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Construction Industry/holding down bolt configuration on boundary wall.

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Expert: - 11/30/2010


Question
Dear Roger
We are in the process of designing /building an industrial unit close to the boundary of a site. Foundations have been designed to incorporate holding down bolts, along boundary side base plates of columns have 10 no holding down bolts per plate , 8 no to one side of centre line and 2 no to opposite side. Should the 8 bolts be to the inside of the building foundation to avoid column falling outwards in the event of fire collapse , or should they be the other way round ? The building is 60 m wide and consists of a 30m wide principal building with a 15m 'lean-to' on either and the boundary wall in question is on the outside of the lean to.

Answer
Hello Philip

My personal opinion is that the eight bolts should be on the inside to prevent the columns and walls from collapsing to the outside.  A collapse to the outside could endanger adjacent structures or property.

However, this decision should be made by the Structural Engineer who determined the number of bolts required and/or the governing building code for that type of structure.

I don't mean to "cop out" on a definitive response, but there are many conditions that will have an effect on the method of design.  This is definitely within the venue of your structural engineer.

I hope this was helpful.

Roger
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Roger Zona

Expertise

I am experienced in all types of construction: residential, industrial and commercial; single family, multi-family, mid-rise and high rise buildings (16 story office building) as well as remodeling, additions and tenant improvements. I can field most any question that relates to general construction. I have consulted with infrastructure (utility) contractors also and have a good general knowledge of underground utility construction for subdivisions and commercial projects.

Experience

After college, I began my career in the construction industry. I chose to become an apprentice Architect and 4 yrs later I opened my own architectural design firm. Six years later I moved to Florida to buy & develop land and build. I became a State of Florida Certified General Contractor and operated my business for 45 years. I built all types of residential and commercial buildings including warehouses, shopping centers, high rise apartments and office buildings and developed sites for other contractors. I retired and became a consultant to the construction industry. I maintain my license and continuing education requirements, operate a small construction company and write a weekly newspaper column for the Palm Beach Post (a Cox publication) with the byline "Ask The Contractor". I am the "technical editor" for a publisher of books that relate to home maintenance.

Organizations
Previously - NAHA Currently - FLCA (Florida Licensed Contractors Assoc.)

Publications
Palm Beach Post newspaper - weekly Q & A column Happy Herald monthly real estate publication - monthly column

Education/Credentials
Michigan State University University of Detroit BS in Engineering

Past/Present Clients
I built a home in Palm Beach for a member of the Pulitzer Family. I was responsible for the completion of a twin hi-rise condominium project for G.E. Credit. I was a partner in the successful development of a P.U.D. (Planned Urban Development) subdivision. I represented the largest home builder from France (Bati Service, S.A.) in the development of a subdivision and the design and construction of the homes.

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