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City of `vest University Plac
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Building & Standards Commission
3826 Amherst Street, Public Works Conference Room
Workshop Committee
Meeting Minutes
February 10th, 2004
MEMBERS PRESENT: Bryant Slimp, John Ayres, and Kevin McMahon.
MEMBERS ABSENT: David Flame, Dr. Peter Benjamin, J. Denny Powers, Darryl Friday, Brian
Hoogendam, Muddy McDaniel and Kevin McMahon.
COUNCIL LIASION: (None)
STAFF PRESENT: Annette Arriaga, Dennis Mack, Jim Dougherty, (City Attorney)
GUESTS: Les Albin
[Call to Order.] With members present Bryant Slimp called the meeting to order at 6:15 p.m.
1. Workshop Committee. Dennis Mack asked the committee, what steps he needed to go through in
order to ban post tension slabs? If post tension slab are banned, the City will have to make sure
that certain procedures are followed and that the City complies with all of the current State Laws.
The City Attorney, Jim Dougherty asked if the City of Bellaire had any references as far as
materials on post tension slabs? Jim Dougherty stated that City Council would prefer to see
material for wanting to ban post tension slabs. Dennis Mack stated that he would get with Joe
Edwards, with Edwards Consulting, and see if he had any reference materials pertaining to failure
rates and analysis. He also mentioned post tension slabs have been banned in the City of Bellaire
for a long time. Jim Dougherty stated he would like for BSC to make sure that they are acting
reasonably and not rationally. There may be trade groups, for example that would in fact challenge
the local ordinances. John Ayres asked if the City could run a report of the list of homes in West
University Place that used post tension slabs? Dennis Mack stated there is no way to run a report of
that type. Dennis Mack added that he doesn't think that there had been a lot of post tension slabs
used in the City of West University Place. Dennis Mack stated that if the foundation requirements
change then we should make this across the board for both remodeling and new construction. John
Ayres referring to the Foundation Draft stated that under No.# 3, Section b.) Based on a soils report
from a recognized and reputable firm or agency
and4ffspeeted43y-m
.
John Ayres felt that a reputable firm or agency needed io be more specific. A qualified delegate
under the direct supervision to observe the entire pore would be expectable.
Les Albin stated that standards should be set for soils test. The City of West University does not
have current standards for soils tests. Set a minimum pad thickness of 4 foot. Les Albin stated that a
minimum standard should be set on select fill and soil conditions to 18" to 48", depending on the PI
soils. It should be 50" or more, but you should have at least 48". Require testing and have it
certified by the soils lab.
Dennis Mack stated that the city could require an authorized or qualified delegate who would be
directly under the supervision of the engineer or design engineer be a there during the observation
of the entire pour. The city could require the RE to be on site at all times. Dennis Mack stated the
RE could personally do it or hire some one to do it. As long as they have first hand knowledge of it.
3800 University Boulevard 9 West University Place, Texas 77005-2899 0 7130668.4441 0 www.westu.org
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Building and Standards Commission Minutes
February 10th, 2004
Page 2 of 2
Dennis Mack stated that a document could be drafted up. He also stated, the city inspectors could
allow a one-hour window for inspections.
Dennis Mack will need to get more information and as much material as possible and make a
checklist in draft form BSC. So, that Dennis Mack can expand on that sentence, underprefix b.
b.) Based on a soils report from a recognized and reputable firm or agency (ElkeeF~o-rent soils
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e stefy aeeessei=y building with less than 450 sq. fi. ef gross fleer- ;
. At the
completion of all the requirements of the plans and specifications the engineer of record shall
certify by letter to the city (which may be made be based on observation reports by a qualified
delegate) the construction of the foundation and structural framing was
Bryant Slimp stated that a checklist should be generated and the city should require a signature
certifying the list. Bryant Slimp requested draft forms for soils reports and analysis, disclosure of
risks and a certification that the city will provide. Bryant Slimp referenced the material from the
State of Practice of Geotechnical Engineering for Design of Custom Homes in the Houston
Area Between 1990 and 2001 By David A. Eastwood, P.E., Frank Ong, P.E., Presented at
Foundation Performance Association Meeting on June 20, 2001. Bryant Slimp asked for BSC to
reference the definitions and the examples of the requirements for drilled footings and soil
variability etc; Bryant also referenced material from Recommended Practice For Geo-Technical
Exploration and Reports By The Structural Committee of The Foundation Performance
Association. Bryant Slimp asked for BSC to look through the handouts and get ideas for examples
of requirements.
Dennis Mack will work with BSC on the draft requirements as soon as possible.
Jim Dougherty stated he would do some legal research on what we can require from the RE and get
back to BSC. Bryant Slimp stated that foundations would be put back on next month's agenda.
[Adjournment.] Bryant Slimp motioned first to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
PASSED THIS DAY OF , 2004.
Bryant limp, Chairma
ATTEST: `
Ms. Annette R. Arriaga Development Serv c s Secretary