Page 24 - Forensic Structural Engineering Handbook

DESIGN-CONSTRUCTION PROCESS 1.5

The design of a structural component is performed through the use of simple principles of
mathematics, physics, and engineering often with reliance of recognized industry handbooks
(“cookbooks”). The detailing of these components to fit into the assembly of a structure
requires the knowledge, experience, and applications in the field of structural engineering.
The design of a structure must contain a support system with a clear line of load path to
carry and resist the applied loads to a stable resistive foundation. For a structure to be
viable, it should have redundancy and be able to resist a progressive collapse scenario as
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set forth in the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Standard ASCE 7. 5
In case of a building, the architect is the creator of the structure for its use and aesthetic
form and has the responsibility to coordinate the design produced by retained consultants. The
architect is similar to an orchestra leader conducting the musicians toward the completion of
a satisfying event for the public. In the design of a project the architect directs his or her con-
sultants toward a successful project. The architect reviews and implements the client’s pro-
gram for space allocation and use. In conjunction with the space requirements, the architect
prepares various façade schemes including window types and wall materials for the client’s
review and approval. Based upon the instructions from the client, the architect prepares
sketches and/or drawings to present to the appropriate consultants for his or her review and
implementation into the design process. Each consultant is a licensed professional in his or
her respective field. The structural engineer is responsible for the design of the floor framing
systems, their supports, and foundations. The mechanical engineer is responsible for the heat-
ing and ventilation systems, electrical and plumbing requirements, and life-safety systems.
High-rise office buildings may require an elevator consultant whose expertise is program-
ming the number and time duration for people movement and related equipment. The civil
engineer, also known as the site engineer, is responsible for the site grading and drainage,
access roads, and parking requirements. On certain projects there may be additional special-
ized consultants, such as geotechnical, acoustical, window/façade, elevator, laboratory, land-
scaping, and blast engineering to assist the architect for the particular needs of the project.

AGREEMENT BETWEEN PARTIES

Prior to the execution of a design or commencement of construction work, an agreement
between parties is entered which delineates the obligations and responsibilities of each party
together with the scope of work assigned to each party. Standard forms of agreements or con-
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tracts may be found on the following organizational Web sites: CASE, AIA, and EJCDC. 17
Further, the Forensic Engineer (FE) retained by the client should enter into an agree-
ment for services similar to CASE Document 12 [An Agreement between Client and
Structural Engineer for Forensic Engineering (Expert) Services]. 14

DRAWINGS AND SPECIFICATIONS

The drawings and specifications comprise the documents from which the contractor will
build the structure.

Drawings
Drawings encompass the architectural, civil, structural, and mechanical professions, and are the
means of conveying diagrammatic detailed aspects of the design components of a structure.

Architectural Drawings. Architectural drawings convey the aesthetic and functional
aspects of the project, and include the fire-rated classification of the structure, occupancy,