Better Check

Any structure similar to the Santa Claus erected by a public entity should have the technical aspects of the design reviewed for compliance with design criteria, the following minimum calculation documentation should be evaluated:
Design Criteria.
The calculations submitted shall clearly document on a summary sheet the information noted below. Documentation shall also be submitted to show how the design loads were established.
1. The current building code used in the design.
2. Itemized dead & live loads used in the gravity design.
3. Snow loading criteria including terrain and exposure category, importance factor, design ground snow load and snow drifting loads.
4. Wind loading criteria including minimum wind design speed, exposure category and importance factors.
5. Special loading(s) (where applicable).
6. Reference to the geotechnical report and values used in design.
7. Materials (wood, steel, concrete, masonry, etc.), grade of materials and stresses of materials used in design (bending, shear, compression) should be noted in the calculations, notes and/or specifications.
8. Load combinations used in design for each material should be documented.
Factors used in determining lateral load.
1. Factors used in determining overall wind load should be indicated as required.
2. Clearly defined type of Lateral-Force-Resisting System used and which Primary Structural Components are part of the system.
3. Computer analysis and design results should be submitted with an input model or sketch showing geometry, loading, boundary conditions, etc.
4. Design of Primary Structural Components relating to the Lateral Force Resisting System. These components would include, but are not limited to, diaphragms, collectors, drag struts, out-of-plane anchorage and connection design.
It is common knowledge that substandard structural design practices pose a safety threat to the public. If errors and/or omissions go undetected during the permit review process or during construction, the results may be catastrophic. Tragic failures highlighted in past news have had a detrimental affect on the public’s perception of public entities.
Beyond protecting the public welfare, quality designs are in everyone’s best interest. They reduce risk for owners and foster better business for everyone involved. Not providing the requiring the minimum services as outlined may place unnecessary risk on the engineer, staff and public entity.