TECHNICAL AND CODE COMMITTEE

Committee Chair: Brad Cheshire, P.E.

The mission of the Technical & Code Committee (TCC) is to address the technical interests and concerns of practicing structural engineers in Texas. Current activities include:

1.  Tornado Shelter Design Practice Task Group.  The objective of this task group (TG) is to develop recommendations with regard to specific challenges related to tornado shelters pursuant to IBC 2015, Section 423. This TG is being led by Ben Harris (FW Chapter) and includes several SEAoT members based in the north-central Texas area.

2.  NCSEA Code Advisory Committee (CAC).  A national survey was conducted by NCSEA in October 2017 to identify the state of practice in several key areas (e.g., wind, seismic, and Special Inspections). NCSEA will use the survey results to guide efforts for the next code development cycle, which will include IBC 2021 and ASCE 7-22.

3.  SEAoT Publications.  Written between 1987 and 1998, these four documents (9- to 44 pages) have not been updated to reflect changes that have occurred in the industry over the past several decades. The TCC will review all four documents and determine if any should be revised and updated.

4.  IBC Special Inspections.  IBC Chapter 17 Special Inspections are receiving increased attention in the north Texas area. Panel discussions were held in Aug 2016 and Oct 2017 before numerous building officials, structural engineers, and testing agencies. More municipalities are requiring submission of forms that are prepared/signed/sealed by the EOR at the time of building permit application. The TCC will provide support for any SEAoT members seeking to achieve consistency in the interpretation and enforcement of Special Inspection tasks by local building officials.

The TCC would like to broaden its membership to ensure representation from all regions of Texas. Please contact the Chair if you are interested in serving.