Restraining column against existing wall

[NandM]

My SE has specified the use of Ancon SPB or similar farme cramps to restrain the new steel column with the existing wall. 

 

It fairly clear how this would work with the new block wall, but I can't see these being useful with the existing, unless I need to scrape out and then re-motar? 

 

What other alternatives are there? A simple option I can think of is the use of masonry framing screws, or for something more robust resin some bolts through into the wall.

[Mr Punter]

Ask the SE.  It is their job to specify correctly.

[NandM]

I'm waiting on a response, but they've not been great so far and seem to lean towards difficult solutions rather than practical.

[Nickfromwales]

25 minutes ago, NandM said:

I'm waiting on a response, but they've not been great so far and seem to lean towards difficult solutions rather than practical.

When they respond, post back here.  

[Gus Potter]

4 hours ago, Mr Punter said:

Ask the SE.  It is their job to specify correctly.

Very good point.

 

An SE's job is also to specify things that can be practically built! Fixings into existing masonry need to be detailed so as to maintain edge distances for example. That is the Se's job!

 

There is an SE duty of care to make sure you are not specifying steel to masonry connections for example that will not incurr excessive cost to the Client. If so you should highlight this, to not do so risks folk cutting corners. This is an expected skill of an SE. 

 

There is a duty of care by the SE to make reasonable enquiry as to the expected competancy and extent of say a local builders expected knowledge. This enquiry, if not made, is a breach of the regulations and the SE regulations. 

 

The SE has an over arching responsibility to review the project, make reasonable enquiry as to who may be involved in the construction and make sure they design accordingly. They must make the Client aware if there is something in their design that is "bespoke" or requires say a level of specialist work. 

1 hour ago, NandM said:

I'm waiting on a response, but they've not been great so far and seem to lean towards difficult solutions rather than practical.

They need to buck up, smell the coffee and provide the information you require to execute the poroject safely.  I say that as an SE myself. 

Edited 8 hours ago by Gus Potter

[Gus Potter]

2 hours ago, NandM said:

I'm waiting on a response, but they've not been great so far and seem to lean towards difficult solutions rather than practical.

I find this kind of feedback / comment really disappointing as an SE /. designer.  It's embarrasing to read these kind of comments from the public and folk on BH.  

 

At the end of the day myself and others are providing a service, yes we are good at maths, detailing Architectural things, being creative but that does not make us special!

 

I've been in the construction industry for over 40 years, run, most of the time my own business, larger and now smaller. If someone asks me what is the secret to good business I would say.. communication with your customers. It's no big secret! 

 

One facet in the self build or extending market. Engage with your Client's.. listen to what they want and use you expert knowledge to guide them on their path, but make sure they don't lose their shirt on the way! Then quietly go about your technical design, tell your Client what you are doing and why, encourage them to get into the "bit behind the curtain" stuff. This is very important as an informed Client leads to the best relationships, it builds trust which we later need when the building work gets under way. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[NandM]

It's the old adage of you get what you pay for! ....and don't get me started on the comms 😂