02-14-2007 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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professional engineer with experience in roof coverings and structurally stability to determine if the minimum design loads of the building are still being met. During my inspection of the additions constructed on the outside of the building, it is noted that proper support for the roof panels is lacking and flashings are missing between the wall and roof intersection. Corrective Action: Per MSBC Section 1311.0411 Section 411.1 Structural safety, submit a report from a registered design professional detailing whether the roof structure is sound and can safely support the loads it was designed for and to provide the properweatherization. If repairs are needed, the proper approvals must be given before commencing any work. Structural Stability- MSBC Section 1311.0411 The minimum design loads for the structure shall be the loads applicable at the time the building was constructed provided no dangerous condition is created. In reviewing the address file for the property I could not locate plans or specifications indicating how the building was designed or constructed. While the building code does not specify the design method used by the engineer, it does intend that the design method used be rational and in accordance to well- established principles of mechanics. The code requires that the design resist snow loads as well as the dead loads created by the building components such as lumber, sheetrock, flooring, mechanical /plumbing equipment and the like. Roof structural supports and braces most likely designed to resist lateral forces have been cut above several doors and above mezzanine areas to provide clearance. I believe these braces are an integral part of the roof /wall connection and must not be compromised unless approved by the design professional. Mezzanine areas have been constructed without plans or any review and approval from the code official. These areas are being used for storing automobile parts, truck parts and associated equipment on top which impose very large live loads on the floors and create maximum stresses on the structural members. While office floors must be designed to support a minimum of 50 pounds per square foot, storage areas shall be designed to support as much as 250 pounds per square foot due to the heavy weight of the material and parts. The size of the framing members, defects in the supporting members, and the connection to the surrounding structure is not adequate to support the live and dead loads on the mezzanine and is in danger of collapse. Structural members are undersized and in one case broken while the joist hanger connection between members is done be screws which are not allowed by the manufacturer. I believe the mezzanines are overloaded and hazardous. Shelving has been built inside the building and is connected to the exterior walls and diagonal braces. This storage shelving increases the lateral stresses onto the wall and roof. Review of the original manufactures installation instructions by the design professional must be made in order to determine whether or not the fastening requirements and acceptable load combinations for the shelving and roof are met. Through the center of the building a wall was constructed which separates the building into two different areas. The wood framed wall which could possibly be a fire wall or shear wall has had a large opening cut into it approximately 8 feet high by 12 feet wide in size. The design professional must be consulted in order to determine if the - 2 2 -