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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05172005 BSC Minutes WS y OEM) City of West University Place A Neighborhood City ® Recycled Paper Workshop Building & Standards Commission 3826 Amherst, In the Public Works Building, Located in the Public Works Conference Room, West University Place, Texas 77005 Meeting Minutes May 17, 2005 MEMBERS PRESENT: Bryant Slimp, J. Denis Powers, Muddy McDaniel (arriving late) MEMBERS ABSENT: David Flame, Dr. Peter Benjamin, Brian Hoogendam, Muddy McDaniel, Kevin McMahon, Mike Woods STAFF PRESENT: Neslihan Tesno, Josie Orosco GUEST PRESENT: Daniel Gay, Mike Talianchich, P.E., Robert Riquelmy, Michael Skoller, P.E., Jack Spivey, Brad Dougherty, Arriving late Ron Kelm, P.E. and Les Albin [Call to Order] Bryant Slimp called the meeting to order at 5:38 p.m. 1. Structural Bryant Slimp stated that this is a workshop meeting to discuss the structural ordinance that the BSC is currently drafting. Mr. Slimp asked if everyone was signed in and asked everyone to introduce them-selves. Mr. Slimp asked if everyone had received a latest copy of the foundation ordinance. Michael Skoller asked if he could send the new ordinance out to structural engineers in the FPA. Nes Tesno stated that the strike out version that is signed by City Council is the approved ordinance. The ordinance would not go into affect until May 27, 2005. Bryant Slimp wanted to discuss what is needed to be included to make the draft structural code effective and workable and to mandate who was responsible to make structures that are being built in the City safe and lasting. Bryant Slimp stated that some of the things that he is concerned about are the pre-manufactured trusses for 2nd floor and 3rd floor and for premanufactured roof trusses. Items discussed in detail that needed to be regulated are as follows: o Crawl Spaces o Handrails o Strapping o Sheer Walls o Blocking and Nailing o Floor/Attic Trusses and the certifications of the trusses o Floor Joists o Steel Frames i I 't 3800 University Boulevard • West University Place, Texas 77005-2899 • 713966804441 0 www.westu.org i Building and Standards Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes May 17, 2005 Page 2 of 2 o Welding and Bolts Les Albin asked if the board would require that all house construction to use %2" plywood sheathing. Daniel Gay stated that if the sheathing was blocked and nailed correctly that this would work well, but it would cost money. Michael Talianchich stated he would not mind the sheathing. Michael Skoller stated he uses %2 inch sheathing on houses that are less than $150,000. Les Albin stated that he thinks what the board is trying to do is to establish the minimums; there are likely things that are going to be required in addition to that and those items need to be determined by the structural engineers. Michael Skoller stated that in his opinion, the Engineer of Record should review the trusses, the layout plan and the loads, not just an engineer working at the truss fabrication company. Daniel Gay stated he would rather submit a letter stating what design work that he has reviewed, to identify the particular drawings specific for the house being built at the specific address. Bryant Slimp asked who is certifying or stamping/sealing the plans that come in for review by the City, the a software engineer or Engineer or Record. Michael Skoller answered that as of this time, it is by either one, but it should be stamped by the designer. Bryant Slimp asked if there was any credentials on truss manufacturers, like the A2LA labs that do the geo-technical work. Michael Skoller stated that there are some specifications that the engineer has to design. Daniel Gay proposed that the structural engineer that designed structure be, the engineer, who goes out to inspect the work, not a third party. Michael Skoller stated he would not be willing to do inspection work, and that it would be very expensive. Bryant Slimp read the definition from the new foundation ordinance handout that was provided at the beginning of the meeting as to who would be allowed to do the inspection work. Bryant Slimp also stated that he would prefer to use language from the new foundation code regarding inspection by a person under the direct supervision of the RLPE. Michael Skoller stated that he thought it would be good if they did not allow utility grade lumber for any permanent structural member of a house. It could however be used for temporary bracing, etc. Les Albin stated that utility grade lumber is routinely used in West University right now. The only way for it not to be used is to disallow it. Brad Dougherty stated that he would provide the information regarding what is required for structural steel certification. Michael Skoller stated that each welder should be certified in the type of welding that he is performing. Bryant Slimp stated that they should make it a requirement on the checklist that each welder provide a copy of their certification., any registration number, and the expiration date. Brad Dougherty will provide information on the welder certifications. Michael Talianchich stated that he thought it would be good if they considered eliminating gang nails currently used on pre-fabricated trusses all together. Bryant Slimp stated that the BSC can not eliminate a normal and accepted construction method unless they have a much better and accepted method Building and Standards Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes May 17, 2005 Page 2 of 2 Mr. Talianchich would like to address the moisture caused problems on structural members in the crawl spaces of a house. Michael Skoller suggested that the BSC require the calculations for crawl spaces ventilation, including the calculations indicating the gross and net air flow openings venting the crawl spaces, and that the structural fasteners for crawl spaces be designed for moist areas. Bryant Slimp asked the guest to email any thoughts, links to existing codes, and/or checklists that they had to Nes Tesno. [Adjournment] Meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m. PASSED THIS Jr)\'> DAY OF -J ~ , 2005 n Bryant SliMPChairmal~ ATTEST: ~~j Ms. Josie M. Orosco, Development Services Secretary