Abstract

Using a recent rain-induced roof collapse as a forensic case study, the authors will demonstrate a number of vital points of interest in the collaboration between structural engineers and other design disciplines. Citing a number of problems with the building’s design and the current code standards, this paper will investigate the avoidable events that led to a costly failure of the roof structure presented. As the practice of each construction design profession has become more specialized, communication among those professions on many overlapping design choices has eroded from common practice. This is true for one such area where multiple disciplines should communicate; the roof drainage system in low slope roof structures. The importance cannot be over-emphasized for Structural Engineers to remain good stewards of collaboration during the design process. Additionally, the current industry standards for rain intensity and return intervals affecting the structural roof design will be evaluated in light of this recent collapse case study.

Disciplines

Architectural Engineering

Number of Pages

9

Download

Share

COinS
 

URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/aen_fac/166