FISH TANK WEIGHT IMPACT ON LIVING ROOM FLOOR

Do I need a structural engineer to evaluate if I can add a fish tank in my house ?

Fish Tank

I often get requests from different clients about the impact of an added fish tank to their living room floor. Generally speaking a small tank may have negligible impact but often times people wants to add rather bigger size tank.

Evaluating the floor joists and floor ability to support such an additional weight is a wise decision to prevent sagging floor, even if you think your floor joists are currently healthy and don't have any sag.

I made a small example of how to calculate the weight and determine if your floor can support the weight or not. The bigger the area you distribute the weight over, the less of an impact on the floor and its supporting joists.

I hope you find the information valuable and helpful.

Calculations sheet

Call us today if you need any further assistance: 724-949-0004

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Written by Firas Abdelahad, P.E.

Firas Abdelahad has been a practicing structural engineer since 2005, collaborating with a diverse range of professionals, including consultants, architects, investors, homeowners, contractors, and subcontractors. Together, they tackle the various challenges that can arise during the design and construction phases of projects.

The information and statements in this document are for information purposes only and do not comprise the professional advice of the author or create a professional relationship between reader and author.

Exploring the Benefits and Challenges of Open Concept Floor Plans in Structural Engineering

Open Concept- Load Bearing Wall Removal

One of the most prevalent terms in 2020 and the current real estate market pertains to home buyers and investors contemplating the removal of walls. It's highly likely that you, as either a home buyer or an investor, have encountered the need to remove one or more walls.

The pursuit of an open concept floor plan often involves removing load-bearing walls, and this has become the new standard. To accomplish this safely, it's essential to specify an LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) beam capable of supporting the load and transferring it safely to a foundational element.

In my role as a structural engineer, I receive numerous inquiries related to evaluating the structural integrity of walls and supports, providing recommendations for wall removal, and sizing the LVL beam that will replace the wall, including connections and supporting posts.

Regrettably, not all investors and homeowners are aware of the necessity to consult with a licensed engineer when considering the removal of a load-bearing wall. When dealing with a load-bearing wall, it's crucial to understand the following:

1. Load Distribution: The main load-bearing wall in the center of your house often carries a significantly heavier load compared to one of your foundation walls, frequently double the load or more.

2. Load Redistribution: The distribution of load on the structural member beneath the wall being removed will change, especially if the wall was originally supported by an old beam with few supports spanning 9 to 10 feet apart. This change can potentially pose challenges.

3. Stress Concentration: Without accounting for localized stress concentration, future issues such as cracks and significant floor sagging may arise.

In such situations, consulting with a competent and the right structural engineer is unquestionably a worthwhile investment. It's essential to research the engineering background and competency of the engineer, especially when making significant alterations to a structural member.

Your safety, the integrity of your property, and the prevention of potential future problems hinge on these decisions.

The Impact of an Improperly Designed Load-Bearing Beam:

In my years of performing structural engineering evaluations, I've encountered numerous homes where a load-bearing wall was removed and replaced with an LVL beam. Unfortunately, in many cases, these beams were either installed incorrectly or were undersized due to various reasons. Here are some telltale signs of such issues:

1. Sags on the Floor: One of the most noticeable signs is sagging in the floor above the area where a wall was removed and an undersized beam was used. This sagging occurs because the beam is unable to adequately support the load.

2. Wall Cracks: Cracks in the walls near the post/beam attachment points are another common indication of problems. The structural integrity is compromised, leading to visible damage.

3. Stress Signs: Stress marks and signs of overloading on the structural beam beneath the removed wall are often observed. These are clear indicators that the beam is not adequately handling the load it was designed for.

Furthermore, I've recently come across cases where lateral loads were not considered during the design, leading to lateral torsion on the beam and causing stress cracks. Unfortunately, many people overlook this critical aspect of structural design.

To save yourself, as well as your future buyers, from unnecessary headaches and, in some cases, potential legal responsibilities, it's crucial to consult with a competent and licensed structural engineer. We have the expertise to assess your specific situation, recommend appropriate solutions, and ensure your home's structural integrity.

Don't hesitate to reach out to us today. Let us evaluate your needs and assist you in ensuring the safety and stability of your home.

For more information, please visit our website at www.pittdes.com or give us a call at 724.949.0004. We're here to help.

Written by Firas Abdelahad, P.E.

Firas Abdelahad has been a practicing structural engineer since 2005, collaborating with a diverse range of professionals, including consultants, architects, investors, homeowners, contractors, and subcontractors. Together, they tackle the various challenges that can arise during the design and construction phases of projects.

The information and statements in this document are for information purposes only and do not comprise the professional advice of the author or create a professional relationship between reader and author.

Key Differences between a Contractor and an Engineer in the Construction Industry

Contractors & engineers' work typically complement each others. A work designed by an engineer can't get built without a contractor and often times a work done by a contractor can't be certified without an engineer.

Structural Concerns

A few weeks back, a post surfaced, inquiring about a recommendation for a structural engineer. Amidst the comments, one response stood out:

“Your best bet is to find a contractor with experience in structures because most structural engineers never touched a tool. They have great knowledge but that has to translate to your contractor. You want to be very careful that you’re not overpaying for knowledge that is not going to apply to your situation.”

I’m certain that this notion has crossed the minds of many, and some still hold this belief.

As an engineer myself, I respectfully disagree, and here’s my perspective showing key differences between a contractor and an engineer:

While it’s true that some engineers may not have hands-on construction experience, they excel at providing meticulous drawings that ensure work is executed correctly, adhering to building codes, engineering standards, and fundamental principles. This approach minimizes the need for corrections and prevents future issues, such as floor sags or compromised load-bearing walls.

Being in the field since 2005, I’ve collaborated with numerous contractors, both directly and indirectly. Most can handle standard tasks without detailed plans, relying on their experience. However, challenges arise when projects become customized and necessitate calculations or verifications.

Regrettably, I’ve witnessed many poorly executed reinforcements, where contractors or handymen selected beam sizes based on experience, resulting in incorrect support or undersized structures. Notably, homeowners often skip involving an engineer during the design phase before hiring a contractor, assuming they can obtain free advice from contractors who may provide estimates and initial consultations at no cost to secure their services. However, an engineer, when engaged, becomes your advocate, offering impartial guidance.

For the average homeowner, who lacks in-depth construction expertise, hiring an engineer proves beneficial when addressing structural issues. Most structural modifications require permits, backed by stamped drawings from licensed and registered engineers.

When clients reach out to me, I ask probing questions to understand their needs fully. This helps me assess whether I can genuinely add value during property inspections or site visits. If not, I guide them in an alternative direction.

Recently, I was tasked with evaluating a structural reinforcement meant to rectify a floor sag. Upon inspection, I was deeply concerned. The beam lacked sufficient support and had been haphazardly shored up with steel rods, as seen in the second and third images below. It was a subpar execution.

Moreover, the beam was improperly installed lower than it should have been, failing to brace the weakened, undersized, sagging beam. Shims were inserted to bridge the gap between the steel beam and wooden beam, as depicted in the first picture.

Additionally, note the slight warping or twisting of the beam in the second picture.

Furthermore, a steel post was added, but it was not tall enough. This forced the installer to use loose bricks to elevate its base, which rested directly on the concrete slab instead of a proper footer.

Unfortunately, I don’t have a picture of this improper support. Refer to my structural deficiencies (I) blog for an explanation of why this approach is flawed.

I strongly doubt that a licensed contractor oversaw this work, or at least, I hope not.

Typically, licensed contractors either collaborate with engineers or advise homeowners to engage one. I consistently stress to homeowners that hiring an engineer not only provides a layer of protection but also ensures that modifications meet engineering standards and building codes, reducing the likelihood of issues arising when the house is sold in the future.

Lastly, it is important to note that the home improvement consumer protection act 73 P.S. § 517.1 (HICPA) was adopted by Pennsylvania's General Assembly in October, 2008 and signed by the Governor as Act 132 of 2008. The law establishes a mandatory registration program for contractors who offer or perform home improvement in Pennsylvania. Reference the following link for frequently asked questions about the act: https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/resources/home-improvement-contractor-registration/contractor-frequently-asked-questions/

Picture 1

Picture 2

Picture 3: Improper shimming not enough bearing

#structuralengineer #Structuraldeficiencies #valueofengineering #structurallysound #realestatepgh #pittsburghstructuralengineering #Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act, 73 P.S. § 517.1

Written by Firas Abdelahad, P.E.

Firas Abdelahad has been a practicing structural engineer since 2005, collaborating with a diverse range of professionals, including consultants, architects, investors, homeowners, contractors, and subcontractors. Together, they tackle the various challenges that can arise during the design and construction phases of projects.

The information and statements in this document are for information purposes only and do not comprise the professional advice of the author or create a professional relationship between reader and author.