Proposed Cold-Formed Steel Structure
Project Details
This project involves the structural engineering and design for a building utilizing cold-formed steel (CFS) framing systems. The comprehensive scope required modern engineering for the entire structural assembly, including roof and floor trusses, C-shaped studs, tracks, and specialized connectors, all adhering to Steel Stud Manufacturers Association (SSMA) standards. The structure’s primary footprint measures 100′-0″ x 50′-0″. The structural design incorporates a sophisticated framing system featuring RT1-RT7 roof trusses and FT1-FT6 floor trusses supported by HSS 6×6 steel columns and W12x16 floor beams. Diaphragms are constructed using 3/4″ Structo-Crete cement fiber board for the roof and 15/32″ Structural-1 sheathing for the floors and shear walls. The engineering process included rigorous analysis to ensure the structure can safely withstand high environmental loads. The building is designed for Seismic Design Category E (SDS = 1.624) and wind speeds of 94 MPH (Exposure C). Lateral load resistance is provided by a specialized bearing wall system utilizing light-framed shear walls sheathed with wood panels. The foundation consists of continuous reinforced concrete wall footings (1.25′ wide x 18″ thick) and a 6″ reinforced concrete slab-on-grade designed for a gross soil bearing pressure of 2.0 ksf. All designs comply with the 2022 California Building Code (CBC), 2022 California Residential Code (CRC), IBC 2021, and ASCE 7-16.
Role
Structural Engineer/Designer
Services Provided
The scope of services included the preparation of structural calculations and structural drawings for the proposed structure. Structural calculations consisted of complete load analyses applicable to the project, considering dead loads, live loads, and other relevant design loads in accordance with the governing building code and site conditions. The work specifically included the structural analysis and design calculations for all footings and the slab-on-grade system to ensure adequate support of imposed loads and proper load transfer to the supporting soil. These calculations verified the required footing sizes, reinforcement, bearing capacity requirements, and slab thickness and reinforcement, as necessary for a safe and code-compliant foundation system. Structural drawings included a Foundation Plan indicating the layout, location, and dimensions of all footings and slab-on-grade elements. The drawings also included foundation details, general structural notes, and technical specifications necessary to clearly communicate reinforcement requirements, construction details, and material specifications. These documents were prepared to support permitting, coordination with other disciplines, and construction implementation while ensuring compliance with applicable codes and project requirements.