Gentry Residence House Remodel & Addition
Project Details
This project involves a comprehensive structural modification and expansion of an existing single-family residence (the Gentry Residence) in Carlsbad, California. The scope encompasses the structural design of new roof framing, shear walls, columns, beams, and floor/deck joists, along with a foundational system designed to support a new house addition and a raised deck. These new spaces accommodate a living room expansion, bedroom, bathroom, storage, and walk-in closet.
The engineering process utilized modern wood framing solutions, primarily employing Douglas Fir Larch lumber (grades No. 1 and No. 2) and 15/32″ Structural-1 plywood sheathing for the roof and floors. Specialized 24F-V4 DF Glulam beams were engineered for critical headers and deck supports to ensure structural integrity across larger spans. The foundation system was enhanced with new reinforced concrete pad footings and wall footings (utilizing 3,000 psi concrete) to support the increased loads of the extension.
The structural elements were engineered in strict accordance with the 2022 California Building Code (CBC), the 2022 California Residential Code (CRC), and ASCE 7-16 provisions. Given the site’s classification under Seismic Design Category D, the analysis utilized the Equivalent Lateral Force (ELF) Method to ensure safety and stability under high seismic demands, with a calculated base shear of 7.6 kips. Additionally, the design factored in wind speeds of 96 MPH, focusing on robust lateral load resistance and precision connection detailing through the use of specialized Simpson Strong-Tie components, including HDU holdowns, WSWH strong walls, and LUS joist hangers.
Role
Structural Engineer/Designer
Services Provided
The scope of services includes the preparation of complete structural calculations and structural drawings for the project. Structural calculations shall consist of loading analyses, including wind, seismic, snow, dead, and live loads, together with the structural analysis and design of all structural elements. These elements include foundations, shear walls, load-bearing walls, columns/posts, beams/headers, floor joists, stair stringers and guardrail anchorage, roof rafters or trusses, collectors/chords, and connectors. Structural drawings shall include a foundation plan, first-floor framing plan, roof framing plan, first-floor shear wall layout plan, longitudinal and cross-sectional building sections, and typical structural details, notes, and specifications necessary for permitting and construction.