
Change Significance: Steel H-piles (Figure 3) used
in higher seismic design categories are expected to
yield just under the pile cap or foundation from a
combined bending and axial load. Design and detailing
requirements for H-piles in AISC 341 are intended
to produce stable plastic hinge formation in the piles.
A plastic hinge is the area along the pile length that
yields or stretches with permanent deformation during
an earthquake. Figure 4. Steel pile splice.
D E C E M B E R 2 0 21 19
All other requirements of Section
1810.3.6 continue to apply for pile
splices in areas assigned as Seismic Design
Categories A and B.
Precast Concrete Piles
Precast concrete piles are now to be
designed following ACI 318, Building
Code Requirements for Structural Concrete,
rather than IBC provisions.
1810.3.8 Precast concrete piles.
Precast concrete piles shall be
designed and detailed in accordance
with Sections 1810.3.8.1 through
1810.3.8.3 ACI 318.
Exceptions:
1) For precast prestressed piles in
Seismic Design Category C, the
minimum volumetric ratio of
spirals or circular hoops required by
Section 18.13.5.10.4 of ACI 318
Figure 5. Precast concrete piles. shall not apply in cases where the
design includes full consideration
Change Significance: Steel pile splices (Figure 4) must be designed of load combinations specified in ASCE 7 Section 2.3.6 or
to resist axial and shear forces as well as moments occurring at a Section 2.4.5 and the applicable overstrength factor, Ω0. In
splice location. Conformance with this requirement ensures the such cases, minimum transverse reinforcement shall be as
structural integrity of the splice. Section 1810.3.6.1 contains specified in Section 13.4.5.6 of ACI 318.
restrictive splice requirements for structures assigned to Seismic 2) For precast prestressed piles in Seismic Design Categories
Design Categories C through F. For low seismic areas, commonly D through F, the minimum volumetric ratio of spirals or
available splices are acceptable in many design situations, such as circular hoops required by Section 18.13.5.10.5(c) of ACI
a splice located deep enough that significant tension or bending 318 shall not apply in cases where the design includes full
demands are not expected or possible. Load requirements at the consideration of load combinations specified in ASCE 7
splice diminish due to soil resistance above the splice when the Section 2.3.6 or Section 2.4.5 and the applicable over-
splice is located at depth. strength factor, Ω0. In such cases, minimum transverse
Splices in low seismic design categories are exempt from having to reinforcement shall be as specified in Section 13.4.5.6 of
be designed to fifty percent of the tension and bending strength of ACI 318.
the pile material. For example, if friction piles are driven to 240 feet, {Sections 1810.3.8.1 Reinforcement through 1810.3.8.3.4 Axial
the splice between the two 120-foot sections is 120 feet below grade. load limit in SDC D-F deleted without replacement}
These piles do not need to be checked for a capacity of fifty percent Change Significance: Sections 1810.3.8.1 through 1810.3.8.3.4
of the pile tension and bending capacity. The pile is braced at the of the IBC have been deleted as similar provisions are included in
splice by surrounding soil. Chapter 18 of the 2019 edition of ACI 318. Two exceptions for precast
prestressed piles (Figure 5) are retained in the 2021 IBC.
Exceptions 1 and 2 recognize that the volumetric ratio of spiral
reinforcement need not be greater than that required for driving
and handling stresses when a pile foundation system is designed
for load combinations including overstrength. Increased axial

forces, shear forces, and bending moments provide a significant
factor of safety against nonlinear pile behavior when the design
includes overstrength effects.
www.dci-engineers.com
START WRITING YOUR DCI STORY Pile Caps

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edition of ACI 318.
1810.3.11.2 Seismic Design Categories D through F. For
Visit our website structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or F,
for more details deep foundation element resistance to uplift forces or rota-
tional restraint shall be provided by anchorage into the pile
WASHINGTON | OREGON | CALIFORNIA | TEXAS | ALASKA | COLORADO | MONTANA
cap, designed considering the combined effect of axial forces
due to uplift and bending moments
due to fixity to the pile cap.
Anchorage shall develop not less
than 25 percent of the strength of
the element in tension. Anchorage
into the pile cap shall comply with
the following:
{No changes to Items 1 and 2}
3) The connection between the
pile cap and the steel H-piles or
unfilled steel pipe piles in struc-
tures assigned to Seismic Design
Category D, E, or F shall be
designed for a tensile force of not
less than 10-percent of the pile
compression capacity.
Exceptions:
1) Connection tensile capacity
need not exceed the strength
required to resist seismic load
effects including overstrength
of ASCE 7 Section 12.4.3 or
12.14.3.2.
2) Connections need not be pro-
vided where the foundation or Figure 6. Pile cap connecting two foundation piles.
supported structure does not rely
on the tensile capacity of the piles
for stability under the design seismic force. concrete piles are now to be designed following ACI 318
{remainder unchanged} rather than IBC provisions. Pile cap requirements have also
Change Significance: Steel piles used in higher seismic been updated to align with the 2019 edition of ACI 318.■
design categories are expected to yield just under the pile cap
(Figure 6 ) or foundation because of combined bending and axial load. Sandra Hyde (shyde@iccsafe.org) is Managing Director, and John “Buddy”
Design and detailing requirements of AISC 341 for H-piles are intended Showalter (bshowalter@iccsafe.org) is Senior Staff Engineer, both with
to produce stable plastic hinge formation in steel piles. Because piles can ICC’s Product Development Group.
be subjected to tension caused by over-
turning moment, mechanical means to
transfer such tension must be designed for
NEW
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the required tension force, but not less than
10-percent of pile compression capacity.
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D E C E M B E R 2 0 21 21
SloVer Connecting Old and New
LibraRY By David Mykins, P.E.
The exterior of Slover Library with Seaboard Building on the left.
I n response to growth in the region, the vision for Slover Library in

Norfolk, Virginia, was a state-of-the-art public space that would serve
the 21st century needs of the community and learners of all ages. The
Slover Library is a portal to global information, serving the public
through technology built on robust data and infrastructure. This
is accomplished through engaging wall-sized touch-panel displays,
challenge: renovating a 115-year-old historic building, renovating a custom interactive software, computing and media labs, training
mid-century commercial building, and connecting the two with a new, spaces, video production, and high-tech meeting spaces. It is a world-
modern addition. The result is the 135,000-square-foot Slover Library class “village green” space for community engagement and thoughtful
complex that redefines how a public library is used. conversations on issues important to the region and beyond. Slover’s
Sergeant Memorial Collection is the storehouse for the region’s history,
artifacts, and genealogy dating back to the settlement of the new world.
No longer is a library defined as just a repository for books. Instead,
it is a community anchor for civic engagement and access to next-
generation thinking, innovation, digital content, research, and
Slover is certified LEED Gold. It creativity. What better way to achieve this world-class placemaking
also won a 2015 AIA/ALA Building vision than to design a beautiful and engaging “past to present”
Award from the American Institute experience for the community – a deliberate, physical connecting
of Architects and the American of the old and the new.
Library Association, recognizing
excellence in innovative design as Tight Urban Site
leading to the library’s resurgence Since the 1990s, the city of Norfolk has aggressively engaged in
as a community hub. Slover is also a rebuilding its downtown with new infrastructure, vibrant mixed-
DBIA (design-build) award winner. use developments, and a new light rail system. Slover Library was
envisioned as the anchor for this new downtown district adjacent to
the MacArthur rail station – a vital location to serve its leading-edge
purpose in the community. This location, however, presented some
challenges. The site chosen for the Slover library is surrounded on
three sides by existing structures, two of which, The Seaboard Building
and Selden Arcade, would need to connect to the new facility directly.
The historic Seaboard Building is located to the east of the new site.
Built in 1900 as a post office and federal courthouse, the city took over
the property in 1934 as Norfolk’s City Hall. It remained so until the
mid-60s when the City Hall moved to a new facility. The Seaboard
Building housed Norfolk’s Social Services until the early 1970s. After
that, it was privately-owned until the City of Norfolk re-purchased it
in 2007. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in
1981. To the west is the Selden Arcade, a 1930s two-story retail and
office space used by retailers and financiers into the 1980s, but many
storefronts were vacant by 1995. The City of Norfolk purchased the
Arcade in 2003 and recently converted it to serve as a studio space
for the more than 40 artists of the d’Art Center. To the south is an
eight-story city-owned parking garage.
Because of unsuitable soils that extended to an elevation of about 50
feet below the existing grade, it was determined that the new building
would need to be supported on deep foundations. Several options
were considered, including driven piles and auger cast piles. One of
the factors significantly influencing this decision was that the new
building would be constructed immediately adjacent to the existing
historic structures. With driven piles, there was great concern that the
resulting ground vibrations might cause damage to these buildings.
So, the decision was made to use 14-inch-diameter auger cast piles.
But since they would need to extend to tip elevations of 100 feet
below grade, removing the spoils associated with traditional auger
cast pile installation would be a considerable cost. The team chose to
use drilled soil displacement piles, a type of auger cast pile to mitigate
this. Instead of removing the soil material, the soil is displaced later-
ally into the surrounding soil resulting in a similarly profiled regular
shaft pile but with minimal spoils.
These piles had the additional advantage of being able to be installed
very close to the existing buildings. This minimized the length that
the grade beams needed to cantilever to support the new columns
set close to the existing buildings.
Another consideration of tight urban sites is the lack of convenient
material laydown areas. This was one of the factors that influenced Slover main entrance.
the decision that the majority of the new structure would consist
of cast-in-place concrete over structural steel. The amount of space system consisted of waterproofing on the outside of the basement
required to store reinforcing bars is much less than that required for walls with an exterior foundation drainage system. Still, inside,
structural steel, and the erection can often be done just as quickly. there is a structural slab over a vapor barrier designed for the
hydrostatic uplift should the water table rise despite the exterior
drainage system.
High Water Table
In Norfolk, the water table is relatively high; most basements
in this area extend below the water table. Not surprisingly, the
Connecting Old and New
basement in the 115-year-old Seaboard building had a history of As with many historic preservation projects, the team was faced with
leaking and even flooding during significant rain events. So, the several unique challenges throughout this project. The most significant
first challenge was to provide a reliable waterproofing system to the structural challenge was the lack of documentation of the Seaboard
existing building. The waterproofing system the team employed for building’s structure. Destructive investigation in advance of the design
the Seaboard building consisted of a network of pipes that could was not possible because the building was in use until just before
remove a large amount of water from the soil, combined with a the construction was scheduled to begin. So, the design team was
positive water barrier on the outside of the basement walls. Next, forced to make many assumptions based on limited field investiga-
within the existing basement, a new waterproof membrane was tion. Existing beams were encased in concrete for fireproofing, as was
installed on top of the existing slab on grade and extended up the typical for that era. So, the sizes and depths of beams were estimated.
inside of the basement walls. Finally, a new 4-inch topping slab When construction began and crews started to remove some of the
was installed on top of a 4-inch sand bed to finish the basement finishes, the engineers could verify their assumptions. In addition to
floor and protect the waterproof membrane. determining actual member sizes, it was also necessary to verify the
The new Slover Library needed to connect to that basement material properties. To do this, engineers obtained samples of the
to allow elevator access to the Seaboard. But a slightly different structural steel to confirm that it was consistent with A-36 steel and
waterproofing system was designed for the new structure. The new the concrete to determine the compressive strengths.
D E C E M B E R 2 0 21 23
Through the verification process, it
was discovered that one area, which
would be the future home for the
library’s precious historic collections,
was not able to support this proposed
loading. The first thought was that
these areas would need to be removed
and replaced. But upon further
investigation, it was determined that
the existing 5½-inch concrete slab
could be removed and new beams
installed between the existing beams.
A lighter slab on steel deck system
was designed on this new steel gril-
lage, thus preserving much of the
existing structure.
Because the Seaboard Building
is listed on the National Historic
Register, the team was required to
preserve and protect as much of the
original building fabric as possible.
So, connections to the new struc-
ture had to be carefully planned and
approved by the Commonwealth’s Slover interior.
Department of Historic Resources.
The floor plans were designed to connect the buildings above the windows in the Seaboard Building so that only a small portion of
first floor with a series of pedestrian bridges over an ample open the wall below the windowsill needed to be removed.
atrium space. These were coordinated with the locations of existing
Project Success
Design and construction occurred between 2009 and 2015. Slover is
certified LEED Gold. It also won a 2015 AIA/ALA Building Award
from the American Institute of Architects and the American Library
Association, recognizing excellence in innovative design as leading to
the library’s resurgence as a community hub. Slover is also a DBIA
(design-build) award winner.
A combined public and private endeavor, the $65 million building
was made possible by a $40 million gift from Frank and Jane Batten
and a $21 million contribution from the City of Norfolk. In addition,
the project led to the creation of the Slover Foundation, which con-
tributed an additional $4 million to the initial construction.
The library is named in honor of Colonel Samuel L. Slover,
a former Mayor of Norfolk and uncle of Frank Batten, Sr.■
David Mykins is the President of Lynch Mykins Structural Engineers PC and

a former Chair of CASE. (dmykins@lynchmykins.com)
Project Team
Structural Engineer: Lynch Mykins
Architects: Newman Architects
Ornament: Kent Bloomer Studio
Urban Designer: Urban Design Associates
Geotechnical Engineer: Schnabel Engineering
General Contractor: Turner Construction
Lighting Designer: Patrick Quigley Associates
Civil Engineer: Timmons Group
Landscape Architect: Michael Vergason Landscape Architects
Slover Library lobby.
Bypassing Expansive Soils
with Hollow Core Planks Over a Crawlspace
By Eric Homburg, P.E.
Rendering of Oscar Johnson Community Center. Courtesy of Burditt Consultants.
T he Oscar Johnson Jr. Community Center in Conroe, Texas, will

begin construction in 2022. The project’s architecture firm is
Burditt Consultants and the structural engineering firm is DUDLEY.
in approximately 6-inch lifts and is usually required to be done to
95% of the maximum dry density. Compaction efforts also become
increasingly difficult as both the building footprint and the excavation
The building will utilize mass timber construction and is intended to be depth grow due to increased complexity in logistics/quality control
an architectural statement for the community. Its 120,000 square feet of and increased exposure to rain delays (which frequently causes damage
public space strives to affect countless lives for more than one hundred to previously completed work). This work must be completed before
years. To fulfill that goal, however, the building needs to stand the test constructing any concrete foundation elements, adding months to
of time. There are many factors and environmental loads at play, but the overall project construction timeline on large projects. Perhaps
perhaps the most daunting is expansive soils. DUDLEY’s solution is adding salt to the wound, removing and replacing expansive soil
building the Community Center’s foundation using a suspended hollow merely mitigates damage due to foundation movement. There will
core plank slab system supported by elevated concrete beams constructed still always be a risk for structural, functional, or cosmetic distress
on top of belled piers. The system is designed to decouple as much of (the latter being most common).
the structure as possible from expansive soil movements while saving
overall foundation cost and construction time. It also allows for ease
of future modification/repair for plumbing and mechanical systems,
Site Considerations
given that there is direct access to the crawl space. The Community Center will inhabit a site consisting of an average
plasticity index of 50, a very high value. Therefore, initial geotechnical
recommendations were that the top 6 feet of native topsoil should be
Expansive Soils removed and replaced with soils having a plasticity index of between
Expansive soils contain near-surface clay and are thus prone to volu- 10 and 20. This is not an unexpected requirement. The native soils
metric changes as moisture content fluctuates. Seasonal moisture present in the site are not of good quality, and their intense shrink/
variations can cause expansive soils to shrink and swell differen- swell potential would likely cause structural damage if left in place.
tially and induce swell pressures over 4,000 pounds per square foot. Therefore, soil removal was necessary and could not be worked around.
Engineers conventionally design stiffened slab-on-grade foundations But what if the soil fill operations that follow could be eliminated?
to resist the effects of expansive soil movements. The fill operations are particularly undesirable for this project, with a
In regions that contend with highly expansive clay soils, it is foundation footprint of about 65,000 square feet. That would equate
common for 2 to 6 feet of existing soil to a little over 14,400 cubic yards of
to be removed over the entirety of the compacted fill soil that would take addi-
building footprint and replaced with tional months (depending on weather
compacted select fill soils consisting of “What if there was an alternative to conditions) to execute in the field cor-
low expansive clay soils with low perme- having to fill the holes we spend so much rectly. Realizing this, DUDLEY decided
ability. This cut-and-replace procedure to explore a suspended foundation as
is both costly and time-consuming. The time and money digging?” an option. This approach comes with
process of compacting the select fill is many benefits, primarily that it removes
especially a burden. It must be done the foundation slab from direct contact
with soil, decoupling it from expansive soil behavior (piers are
still in contact with the soil). Additionally, it also precludes the
need to purchase and painstakingly place select fill. In aggregate,
this decision should prove to save time, save money, and improve
quality, a trifecta rarely achieved.
Design and Construction

Since this building is being built using a suspended foundation,
the excavation only needs to be as deep as the overall depth of the
slab framing system plus an air gap for maintenance crew maneu-
verability. Hollow core planks were selected as the slab system
for the project because of their speed of installation given the
Community Center’s footprint. Hollow core planks are a precast
concrete element that, with the combined power of prestressing
and cast-in voids, can span long lengths at light weights for concrete
construction. The author’s firm selected a maximum hollow core
plank span length of 30 feet based on building layout and then
determined that the typical hollow core plank depth should be
10 inches with an additional 2 inches of topping slab for a total
depth of 12 inches. Correspondingly, concrete beams supporting Typical section for suspended hollow core planks and beams.
the slab were limited to a maximum span length of 30 feet, yield-
ing a 3-foot beam depth. Concrete piers that extend 12 feet below the elements. Once both tasks are complete, the topping slab is poured,
existing grade support these concrete beams. Superstructure columns and the foundation is finished.
were also located on top of beam-pier connections. Regarding the afore-
mentioned air gap, the entire design team determined it would need
to be 2 feet deep for this project, though this is ultimately a judgment
Applicability to Other Projects
call. Therefore, given the selected slab depth, beam depth, and air gap, DUDLEY believes that the suspended slab system described was
the excavation depth for this building will be 6 feet. the best foundation system for this project. The company’s research
There are some nuances to consider when designing this system: indicates that this and similar systems are incredibly underutilized
• Slab drops can be accommodated by selecting thinner hollow in regions with expansive soil. The author encourages other design
core planks and modifying the topping slab thickness. Still, the professionals to explore the possibilities of this foundation type.
dropped region should be framed out with beams below, and The viability of these suspended slabs scales with building footprint
the maximum slab span may need to be reduced. For example, size due to the interplay of increased select fill costs and economy of
the gymnasium space was constructed over 8-inch planks due scale benefits gained with precast concrete elements. Therefore, we
to the entire room needing to be dropped 2 inches, but the do not recommend this system for buildings with small footprints.
plank span was reduced to 24 feet. This project used a combination of cast-in-place beams with precast
• Soil must be retained at the building perimeter to preserve the hollow core plank slabs. Given the scale of the project and the good acces-
crawlspace under the slab. This was accomplished by deepening sibility of precast elements, precast concrete is generally more economical.
the perimeter concrete beams to extend at least 1 foot below the While precast beams were an option for this project, they were ultimately
final grade of the crawl space to act as retaining walls. Tops of the not used due to an irregular column/pier grid. With numerous concrete
exterior concrete piers were also lowered to match the bottom of beam-to-girder connections required throughout the project, cast-in-place
these beams. A system of soil retainers and cardboard void forms provided a more natural solution. Another benefit of using cast-in-place
have been provided to preserve the suspended nature of these beams is the added versatility when it comes to beam penetrations.
exterior beams (as is present at all interior beams). Considering lead time for precast element fabrication is essential.
• It may be tempting to vary the interior beam depths throughout Time saved in avoiding the use of select fill does not matter if the same
the structure for economy. However, since the concrete piers amount of time is lost in waiting for precast elements to arrive at the
often support multiple beams and the top of the concrete beam job site. In pre-construction meetings, it may be helpful to
must align with the bottom of the hollow core plank, detailing remind general contractors to hire a precast manufacturer as
and constructing this condition at the piers would prove diffi- soon as possible.■
cult. Therefore, this complexity was not worth it for this project,
Eric Homburg is a Project Manager at DUDLEY in College Station, Texas.
given the number of conditions that could develop.
Mr. Homburg serves as the Structural Engineer of Record for this project.
As for construction, the 6-foot excavation of the building footprint
(ehomburg@dudleyeng.com)
will happen first. In conventional construction for this region, this
is where select fill would be brought to the site. However, that step
will be skipped entirely for this project. Next, the contractor can Project Team
begin drilling and casting piers. On top of these piers, the contractor
Owner: The City of Conroe, Texas
will then form up and pour the concrete beams used to support the
Structural Engineer: DUDLEY
hollow core planks. Once the beams have fully cured, options open
Architect: Burditt Consultants
up for the contractor to install the building’s columns and hollow core
Mechanical Engineer: Cleary Zimmermann Engineers
planks simultaneously. This phase should be a relatively quick process
Structural Software: ETABS and ENERCALC
since each of these tasks only involve the installation of prefabricated
D E C E M B E R 2 0 21 27
Fire
Engineering
Exposed
Timber at
Pig
Patch
P ig Patch House is a single-family custom house located in
England. It is built from mass timber panels used in the walls,
upper floor, and roofs, suspended insulated precast concrete floor
planks at ground floor level, and RC ground beams on mini concrete
piles used as foundations.
House
There are two types of dowel laminated timber products that
have been used in this project. The wall panels are made of timber
planks aligned in three directions, a diagonal layer sandwiched
between two (or four) orthogonal layers. The floor and roof panels
are made of traditional dowel laminated timber, where planks are
all installed in one direction.
The mass timber panels used in the walls are made entirely from
wood without any resin. In producing these panels, boards are laid on
By Sanja Buncic, C.Eng, MIStructE, and Matthew Smith, M.A.Sc., M.Eng, P.Eng a mounting table in layers in three directions: longitudinal, diagonal,
and transverse. Blind holes are drilled, and the solid wood threaded
dowel is screwed in. The threaded dowels are made of well-dried
and compressed beech. As they are inserted into softwood (spruce),
they absorb the ambient humidity of the surrounding spruce board
layers, swell up, and connect solidly with the surrounding wood.
The mass timber panels used in floors and roofs are made of timber
planks/boards oriented in the same direction and connected with
beech threaded dowels.
Pig Patch House is not a square house; it has an irregular shape at
both levels. The ground floor is an open plan providing the dining
and kitchen area directly over more than a half of the footprint, with
some smaller rooms and upper floor stair access occupying the other
half. On the upper floor, there are two bedrooms and a large roof
terrace. Very few walls align at the two levels, which means that some
areas have an upper floor structure spanning over 20 feet (6 meters).
The external walls have large door and window openings up to 10
feet (3 meters) wide. All these factors presented design challenges.
The house is built in a rural area, surrounded by large mature trees
and shrubs. The soil in this area is high plasticity clay, prone to
shrinkage and heaving due to moisture variations caused by nearby
trees. To address this, the foundation system is designed as reinforced
concrete ground beams 24 inches wide (600 millimeters) by 18
inches deep (450 millimeters), spanning over 12-inch-diameter
(300-millimeter) mini continuous flight auger piles installed at
Example of panel connections. proximately 10 feet (3 meters) on-center.
The ground beams support precast insu-
lated prestressed concrete units, which are
laid on top. Due to the presence of prestress-
ing tendons, there are limited areas where
resin anchors can penetrate the panels. As a
result, the layout of the ground floor units was
developed to suit the position of internal and
external walls to allow fasteners for the timber
wall cleats (plates) to be in this safe zone.
The stability of the building is derived
from the external panels, and the horizontal
forces are transferred into the walls at the
ground floor level by diaphragm action of
the upper-floor structure. The shear-center
of the ground floor wall is positioned closer
to the area with smaller rooms. This was
addressed in the distribution of the forces Typical connection detail.
that would need to be resisted by the walls.
It is assumed that only external walls contribute to the stability of and Use of Residential Buildings – Code of Practice, for flame-spread to
the building to allow for potential future adaptations. satisfy the Building Regulations 2010 (UK). The Approved Documents
The upper-floor structure is made of 4-foot-wide (1.2-meter) by max mentioned above are prescriptive documents for fire safety design,
36-foot-long (11-meter) dowel laminated timber panels. These panels which are analogous to the role building codes play in the U.S. They
transfer the load and are designed to span as one-way panels. Since the demonstrate to designers how to meet the minimum requirements
panels act independently, the connection between two adjacent panels for fire safety as mandated in the Building Regulations.
was achieved with 11⁄32-inch-diameter (9-millimeter) screws installed at Approved Document B Fire Safety – Volume 1: Dwellings, 2019
an angle of 45 degrees and a spacing of 8 inches (200 millimeters) along edition, provide designers with an efficient means of meeting fire
the junction. These screws allow the floor to act as a deep beam for the safety requirements for common building situations. However, they
horizontal loads, transferring the horizontal loads into stability walls. are not the only option available to design teams. The design team
A similar approach was adopted for the roof diaphragm. can deviate from the prescriptive guidance if they demonstrate that
To span over large door and window openings, panels above the upper the building is still safe and meets the requirements of the Building
floor have been designed as deep beams. As noted earlier, the wall panels Regulations. In the case of Pig Patch House, there was a desire to
are constructed from timber planks in lamellas that span in three direc- leave the timber panels untreated and fully exposed.
tions (horizontal, vertical, and diagonal). The diagonal layer is required This was achieved using a performance-based approach.
for the resistance of horizontal (racking) forces. Therefore, only the outer Understanding that the untreated timber has an increased rate of
lamellas that run parallel to the opening could be used to bridge over flame spread relative to a guidance-compliant solution and that this
the opening and transfer the load from the upper-floor structure onto impacts the early stage of fire development, a mitigation strategy was
the walls. It should be noted that the planks in the lamellas are only developed which similarly addressed the early stage of the fire and
connected to other planks by beech dowels. Although the deep beam improved occupant evacuation. Detection was increased throughout
panel would have worked similarly to a traditional CLT deep beam, the the house to alert occupants to a potential fire much sooner relative to
designers assumed that each individual plank in the external lamellas a guidance-compliant solution with only a single detector in corridors.
would carry a portion of the total load applied on the deep beam panel. The effectiveness of this mitigation strategy was quantified using fire
This load was estimated based on the stiffness of each of the planks. modeling to determine how long it takes for conditions to become
This was a conservative approach because beech dowels will transfer unsafe, evacuation calculations to determine an overall range of
the load from each of the planks in the external lamellas onto other evacuation times for occupants, and an event tree analysis to quantify
lamellas and create a mass timber panel of similar properties to a the risk of each scenario. This type of analysis can demonstrate that
traditional cross-laminated timber panel. the holistic fire strategy achieved the required level of performance
The deep beam over some of the windows also acts as a balustrade for despite aspects not meeting prescriptive guidance.
the roof terrace. To achieve this, the cleat plate at the bottom had to This custom house has demonstrated that, by understanding the struc-
be intermittent to allow direct transfer of moments and shear forces tural and fire safety nuances of mass timber construction, the material can
into the upper-floor structure through pairs of 11⁄32-inch-diameter be successfully applied to satisfy architectural and sustainability goals while
(9-millimeter) screws installed at an angle of 45 degrees. meeting life safety requirements. The two-way nature of the Nur-Holz
As mentioned above, the upper-floor structure had to span over 20 panel allowed for efficient structural framing, while the thoughtful intro-
feet (6 meters) while carrying the load from the upper-floor walls duction of glulam elements allowed for load transfers between the floors.
supporting the roof and the upper-floor roof terrace. Because the It was also shown that a holistic fire safety strategy was able to
upper-floor structure is only 6 inches thick (150 millimeters), a single quantify the performance of the mass timber building while
glulam beam was installed over the upper floor and hidden within one creating design opportunities beyond prescriptive guidance.■
of the walls to help transfer the loads. The glulam beam is connected
to the floor panel with screws and load-shared between the two. Sanja Buncic is an Associate at Entuitive and leads several major ongoing
Fire design was an integral part of the project because most timber projects in the UK. (sanja.buncic@entuitive.com)
panels were left exposed as walls or soffits. The exposed timber, left
Matthew Smith is an Associate at Entuitive, where he leads the company’s
untreated, did not satisfy prescriptive requirements from Approved
fire engineering service. (matt.smith@entuitive.com)
Document B of BS 9991:2015, Fire Safety in the Design, Management
D E C E M B E R 2 0 21 29
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Structural Investigations
Gray Columns
The configuration of the fabricated steel Gray column cross-
sections involved four sets of vertical Carnegie Steel double
angles located 90° from each other around the circumference
of the section. These were connected to the adjacent angles via
articulated, riveted gusset plates uniformly spaced vertically
for the full height of the column. A total of four plates were
located at each connection level (Figure 16 ).
Because of this unusual configuration, a finite element
analysis (FEA) determined that the loads imposed on any
one set of double angles by a beam reaction at any level
would not be shared with any of the other three pairs of
angles over the full height of the column. This condition
occurred because of the inability of the riveted gussets to
adequately transfer the vertical load of any one of the double
angles to the other adjacent double angles. This situation,
along with the findings of a weldability analysis conducted
for the Gray columns, influenced the development and
design of the connection of the new loft beams to these
unusual existing columns.
Weldability
As indicated previously, it was assumed that the components
of the Gray columns were rolled by Carnegie Steel; there-
fore, a chemical lab analysis of a sample from a steel beam
obtained from the 9th floor was used to conduct a weldability
analysis. From the findings of the lab test, a calculation of
the carbon equivalency (CE) based on the Dearden-O’Neill
Equation (from the American Welding Society (AWS) Guide
for Strengthening and Repairing Existing Structures, D1.7)
Adaptive Reuse
of the Historic
Witherspoon
Building
Part 4: Structural Investigations
By D. Matthew Stuart, P.E., S.E., P.Eng, F.ASCE, F.SEI, A.NAFE, SECB
T his four-part series discusses the adaptive reuse of the

Witherspoon Building in Philadelphia, PA (Part 1,
STRUCTURE, September 2021, Part 2, October 2021, Part 3,
November 2021). Part 4 continues the discussion of the structural
investigations, including the Gray columns, new floor openings,
and demolition of the second-floor mezzanine to allow for a new
second-floor loft. Numbered photos are provided in the print
version of the articles; lettered photos are provided only within Figure 16. Riveted gusset plate connectors at the Gray column vertical
the online versions of the articles. double angles.
resulted in a CE value of 0.23% for steel with a carbon content
greater than 0.12%. This value was significantly less than 0.35%
(which would require that special care be taken when welding) and
well within the recommended CE range provided in Table 6-1 of
The Procedure Handbook of Arc Welding by the Lincoln Arc Welding
Foundation. Therefore, the CE value for the beam sample indicated
good weldability.
Based on the results of the above analysis, it was determined
that the welding procedures, including any required preheating,
could comply with the requirements of Section 4.5 of AWS D1.7.
However, although the results of the weldability analysis indicated
the Gray columns could be field welded, the results of the FEA
concerning the inability of a Gray column to distribute the imposed
vertical loads uniformly across the section influenced the design
of the new loft beam connections. In addition, there was a real
potential for material strength reduction at any one of the vertical
double angles due to the heat generated by the welding process,
which could weaken the angles and cause a localized failure unless
the column was shored the full height of the building. As a result,
all new beam connections were designed to connect only to the
internal gusset plates.
In addition, an in-situ weld test, recommended by AISC Design Guide
21, Welded Connections – A Primer for Engineers, was also conducted
at one of the top gussets at a Gray column that extended into the
original mechanical penthouse and was therefore not supporting any
appreciable vertical load. The test confirmed that the proposed welds
associated with the new loft beam to Gray column connections did
not damage the existing section.
Typical 1st-floor loft beam connections to existing Gray column
gusset plate details are shown in Figure P, online. Figures 17 and 18 Figure 17. 1st - floor loft beam connection to existing Gray column.
show examples of the erected condition of the same beam-to-Gray-
column connections.
New Floor Openings

As previously noted, large trash chute and mechanical chase open-
ings were required full height of the building above the 1st floor. An
investigation was conducted to locate the existing concealed beam
framing and individual tiles in the area of the building impacted by
the openings to minimize the disruption and re-support requirements
of the affected clay tile arch framing. The beams were located using
handheld ground penetrating radar (GPR) as previously described. The
individual tiles were located after the beam locations were established
by removing strips of the plaster ceiling parallel to the beam span and
perpendicular to the arch span.
Removing the plaster revealed the location and direction of the tile
scoring and joints, which confirmed the assumed direction of the
arch span and established the location of the joints between adjacent
rows of tiles. Once the beam and tile row joints were determined,
the locations of the new openings were established to minimize
the need to reinforce the remaining tiles after the tiles within the
footprint of the openings were removed. This was accomplished by
locating the edges of the new openings at a joint between adjacent
tile rows and at the end of an arch span corresponding to a sup-
porting floor beam.
This approach avoided interrupting the arching action of any one
row of tiles between the beam supports. Unfortunately, the contrac-
tor could not control the demolition at the openings well enough to
avoid damaging the remaining row of tiles next to the opening. As a
result, it was necessary to form and pour cast-in-place reinforced con-
crete beams between the supporting steel beams to provide adequate Figure 18. 1st - floor loft beam connection to existing Gray column.
D E C E M B E R 2 0 21 33
Carnegie Steel beams, which in turn were also spaced at approxi-
mately 5 feet on-center. A lab test of one of the rods removed from
a new opening indicated a yield strength of approximately 50 ksi,
which equates to a factor of safety of approximately 2.75 for the
recommended maximum allowable stress of 18 ksi provided in the
Principals of Tile Engineering Handbook of Design for the design
of flat arch, hollow clay tile framing.
Utilizing the recommended formula and allowable stress for deter-
mining the load capacity of a hollow clay tile arch from the same
reference resulted in a uniform load carrying capacity of approximately
280 psf. Deducting the existing topping weight and the tile and plaster
ceiling resulted in a reserve load carrying capacity of approximately
170 psf, almost twice the reserve load-carrying capacity of 100 psf
determined for the floor beams.
Additional Structural Renovations

In addition to previously described structural renovations, strength-
ening was required for several other areas of the building during the
construction phase of the project.
9th Floor Beam Damage
Figure 19. New cast-in-place concrete beam at new openings in the arch floor to
While drilling new holes for plumbing waste lines, a subcontractor
replace damaged tile.
cored through the entire cross-section of an existing, 12-inch-deep,
support of the remaining damaged tile arch sections at the edge of 9th-floor beam at the approximate midspan of the member. Although
the openings (Figure 19). the beam did not deflect or exhibit any other indication of structural
Unfortunately, the investigation could not identify any of the duress, the member was re-supported using two new steel channels
anticipated tie rods typically located at the exterior arch span, that were underslung and straddled the damaged beam.
which is where the new openings were to be located, next to an The new channels were connected by uniformly spaced stiffener plates
exterior wall. Typically, tie rods for flat-arched clay tile framing attached to the bottom flange of the original floor beam to support
are not visible because they are generally located at least 3 inches the damaged section. The channels, in turn, spanned between the
from the bottom of the tile. As a result, it is challenging to locate supporting girders via hanger connections. The fact that the clay tile
the steel rods using a ferroscanning device such as a Profometer. arch supported by the damaged beam did not deflect, even though
In addition, it is also difficult to locate the rods using GPR due to the span of the arch was essentially doubled, is a testimony to the
the significant number of internal cavities associated with hollow resilience and extraordinary load-carrying capacity of this type of
clay tiles. The best method of locating tie rods is via the use of vintage framing system.
X-Rays. In-situ radiography can determine
both the spacing and diameter of the rods
without damaging the tiles. However, this
method of non-destructive testing was not
feasible for the project.
Absent tie rod location information, it was
necessary to design supplemental ties, which
consisted of steel angles located in the remain-
ing arch span next to the openings that were
welded to the bottom flange of the steel beams
located at each end of the same arch span.
These supplemental ties were required to resist
the horizontal arch thrust force at the beam
adjacent to the new openings without knowing
the actual number of tie rods that would be
damaged by the demolition of the tiles within
the new openings. As a result, the new ties
had to be installed before the demolition of
the openings began (Figure 20 ).
During the demolition process, the presence
of tie rods was confirmed (Figure Q, online).
The ¾-inch-diameter steel rods were spaced
at approximately 5 feet on-center and located
near mid-depth of the existing 12-inch-deep Figure 20. New steel angles installed first at the arch span adjacent to the new chute and chase openings.
Demolished Existing 2nd Floor
Mezzanine
After the existing 2nd-floor mezzanine was
demolished for the proposed new 2nd-floor
loft, which was eventually eliminated from
the adaptive reuse project, it was necessary to
strengthen the existing remaining two-story
steel wide flange columns that remained and
extended up to support the 1960s 3rd-floor
infill framing above. In addition, several of
the existing Gray columns in the same area of
the building were also strengthened because it
appeared that the same members at one time
had been braced by framing that had existed
within the Witherspoon Hall space but had
been removed when the 2nd-floor mezzanine
was constructed in the 1960s.
Horizontal, diagonal bracing was installed
between the wide flange columns checked for
the approximate two-story unbraced length
and the existing Gray columns. Some of the
wide flange columns had not been erected as
a continuous vertical member at two 2nd floor Figure 21. Reinforced discontinuous column at 2 nd - floor mezzanine cantilevered beam.
mezzanine beam cantilevers. Instead, they
had been interrupted by the same beams (Figure R, online). Reinforcing transfer girder, a splice in the beam near the midspan of the section
plates and stiffeners were installed to ensure the remaining stacked was determined to be deficient for the new imposed loads (Figure 22).
columns would behave as a continuous vertical member (Figure 21). A new HSS steel column was installed between a new footing at
the sub-basement slab and the bottom of the girder at the splice to
Existing 2nd Floor Roof Top Unit (RTU) Dunnage
reduce the span of the member.
Due to lack of space on the original mechanical penthouse roof
for all of the new required RTUs, one of the units was placed
on an existing exterior steel dunnage frame at the 2nd floor that
Conclusions
had been previously used to support Liebert units for the old The structural investigation, analysis, and design associated with the
office spaces on the west side of the building at the courtyard adaptive reuse of the historic Witherspoon Building were all chal-
area. The analysis and strengthening of lenging and interesting. In the absence
the existing dunnage were performed of existing drawings, it was fascinating
by another structural engineer hired to discover the concealed aspects of the
directly by the mechanical contractor. structure as the building revealed itself
As the SEOR, the analysis, design, during the construction phase. From
and calculations were peer-reviewed the author’s perspective, the most inter-
by Pennoni. In addition, the respon- esting aspects of the structure included
sibility for ensuring that the existing the Gray columns and the 4th-floor
building structure was capable of transfer trusses.
supporting the new RTU load and The adaptive reuse of the build-
modified dunnage was assumed by ing was also a sustainability success
the SEOR. because, as Architect Carl Elefante
Assessment results associated with the stated in a 2007 National Trust for
existing supporting structure involved Historic Preservation Journal article,
a considerable amount of investiga- “…the greenest building is one that
tion and exploratory demolition due to is already built…” The restoration of
the complexity of the existing building the building was also a historical suc-
below the 2nd floor in the vicinity of the cess, which benefited the developer
dunnage in question. The investiga- through the available tax
tion results indicated that the existing credits associated with this
structure was adequate, including steel type of project.■
beams and a transfer girder over the
mechanical sub-basement area that D. Matthew Stuart is a Senior Structural
indirectly supported a portion of the Engineer at Pennoni Associates Inc. in
dunnage above. However, at the exist- Figure 22. Existing 20-inch-deep, Carnegie Steel B3 transfer Philadelphia, PA. (mstuart@pennoni.com)
ing 20-inch-deep Carnegie Steel B3 girder splice.
D E C E M B E R 2 0 21 35
structural DESIGN
Pour Strips
Often Overlooked and Misunderstood
By Gordon H. Reigstad Ph.D., P.E., S.E., Jason G. Reigstad, and Jared M. Reigstad, P.E.
F or over 40 years, the traditional pour strip in concrete construction

has been an issue of contention between the engineer of record
(EOR) and the contractor, and this challenge continues today. The
EOR desires a high-quality slab, which requires more pour strips
that are left open longer. The contractor wants faster construction,
which requires fewer pour strips and pouring them back sooner.
Shrinkage and restraint-to-shortening (RTS) are at the core of this
age-old dilemma, and EORs should not have to sacrifice quality for
cost and schedule.
Cost, quality, and schedule are significant factors, and most people
in construction say you can only get two out of three on a project.
However, for traditional pour strip construction, you may only get
one if higher quality is chosen. Particularly common in post-tensioned
(PT) concrete construction, pour strip leave outs cause either sig-
Figure 1. Pour strips minimize restraint and allow for volume change but create
nificant delays or poor quality, and they are always a safety concern
scheduling issues and safety concerns. Furthermore, delayed pour-backs have a
because of the large gaping hole through floor slabs.
trickle-down effect for other trades.
The pour strip or leave out (Figure 1) is a 3-foot to 8-foot gap in
a floor slab, which is often left open three to four levels below the
floor being placed. Pour strips have a long successful history of being
Pour Strip Locations
used in reinforced concrete (RC) structures before the popularity of For years, the typical pour strip has been part of the Post-Tensioning
PT began in the 1960s. PT pour strips have even more impact from Institute’s (PTI) Post-Tensioning Manual. When poured back, the
RTS due to the additional volume change from elastic shortening basic structural function of a pour strip is to create reinforcement
and creep caused by post-tensioning compression forces restrained continuity from one side of the leave-out to the other. This provides
by structural elements (i.e., shear walls and other stiff vertical mem- load transfer for both vertical (such as slab moment and shear) and
bers). Temperature change during construction can also significantly horizontal loads (like diaphragm, horizontal shear, and drag forces).
contribute to slab cracking, especially during winter when the slab is Many EORs designing either RC or PT slabs believe that forming
heated for curing but removed after a few days. All volume change and shoring is a means and methods responsibility of the contrac-
components contribute to cracking and poor slab performance if not tor. This is not entirely true because where EORs place pour strips,
dealt with appropriately. how they design them, and when they can be poured back dictates
The industry solution used by EORs to allow for this shortening how the contractor must build them. Definitions of reshoring and
has been a traditional pour strip, which relieves the strain in the slab backshoring can be found in ACI 347, Guide for Shoring/Reshoring
and is wide enough for a reinforcement lap splice and PT tendon of Concrete Multistory Buildings. Where slabs are self-supporting, less
jacking. The biggest complaint from contractors of the traditional expensive reshoring can be used, and slabs that are not self-supporting
pour strip is that it delays construction. Forms of gapless pour strip require more expensive backshoring. PT slabs can be designed as self-
or strain-relief-joint (SRJ) solutions can resolve the age-old pour strip supporting, which is not practical for RC slabs, and always require
dilemma and remove contention between the EOR and contractor. backshoring. A gapless pour strip needs to provide for slab shorten-
ing and all the structural functionality of a traditional pour strip. It
must create ductile reinforcement continuation for both vertical and
Volume Change and RTS horizontal load transfer.
Volume change and RTS are challenging aspects of concrete construc- In the case of PT with a traditional pour strip, a mid-span location
tion and are often misunderstood. They are even more challenging (between columns) with self-supporting slabs is the most desirable for
when PT is involved. The issue is the tensile stress created when construction because it only requires reshoring. A slight increase in PT
slab shortening is restrained by stiff structural elements. A properly at the bays near the pour strip allows for self-supporting cantilevered
designed pour strip temporarily interrupts slab continuity between the slabs without costly backshoring. A mid-span location in RC requires
stiff elements, lowers RTS, and allows for volume change. Since creep backshoring on both sides of the pour strip. Therefore, most pour
and shrinkage strains increase with time, cracking can be reduced by strips in RC are placed at a one-fifth-span location, which requires
keeping the pour strip open longer. It is common for EORs to require only the long, four-fifths-span to be backshored.
a pour strip to remain open for 28 or 56 days and sometimes even When a concrete contractor is not directly involved in the design
longer for better performance. Serviceability is the primary design process, EORs often select a one-fifth-span location for the pour strip.
concern, and PT slabs are not designed to crack. Excessive cracking This is because, at this location, the flexural moment demand is near
leads to deflection, vibration, and corrosion (parking garages) prob- zero; it is a point of contraflexure where minimal slab reinforcement
lems, leading to architectural complications. is required. Unfortunately, this typically creates a four-fifths-span that
cannot be self-supporting, which requires expensive backshoring. turns soft/plastic around 150°F. Therefore, EORs need to be careful
Contractors who understand backshoring know that the associated using the lockable dowel when fire ratings are required.
costs and schedule delays far exceed any savings in reinforcing steel and Although the lockable dowel creates a gapless pour strip, it falls short
PT. Furthermore, backshoring must stay in place until the concrete and does not provide the same structural functions as a traditional
structure is complete. pour strip. Structural engineers must be careful when evaluating the
lockable dowel because it cannot transfer the ductile reinforcement
needed to withstand all vertical and horizontal loads, including dia-
Often Overlooked phragm chord continuation. In other words, the lockable dowel is
EORs often overlook construction issues created in their designs. only a partial substitute for a traditional pour strip.
Pour strip locations, how they are designed, and when they can be
poured back drives the formwork and shoring requirements. Pour
strip construction is not just a means and methods responsibility of the
Mechanical Splices
contractor. The pour strip design has a trickle-down effect that delays Steel reinforcement mechanical splice systems (known as rebar cou-
every other trade and results in longer, more expensive construction plers) have a long, proven history of providing for the continuation
projects. The concrete structure is on a project’s critical path, and the of ductile reinforcing steel, dating back to the 1960s. Tens of mil-
pour strip is on the critical path of the concrete structure. lions have been successfully installed worldwide, including in high
Beyond the apparent cost, quality, and schedule issues traditional seismic zones. Since normal reinforcing bar lengths are far short of
pour strips present, they also create a safety hazard. The number one typical building dimensions, four ACI 318 code-permitted methods
concern on a construction site is safety. Having a large gap in the of splicing rebar provide reinforcement continuation: lap splices
floor is a significant obstacle that must be protected and bridged to (used in traditional pour strips), mechanical splices (rebar couplers),
prevent injuries. butt-welded splices, and end-bearing splices.
Mechanical splices were first used in high seismic regions. They are
now defined by ACI 318 as Type 1 (non-seismic) capable of developing
Gapless Pour Strips 125% Fy (yield strength) and Type 2 (seismic) capable of developing
A gapless pour strip that eliminates the large leave-out but still allows 100% Fu (ultimate strength); this is also included in the required
for volume change and structural continuity would take the pour ICC-ES Acceptance Criteria for Mechanical Connector Systems for
strip off the critical path and be the best of both worlds. This type of Steel Reinforcing Bars (AC133).
pour strip would allow EORs to achieve higher quality slabs without Mechanical couplers are made of steel or a combination of steel and
increasing cost or lengthening schedules. concrete. Fire ratings for mechanical reinforcement splices installed
When a traditional pour strip is poured back, it achieves two structural in concrete are prescriptive (and the same as for rebar) according to
functions (transfer of vertical and horizontal loads) utilizing an ACI the International Building Code (IBC) and ICC-ES (defined in Table
318-permitted lap splice providing ductile reinforcing steel continua- 721.1 in the latest IBC).
tion (ACI 318, Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and A mechanical coupler is simply another ACI 318-permitted method
Commentary). For a gapless pour strip to be substituted for a traditional of splicing reinforcing steel, much like a lap splice utilized by
pour strip, it must have the same structural functionality.
A gapless pour strip lowers costs, improves quality, and
shortens schedules. The length of time a gap is left open is no
longer an issue; thus, quality is improved without expense.
Additionally, there is no trickle-down effect that delays other
trades, and safety concerns are eliminated. But how can a
gapless pour strip be achieved?
Lockable Dowels
Some have used lockable dowels to create a gapless pour
strip. They are typically located at a one-fifth-span since
they do not provide reinforcing continuation and instead
act as a shear dowel. The lockable dowel can support a self-
supporting four-fifths-span, which allows for less-costly
reshoring versus expensive backshoring. However, this is only
part of the story as it does not provide structural continuity
like the traditional pour strip.
Since this product is a dowel (with limited non-ductile
pull-out much like an expansion bolt), it must be used
when ductile reinforcing steel continuation is not a concern.
Most structural engineers call this an expansion joint where
diaphragm chord steel is interrupted. This does not replace
all of the vertical or horizontal loading functions provided
by a traditional pour strip.
Fire ratings are typically required in concrete slabs. Beyond Figure 2. a) PS=Ø Mechanical Reinforcement Splice System provides ductile reinforcement
its inability to transfer loads like a traditional pour strip, the continuation and a gapless pour strip; b) First pour installation of PS=Ø at the AdventHealth
lockable dowel uses an epoxy grout, which is combustible and hospital in Overland Park, KS.
D E C E M B E R 2 0 21 37
traditional pour strips. Could a unique mechanical rebar coupler
that provides the same structural functionality as a traditional pour
strip but allows for volume change be the solution to a gapless pour
strip? Yes.
A New Solution
The PS=Ø® Mechanical Reinforcement Splice System (Figure 2, page 37)
eliminates traditional pour strip leave-outs and maintains reinforcing
continuity while allowing for volume change. It features a tapered
thread on one end and a grout-filled sleeve on the other. The system
meets ACI 318 Type 1 and Type 2 mechanical splice requirements and
is ICC-ES approved (ICC-ESR 4213). PS=Ø stands for Pour Strip
Zero and allows for free movement, longitudinal and transverse, to the
SRJ until the coupler is grouted with a high-strength concrete grout
(Figure 3). PS=Ø allows for the original EOR design of a traditional
pour strip to be maintained, and since it is a simple substitution, no
delegated design is required.
PS=Ø has the same structural functionality as a traditional pour
strip but does not require a leave-out. It provides a load transfer of
both vertical (such as slab moment and shear) and horizontal loads
(like diaphragm, horizontal shear, and drag forces) by connecting
ductile reinforcing from one side of the slab to the other using a
code-permitted method of splicing rebar.
Figure 3. The PS=Ø mechanical coupler allows for a gapless pour strip and is
Applications grouted with a high-strength, non-shrink grout after the EOR specified time; the red
arrows indicate the open joint that will be filled with the same non-shrink grout.
Both applications apply to one-fifth-span and mid-span locations.
1) The standard application (Figure 4) is where the second slab
is poured directly against the first slab. Stressing can be done
from either end of the first slab but only from the outside of
the second slab.
2) When a temporary leave out or stressing strip is needed,
they can easily be added to the system between slabs or at a
wall and adjacent slab, then poured back immediately after
stressing. This can also be utilized in construction sequencing
where a delayed, low-rise building is attached to an adjacent
high-rise building.
Conclusion
The traditional pour strip has been the industry solution used by
EORs to allow for volume change and relieve RTS in concrete slabs
for decades. Although a good solution, it has been an issue of con-
tention between EORs and contractors because of the construction
problems it brings. Cost, quality, and schedule are essential aspects
of building projects and pour strips have forced EORs to sacrifice
quality for cost and schedule.
Real, lasting innovation in construction requires solutions that make
designs better and construction more productive. Structural engineers
developed PS=Ø to create a gapless pour strip or strain-relief-joint (SRJ)
that provides high-quality slabs without increasing cost or lengthening Figure 4. Standard PS=Ø application where the second slab is poured directly
schedules. With PS=Ø, overall projects costs and schedules are significantly against the first slab; all MEP and curtain wall trades have worked without delay
reduced and safety is improved, making this rebar coupler an excellent across the bottom of this SRJ at the Even Hotel in Rochester, MN.
innovation for concrete construction. Lower cost, higher quality, acceler-
ated schedules, and improved safety are achieved. PS=Ø provides All authors are with Reigstad Engineers, Inc., developers of the PS=Ø ®
the same structural functionality as the traditional pour strip, Mechanical Reinforcement Splice System.
making it an easy substitution for a gapless pour strip.■ Gordon H. Reigstad is President. (greigstad@reigstad.com)
Jason G. Reigstad is Vice President. (jgreigstad@reigstad.com)

References are included in the PDF version of
the article at STRUCTUREmag.org. Jared M. Reigstad is Vice President. (jmreigstad@reigstad.com)
INSIGHTS
Adaptation Advantage
The Top Non-Technical Skill Structural Engineers Need in an Evolving AEC Industry
By Stephanie Slocum, P.E.
I n 1996, a bespectacled nerdy high school student leaped out of

her car with a movie rental. She slid in the rain, dashing to the
Blockbuster drop-off a mere minute before closing. Her singular
focus: to return the movie and avoid the late fees that cost more than
the initial rental. That teenager was me.
At the time, Blockbuster had a virtual monopoly on movie rentals,
despite lackluster service and grumbling by customers about the late
fees that were much more than the initial rental cost. Then, one year
after my rainy-day dash, Reed Hastings founded Netflix, in part due
to frustration with the $40 fine he acquired at Blockbuster. In its
early stages, Netflix had no late fees and sent DVDs straight to your
Use the questions in each of these three categories to better understand where
house for a flat monthly rate.
your value is in your organization.
At first, the new business model appeared to be small potatoes to
the video rental giant. Blockbuster peaked in 2004, with 9000 stores can also be triggered by global industry changes like those we have
globally and $5.9 billion in revenue that year. However, by 2005 the experienced over the last 18 months.
company lost half its market value while Netflix took off. Today, after
Determining Your Value
16 years of decline, there is only one Blockbuster store remaining.
Value is not determined through self-reflection. Instead, it is in the eye
Adapt or Fail
of the beholder. Like feedback, your value is determined through input
Business experts have noted multiple points at which Blockbuster could from others. Particularly when market shifts accelerate, soliciting input
have changed its trajectory, a decline that was both foreseeable and prevent- directly from clients, peers, and managers ensures you are on the same page
able. Yet, in analyzing what happened, a pattern emerges of contentment about your specific value proposition. Those insights show you how to
with the status-quo and blinders when it comes to industry shifts. For adapt to leverage and learn the skills and strategies that keep you relevant.
example, business plans were driven based on past experience in product Try this exercise to start the conversation about your value to your firm:
design to business development, and new innovations were overlooked. 1) Create a list of your weekly work activities.
That same culture permeates many structural engineering firms, 2) Highlight the 3-5 activities that most contribute to your role
creating a general resistance to adaptation and a preference to uphold and/or success of your organization.
the status quo. For many organizations, the business model, client 3) Tell your manager(s) you are working on “maximizing your
acquisition strategies, and the transactional nature of work relation- productivity and value to your organization by increasing
ships are not considered potential innovation areas. One need look your highest-value contributions.” Show them the list and
no further than the industry’s struggles with the shift to work-from- ask for input. Do they agree? What do they see as your most
home to see significant change resistance and, in some cases, a rigidity valuable attributes?
incompatible with adaptation, let alone innovation. 4) Repeat this exercise with coworkers or others you work with,
Blockbuster failed because when the whirlwinds of change swept considering patterns in the data.
through their industry, they did not adapt. The same can happen to
Articulating Your Value
you and your firm without keeping your pulse on what is going on
far beyond your firm in the global business environment driving the Asking directly for input gives you immediate data on your value and
broader AEC industry. The key to successful adaptation is your ability sometimes even exact words you can share with others about your
to understand and effectively communicate your value proposition to effectiveness in your role. It eliminates false assumptions and replaces
everyone you work with: peers, managers, and clients. them with actual data about where your true value lies.
Knowing your value is the first step in articulating it in the various
Value Propositions
work contexts to different stakeholders. Once the data is gathered,
Many structural engineers have little knowledge of the business aspects of the next step is to learn the skillsets necessary to articulate it within
the industry in the Figure. Those blinders create a disadvantage when it the business context of your organization and the AEC industry at
comes to understanding your value. No one wants a stagnant career or to large. This skill set is not just necessary to have an adapta-
work in a firm in a Blockbuster-style slow-and-steady demise; however, tion advantage; it sets the stage to position you as a leader
that is EXACTLY what happens when you lack business knowledge. in structural engineering and beyond.■
You are in the business of structural engineering. Without knowing
your business value, you are flying blind when it comes to growth Stephanie Slocum is the Founder and CEO of Engineers Rising LLC and is a
career and business strategist for engineers. She is the chair of the Structural
paths. That value determines if you get hired, get a raise or promotion,
Engineering Institute’s (SEI’s) Business Practices Committee and has also
and the amount of influence you have at work. It determines if you
been elected to the Board of Governors. (stephanie@engineersrising.com)
work on high- or low-profile projects. Shifts in what is most valued
code UPDATES
Calculating Rain Loads per 2021 IBC
By Sandra Hyde, P.E., and John “Buddy” Showalter, P.E.
S econdary drainage system rain loads have been updated in the

2021 International Building Code® (IBC) to be consistent with
ASCE 7-16, Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for
Buildings and Other Structures. The following text shows the specific
change in the 2021 IBC. Strike-through indicates deleted text and
underlined denotes new text.
1611.1 Design rain loads. Each portion of a roof shall be
designed to sustain the load of rainwater that will accumulate on
it if the primary drainage system for that portion is blocked plus
the uniform load caused by water that rises above the inlet of the
secondary drainage system at its design flow. as per the require-
ments of Chapter 8 of ASCE 7. The design rainfall shall be based
on the 100-year hourly rainfall rate indicated in Figure 1611.1
15-minute duration event, or on other rainfall rates determined
from approved local weather data. Alternatively, a design rainfall
of twice the 100-year hourly rainfall rate indicated in Figures
1611.1(1) through 1611.1(5) shall be permitted.
R = 5.2(ds + dh) (IBC Equation 16-19)
where:
dh = Additional depth of water on the undeflected roof above
the inlet of secondary drainage system at its design flow
(in other words, the hydraulic head), in inches.
ds = Depth of water on the undeflected roof up to the inlet
of secondary drainage system when the primary drainage Figure 1. Secondary drainage system outflow.
system is blocked (in other words, the static head),
in inches. (including dead loads) shall not be considered when deter-
R = Rain load on the undeflected roof, in psf. Where the mining the amount of rain on the roof.
phrase “undeflected roof ” is used, deflections from loads 1611.2 Ponding instability. Susceptible bays of roofs shall be
evaluated for ponding instability in accordance with
Section 8.4 Chapters 7 and 8 of ASCE 7.
Change Significance
Secondary (overflow) system design (Figure 1) has been
harmonized with roof rain load provisions for a structure
to provide realistic expectations of the roof drainage system
and potential roof loading by rainfall (Figure 2). The IBC
is now consistent with ASCE 7 provisions. Calculations
for the design mean recurrence interval and duration for
determining the hydraulic head, dh, are available in both
ASCE 7 and the IBC.
Legacy ASCE load standards’ design rainfall durations for
plumbing systems were between 15- and 60-minutes for
a 100-year mean recurrence interval. The 1995 Standard
Plumbing Code used the 100-year/60-minute duration for
primary drainage system design and a 100-year/15-min-
ute duration storm for the secondary drainage system. In
the 2018 IBC and International Plumbing Code (IPC), a
100-year/60-minute duration is used for both the primary
and secondary systems. Note that using twice the 60-minute
Figure 2. Design for ponding instability is based on secondary drainage system rain loads. duration is close to the 15-minute duration rainfall rate for
many regions. Also, note that 2021
IPC and 2021 IBC rainfall maps
(Figures 1106.1 and 1611.1, respec-
tively) both include a 60-minute
duration rather than the 15-minute
storm duration. However, the 2021
IBC, by giving two options – the
15-minute duration or twice the
60-minute duration – results
in values similar to ASCE 7
when drainage pipe or scupper flow
rates are calculated. Note that the
2021 International Plumbing Code
has not yet been updated to reflect
the 100-year/15-minute (or twice
the 100-year hourly) duration rain-
fall event design requirement for Figure 3. Secondary drainage design assumptions.
secondary drainage systems; the
structural engineer would be advised to coordinate with the plumbing reasonable. Engineers should be aware of different secondary drain
engineer to ensure that the secondary drainage systems are designed options available to plumbers and clearly communicate how changes,
for the higher rainfall rate. especially to secondary drain geometry, can impact design rain loads
The best source for rainfall data is the National Oceanic and on a building. Important parameters to communicate include assumed
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Weather Service static head, hydraulic head associated with secondary drain or scupper
Precipitation Frequency Data Server – Hydrometeorological Design size and geometry, rain load, and rainfall rate.
Studies Center (hdsc.nws.noaa.gov/hdsc/pfds/index.html) for pre-
cipitation intensity (inches per hour) based on the 100-year mean
recurrence interval. NOAA’s data lists both 15-minute and 60-minute
2018 IBC Design Example:
duration data. 60-minute rainfall total for primary and secondary systems.
Design rainfall: 3.30 inches for 100-year mean recurrence, Cedar
Rapids Station No. 1.
Details of Load and Drain Size Calculations Calculate primary and secondary drain size and the resulting rain
To understand why this makes a difference, the following examples load, R.
show how to determine rain load, R, assuming rainfall for the city of
Primary Drain
Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The first example uses 2018 IBC requirements,
and the second uses 2021 IBC requirements. Depth of water (in 1 hr): 3.30 inches (NOAA)
Secondary drain size and geometry affect the structural engineer’s Tributary area (primary drain): 100-ft by 50-ft = 5,000 ft2
determination of a maximum height of water above the roof surface Flow rate (volume) to maintain roof drainage:
using variables ds and dh for static and hydraulic head (Figure 3). Q = 0.0104 × A × i (ASCE 7-16 Equation C8.3-1*)
Secondary drains should be specified, if possible, to keep rain loads where (page 42):
Table 1. Storm drain pipe sizing.
CAPACITY (gpm)
PIPE SIZE
(inches) VERTICAL SLOPE OF HORIZONTAL DRAIN
DRAIN 1
⁄16 inch per foot 1
⁄2 inch per foot
2 34 15 22 31 44
3 87 39 55 79 111
4 180 81 115 163 231
5 311 117 165 234 331
6 538 243 344 487 689
8 1,117 505 714 1,010 1,429
10 2,050 927 1,311 1,855 2,623
12 3,272 1,480 2,093 2,960 4,187
15 5,543 2,508 3,546 5,016 7,093
[2021 International Plumbing Code Table 1106.2 – courtesy of the International Code Council]
D E C E M B E R 2 0 21 41
Typically, once the structural engineer determines
the rainfall, static head, hydraulic head, and rain
load on a roof, a plumber can size the secondary
system pipes or scuppers to a flow rate of 172 gal/
min or greater. An engineer does this check as an
iterative process to keep rain loads on the roof ratio-
nal by limiting the hydraulic head to a reasonable
value. Engineers should be aware of different sec-
ondary drain options available to plumbers and
clearly communicate how changes, especially to
secondary drain geometry, can impact design rain
loads on a building.
To calculate R:
dh (hydraulic head) = 5 inches for a 6-inch-wide,
6-inch-high, closed-top scupper which cor-
Figure 4. Secondary drainage using scuppers.
responds to a flow rate of 194 gpm (Table 2)
which is sufficient for the calculated flow rate of
172 gpm.
ds (static head) = 6 inches (specified distance
from the roof surface to the bottom of the
scupper)
R = 5.2(ds + dh) = 5.2(6 in. + 5 in.) = 57.2 psf
(IBC Eq 16-19)
As a second iteration, a 24-inch-wide scupper
(open- or closed-top of any height) handles 200
gpm with a corresponding 2-inch hydraulic head.
This would reduce the rain load to a more reason-
able 41.6 psf.
Note: The 5.2 value in the equation converts depth of
water, which is in inches, to pressure in pounds/square
foot (psf ) using the density of water of 62.5 pounds
per cubic foot (pcf ) and the conversion inches to feet
(12 inches per foot); therefore, (62.5pcf )/(12in./ft) =
Figure 5. Secondary drainage using pipe with visible outlet. 5.2 psf per inch of water depth.
Q – flow rate to maintain drainage rate equal to rainfall rate

A – tributary area
2021 IBC Design Example:
i – water depth in inches per hour 60-minute rainfall duration for the primary system, 15-minute
* The 0.0104 factor in the equation converts area, in rainfall duration for the secondary system.
square feet, and rainfall rate, in inches per hour, to Design rainfall for Cedar Rapids Station No. 1:
gallons per minute. 3.30 inches for 100-year mean recurrence (60-minute)
A = 50 ft × 100 ft = 5,000 ft2 1.72 inches for 100-year mean recurrence (15-minute)
i = 3.30 inches/hr Calculate primary and secondary drain size and resulting rain load, R.
Q = 0.0104 × 5,000 ft2 × 3.30 inches/hr = 172 gal/min
Primary Drain
From Table 1 (page 41), the minimum drain size is a 4-inch
vertical pipe or 6-inch horizontal drain with a minimum slope Using the parameters from the 2018 IBC Example, calculation
of 1⁄16-inch per foot of the primary drain diameter per Table 1 requires a minimum
4-inch vertical pipe or 6-inch horizontal drain (minimum
Secondary Drain and Rain Load (R) Calculation
slope of 1⁄16-inch per foot).
Given:
Secondary Drain and Rain Load (R) Calculation
ds = specified distance from the roof surface to the bottom of
scupper (Figure 4) or top of secondary drain pipe (Figure 5) Flow rate (volume) to maintain roof drainage through scupper or
dh = calculated (tabulated) height of water above the base of secondary drain is the flow rate calculated for the secondary drain.
scupper or secondary drain based on drain geometry The primary drain is assumed to be completely blocked.
Flow rate (volume) to maintain roof drainage through a scupper Flow rate (volume) to maintain roof drainage rate equal to rainfall rate:
or secondary drain is calculated for the secondary drain since the Q = 0.0104 × A × i (ASCE 7-16 Equation C8.3-1)
primary drain is assumed to be completely blocked. The secondary where:
system’s design rainfall is 3.30 inches per hour per the 2018 IBC. Q – flow rate to maintain drainage rate equal to rainfall rate
The flow rate, Q, will be 172 gal/min, identical to the primary A – tributary area
drain system. This rain load must leave the roof at the same rate it i – water depth in inches per hour (must convert 15 min
is falling or faster. interval to equivalent hour interval)
Table 2. Flow rate of various roof drains at various water depths at drain inlets.
FLOW RATE (gpm)

DRAINAGE SYSTEM Depth of water above drain inlet (hydraulic head) (inches)
1 2 3 4 5
4-inch-diameter drain 80 170
6-inch-diameter drain 100 190 380
8-inch-diameter drain 125 230 560 1,100
6-inch-wide, open-top scupper 18 50 90 140 194
24-inch-wide, open-top scupper 72 200 360 560 776
6-inch-wide, 4-inch-high, closed-top scupper 18 50 90 140 177
[2018 IBC Commentary Figure 1611.1(2) - courtesy of the International Code Council]
A = 50 ft × 100 ft = 5,000 ft2

i = 1.72 inches/ 15 minutes × 60 minutes/ hour = 6.88 inches/hr
Conclusion
Q = 0.0104 (5,000 ft2) (6.88 inches/hr) = 358 gal/min Secondary drainage system rain loads have been updated in the
Note that a 15-minute design rainfall has approximately 2 times the 2021 IBC to be consistent with ASCE 7-16. For plumbers to be
flow rate of the 2018 IBC 60-minute design rainfall. This is true for aware of the change to a 15-minute per 100-year rainfall duration,
much of the United States but check each location to make sure it is engineers should clearly communicate how changes, espe-
true in that region rather than assuming a fixed 100-percent increase cially to secondary drain geometry, can impact design rain
in flow rate. loads on a roof.■
2021 IBC flow rate (secondary drainage system) 358 gal/min
= = 2.08
2018 IBC flow rate (secondary drainage system) 171 gal/min Sandra Hyde (shyde@iccsafe.org) is Managing Director and John “Buddy”
Showalter (bshowalter@iccsafe.org) is Senior Staff Engineer, both with
To calculate R:
ICC’s Product Development Group.
dh (hydraulic head) = 3 inches for a 24-inch-wide, open- or
closed-top scupper corresponding
to a flow rate of 360 gpm (Table 2),
sufficient for the calculated flow rate
of 358 gpm.
ds (static head) = 6 inches (specified
distance from the roof surface to
the bottom of the scupper)

R = 5.2(ds + dh) = 5.2(6 in. + 3 in.)
= 46.8 psf (IBC Eq 16-19)
Secondary drain size impacts flow rate
but drain size and geometry impact
hydraulic head levels. Therefore,
to keep the rain load to reasonable
design levels, larger secondary drains
and geometries should be explored to
minimize hydraulic head levels. The
examples show that flow rates in the
2021 IBC are approximately double
for secondary drain design. However,
for comparably sized roofs and sec-
ondary drains (24-inch scuppers), the
difference in the hydraulic head is 1
inch, which only increases the rain
load by about 5 psf.
D E C E M B E R 2 0 21 43
historic STRUCTURES
Quebec Bridge Failure #2, 1916
By Frank Griggs, Jr., Dist. M.ASCE, D.Eng, P.E., P.L.S.
A fter the collapse of the Quebec Bridge in

August 1907, an Engineering Committee
was formed under the supervision of the
Transcontinental Railway Commission to under-
take a complete redesign of the bridge. The Board
consisted of one Canadian, H. E. Vautelet, one
American, Ralph Modjeski, and one British
Engineer, Maurice Fitzmaurice. Engineering News
wrote of the Board,
“The task of the engineering committee is a
very great one. Difficult as it would be under any
circumstances, the progress and results would
be certain[ly] beyond question to engage the
most careful attention of the engineering world.
As matters actually stand, this attention will be
multiplied by the stimulus of the intense interest
awakened by the collapse of the first bridge. There Suspended span collapsing into the St. Lawrence River.
will be a more anxious, more rigid scrutinizing
of the conclusions and the designs produced by the committee. specifications shall not, in any way, relieve the contractor from
This fact renders their work correspondingly more delicate and such responsibility.”
of greater responsibility and therefore more difficult. Judgment In other words, the contractor was solely responsible, even though
of fine metal will be needed. May it not be corroded by the they had to submit their plans and calculations to the Board for
steam rising from the ever-boiling approval. Besides this and the
pot of Canadian politics! May the previous bridge, the main differ-
committee accomplish its task suc- ence is that the government now
cessfully and worthily.” had a fully funded organization
After a design competition, a to oversee design and construc-
contract was formally awarded on tion work. Nothing would be
April 4, 1911, to the St. Lawrence done until checked thoroughly
Bridge Company consisting of the by engineers from the Board and
Dominion Bridge Company and the the Bridge Company. No assump-
Canadian Bridge Company, with a tion would be allowed to stand
clause placed in the contract stating, unless agreed to by both parties,
“The contractor must satisfy and large-scale tests of members
himself as to the sufficiency and would be required if there was
suitability of the design, plans, any question. The Board, in fact,
and specifications upon which the made its own design independent
bridge is to be built, as the contrac- of the design of the St. Lawrence
tor will be required to guarantee the Bridge Company and then com-
satisfactory erection and comple- pared its design with theirs. Any
tion of the bridge, and it is expressly discrepancy was adjusted after a
understood that he undertakes the complete discussion. The Board
entire responsibility, not only for tested quarter-size compression
the materials and construction of members at the Phoenix Iron
the bridge, but also for the design, Works to verify their designs. In
calculations, plans, and specifica- addition, the Company decided to
tions and for the sufficiency of erect the anchor and cantilever arms
the bridge for the loads therein in a similar manner to the original
specified. And the enforcement of Phoenix Bridge plan but to erect
any part or all of all parts of the Lifting plan. the suspended span off-site, float
Lifting details. Tipping of lifting beam.
it in, and lift it intact into place connecting with the ends of the and they were being lowered for another lift when, at 10:50 am, a
two cantilever arms. sharp report was heard, and the span was seen to slide off its end
The anchor spans were 515 feet, the cantilever arms were 580 feet, supports into the river.
and the suspended span was 650 feet. As the result of the thorough Unlike the first failure, where there were few eyewitnesses to the
planning and checking of every detail of the design, the fabrication collapse, this time, the press, photographers, government officials,
and erection work generally went smoothly. The field inspection staff and the Board were on hand to witness it. Engineering News reported
for the government consisted of 33 men over the erection period. that “many prominent engineers from the United States and Canada
The bridge company had over 60 men working as engineers, drafts- were on the suspended span when the lifting operations began. At
men, calculators, and checkers on the job. The Dominion Bridge the intermission in the jacking operations, they came ashore. That
Company and the Canadian Bridge Company devoted their entire saved their lives...”
fabricating facilities to the bridge throughout its construction. Thirteen men were killed this time, with fourteen injured. Once
The suspended span was finished in July of 1916. The span weighed again, an intensive investigation into the cause of the accident was
over 5,000 tons and was floated into place and connected to the launched. It was clear to all that the truss had fallen off of the southwest
lifting jacks on September 11. After a short lift, the span slipped supporting girder, where the designers used cruciform steel castings
off its supports and collapsed into the river. The official report of at each corner to provide for rotation about two perpendicular axes.
the Board of Engineers described, in part, the series of events on Engineering News reported,
that fateful day as follows, “A steel casting, by which the weight of the south upstream corner
“Preparations for floating were completed about September 1st, of the suspended span was transferred to the lifting girder, broke
1916, but the range of tides, at this date, was not suitable…The in such a manner that the girder kicked back from under it. This
next series of high tides occurred on September 11th, and, weather corner of the span dropped into the water, starting transversal
conditions being favourable, the span was floated at 3:40 am, and rotation of the whole south end of the span… But experience
by 4:40 am, it was being towed out into the river…As the tide was teaches again that disaster may come, even to the most careful.
running strong, the tugs had little to do but guide the span on In the light of what has happened at Quebec, engineers in every
its trip up the river. At 6:35 am, the span reached the bridge site, rank of the profession must realize anew that there is a lurking
and at 7:40 am, the lifting hangers at all four corners had been
connected. At 8:50 am, the jacks began lifting, and during the
third lift of two feet, the scows floated clear, leaving the span
BUILD YOUR
suspended about 20 feet above the water…Up to this point,

the entire operation of floating the span and connecting it to CAREER AT KL&A
the lifting hangers had worked exactly according to schedule.
We are currently looking for:
Nothing occurred that had not been foreseen and provided
for. There was no wind, and every condition was favourable. • Structural Engineers
As the work remaining to be done was simply a repetition of • Civil Engineers
mechanical operations which had already been successfully • BIM Technicians
performed, it was felt that the most difficult part of the work • Construction Managers
had been satisfactorily accomplished. • Steel Detailer
At 10:30 am, jacking operations were resumed, and one more
Please visit klaa.com/open-careers
lift was made. The pins had been inserted connecting the lifting
links to the fixed jacking girders, thus transferring the load directly for more information and to apply.
to the cantilever trusses. The load on the jacks had been released, G O L D E N | L O V E L A N D | C A R B O N D A L E | B U F FA L O
D E C E M B E R 2 0 21 45
possibility of failure in every task
that the engineer performs and
that, when such failures come,
those who suffer by it deserve the
broad and generous sympathy of
their brethren. The final success
of any great engineering work
depends on a multitude of details
and on eternal vigilance to see
that none are neglected. It is the
engineer’s duty to study disasters
to engineering works because of
the useful lessons they may teach;
but let him study them with all
sympathy for his brother engineer Quebec Bridge
who has borne the responsibility,
remembering that he himself might have been in a like situation.” crushed and tipped the remainder of the rocker at the same time
The Engineering Record had similar thoughts, writing, kicking out the swinging girder and allowing the corner to fall.
“Engineers, who must constantly face unknown factors in break- With the supports at this corner gone, the long, heavy span could
ing new paths, will not lose faith in their brethren at Quebec, not maintain its equilibrium, and it dropped into the river…The
though the layman, seeing only the workingmen who were on the sus-
outstanding fact of a second serious pended span when it fell were thrown
loss at the site, may be a doubting into the water. Of these, a number
Thomas…Fortunately, sufficient evi- were saved by the small boats, but
dence was preserved on the girder some 10 or 11 have not since been
to show exactly what happened. The final success of any great accounted for.”
This evidence, combined with the On September 13, 1916, the St.
detailed drawings, leaves it to every engineering work depends on Lawrence Bridge Company accepted
engineer to draw his own conclu- full responsibility for the failure and
sions. Some will believe, as does this a multitude of details and on took “immediate steps to replace
journal, that greater factors of safety the span.” The Board and the Bridge
should have been used in the inter- eternal vigilance to see that Company decided that the entire lift-
mediate castings and the suspension ing apparatus would have to be rebuilt
details.” none are neglected due to excessive deformations of the
The Railroad Gazette wrote, lifting links occasioned by the fall.
“From examinations of the hangers The investigating team submitted
since the accident, it is evident that its report on October 19, 1916. The
the intermediate or roller casting most significant finding was that the
under the southwest hanger gave disaster was due solely to a failure of
way. The fracture of the front lower the casting.
pin bracket of this rocker threw the lower pin out of service, and Work on the new suspended span got underway on June 4, 1917,
the concentration of the 1,200-ton load on the remaining pieces with the span being completed on August 27. It was floated into
place on September 17, or just over one year after the failure. This
time, the lift went as planned. The Engineer, London wrote, “one
of the greatest, if not the greatest, feat of bridge engineering the
world has ever seen was brought to a successful conclusion, on

Smart-phone, 4” screen Thursday, September 20th, 1917 at 4:01 pm, when the 10-inch
Android or Apple iPhone will run the
xsec
pins connecting the two sections of the Quebec Bridge to the
ends of the cantilever arms were driven.”
As the engineering journals of the time wrote, “The final success of
reinforced concrete cross-section analysis app any great engineering work depends on a multitude of details and
Details at xsecweb.com on eternal vigilance to see that none are neglected” and all
also on Windows, MacOS and iPad
engineers must “realize anew that there is a lurking pos-
USD 20.00 from the various app stores sibility of failure in every task that the engineer performs.”■
Google Play, Apple App, Apple Mac App, Microsoft.
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reinforcement arrangement, input X, Y for each bar. Any materials, input a
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is now an Independent Consulting Engineer. (fgriggsjr@twc.com)
professional ISSUES
A Vision for Structural Engineering Licensure
Structural Engineering Licensure Coalition
T he Structural Engineering Licensure engineers’ work and the complexity of codes. engineering profession would have over its
Coalition (SELC), an organization In addition, the profession is challenged to own regulation. Plus, profession-run certifi-
formed by the Council of American Structural acquire an ever-increasing essential formal cation would fill a void should licensure be
Engineers (CASE), the National Council of education while many colleges are being diminished in some fashion.
Structural Engineers Associations (NCSEA), forced to reduce classroom hours. These cir- While there is growing justification for
the Structural Engineering Institute (SEI), cumstances call for rigorous credentialing specialized structural engineering licensure,
and the Structural Engineering Certification programs that effectively and adequately iden- threats continue to challenge the regulation
Board (SECB), has been advocating since tify engineers qualified to design structures. of professional engineers and structural engi-
2012 for structural engineering neers in particular. For example, in
(S.E.) licensure as a post-professional the past several years, some U.S.
engineer (P.E.) credential in all U.S. jurisdictions have raised the pos-
jurisdictions. As part of that effort, Communication regarding the sibility of reducing regulation of
SELC recently published its Vision professions, including engineering,
for the Future of S.E. Licensure (the positive and negative aspects of S.E. with the potential for licensure to
Vision), which builds on vision be eliminated. Also, there is some
documents published by its parent licensure should be more robust resistance advanced by the struc-
organizations. within the engineering community. tural engineering community itself,
Professional licensure has been fun- principally from two fronts: 1) the
damental in the U.S. since Wyoming status quo within the profession,
first instituted a licensing require- which contends that what we have
ment for professional engineers in done in the past is good enough for
1907. Civil engineers at that time tended Th e process to attain licensure has the future, and 2) the position held by many
to practice across a breadth of disciplines improved over the years. Strict requirements that holding a P.E. license and conform-
(structural, geotechnical, water resources, for education, experience, and examina- ing to the relevant codes of ethics suffice.
transportation, etc.). Over the decades since tion have evolved under the guidance of While both points had merit in the past and
licensing first appeared, the profession has the National Council for Examination probably still do somewhat in the present,
become compartmentalized, with engineers of Engineers and Surveyors (NCEES). they do not speak well to the future and the
now tending to practice mainly in a single Education accredited by Accreditation for profession’s evolution. Structural engineering
discipline. Taking responsible charge in more Engineering and Technology, Inc. (ABET) licensure aims to protect public safety by
than one specialty is much less common now is typically required. Verification of appli- restricting structural engineering to those
than it might have been decades ago. cants’ experience for licensure generally who demonstrate that they are best quali-
The SELC Vision argues that the trend toward is mandated through affidavits from col- fied to practice by passing an objective and
specialization, and the increasing complexity leagues or supervisors. The signers of the rigorous examination. Legislative support
of engineering, should dictate specialization affidavits attest that the candidate’s experi- for this goal, through licensure, provides a
in the licensing process. Jurisdictions in the ence is progressive, requires the application strong base for long-term continuity of the
U.S. recognized this early, with Illinois creat- of engineering knowledge, shows self- merits of the profession and its influence on
ing a specialty license in structural engineering improvement, teaches the candidate to our built environment.
in 1915, less than 10 years after engineering design, and puts the candidate in a position Ultimately, it is on the shoulders of
licensure was first introduced. While the expan- of responsibility for the design product. In the structural engineering community
sion of S.E. licensure has been relatively slow addition, nearly all U.S. jurisdictions now to advance S.E. licensure in the U.S.
since then, now at least twelve states and two recognize that meaningful continuing edu- Communication regarding the positive and
territories restrict either structural engineer- cation is essential for the engineer to stay negative aspects of S.E. licensure should be
ing practice specifically or the use of the title abreast of new technologies and changes in more robust within the engineering commu-
“Structural Engineer.” standards and codes. nity. In addition, improving outreach and
Trends in the profession are strengthening Recently, certification of structural engi- discussion within the community is neces-
the argument that specialized licensure is neers by the profession has been discussed sary to rally support to defeat legislative
needed. For example, technology is chang- as a companion to S.E. licensure. The goal of initiatives that would harm licensure. Please
ing how engineering is performed, new certification is to raise the bar of structural read SELC’s Vision (www.selicensure.org)
sophisticated analyses and design tools allow engineering practice in the eyes of the public if you wish to learn more about
marginally qualified engineers to practice and validate additional outcomes necessary the history and importance of S.E.
outside their specialty areas, and globaliza- to be in responsible charge, especially as licensure in the U.S.■
tion engages stakeholders in remote and continuing education is mandatory and
SELC has been formed to champion the cause
potentially unfamiliar markets. Moreover, given that not all states have S.E. licensure.
of structural engineering licensure and to build a
the growing breadth and extent of informa- In addition, certification by the profession
consensus among all stakeholders.
tion engineers need to assimilate complicates is advantaged by the control the structural
talking POINTS
The Case for Science-Based Public Policy
By John A. Dal Pino, S.E.
T he scientific method is best described as

a series of sequential steps: Question,
Research, Hypothesis, Experiment,
method was used successfully to
develop improved seismic design
procedures and form public policy.
Observation, and Conclusion. If the All the steps were taken, and sci-
hypothesis is “proven” through experiment ence led the way, whichever road
and observation, the Conclusion becomes it took.
a Theory generally supported and accepted The field of earthquake engineer-
by other subject-matter experts. This process ing in the U.S. as we know it today
takes time and effort and cannot be rushed. started in the 1950s thanks to a
However, in today’s fast-paced, 24-hour news small group of practicing engineers
cycle, rarely is enough time allotted for all the and academics located mainly in
steps to be taken, particularly the experiment California. This group had an
part. We all want answers fast and show little excellent understanding of struc-
patience for delays that are warranted. The tural dynamics. They used their
interpretation of data, or more often the obser- knowledge to craft the early seismic
vation of patterns in the data, is now referred to code provisions, the basis of which is Northridge Meadows Apartments after the 1994 Earthquake.
in the public sphere as “the science” and is used described in the Structural Engineers
as the basis for making public policy on the fly. Association of California (SEAOC) Blue Book: Buildings, A Cooperative Effort with the Design
“From where I stand, the earth looks flat, so it Seismic Design Recommendations, first published Professions, Building Code Interests and the
must be” is a good example of observational in 1959. At the outset, the leaders, including Research Community (Applied Technology
data masquerading as science. Unfortunately, Henry Degenkolb and his cohorts, and later, Council, 1978) – proposed an outline for
this process can result in un-tested hypotheses university researchers including Professors Egor the building codes used today.
becoming public policy. Popov and Vitelmo Bertero at the University of ATC-14 Evaluating the Seismic Resistance
One could argue that if society is trying to California, Berkeley, questioned the status quo of Existing Buildings (1987) and FEMA
make advancements quickly or address critical and decided to do something about it. They 273 NEHRP Guidelines for the Seismic
challenges (whether it is health policy or build- developed questions about seismic performance Rehabilitation of Buildings (Federal Emergency
ing codes), relying on observational data is better (Question and Research), developed theories on Management Agency, 1997) – established pro-
than waiting for the science to become “set- how buildings should perform (Hypothesis), cedures for evaluating and retrofitting existing
tled.” Since most policymakers are, by nature, and then went to the sites of a steady stream of buildings.
cautious and risk-averse, it may seem safer to strong earthquakes in regions with similar build- Vision 2000 Performance-Based Seismic
over-estimate the risk while demonstrating an ings (Experiment) to see (Observation) whether Engineering of Buildings (Structural Engineers
eagerness to act, thereby showing a degree of they were correct and to gather more data. This Association of California, 1995) – proposed
caring rather than waiting for the scientific process led to new building code provisions a framework for performance-based, rather
process to run its course. But this approach (Conclusion and Theory) adopted after public than prescriptive, design.
can have unintended consequences. Either the notice, debate, and approval by elected officials. The field of earthquake engineering was used
policy will bounce around and change as new The 1971 San Fernando and 1994 Northridge here to showcase the scientific method and
information is learned, or the policy will be earthquakes (see STRUCTURE’s 2019 article how it can and ought to form the underpin-
overly conservative and wasteful, maybe even series) provided data for new lines of scientific ning of public policy. It has been established
detrimental. No one wants to be caught look- inquiry and research and caused many engi- that the scientific method produced significant
ing unprepared and indifferent to the public neers to question the established theory. After advancements as used by the pioneers in this
interest, but the cost to the public can be high a few years of reflection, discussion, and study, field. Without the efforts of these engineers and
in both situations and erode public confidence. new conclusions and theories were reached in researchers, structures might still be designed
The next time policymakers need to reach the each case. using a process akin to trial and error. This
public with an important message, who knows While building codes (public policy) were example should also serve as a reminder of
what the response will be. After the balcony revised and expanded, there were parallel why experts should be at the head of the table
collapse that killed several students in Berkeley, scientific method efforts by many dedicated when public policy decisions are made, ensur-
California, several years ago, there was a desire by structural engineers, researchers, and govern- ing the basis of those policies will not
many to take immediate action in the form of ment officials to “push the envelope” and be observational data masquerading
stricter building code provisions. Cooler heads advance the state of knowledge in earthquake as science, but the real thing.■
prevailed, and the result was the implementation engineering. Their contributions and con-
John A. Dal Pino is a Principal with FTF
of new inspection requirements. In hindsight, clusions are presented in these important,
Engineering located in San Francisco, California.
this was probably the right thing to do. groundbreaking documents:
He serves as the Chair of the STRUCTURE
Let’s use a small part of earthquake engi- ATC-3 Tentative Provisions for the
Editorial Board. (jdalpino@ftfengineering.com)
neering to demonstrate how the scientific Development of Seismic Regulations for
48 STRUCTURE magazine D E C E M B E R 2 0 21
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SPOTLIGHT
A New Link in Calgary’s Covered Walkway System
707 Fifth – Manulife Place camber before installing the cladding to utilized to accommodate thermal movements
Pedestrian Bridge is an essen- minimize impacts on the cladding due to in service while improving the durability of the
tial link in Calgary’s elevated network of movement. The sensitivity of the structure supports. Additionally, as the bridge straddles
pedestrian pathways. The bridge improves to temperature differentials required a careful an active service alleyway, the bridge bents are
connectivity within the downtown core, calibration of forces between the stainless- secured by post-tensioned anchor rods to rein-
adding a new connection from 707 Fifth steel cables and carbon steel frames to attain forced concrete pedestals designed to sustain a
– Manulife Place to Calgary’s +15 covered a reasonable camber profile. potential vehicular impact.
walkway system, creating a Due to the limited areas in
unique architectural expres- the downtown core that could
sion in downtown Calgary. It serve as a staging area, the bridge
was a challenge that required components were fabricated
innovative solutions: provid- off-site, then assembled in the
ing a seamless connection to adjacent parking lot and lifted
adjacent buildings while man- into place on the weekend,
aging subgrade conditions, requiring a road closure of only
installation sequences, and two weekend days. The presence
non-structural coordination. of various utilities in the alley-
With a total length of 270 feet way as well as the proximity of
10 inches, the bridge features an adjacent buildings – including
elegant structural system known a landmarked theater – neces-
as a suspended lenticular truss, sitated a different configuration
spanning 96 feet 5 inches. for each above-grade support
The bridge consists of 5 spans: and foundation element for the
two end cantilever spans of bridge, in some cases accom-
27 feet 10inches and 28 feet modating for future structures
2 inches, two side Vierendeel Skidmore, Owings & Merrill was an Award Winner for the 707 from proposed developments.
spans of 55 feet 9 inches and 62 Fifth – Manulife Place Pedestrian Bridge project in the 2020 Annual Due to the lack of secondary
feet 8 inches, and a central sig- Excellence in Structural Engineering Awards Program in the Category mullions, all connections are
nature span of 96 feet 5 inches. – New Bridges or Transportation Structures. exposed and therefore require
The structure is supported by close coordination between the
pot bearings attached to steel bents roughly The central “suspended lenticular truss” span structural engineers, architects, steel fabrica-
18 feet tall above grade that straddle the adja- includes tension cables and compression arches tors, and contractors. Given that most major
cent service alleyway. The simple and clean whose geometries follow the moment diagram structural elements of the bridge are located
architectural enclosure allows the structure under self-weight. The cables have been pre- at eye level with the pedestrian user, special
to become a prominent visual feature of tensioned to minimize loads on the arch and attention was paid to the appearances of welds
the design. provide camber for the system, resulting in during the fabrication and assembly processes.
The challenge of providing a seamless con- smaller member sizes. An internal stressing In collaboration with cable supplier Pfeifer,
nection to adjacent buildings while managing method of cable tensioning was undertaken as the cable fittings and clamps were custom-
subgrade conditions, installation sequences, part of a careful erection sequence where the arch ized to fit the design aesthetic of the bridge.
and non-structural coordination, required members are installed after tensioning but prior The vertical struts feature a double-cruciform
innovative structural solutions to successfully to the concreting of the floor slab. The top and shape that provides adequate stiffness while
deliver the bridge. bottom chords are designed to be continuous creating visual interest.
The central signature span is an elegant struc- to control higher mode walking vibrations. The By agreeing to construct the bridge, the
tural system known as a “suspended lenticular architectural cladding systems were designed to client obtained additional leeway through
truss.” Cable tensioning was undertaken as attach directly to the structure and eliminate the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR)
part of a careful sequence where the arch secondary mullions. And, to minimize impacts to provide higher floors in the main office
members are installed after tensioning but on the cladding due to movement, the bridge tower of the project, offering clear views of
prior to the concreting of the floor slab. floor was pre-loaded with a weight equivalent to the Canadian Rockies to the west. The bridge
The architectural cladding systems were the floor finishes to take out additional camber is also an essential element in connecting
designed to attach directly to the structure before installing the cladding. the development to existing as well as future
and eliminate secondary mullions, requir- Installation during sub-freezing temperatures developments, providing benefits to both the
ing all steel to be fabricated to stringent could result in a higher camber than when public and building tenants. In particular, the
Architecturally Exposed Structural Steel installed during warm weather due to the bridge integrates a previously iso-
(AESS) 4 finishing specifications. The bridge different expansion coefficients of the cables lated portion of the +15 network to
floor was pre-loaded to take out additional versus steel frames. Pot bearings were also the rest of the functioning network.■
NCSEANCSEA News
National Council of Structural Engineers Associations
Structural Engineering Summit – Feel the Love this February

The NCSEA Structural Engineering Summit will be in New York City February 14-17 and online January 31-Feburary 24. The Summit
offers unrivaled educational opportunities, an industry-leading trade show, and unique and fun networking opportunities.
Register for the conference, learn more, and book your hotel room ($219/night at the Hilton Midtown!)
www.ncsea.com/events/annualconference
Seek inspiration from keynote speakers.
20 Years After 9/11: Lessons Learned and More to Research Lighten Up & Lead: Leverage Levity to Boost Client
• Panelists: Dan Eschenasy, P.E., SECB, F.SEI; Confidence & Employee Engagement
James W. Feuerborn Jr., P.E.; Therese McAllister, F.SEI • Speaker: Tami Evans
• Moderator: Vicki Arbitrio, P.E., SECB, F.SEI • A happy workplace is imperative to success, but how do you remain
• 2021 marked the 20th anniversary of 9/11 and this keynote positive AND professional? Laugh and learn key characteristics to
will feature panelists who were involved in the initial recov- create levity in the worker, workforce, and workplace with tools that
ery efforts and with the subsequent building performance help you reach your personal and professional potential through
study. They will discuss the following topics: response of the the power of fun. Connection creates culture, and culture creates
engineering community, building performance, structural employee engagement – and the fastest way to connect is through
design and fire protection; emergency response legal issues levity. Engagement empowers employees to collaborate through
and proposed legislation; and building code changes and challenges, create innovative solutions, and communicate confi-
recommendations. dently – not to mention bump your bottom line!
Learn from industry experts on a diverse range of topics, all focused on helping structural engineers succeed. Below is just a sample of the
top-notch presentations (31 sessions in total!). The full educational slate is at www.ncsea.com/events/annualconference.
• Wind Loads: Frequently Asked Questions • Ductile Coupled Reinforced Concrete Shear Walls as
Speakers: Emily Guglielmo, S.E., and Donald Scott, P.E., S.E. Distinct Seismic Force-Resisting Systems
• Ask Me Anything – S.K. Ghosh, Ph.D.
Roundtable with Structural Engineering Principals • Leveraging BIM & Technology for Structural Design
Moderated by: Francesca Ferrero, P.E. Mary Shinners, P.E., S.E., and Sarah Scarborough, P.E., S.E.
• SE2050: Net Zero Embodied Carbon in Structures • Historic Materials and Archaic Structural Systems
Speakers: Megan Stringer, P.E., and Michael Gryniuk, P.E. in Renovations
• Flexible or Rigid? Rethinking Workplace Flexibility Donald Friedman, P.E.
Moderated by: Marcus Freeman, P.E.
And last, but certainly not least, network with the best in the industry.
• Share your love for structural engineering at the Welcome Party in the Trade Show on Tuesday eve-
ning. Come for the food and drinks, and stay for the networking, fun times, and interactive activities! THANK YOU TO
• Walk the Trade Show floor to connect with industry suppliers; gain valuable information on OUR SPONSORS
materials, products, and software innovations; and grab some swag.
• Enjoy lunches and coffee breaks in the Trade Show, and catch up with colleagues, new friends, and
industry veterans.
• Celebrate innovation and creativity with the Excellence in Structural Engineering Award
winners, and applaud outstanding service and commitment with the Special Award honorees
– all at the Awards Celebration event on Wednesday evening.
• Take your networking experience virtual, and enjoy online interactive sessions and a virtual
Trade Show.
Reconnecting with your peers, learning from industry experts, networking with product experts at the
trade show – what’s not to love! Mark your calendar now and don’t miss the leading event in the structural
engineering profession. Visit www.ncsea.com/events/annualconference for more info and to register.
News from the National Council of Structural Engineers Associations
Excavation Shoring Design Guide and

Recorded Webinar Bundle
The Perfect Holiday Gift for your Engineering Colleagues
Reviewing a pertinent worked example bolsters any structural engineer’s confidence. The new Excavation
Shoring Design Guide is comprised solely of such detailed work examples and provides the real construc-
tion details that are necessary to round out complete designs including site characterization and earth
pressure diagrams, soil/grout bond strengths, and deflection curves.
The corresponding recorded webinar series (3 PDH’s available) addresses the design and construction
aspects of temporary and permanent earth retention systems. Attendees will review the different ele-
ments of each earth retention system and when each method is appropriate. Besides sizing the shoring
system’s principal members, the series will provide basic construction details necessary to round out
complete designs.
Purchase at www.ncsea.com/education. The recorded webinar series and a copy of the digital publication is just $295 (members) / $500
(nonmembers). The digital publication on its own is $119 (members) / $219 (nonmembers) or order the paperback for $169 (members)
/ $269 (nonmembers).
NCSEA Webinars
Visit www.ncsea.com/education for the latest news on upcoming
webinars and other virtual events.
Now is the time to consider an NCSEA webinar subscription!
First time subscribers receive $100 off their subscription price with
discount code SAVE100. Offer expires January 7.
Subscribers receive access to a full year’s worth of live NCSEA
education webinars (25+) and a recorded library of past webinars
(170+) – all developed by leading experts; available whenever,
wherever you need them; and at an affordable price of $1,195
(member) / $1,695 (nonmembers), less than $40/webinar for
members!
NCSEA Committee Volunteers Needed – and Appreciated

Are you interested in serving on an NCSEA committee to give back to your profession and better the industry? The success of NCSEA and
of the structural engineering industry depends on its members to get involved and help advance the mission. Our volunteers help educate on
codes and standards, develop courses and publications, advocate for safe structures and post-disaster recovery, promote the structural engineer-
ing profession, and more. If you are a volunteer interested in serving on an NCSEA committee, please visit www.ncsea.com/committees to
learn more about the various committees and complete the volunteer application. Most committees admit new members on a rolling basis
while others add members once a year.
And on that note, from all of us here at NCSEA in this season of gratitude – thank you! NCSEA is fortunate and grateful to have such
wonderful committee and board volunteers. Thank you to the entire structural engineering community for your engagement, volunteer
hours, and financial contributions that help NCSEA, and the structural engineering industry overall, remain strong and successful. Season’s
greetings and happy New Year!
follow @NCSEA on social media for the latest news & events!
D E C E M B E R 2 0 21 53
SEI Update
Advancing the Profession
What You Need to Know about

Supplements 1 and 3 to ASCE 7-16
The 2016 edition of ASCE 7, Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures
(ASCE 7-16), has three published supplements. Supplement 1 was published on December 11, 2018, and
was adopted into the 2021 International Building Code. Supplements 2 and Supplement 3 have been recently
published, and all three are available in the ASCE Library as free downloads.
Supplements 1 and 3 work together to address shortcomings in the 2016 standard and should be understood
and used by engineers and building officials alike.
Technical Details – Research from USGS and the Applied Technology Council has shown that the use
of only two response periods (0.2s and 1.0s) to define the Equivalent Lateral Force (and Modal Response
Spectrum Analysis) design forces is reasonably accurate when the peak MCER response spectral accelera-
tion occurs at or near 0.2s and peak MCER response spectral velocity occurs at or near 1.0s for the site of interest. However, the two-point
spectrum is potentially non-conservative when the peak MCER response spectral velocity occurs at periods greater than 1.0s, particularly
for structures on softer soil sites where large magnitude events dominate the seismic hazard.
As a result, for high seismic hazard locations located on Site Class D and E sites, ASCE 7-16 requires a site-specific ground motion hazard
analysis be performed to determine the design response spectrum, including spectral acceleration parameters (SDS and SD1). ASCE 7-16
provides exceptions to requiring a ground motion hazard analysis but lacks sufficient direction to be clearly implemented. Supplement 1
was developed to clarify the requirement; however, the following two issues were uncovered subsequent to the approval of Supplement 1:
(1) For Site Class D sites, Exception 2 does not clearly identify the design spectrum that should be used for a modal response spec-
trum analysis. The intent of the exception is to use a spectrum that includes a 1.5 multiplier on SD1, but the language does not
explicitly require this. This oversight can result in long period structures, including tanks, to be under-designed by a factor of up to
1.5. This oversight also leads to underestimating impulsive and convective forces in liquid storage tanks located on Site Class D sites
covered by Chapter 15.
(2) For Site Class E sites, to properly utilize Exception 3, a value of Fa for locations where SS is greater than or equal to 1.0 is required.
However, the language in the exception does not provide a value for Fa, nor does Table 11.4-1. This oversight leaves it up to the engi-
neer to select a value without appropriate direction. This oversight also leads to underestimating impulsive and convective forces in
liquid storage tanks located on Site Class E sites covered by Chapter 15.
Supplement 3 was developed to correct these issues. Also, Supplement 3 reorganizes the exceptions to simplify the requirements.
Supplements are developed by the ASCE 7 Standard Committee to address important issues in between cycles of development. Supplements
1 and 3 and all other Supplements and Errata to ASCE 7-16 and earlier editions are available at www.asce.org/seiasce7.
John Hooper, P.E., S.E., F.SEI, Dist.M.ASCE, is the chair and Emily Guglielmo, P.E., S.E., F.SEI, M.ASCE, is the vice-chair of the ASCE 7-22
Seismic Subcommittee.
Remember to Support the

Future of Structural Engineering
with your Year-End Giving
Learn more and give www.asce.org/SEIFuturesFund.
Futures Fund
Investing in the Future of Our Profession
Follow SEI on Social Media:

News of the Structural Engineering Institute of ASCE
Learning / Networking
Join Us at SEI Events

www.asce.org/SEIEvents
The new 2022 SEI Standards Series will preview ASCE 7-22 as a
5-part series that reviews the changes from ASCE 7-16. This unique
program includes a dialogue between the leaders and experts who
develop ASCE 7 and a detailed technical presentation on the specific
changes and three main hazards – Seismic, Wind and Tornado, and
Snow/Rain. In addition, information will be provided on the ASCE 7
Digital Products/Hazard Tool. Attendees are encouraged to join the
discussion for the extensive live Q&A portion of the session.
• February 10, 2022: ASCE 7-22 Overview & Changes (FREE)
• May 12, 2022: ASCE 7-22 Seismic
• June 9, 2022: ASCE 7-22 Wind & Tornado
• July 14, 2022: ASCE 7-22 Snow/Rain
• September 8, 2022: How & Why to Use ASCE 7-22
in Your Practice
Learn more at:
https://collaborate.asce.org/integratedstructures/sei-standards
Electrical Transmission and

Substation Structures Conference
October 2-6, 2022, in Orlando
Apply for a student scholarship to participate www.etsconference.org
GET PAID
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WORTH
www.asce.org/salaries
Trust the ASCE Member Insurance Program.
ASCEPLANS.COM/SURVEY
www.asce.org/freepdh
*A Professional Development Hour (PDH) is one contact hour of instruction or presentation. More than 75 percent of U.S.
registration boards require continuing education for P.E. license renewal. Visit each registration board’s website to confirm
its continuing education requirements. You are required to pass an exam on the webinar’s content to receive a PDH.
Errata SEI Standards Supplements and Errata including ASCE 7. See www.asce.org/SEI.
To submit errata, contact sei@asce.org.
D E C E M B E R 2 0 21 55
CASE in Point
CASE Tools and Resources
Did you know? CASE has tools and practice guidelines to help firms deal with a wide variety of business scenarios that structural engineer-
ing firms face daily. So whether your firm needs to establish a new Quality Assurance Program, update its risk management program, keep
track of the skills engineers are learning at each level of experience, or need a sample contract document – CASE has the tools you need!
CASE has several tools available for firms to use to enhance their own internal policies and procedures – from office policy guides to employee
reviews. All Tools are free to Coalition Members!
Tool 1-1 Create a Culture for Managing Risks and Preventing Claims
Tool 1-2 Developing a Culture of Quality
Tool 1-3 Sample Policy Guide
Tool 1-4 Creating a Culture of Recruitment and Retention NEW!
Tool 2-2 Interview Guide and Template

Tool 2-3 Employee Evaluation Templates
Tool 2-4 The Risk Management Plan
Tool 2-5 Insurance Management
Tool 2-6 Structural Engineering Job Descriptions
Tool 3-2 Staffing and Revenue Projection
Tool 3-5 Staffing Schedule Suite
Tool 3-6 Carrier Path Planning NEW!
Tool 4-3 Sample Correspondence Guidelines
Tool 5-2 Milestone Checklist for Young Engineers

Tool 5-3 Managing the Use of Computers and Software
Tool 5-5 Project Management Training
Tool 5-6 Lessons Learned
You can purchase these at www.acec.org/bookstore.
DONATE to the CASE Scholarship Fund!

The ACEC Council of American Structural Engineers (CASE) is currently seeking contributions to help make the structural engineering
scholarship program a success. The CASE scholarship, administered by the ACEC College of Fellows, is awarded to a student seeking a
Bachelor’s degree, at minimum, in an ABET-accredited
engineering program. Since 2009, the CASE Scholarship
program has given $37,000 to help engineering students
pave their way to a bright future in structural engineering.
We have all witnessed the stiff competition from other
disciplines and professions eager to obtain the best and
brightest young talent from a dwindling pool of engineer-
ing graduates. One way to enhance the ability of students
to pursue their dreams to become professional engineers
is to offer incentives in educational support.
Your monetary support is vital in helping CASE and
ACEC increase scholarships to those students who are the
future of our industry. All donations toward the program
may be eligible for a tax deduction, and you don’t have to
be an ACEC member to donate! Contact Michelle Kroeger
at mkroeger@acec.org to donate.
News of the Coalition of American Structural Engineers
NEW – 2022 ACEC Winter Meeting

San Diego, CA, February 10-11, 2022
The Winter Meeting is open to all CASE members. The agenda for
the meeting is found below:
Thursday – February 10
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm CASE ExCom Meeting

3:30 pm – 5:00 pm CASE and CAMEE Roundtable,
Moderated by Brent White
and John Burns
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm Coalitions Reception
Friday – February 11
8:30 am – 12:00 pm Educations Sessions – (PDH’s offered)

• Remote Monitoring using today’s technologies – How new technologies are changing the
way engineers work.
• Navigating the challenges of distance working – Managing legal, financial, and human
resource activities for out-of-state employees.
12:00 pm – 1:15 pm Lunch
1:30 pm – 5:00 pm Small Firm Coalition Workshop ($$ Paid Event) – (PDH’s offered)
• Small Firms and Human Resources – The workforce for the future.
(This workshop continues Saturday morning, February 12, 2021.)
Registration opens at the beginning of December.
To register, go to the 2022 Coalitions Winter Meeting website: http://bit.do/winter2022
Questions? Contact Michelle Kroeger at mkroeger@acec.org.
Structural Engineers Weigh-in!

The ACEC Fall Conference was held from October 28-30, and CASE hosted
a structural engineering roundtable that convened people from various firms
around the country. Participants discussed trending issues, including workforce
challenges, supply chain issues, and licensure.
In addition to the roundtable, CASE hosted three widely attended educa-
tion sessions, Emerging A&E Risks and Market Realities (speaker Dan Buelow,
Willis A&E); Risk Management Challenges with a Virtual Workforce (presented
by Karen Erger and Kevin Holland, Lockton Companies); and Risky Business?
Building Assessments (presented by Mark Baum, Greyling Insurance Brokerage
& Risk Consulting).
Follow ACEC Coalitions on Twitter – @ACECCoalitions.
D E C E M B E R 2 0 21 57
CASE business practices
Coordination and Completeness of
Structural Construction Documents
By Jeff Morrison
A s structural engineers, at the end of the

design phase, our work product consists
of the construction documents (drawings and
crucial to get every project off on the right
foot. Major decisions such as determining
the appropriate structural system, lateral load
These changes must be carefully documented
in the same way as the original drawings were
produced. Oftentimes, unforeseen issues arise
specifications), which detail the requirements resisting system, typical details and wall sec- if changes are made hastily and without thor-
to construct a given structure to serve an tions, foundation system, and coordination ough coordination.
intended purpose. The degree to which the with major architectural or MEP systems are
It looked good on paper…
project will be considered a success is directly critical. If these items wait until too late in
related to the quality of the construction doc- the project design phase, we are often left Now we have to build it. The construc-
uments. The documents must be complete, with less-than-optimal structural options. tion phase provides valuable insight into the
coordinated, clear, concise, and construct- Therefore, we should provide valuable input actual quality of the construction documents.
ible. Poor quality construction documents early in the project when it can be most useful. Some examples are the number of Requests
lead to significantly more time, frustration, In addition to discussing and reviewing these for Information (RFI’s), the extent of ques-
and potential liability when issues need to items with the external project team, having tions a detailer has on the shop drawings,
be corrected during shop drawings or, worse, regular meetings with our internal design and how well the structure integrates within
during or even after construction. Building team, including the engineering staff, BIM the architectural finishes and other trades.
structures today are more complicated than staff, and QA reviewers, ensures that all mem- Take note of any issues during construction
ever, and a successful project involves proac- bers of the team have the same information and use these as lessons learned to apply to
tive management of both the technical and and can offer valuable input early in the proj- future projects.
administrative sides of the project. ect and at regular intervals.
Summary
The intent was… Details matter…
Producing a quality set of structural con-
In life and structural engineering, com- This is the hard part. After the initial excite- struction documents is as much of an art as
munication is essential in making sure we ment of the new project has worn off, the a science. It requires the structural engineer
are understood, and we understand others. structural details need to be developed, to have a good understanding of structural
Without good communication amongst the optimized, and coordinated with the archi- engineering issues such as load path, struc-
design team and between the design team, tectural and other consultants’ scope of tural analysis, design, and detailing. It also
owner, and contractor, you will not have a suc- work. The everyday task of advancing the results in an awareness of how buildings are
cessful project. The construction documents project’s design and details must remain in constructed with consideration of construction
are the primary means of communicating step with the entire design team. Developing methods, tolerances, and how to develop the
with the contractor. It is essential always to details that are as simple as possible and con- most efficient details. This is a learned skill
keep this in mind and make sure the drawings structible, without issues, will often prove that takes time to develop, and the process dra-
provide the information the contractor will to be better than designing every unique matically benefits from involving senior-level
need to successfully construct the building condition. For example, how many unique engineers who can share their past experiences.
as we intended. column base plate details should I have, can I Sharing experiences and regularly discussing
We must also be proactive in communi- have the same detail for supporting cladding the importance of producing high-
cating with other design team members the at every level, can the edge of slab dimen- quality construction documents with
information we need to produce a quality set sions be simplified. A quality assurance/ all staff will prove valuable.■
of structural documents within the project quality control (QA/QC) plan consistently
Resources
schedule. Requesting this information in implemented on all projects is necessary for
writing keeps the project organized and tracks any firm. Utilizing a checklist to review the The following resources are valuable tools for
outstanding issues or items awaiting resolu- level of coordination and completeness at more in-depth learning and development:
tion. In today’s fast-track projects with early each major milestone submittal is strongly CASE 962-D: A Guideline Addressing
structural packages, this becomes even more recommended. Coordination and Completeness of Structural
critical. In addition, it is important to have a Construction Documents (Updated 2020)
Back to the drawing board…
clear understanding of the intended use of any CASE Tool 9-1: Coordination and
early structural submittal packages to verify Changes invariably occur on most projects Completeness of Structural Construction
that our drawings are adequately developed throughout the design phase and often even Documents (Updated 2021)
and complete for their intended use. during construction. Projects that require CASE Tool 9-2 Quality Assurance Plan
re-design due to budget, owner changes, or
Off on the right foot… Jeff Morrison is Vice President and Senior
other reasons often put time pressure on coor-
Project Manager with Lynch Mykins in Raleigh,
It is well-known that the early stage of a dinating these revisions and making sure the
NC, and a CASE Toolkit Committee member.
project is the most effective time to influ- ripple effect of these changes is appropriately
(jmorrison@lynchmykins.com)
ence project cost beneficially. As such, it is accounted for throughout the documents.
58 STRUCTURE magazine D E C E M B E R 2 0 21
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