Structural Moments - March 2024

Structural Moments

March 2024

Greetings!

Architectural and structural design of most buildings usually includes a specification for specialty products, systems or components. These elements are usually designed by a manufacturer, specialty subcontractor, or specialty architect or engineer. That part of the design work is designated as ‘deferred’ or ‘delegated’ and listed, but not included, in the permit construction documents.

Design of these elements and submittal preparation usually starts while the main project permit application is in process or after it is issued. In many cases, these submittals are prepared and reviewed during the construction stage of the primary structure.

Design and documentation of these specialty elements require diligent coordination between architects, engineers, suppliers and builders. In addition to our main role as a structural engineer, THOMAD Engineering has also gained extensive experience in the design of the most common specialty systems. We have provided this service on numerous projects as the ‘specialty’ engineer and continue to do so.

Although this process is not new, we have frequently encountered other team members who are not familiar with it. The article below is intended to explain this process. It should hopefully help us gain better understanding and avoid frustrations, delays and cost overruns. Contact us to learn more.

Best Regards,

Mohammed Thomad, PE, SE

Principal

Deferred Submittals for Specialty Building Elements and Systems

THOMAD Engineering provided structural engineering services for the Storefronts, Curtain Walls and Glass Rails of the Dollar Loan Center in Henderson, Nevada.

Building specialty systems, pre-engineered components, and design-build elements are an integral part of the design and construction process of nearly every building project.

Specialty items are usually specified in the construction documents by the Engineer-Of-Record (EOR) and/or Architect-Of-Record (AOR). For these items, the manufacturer, supplier or vender are required to retain a licensed and expert professional to perform the actual design and provide documentation for review and approval prior to fabrication and installation.

Some important structural and architectural examples include:

Structural precast concrete.
Steel joists and joist girders.
Wood trusses
Curtain walls and glazed systems.
Stairs and guard rails.

Submittals for these items are commonly referred to as Deferred or Delegated Design Submittals. They are usually reviewed by the owner and/or general contractor, AOR and/or EOR for conformance with the contract documents, applicable codes and standards.

For the structural EOR, the review is typically focused on certain determinations such as:

The design load criteria are consistent with the contract documents.
The primary structure is capable of supporting the imposed loads.
Connections to the primary structure are consistent with the design.

Once that part of the review process is completed and approved, the formal documents are then submitted to the building department to complete the permit requirements. The building department relies on all previous reviews and approvals to issue their final approval. At this point, fabrication and installation can begin.

In our experience, a little advance planning and understanding of this process will go a long way in avoiding frustrations, delays and cost overruns.

THOMAD Engineering LLC

Structural Engineering Consulting

We are a structural engineering design and consulting firm established in 2003 and based in Las Vegas, Nevada. We are committed to providing practical solutions and excellent services to clients on a wide range of projects. Contact us to learn more.

20+ YEARS OF EXCELLENCE