Hi everyone, I'm new to the forums. I tried to search for this answer first but did not find anything, so hopefully this is a new topic...
I have an existing commercial building with three roof top HVAC units. The building owner is proposing replacement of all three units. I checked the spec plates on each existing unit and have the following weights:
Unit A = 7,700#
Unit B = 7,900#
Unit C = 5,400#
Replacement specs are as follows:
Unit A = 8,445.8#
Unit B = 8,445.8#
Unit C = 5,693.3#
In the 2018 IECC, replacement of mechanical equipment appears to be a level 1 alteration, so I am referencing section 706.2 of the code. This section states if an alteration causes an increase of more than 5 percent in gravity load, the structural element carrying said load must be replaced or altered to carry the new load.
Each of these units is being increased by more than 5 percent of its current weight. I would interpret the above to mean that a registered design professional should evaluate the existing structure and loads to determine if structural modification is required. If yes, they can provide a stamped proposal. If not, they can render their written analysis and calculations to demonstrate compliance with the structural requirements of the 2018 IBC Chapter 16.
Does anyone have a different interpretation of this situation? Would you handle differently in your jurisdictions? Thank you in advance! I look forward to using this forum for future questions and to help support where I can.
-Steve
I have an existing commercial building with three roof top HVAC units. The building owner is proposing replacement of all three units. I checked the spec plates on each existing unit and have the following weights:
Unit A = 7,700#
Unit B = 7,900#
Unit C = 5,400#
Replacement specs are as follows:
Unit A = 8,445.8#
Unit B = 8,445.8#
Unit C = 5,693.3#
In the 2018 IECC, replacement of mechanical equipment appears to be a level 1 alteration, so I am referencing section 706.2 of the code. This section states if an alteration causes an increase of more than 5 percent in gravity load, the structural element carrying said load must be replaced or altered to carry the new load.
Each of these units is being increased by more than 5 percent of its current weight. I would interpret the above to mean that a registered design professional should evaluate the existing structure and loads to determine if structural modification is required. If yes, they can provide a stamped proposal. If not, they can render their written analysis and calculations to demonstrate compliance with the structural requirements of the 2018 IBC Chapter 16.
Does anyone have a different interpretation of this situation? Would you handle differently in your jurisdictions? Thank you in advance! I look forward to using this forum for future questions and to help support where I can.
-Steve
