HomeMy WebLinkAbout05172005 BSC Agenda Item 1 • •
Amendments to the
Standard Codes Schedule
regarding foundations
Delete the existing paragraph 3 under "International Building Code"and insert
the following:
3. The foundation for each new building (and each new addition to a building) must meet
the criteria in this section, as applicable. In this section:
"A2LA Lab"means a laboratory accredited by the American Association for
Laboratory Accreditation on the basis of ISO/IEC 17025:1999 ("general
requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories").
"RLPE"means a licensed or registered professional engineer of the State of Texas
who is:
(1) listed with the State Board of Professional Engineers in either the
civil or structural branch of engineering (but, from and after May 1,
2006, listing in the structural branch is required);
(2) employed by a registered engineering firm of the State of Texas;
and
(3) (unless waived by the BSC as provided in"f'below)covered by
professional errors and omissions insurance that: (i) has limits of
at least $250,000 per claim(and at least $500,000 per year, •
aggregate) and(ii)has effective dates—including any retroactive
coverage date—that include the entire period when the person
provides services or takes actions regulated by this section.
"RLGE"means a person who is:
(1) either: (a) a registered professional geoscientist of the State of
Texas, or(b) a licensed or registered professional engineer who is
listed with the State Board of Professional Engineers in a relevant
branch of engineering (civil, structural or geological) and
employed by a registered engineering firm of the State of Texas;
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and
(2) covered by professional errors and omissions insurance that: (i)
•
has limits of at least$250,000 per claim (and at least$500,000 per
year, aggregate) and(ii)has effective dates—including any
retroactive coverage date—that include the entire period when the
person provides services or takes actions regulated by this section.
a. Engineering. Foundations must be constructed in accordance with complete plans
and specifications prepared, signed and sealed by a RLPE. The plans and
specifications must be prepared specifically for the site of the work, and they must
meet criteria as to scope, content and form specified by the building official. If
there are existing trees (either to remain or to be removed) within 20 feet of a
foundation, the RLPE must acknowledge, in writing, that the trees have been
taken into account in the preparation of the plans and specifications.
b. Basic Standards. Each foundation must be an approved basic type listed in the
following chart. In addition,the design of each foundation must be supported by a
geotechnical report and special engineering certification,to the extent indicated in
the following chart.
Approved Basic Types. See Note I. Geotechnical Report. Special Engineering
See Notes 2 and 3. Certification. See Note 4.
Structural slab with void space and deep foundations Limited Not required
Structural floor with crawl space and deep foundations Limited Not required
Stiffened structural slab with deep foundations Full Required
Stiffened non-structural slab with deep foundations Full Required
Mixed-depth system for all new building construction Full Required
Mixed-depth system for building additions with deep foundations Full Required
Another type approved by special exception issued by the BSC. As specified in the As specified in the special
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See f"below. special exception exception
Note I. Approved Basic Types. Types of foundations are defined and described in"Foundation Design Options For Residential and Other
Low-Rise Buildings on Expansive Soils" published by the Structural Committee of the Foundation Performance Association,
Houston,Texas(Document#FPA-SC-01-0,Rev#0,30 Jun 04,marked"For Website Publishing"),a copy of which is on file in the
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City Secretary's office("FDO").
Note 2. Geotechnical Report,Standards. The plans and specifications for each foundation must be based on a written geotechnical report
prepared,signed and sealed by a RLGE. The report must cover all testing and site evaluation,and all must meet all applicable criteria
in "Recommended Practice for Geotechnical Explorations and Reports"published by the Structural Committee of the Foundation
Performance Association,Houston,Texas(Document#FPA-SC-04-0,Rev#0, 11 April 2001,issued for website publishing),a copy
of which is on file in the City Secretary's office. The minimum depth of borings is 20 feet in all cases. All tests and other laboratory
work must be performed by an A2LA Lab.
Note 3. Geotechnical Report, Scope. "Limited" indicates that the geotechnical testing, evaluation and report may be limited to a
determination of the appropriate depth for the deep foundations(but the deep foundation components must meet the other criteria
applicable to them). "Full"indicates that the geotechnical testing,evaluation and report must cover all foundation components.
Note 4. Special Engineering Certification. Where indicated as"required,"for a particular type of foundation,the RLPE must certify that the
plans and specifications were prepared to achieve a soil-caused foundation movement potential of one inch or less,and that the RLPE
used the estimated depth of the active zone and at least two of the following methods to prepare the plans and specifications:
(1) Potential vertical rise (PVR) determined in accordance with Test Method Tex-124-E, Rev. January 1, 1978/December 1982,
Texas State Department of Highways and Public Transportation,Materials and Test Division,"Method for Determining the Potential
Vertical Rise,PVR"(a copy of which is on file in the office of the City Secretary).For this purpose,the"dry"moisture condition
(from which little shrinkage is experienced,but where volumetric swell potential is greatest)shall be used for each sample and test.
(2) Swell tests performed in accordance with ASTM D4546-03,"Standard Test Methods for One-Dimensional Swell or Settlement
Potential of Cohesive Soils"as last revised prior to June 1,2004.
(3)Suction and hydrometer swell tests performed in accordance with ASTM D5298-03"Standard Test Method for Measurement of
Soil Potential (Suction) Using Filter Paper" and ASTM D6836-02 "Standard Test Methods for Determination of the Soil Water
Characteristic Curve for Desorption Using a Hanging Column,Pressure Extractor,Chilled Mirror Hygrometer,and/or Centrifuge,"as
such methods were last revised prior to June 1,2004.
c. Foundations, Deep Support Components. Deep support components must be of
an approved type. Approved types are listed below. In this list, types of deep
support components are defined and described in FDO.
(1) Drilled and underreamed concrete piers.
(2) Drilled straight-shaft concrete piers.
(3) Auger-cast concrete piles.
(4) Another type approved by special exception issued by the BSC. See "h,"
below.
d. Reinforcement. Reinforcement for each foundation must be of an approved type.
Approved types are listed below. In this list,types of reinforcement are defined
and described in FDO.
(1) Deformed bar reinforcing.
(2) Another type approved by special exception issued by the BSC. See "h,"
below.
e. Observation & Certification. Each foundation must be professionally observed
and must be certified by an RLPE, as more fully described below:
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(1) Observations must:
(i) be performed either by the certifying RLPE or by one or more
persons under that RLPE's direct supervision and control whose
professional qualifications are approved by the RLPE (any such
person may be an RLGE, with respect to geophysical matters),
(ii) include actual measurement of piers, fill, compaction,
reinforcement, forms, materials, dimensions, structural elements,
attachments, etc. before the work is covered or concrete is placed
(Note: dimensions of an underground element may be measured or
estimated from the forms,boring or cavity for the element, before
pouring or filling),
(iii) be performed continuously during placement of concrete, and
(iv) be documented in a form and manner approved by the building
official (which may include photographs).
(2) Certifications must:
(i) refer to and be based upon the professional observations required
by this section,
(ii) state that the work complies with the plans and specifications last
approved by the building official (with any field changes that are
ordered by the RLPE and reported to the building official and that
comply with applicable regulations),
(iii) comply with criteria as to form and content as may be specified by
the building official,
(iv) be signed and sealed by the certifying RLPE, and
(v) be filed with the building official.
(3) Certifications may:
(i) rely in part upon an attached certification by a RLGE, as to
geophysical matters, and
(ii) rely in part upon an attached certification by an A2LA Lab, as to
materials testing.
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Before framing or other work commences atop a foundation(and before the
foundation is otherwise covered), the permittee must obtain written
acknowledgment from the building official that the certification for the foundation
was duly filed as required above. Certifications, plans, specifications and related
items may be kept on file by the City, for public inspection, for an indefinite
period of time.
f. Special Exceptions. The BSC may issue a special exception from any requirement
in subsection"a"through"g,"above, but only upon a showing that:
(1) the requirement will not affect life safety or the performance of a structure;
or
(2) an alternate requirement to be imposed by the special exception will
provide equal or better protection for life safety and long-term structural
performance.
However: (i)unless the basic type of foundation is "structural slab with void space
and deep foundations"or"structural floor with crawl space and deep
foundations,"as described in this section, the BSC may not issue a special
exception waiving any requirement for an RLPE to have professional errors and
omissions insurance, in whole or in part; and(ii)the BSC may not waive any
requirement for an RLGE to have such insurance. In connection with any special
exception,the BSC may require that the applicant provide supporting engineering
data and opinion, and the BSC may impose conditions to carry out the purpose
and intent of applicable regulations.
Amend paragraph 4 under "International Building Code"as follows:
4. All concrete piers, footings and foundations must be cured for at least 72 hours before any
significant load is placed on them.
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Draft amendment of the
Standard Codes Schedule
regarding structural framing
and similar elements
revised 3-16-05
Standard Codes Schedule
Adoption. Subject to the amendments and deletions indicated beneath each code, each of the following codes,
including all of its published appendices and attachments, is adopted, ordained and made a part of the Code of
Ordinances of the City and of each chapter where it is referenced, except as otherwise expressly provided.
Procedure for amendments,etc. The procedure for adopting new codes, updated codes, local amendments and
provisions for administration and enforcement of these codes is as follows: (1)proposal by the building official
or other appropriate City official, (2)referral to the Building&Standards Commission, (3) consideration by the
City Council, after giving required meeting notices, and(4) adoption and publication, as required by Article II of
the City Charter.
International Building Code,2000 Ed., International Code Council,Inc..
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5. The structural elements for the following must meet the criteria in this section, as
applicable:
a each new building_(and each addition to an existing building) containing
habitable space and having a floor higher than four feet, or having a gross
floor area of 485 square feet or more; and
(ii) each accessible deck, balcony, walkway and similar structure having a
floor higher th.. . • - - v-zit,
\'�\q ,:-\ 'l` • V1a∎Vt�; 1 Cir\ •-k-
This section does not apply to foundation elements observed and certified under another
section.
In this section:
"A2LA Lab"means a laboratory accredited by the American Association for
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Laboratory Accreditation on the basis of ISO/IEC 17025:1999 ("general
requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories").
"RLPE"means a licensed or registered professional engineer of the State of Texas
who is:
(1) listed with the State Board of Professional Engineers in either the
civil or structural branch of engineering(but, from and after May 1.,
2006, listing in the structural branch is required);
(2) employed by a registered engineering firm of the State of Texas;
and
(3) covered by professional errors and omissions insurance that: (i)
has limits of at least$250,000 per claim(and at least$500,000 per
year, aggregate)and (ii) has effective dates—including any
retroactive coverage date—that include the entire period when the
person provides services or takes actions regulated by this section.
a. Engineering. Structural elements must be constructed in accordance with
complete plans and specifications prepared, signed and sealed by a RLPE. The
plans and specifications must be prepared specifically for the structure in
question, and they must meet criteria as to scope, content and form specified by
the building official.
b. Fire Protection. Any part of a structural element within five feet of a property
line must be composed or, or fully protected by, materials with a"one-hour" fire
rating, or better, determined as provided in of the
Code.
c. Observation & Certification. Structural elements must be professionally observed
and must be certified by an RLPE, as more fully described below:
(1) Observations must:
(i) be performed either by the certifying RLPE or by one or more
persons under that RLPE's direct supervision and control whose
professional qualifications are approved by the RLPE,
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(ii) include actual observations of each beam,joist, rafter and similar
element: (i) after all required plumbing, electrical and mechanical
"rough-in"inspections have been passed "
•: • _ ••: .- i i -, and (ii)before it is
covered, and
(iii) be documented in a form and manner approved by the building
official (which may include photographs).
(2) Certifications must:
(i) refer to and be based upon the professional observations required
by this section,
(ii) state that the work complies with the plans and specifications last
approved by the building official (with any field changes that are
ordered by the RLPE and reported to the building official and that
comply with applicable regulations),
(iii) comply with criteria as to form and content as may be specified by
the building official,
(iv) be signed and sealed by the certifying RLPE, and
(v) be filed with the building official.
al Certifications may rely in part upon an attached certification by an A2LA
Lab, as to materials testing (if applicable).
Before any a—beam,joist, rafter or similar element is covered: (i) all required city
inspections relating to that element must be passed, and (ii)the permittee must
obtain written acknowledgment from the building official that the certification for
that element was duly filed as required above. For any given building, there may
be more than one certification filed.
After a beam,joist, rafter or similar element has been observed and certified, as
srovided above it ma not be notched bored or structurall altered without: i a
new or amended permit, if required, and (ii) a new observation and certification,
in accordance with this section.
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all
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Certifications, plans, specifications and related items may be kept on file by the
City, for public inspection, for an indefinite period of time.
d. Special Exceptions. The BSC may issue a special exception from any requirement
in subsection"a"through"c,"above, but only upon a showing that:
the requirement will not affect life safety or the performance of a structure
(for its estimated useful life); or
(2) an alternate requirement to be imposed by the special exception will
provide equal or better protection for life safety and long-term structural
performance.
In connection with any such special exception, the BSC may require that the
applicant provide supporting engineering data and opinion, and the BSC may
impose conditions to carry out the purpose and intent of applicable regulations.
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