Old Growth vs. New Growth Lumber – Which Is Better?

 

If you’re planning to buy reclaimed wood furniture or are doing a renovation at your home, old growth lumber would be an ideal material. Though it’s not easy to find old growth lumber, it the most sought-after and robust option. You can use old growth lumber for a wide range of repair and renovation jobs.

First things first – What is old growth wood?

Old growth lumber is wood that was grown naturally in massive virgin timberlands. Across the globe, there are several forests that are still left untouched, and no efforts have been made to harvest the trees for commercial use. The trees have been untouched by weather extremes, fire, windstorms, etc., for almost 120 years. These unharvested trees age gradually due to partial sunlight and competition from surrounding trees. The gradual growth rate leads to the formation of tightly crammed growth rings which are highly beneficial.

The only way we get our hands on these incredible materials today is by harvesting timbers from pre-1920 structures.  

The entry of new growth wood

The birth of new growth wood is marked by a decline in the availability of old growth lumber. As more and more people started using old growth wood, the virgin timberlands almost reached extinction. That’s when the farmers began harvesting pine trees and other trees that grow fast to maximize productivity. New growth lumber trees reach full growth is almost 15-20 years. However, there’s one drawback. The growth rings are not tightly packed, and the space between them is more. Therefore, old growth wood is more useful.

However; we occasionally come across deconstruction projects from the 1920-1940 era that have predominantly new growth timbers.  Because this material has spent nearly a century within a structure, it will have stabilized and many times taken on a beautiful patina. 

Why old growth lumber is an ideal choice?

Now that you understand the difference between old growth lumber and new growth lumber, let’s look at 4 reasons why the former is a better option.

• Old growth lumber is sturdier

The high density of old growth lumber makes it sturdy and durable. It can bear heavy loads for extended periods. New growth lumber is comparatively softer and weaker.

• Old growth lumber is more resistant to rotting

Yes, that’s true. The slow growth rate of old growth wood leads to a higher proportion of latewood (fall/summer growth) that provides the wood with anti-rot properties. Moreover, old growth lumber trees witness the appearance of heartwood in the middle which is robust and rot-resistant.

• Old growth lumber is more firm

 In case you do not know, wood moves. It expands when it’s wet and shrinks when it’s dry. Wood movement can lead to the opening of the joints, chipping of the finishing, and several other quality issues. Nevertheless, old growth lumber does not move as the growth rings are tightly packed. This is a significant property of old growth wood which makes it the best choice for constructing doors and window frames.

In conclusion, Old growth wood has better stability, durability and longevity. New growth wood and the windows they're made of, begin to rot and warp after only twenty years. “Virgin Wood” refers to first -cut wood, or wood harvested for the first time.

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Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Timelapse Video

 

 

A Timelapse video of an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) being built.

Why Site Planning is Important

When you have a large property, knowing what to do with all the space can often be challenging. You may have dreams and ideas but then get overwhelmed by the scale of such a project. However, with proper site planning and expertise, you can maximize your property's potential and create great living spaces that suit your lifestyle perfectly. This blog post will explain why site planning is essential when using your property's square footage while also providing tips on incorporating intelligent design into your plans. So if you've got an outdoor dream and space to play with - read on.

Understand the Basics of Site Planning

Site planning is the process of designing a property to maximize its usefulness and functionality, which in turn translates to valuable benefits. But you have to take note of the difference between a plot plan and a site plan which is, in essence, what type of layout a property has. A plot plan is simply a map that shows the boundaries of your property and its vicinity. In contrast, a site plan is more detailed, including elements like structures, vegetation, pathways, and more.

When done right, site planning can lead to a more aesthetically-pleasing property, improved traffic flow and pedestrian access, better use of available space, cost savings on construction and maintenance, and increased property value. As you can see, site planning is not just a fancy term that architects and designers use - it's a crucial aspect of property ownership that can immensely benefit you as a homeowner. Even simple site modifications, such as adding a few trees or adjusting the placement of structures, can make a significant difference in the long run. So, if you want to enjoy all the benefits of site planning, consider hiring a professional to help you create a solid plan for your property, and watch as it transforms into the space you've always wanted.

Develop a Property-Wide Vision

Developing a property-wide vision can be a powerful tool for achieving your goals as you begin to plan out your site and consider the many ways you want to use your space. By taking the time to articulate your vision clearly, you can create a roadmap that ensures all aspects of your site work together in harmony, from the placement of buildings and walkways to the landscaping and overall aesthetic. With a solid plan in place, you'll be able to focus your time and resources on making your vision a reality, so you can create a space that is functional, beautiful, and ideally suited to your needs.

Utilize Existing Structures on the Property

Are you looking to enhance your site plan without breaking the bank? One way to do that is by getting creative with how you use existing structures on the property. Look around your property and see if any structures can serve a secondary purpose. For example, a shed can be converted into an outdoor seating area, a garage can be turned into a workshop or a storage space can be transformed into a greenhouse. By exploring different ways to utilize existing structures, you can add value to your property and create a unique and functional space.

Include Outdoor Spaces

When designing a site plan, it's easy to focus solely on the building and forget the importance of outdoor spaces. However, incorporating outdoor spaces into your site plan can have numerous benefits. For starters, it can increase the functionality and appeal of your property, creating more opportunities for recreation and relaxation. Additionally, outdoor spaces can significantly enhance the aesthetics of your site plan, creating a welcoming and pleasant atmosphere that visitors will enjoy. So when planning your property's layout, be sure to prioritize outdoor spaces and make them an integral part of your design.

Take Advantage of Professional Design Advice and Assistance

In planning and designing a space, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start. This is where professional design advice and assistance can be an absolute game-changer. Not only can design experts help you narrow down your options and create a cohesive vision, but they can also provide insight into the latest trends and technology available. Plus, their trained eye can identify potential problems or missed opportunities in the planning stages. By taking advantage of professional design advice and assistance, you can ensure that your space is functional and beautiful, making it a place you and others will enjoy for years.

When creating the ideal site plan for your property, there is no formula or shortcut to success. Building a great site plan requires careful consideration of your outdoor spaces' current and potential use. Ultimately, the site plan you develop is up to you, but the result should make you proud. With thoughtful planning and possible assistance from professionals, you can achieve an excellent result that meets your goals and improves your property's overall quality of life.

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Five Tips For Young Engineers By Stan R. Caldwell

 

"This information was found in an Article from Structural Forum by Stan R. Caldwell",

To assist a larger group of young engineers, I would like to offer advice on five important topics.

Mind the Gap

Always track your load paths and close any gaps you find. Reliable load paths are essential for all structures, and their absence is one of the leading causes of failures. A complete load path defines how your carefully calculated vertical and lateral loads are going to find their way to the foundation of your structure. Recently, I witnessed a project with multiple lateral load path issues. While failure had not occurred, more than $12M in repairs was necessary to bring the structure up to code. Do not rely on computer software to detect gaps. That is your job as a structural engineer.

Think about nature. It is all about first principles and could care less about codes and equations. Unlike humans, it always chooses the path of most resistance. That is, stiffer elements always receive proportionally more load than relatively flexible elements nearby, regardless of your design intent.

Ensure Stability

You have been trained to size beams and columns accurately, but the devil is not there – it is in the details. Structures rarely fail because beams or columns are substantially undersized. More often, failure is due to unanticipated loads, inadequate load paths, inadequate connections, or instability – especially instability, which can take many forms.

Stability is essential, not just when a structure is in service, but also during construction. Last year, I witnessed steel structures that failed due to missing or insufficient diagonal braces, lateral braces, bridging, and local stiffener plates. Five years ago, I witnessed a seven-level precast concrete parking garage collapse like a house of cards. At the time of the collapse, lateral bracing had not been installed and the intended moment connections between the precast beams and columns had not been grouted. You will likely find yourself in an uncomfortable situation if your structure becomes unstable while it is being built. So pay attention to the stability of your structure, not just when it is completed, but also while it is under construction.

Design First, Then Compute

You should deliberately avoid your computer until after you have manually designed your structure. Lay out the geometry and initially size all of the principal elements. If you are not able to roughly design your structure by hand, you certainly have no business relying on your computer to do so. After you have completed an initial design, then turn on your computer, access your favorite structural engineering software, and verify or refine the design as appropriate. 

Be a Sponge

In college, you learned how to analyze and design beams, columns, connections, and other structural elements. You probably did not learn how to design economical buildings and bridges, comprehend the project workflow process from concept through completion, or understand the role of a structural engineer within a firm and within a multi-discipline design team. All of this and more must be learned in the workplace. Mentoring is arguably the most important aspect of workplace training. This is the process by which young engineers are actively coached by the experienced engineers around them. It is a critical process because it is the most effective way to transfer knowledge and wisdom from one generation to the next.

Own Your Work

Hopefully, you have one or more mentors and your work is being regularly reviewed – that is, after all, the way the system is supposed to work. I was supervised by two structural engineers during my first year after college. Then I was promoted, and the oversight ended. Working in industry, there were no peer reviews, plan checks, or P.E. seals; I was on my own. Whatever I designed would go to the drafting room at the end of the hall, and then straight out to the field for construction. If I made an error, I would have to face the consequences. Lacking any opportunity for further mentoring, and working in an environment where over-design was frowned on, I quickly became self-reliant.

Invest the time necessary to be sure of yourself and your designs. Structural engineering is a high-liability profession. Accept that reality, and act accordingly.

The Steps in Bridge Designing

Have you ever wondered what all goes into the designing of a new bridge? Heres some insight into the behind the scenes of designing a bridge. 

The designer should have first seen and studied many bridges in the course of a long learning process in order to design a bridge. He should know what type of beam may be suitable in the available conditions, either a beam bridge an arch bridge or a suspended one. He should also know the influence of foundation conditions on the choice of spans and structural systems etc. hence, the designer of the bridge should not only be a learned person but also an experienced one. At auspicious moments an intuitive flash may provide a new solution, which fulfills the task better than known conventional solutions (intuition, creativity leading to innovations).

Data needed for designing a bridge:

1.) A plan of the site showing all obstacles to be bridged such as rivers, streets, roads or railroads, the contour lines of valleys and the desired alignment of the new traffic route.

2.) Longitudinal section of the ground along the axis of the planned bridge with the conditions for clearances or required flood widths. Desired vertical alignment of the new route.

3.) Required width of the bridge, width of lanes, median, walkways, safety rails etc.

4.) Soil conditions for foundations, results of borings with a report on the geological situation and soil mechanics data. The degree of difficulty of foundation work has a considerable influence on the choice of the structural system and on the economical span length.

5.) Local conditions like accessibility for the transport of equipment, materials and structural elements. Which materials are available and economical in that part of the country? Is water or electric power at hand? Can a high standard of technology be used or must the bridge be built with primitive methods and a small number of skilled laborers?

6.) Weather and environmental conditions, floods, high and low tide levels, periods of drought, range of temperatures, and length of frost periods.

7.) Topography of the environment - open land, flat or mountainous land, scenic country. Town with small old houses or city with high rise buildings. The scale of the environment has an influence on the design.

8.) Environmental requirements regarding aesthetic quality. Bridges in towns that affect the urban environment and that are frequently seen at close range - especially pedestrian bridges - need more delicate shaping and treatment than bridges in open country. Is protection of pedestrians against spray and noise needed? Is noise protection necessary for houses close to the bridge?

When the engineer is sure that a design idea has emerged in his mind, he should pick up a pencil and a scale and by the help of sketching, learned at school, he should start from sketching the probable road direction, beam depth(For beam bridge) the piers, the abutments and the bottom edge of the beam is drawn.

For a heavily funded project, high slenderness ratio is preferable otherwise if the decisive factor is the cost then slenderness ratio can be reduced. Analyze the sketch critically for the proportion between the spans, the clearance under the beam, soil conditions around the piers and the abutments, the adaptiveness of the piers to the surroundings, no. of piers and for the curvature of the vertical alignment. More than one sketches may follow after the critical analysis with changes in the design and supporting conditions.  Work out the alternatives, discuss with colleagues, architects advisors and the client to draw out a final sketch.

Only now should calculations begin, and in the first place with simple and rough approximations to check whether the assumed dimensions will be sufficient and whether the necessary sectional areas of reinforcing steel or of pre-stressing tendons will leave sufficient space, to allow the concrete to be placed and compacted without difficulty. Then some runs with computer programs can be made, using different depths or other variables in order to find the most economical dimensions; these should, however, only be chosen if no other essential requirements, such as aesthetics, length of approaches, grades etc. are affected.

Once the designer or the design team has made its choice, then the principle design drawings with all dimensions and explanations can be drawn up for approval of the authorities. As the map alone is not sufficient to clearly show the locality and impact on the environment and appearance so a model or some well shot photos can help the citizens, client and critics to realize the existence of bridge.

Finalizing the bridge design:

After the approval of the design, the final design work can begin with rigorous calculations of forces, stresses etc. for all kinds of loads or attacks and then the structural detailing has to be done. The scaffolding and equipment, which will be needed for the construction of the particular type of bridge, also has to be worked out. Numerous drawings and tables with thousands of numbers and figures for all dimensions, sizes and levels must be made with specifications for the required type and quality of the building materials. This phase entails the greatest amount of work for the bridge engineer, and calls for considerable knowledge and skill.

The phase of conceptual and aesthetic design needs a comparatively small amount of time, but is decisive for the expressive quality of the work.

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7 Signs You Should Put Off A Home Renovation

What are the signs that it’s time to pump the brakes on your home renovation plans? We asked a number of construction and real estate experts to tap into their own experiences and share the situations in which they would recommend you delay the project—or avoid it altogether.

1.) You plan to cut corners on the wrong things

There are numerous ways to reduce the cost of a renovation—from using your own DIY capabilities to choosing less expensive materials. But quality labor is one of the things you should always invest in.

“Spending on expensive materials but cheap craftsmanship is a big mistake,” says Gianpaolo Manzolillo, a licensed real estate salesperson at Citi Habitats in Brooklyn, NY. “You can buy beautiful hardwood floors, but if they are installed with big, uneven gaps, they aren’t worth a dime.” 

2.) It’s the wrong time of the year

Any contractor or neighbor who has undergone a renovation will tell you that weather can make or break a construction job. Winter storms can wreak havoc in the East, Midwest, and parts of the Northwest. Hurricane season for the Atlantic Basin peaks from mid-August to late October. So folks in those regions should take into account inclement weather before planning a remodel.

“Running into a snowy or rainy season could mean leaks, lack of proper heating, and electrical problems.” says Jody Costello, a home renovation planning and contractor fraud expert. 

3.) You have no room for errors

Even if bad weather doesn’t come into play, home renovations are rarely completed on time, and you should factor this into your decision.

“Permits can issue later than expected, inspections can get delayed, and subcontractors can be busy—and all these factors can impact schedules,” says Dan Meyer, co-founder and CEO of Pocketdoor, an app that helps homeowners coordinate their home projects.

A delay or error in a reno project could put you out of your home for an extra week or month. Can’t afford the imposition? Then you may need to think twice about starting the work.

4.) You need to borrow funds

One of the ways to pay for a renovation is to borrow money or refinance your home. But Robert Taylor, owner of The Real Estate Solutions Guy in Sacramento, CA, warns against this practice.

“It may seem like common sense, but you shouldn’t do renovation projects that you have to borrow funds for,” he says. Taylor does make two exceptions: When you’re going to sell your home within six months, or if your home has a serious safety risk. 

5.) You think it’s as easy as TV makes it seem

It’s hard to not be blinded by the high-glam transformations on home improvement reality shows like “Fixer Upper” or “Property Brothers.” The magic of television can make it seem as if making over a house is a piece of cake. Hate to burst your bubble, but there are many behind-the-scene costs and considerations that these shows just don’t show.

“We all see the television shows where they are able to completely renovate a house in what feels like a week—and for a very unrealistic budget,” says Mark Luongo, owner and project manager at Luongo Electric in Burnaby, BC. “Many times, these television budgets do not include the cost of labor, the materials and finishings (which are usually donated to the show), or the contracting and management fees that the network picks up.” 

6.) You’re over-improving for the neighborhood

Even if you have the budget and time for a remodel, it could hurt you if you ever decide to sell your home.

“Real estate agents, appraisers, and lenders use comparable market values to assess the fair market value of a home,” says Jodi Moody of Smoky Mountain Realty in Lenoir City, TN. “If you have a $275,000 home and want to put in a $50,000 kitchen, you’d likely want the new asking price to be at least $325,000,” she adds. “But if the cost per square foot average of your subdivision only supports a sales price of $295,000, your home becomes a harder sale later on.” 

7.) You’re trying to make your partner happy

“Renovations can be very stressful on a relationship: They are expensive, messy, and intrusive on your personal life,” says Luongo. So, make sure you’re both in favor of the home improvement project and that your relationship can handle it.

A remodel is something that should never be rushed or used as a Band-Aid to make your partner happy. “There is nothing worse than rushing into a renovation and doing a patch-together job just to try and make someone happier,” he says.

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Seismic Anchorage

 When should you consider and/or be required to use seismic bracing?

The first “when” is the most obvious one: if your facility is located in a seismically active location you should definitely consider seismic bracing for any sensitive equipment or machines that may pose tipping hazards or loss of both tangible and intangible company assets (data centers and server racks are a common concern).

The second “when” is also a requirement in US states like California. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) drafted seismic bracing requirements that concern machinery or equipment that meets the following two conditions:

• Section 13.1.4 item 6c: Any component weighing more than 400 pounds.
• Section 13.1.4 item 6c: Any component where its center of gravity is more than 4 feet above the  floor.

What types of seismic anchorage can be deployed?

Seismic anchoring of equipment and machines can vary greatly by the type of facility (Industrial, biotech, clean rooms, etc) in which they are installed.

Floor Anchoring

For heavy machinery/equipment with a high center of gravity at least 4 feet above the floor (and specially when the legal limit of 400 lbs has been reached) you are looking at seismic anchorage that will be directly attaching it to the floor.

This can be done in a variety of ways, one of which involves braces drilled directly into the machine/equipment and then bolted to the floor. In special cases where the machine/equipment is of a delicate nature or holes cannot be drilled into it, special braces can be installed that hold the machine/equipment in place that are only bolted to the floor.

Wall Anchoring

This type of seismic anchoring is most commonly used for very tall racks, shelving, and machinery that are positioned against a wall. Equipment/machines can be bolted to the wall in similar fashions as with floor anchorage, depending on the layout/functionality of the machine or equipment being anchored.

Ceiling Anchoring

Ducting, wiring, and tubing are commonly anchored to ceilings in accordance with seismic anchoring code, but what about machines and equipment?

In certain cases it makes more sense to seismically anchor machines and equipment to the ceiling due to either the close proximity of other machine/equipment or certain instabilities or insufficient floor materials that don’t allow for the solid, code-abiding floor anchorage to be deployed effectively.

How are seismic anchors manufactured and installed?

The process of deploying seismic anchorage is always performed in the following steps:

1.) Securing a permit from your city for work start.

2.) Moving and installing your equipment and machinery to their final resting places in your facility.

3.) Measurements are taken of the equipment or machinery’s clearance to the ground below.

4.) Fabrication of the anchor plates.

5.) Installation of the anchor plates and inspection by the city and a special inspector for code compliance.

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How To Prevent Roof Damage From Heavy Snow and Ice

Depending on your location you may or may not experience snow in the winter months. Some locations can experience heavy snow which can cause issues for things like your roof if its not sturdy!  

Evaluate your risk

Melting snow tends to more quickly run off steep sloped roofs with slopes greater than 3 inches of slope in 12 inches of horizontal distance, particularly the steeper ones that are typically found on houses in northern climates.

Ice and snow tend to more readily accumulate on low slope and flat roofs over porches or parts of a home that are next to a taller section of the house, especially during high winds.

Estimate how much weight your roof can support

Unless the roof structure is damaged or decayed, most residential roofs regardless of the location of the house should be able to support 20 pounds per square foot of snow before they become stressed.

In some areas of New England and in mountainous areas throughout the U.S., snow loads used in home design may be considerably higher, and the roofs may be able to resist a greater depth of snow.

If you live in an area known for lots of snow, you can probably check with your building department to find out if higher loads were used at the time your home was built. 

Estimate how much the snow on your roof weighs

• Fresh snow: 10-12 inches of new snow is equal to 1 inch of water, or about 5 pounds per square foot of roof space, so you could have up to 4 feet of new snow before the roof will become stressed.
• Packed snow: 3-5 inches of old snow is equal to 1 inch of water, or about 5 pounds per square foot of roof space, so anything more than 2 feet of old snow could be too much for your roof to handle.
• Total accumulated weight: 2 feet of old snow and 2 feet of new snow could weigh as much as 60 pounds per square foot of roof space, which is beyond the typical snow load capacity of most roofs.
• Ice: one inch of ice equals one foot of fresh snow. 

Remove snow from your roof

If the loads you estimate based on the thickness of the various types of snow and ice exceed 20-25 per square foot, you should consider removing snow from your roof.

For safe removal that won’t endanger you or damage your roof, hire a snow removal contractor. 

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Collar Ties Vs Rafter Ties

Collar ties and rafter ties are both horizontal roof-framing members, each with different purposes and requirements. Home inspectors should be familiar with these structural members and the differences between them, as they are not the same. 

In physics, tension is the pulling force exerted by a solid object on another object. Tension members are solid objects (or structural members) that are subjected to axial tensile forces, or tension. Collar ties and rafter ties are examples of tension members.

Tension Tie:

A tension tie is a structural member that is subject to net tension.

 Collar Ties:

A collar tie is a tension tie in the upper third of opposing gable rafters that is intended to resist rafter separation from the ridge beam during periods of unbalanced loads, such as that caused by wind uplift, or unbalanced roof loads from snow. Ridge straps are permitted to replace collar ties.

If collar ties or ridge straps are installed to connect opposing rafters, they must be located in the upper third of the attic space. They must be at least 1 inch by 4 inches (25 mm by 102 mm). They must be spaced no more than 4 feet (1219 mm) apart. They must be properly fastened.

In high-wind areas, uplift can tear a roof off of a house if it's not properly attached.

Collar ties and ridge straps should be installed on roof with a minimum slope of 3:12, a maximum wind speed of 100 miles per hour, and a maximum roof span of 36 feet. 

Rafter Ties:

A rafter tie is a tension tie in the lower third of opposing gable rafters that is intended to resist the outward thrust of the rafter under a load. In many situations, you'll find that ceiling joists installed parallel to the rafters are intended to function as rafter ties. The roof framing mock-up below shows a standard rafter tie.

Rafter ties are installed between opposing rafters, and they should be installed as close as possible to the top plate. 

Rafter ties help resist the outward thrust that rafters exert on the exterior walls. They help keep walls from spreading due to the weight of the roof. When the walls spread, the ridge board might sag. A sagging ridge is one indication that the roof structure may lack adequate rafter ties. A rafter tie forms the bottom chord of a simple triangular roof truss.

When ceiling joists run perpendicular to the rafters, inspectors may find rafter ties installed above ceiling joists as framing members every 4 feet running above the ceiling joists connecting opposing rafters.

Rafter ties should be at least 2 x 4 inches (51 mm × 102 mm).

In summary, collar ties and rafter ties perform different functions, but both are essential roof-framing members, and it's useful for inspectors to be aware of their differences in order to properly call out defects. Source

Tools and Technology: Pen And Paper

At Jackson & Sands Engineering, Inc, a wide array of tools are available to us to create effective solutions for you. In our industry, like many others, not one tool can complete every job and not all tools are needed for every project. Much like a carpenter who has their most commonly used tools in their tool bags, yet more tools in their tool box, and even more tools that are rented for specialized projects, we find ourselves using our core tools on most aspects of every project, other tools may be used less frequently on most projects, and even more tools are needed on a case by case basis. The most commonly used tools for us include:

In today’s climate, it seems technology produces the finest tools. However, for us, we have always found the need to utilize our trusty pen and paper on every project. This is the first tool used for conceptual sketches, jotting notes from conversations, and redlining plans and notes produced from our technological tools.

Product Technical Data Sheets- Technical data sheets are routinely provided by manufacturers. These data sheets contain the design loads and strengths of materials that we then account for in our designs. Some products are covered by blanketed industry data, such as sawn lumber and standard nails, while specific products, such as screws, truss hangars, and j bolts, all come with their own design data to be utilized.  Most often used is the Simpson Products catalogs.

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Distinguishing Between A Civil Engineer and A Structural Engineer

Distinguishing between the roles and responsibilities of civil engineers and structural engineers often leads to confusion due to their closely-knit operations. For those contemplating hiring either a civil engineer or a structural engineer for a project, our team has compiled this comprehensive guide to clarify their distinctive roles, diving deeper into each field, providing examples of specific tasks, and highlighting how each professional could be beneficial for your project.

The Role of Structural Engineers

Individuals who’ve undergone rigorous training and have specialized knowledge in this field are known as “structural engineers.” These professionals carry the responsibility of ensuring the strength, stability, and safety of the structures they work on. Their role encompasses a variety of tasks – from evaluating the load-bearing capacity of a building to designing robust structures that can withstand natural calamities like earthquakes and storms.

The Civil Engineering Practice

The term “practicing civil engineer” refers to engineers who primarily focus on designing various elements of a construction site, such as grading, stormwater collection and retention systems, and roadways. Their expertise lays the foundation for any construction project, ensuring that the site complies with environmental guidelines, fulfills infrastructure requirements, and facilitates efficient transportation.

Civil engineers are likely to practice more traditional disciplines within the civil engineering field, such as designing grading, stormwater retention, and runoff systems. They ensure that the site’s terrain suits the intended construction project and that appropriate systems are in place to handle precipitation, preventing water-related damage.

When to Hire a Structural Engineer

If your project involves designing a building, bridge, or other structures where the critical element is load-bearing capacity and resilience against environmental conditions, a structural engineer would be your ideal choice. For example:

1. Home Renovations: If you are planning substantial changes to your home, such as removing a load-bearing wall to create an open floor plan, you would benefit from a structural engineer’s expertise. They can assess the structural impact of the change and provide guidance on how to maintain the stability of the house.
2. Building Construction: If you’re developing a high-rise building or complex structure, a structural engineer would be crucial in designing a structure that can withstand various forces like wind, seismic activity, and the weight of the building itself.
3. Bridge Design: Given the significant load and dynamic forces that bridges must endure, a structural engineer’s input is indispensable for their design and construction.

When to Hire a Civil Engineer

If your project is more about the development of the site as a whole, including elements such as grading, roadway design, stormwater management, and general site preparation, a civil engineer’s skills would be more beneficial. For instance:

1. Land Development: If you’re developing a piece of land for construction, a civil engineer can help with grading design, ensuring the site has proper drainage, and designing any necessary roads or pathways.
2. Infrastructure Projects: For complex and large-scale infrastructure projects like highways, dams, or airports, you’ll need a civil engineer to manage the overall design and construction, including environmental impact, traffic flow, and geotechnical considerations.
3. Flood Control Systems: If your site is prone to flooding, a civil engineer can design appropriate stormwater management systems to protect your property.

Contact Jackson and Sands Engineering if you have any questions regarding civil or structural engineering! 

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