Showing posts with label Sonoma. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sonoma. Show all posts
Saturday, September 27, 2014
Swimming Pool Expert Witness - How Structural Engineers Compromise themselves
Swimming pools can be designed utilizing 2,500 PSI concrete.
However, the American Concrete Institute - Standard 318 (ACI-318), the International Building Code (IBC), and the California Building Codes (CBC) all specify and require 4,500 PSI as the minimum, with 5,000 PSI required, for most swimming pools. This standard actually applies to all concrete structures in constant contact with water (fountains, pools spas, watershapes, dams, storage tanks, docks, pilings, breakwaters, etc.).
Expert Witness - Structural Engineer ?
So, if the codes and LAWS require higher PSI concrete, then why do many structural engineers specify 2,500 PSI for swimming pools?
They think that they are doing everyone a favor.
Specifications above 2,500 PSI require special inspections, quality assurance lab testing, and many other minor additional expenses and double checks. Something most budget conscience swimming pool contractors would rather not deal with.
Though these structural engineers can show on paper that 2,500 PSI is sufficient, they cannot justify their non-compliance with the laws, codes and statutes.
Compromised as an Expert Witness
If a structural engineer has delivered thousands of plans in violation of these laws, codes and standards, does that compromise their integrity as an Expert Witness?
If they continue to deliver plans in violation of these regulations, even after they have been made aware that they are not compliant, do they even have any value as an Expert Witness?
How do they justify such behavior and blatant disregard for the laws and building codes?
Do you really want one of these clowns as your Expert Witnesses?
Wait until the opposing attorney gets them on the stand and asks them under oath !
Contact the author, Paolo Benedetti of Aquatic Technology Pool and Spa at: info@aquatictechnology.com or 408-776-8220. Visit his website at: www.aquatictechnology.com. All Contents © Aquatic Technology Pool & Spa, 2013. All rights reserved.
Friday, March 14, 2014
Swimming Pool Construction Design Napa Sonoma California
Are soils reports required by the Napa County Building Department for swimming pool construction permits?
Napa County Memorandum 2013.10.4
The Napa County Memorandum dated October 4, 2013, entitled "When a Geotechnical Report is Required," is ambiguious. In fact it does the citizens of Napa County a disservice.
Quoted below is an excerpt of the memo:
"WHERE REQUIRED
A soils investigation shall be required for all new and replacement structures as well as additions and changes of occupancy within the unicorporated portions of Napa County with the following exceptions:
Exceptions:
...4. Swimming pools which are designed with the assumption of expansive soil."
Expansive Soils - Come in all shapes and sizes
"Expansive soils" is not very descriptive. The expansive index for soils is vast and wide.
Had the above memorandum stated, "soils below 45 PCF," then that would have meant something. It would have placed a quantitative value on the soils that they would not require a report. But, how would you know that value, without a geotechnical report? (back to the chicken v egg quandry).
Simply designing a structure for "mildly expansive soils" (45 PCF) will not be sufficient if a site has "highly expansive soils (120 PCF)."
The question is, "How expansive is expansive?" The truth is, only a geotechnical report will tell you.
Sloping Properties
If the proposed swimming pool is near a slope, then a geotechnical report is required by the State Building Code.
The setbacks and slope stability requirements need to be defined.
So, just because a County Official says it ain't so, does not mean that it "aint so."
Besides, you cannot tell the players (expansive index) without a scorecard (geotechnical report).
Contact the author, Paolo Benedetti of Aquatic Technology Pool and Spa at: info@aquatictechnology.com or 408-776-8220.
Visit his website at: www.aquatictechnology.com.
All Contents © Aquatic Technology Pool & Spa, 2013.
All rights reserved.
Napa County Memorandum 2013.10.4
The Napa County Memorandum dated October 4, 2013, entitled "When a Geotechnical Report is Required," is ambiguious. In fact it does the citizens of Napa County a disservice.
Quoted below is an excerpt of the memo:
"WHERE REQUIRED
A soils investigation shall be required for all new and replacement structures as well as additions and changes of occupancy within the unicorporated portions of Napa County with the following exceptions:
Exceptions:
...4. Swimming pools which are designed with the assumption of expansive soil."
Expansive Soils - Come in all shapes and sizes
"Expansive soils" is not very descriptive. The expansive index for soils is vast and wide.
Had the above memorandum stated, "soils below 45 PCF," then that would have meant something. It would have placed a quantitative value on the soils that they would not require a report. But, how would you know that value, without a geotechnical report? (back to the chicken v egg quandry).
Simply designing a structure for "mildly expansive soils" (45 PCF) will not be sufficient if a site has "highly expansive soils (120 PCF)."
The question is, "How expansive is expansive?" The truth is, only a geotechnical report will tell you.
Sloping Properties
If the proposed swimming pool is near a slope, then a geotechnical report is required by the State Building Code.
The setbacks and slope stability requirements need to be defined.
So, just because a County Official says it ain't so, does not mean that it "aint so."
Besides, you cannot tell the players (expansive index) without a scorecard (geotechnical report).
Contact the author, Paolo Benedetti of Aquatic Technology Pool and Spa at: info@aquatictechnology.com or 408-776-8220.
Visit his website at: www.aquatictechnology.com.
All Contents © Aquatic Technology Pool & Spa, 2013.
All rights reserved.
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