Commercial free standing pole sign

[charlie]

Can anyone guide me to the code section requiring engineering on a commercial pole sign?We are using the 2010 Cali codes.

 

[Mule]

Haven't a clue but just about in every code there is something about "structures shall be designed to withstand XX mph of wind. And a pole sign is a structure.

You may want to check on zoning ordinances for the area you are building on too!

 

[north star]

# # # #

Charlie,

Not sure about the Cali Codes, but Appendix "H" in the IBC would

be a good place to start.

Hope this helps!

# # # #

 

[FredK]

Here the Arizona Sign Association has an engineer that does a standard design for the statewide use, depending on the sign type. Hopefully Kali has something similiar.

 

[fatboy]

Our zoning interpretation is that anything over 6' tall, is a structure, therefore needing a permit. And since you won't find how to design, build and install a sign in the prescriptive code, you need to have an engineered design. That's how we get there..........

 

[pwood]

charlie,

our city still uses the 1997 uniform sign code as published by icbo.

 

[mtlogcabin]

Haven't a clue but just about in every code there is something about "structures shall be designed to withstand XX mph of wind. And a pole sign is a structure.

Agree and you will start in Chapter 16 and that should send you to ASCE 7-05 for the design requirements, in other words an engineer will have to design the structure (pole sign) to resist the wind and seismic loads

 

[Alias]

First, the approval process starts in Planning and, if applicable, CalTrans. Most of our signs are located on one of two state highways.

IMHO, a sign pole over 6' tall becomes a 'U' classified structure per CBC 2010 Section 312.1. I require a stamped set of plans for this type of installation of a sign pole.

 

[Outside]

The answer to your question is not a simple reference to a single code section.

The following is the applicable code section flow to get to the answer:

1. The scope of the code covers “structures” as stated in Section 101.2

2. A sign qualifies as a structure by definition in Section 202

3. A sign is not a structure exempt from permit under Section 105

4. Submittal documents are required under Section 107

5. Since there are not any “conventional construction” provisions for signs, compliance with design requirements of Chapter 16 are required.

6. Section 1604 requires compliance with general design requirements.

7. While the design professional must check both seismic and wind loading conditions, wind generally governs for signs which leads one to Section 1609. Note that Table 1609.6.2(2) has listing for open signs which is further confirmation that the design of signs is regulated.

8. While the above completes the logical flow of clearly requiring the design of signs, one of the most important code sections to note is Section 1807A which provides for the design equations for the foundations supporting poles signs.

Hope this helps!

CODE SECTIONS

SECTION 101

GENERAL

101.2 Scope. The provisions of this code shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, used and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures.

SECTION 202

DEFINITIONS

STRUCTURE. That which is built or constructed.

SECTION 105

PERMITS

105.1 Required. Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit.

105.2 Work exempt from permit. Exemptions from permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction. Permits shall not be required for the following:

Building:

1. One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet (11 m2).

2. Fences not over 6 feet (1829 mm) high.

3. Oil derricks.

4. Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet (1219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or IlIA liquids.

5. Water tanks supported directly on grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons (18 925 L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2:1.

6. Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above adjacent grade, and not over any basement or story below and are not part of an accessible route.

7. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.

8. Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery.

9. Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy that are less than 24 inches (610mm) deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons (18925 L) and are installed entirely above ground.

10. Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not including service systems.

11. Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings.

12. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches (1372 mm) from the exterior wall and do not require additional support of Groups R-3 and U occupancies.

13. Nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches (1753 mm) in height.

SECTION 107

SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS

107.1 General. Submittal documents consisting of construction documents, statement of special inspections, geotechnical report and other data shall be submitted in two or more sets with each permit application. The construction documents shall be prepared by a registered design professional where required by the statutes of the jurisdiction in which the project is to be constructed. Where special conditions exist, the building official is authorized to require additional construction documents to be prepared by a registered design professional.

SECTION 1601

GENERAL

1601.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall govern the structural design of buildings, structures and portions thereof regulated by this code.

SECTION 1604

GENERAL DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

1604.1 General. Building, structures and parts thereof shall be designed and constructed in accordance with strength design, load and resistance factor design, allowable stress design, empirical design or conventional construction methods, as permitted by the applicable material chapters.

1604.2 Strength. Buildings and other structures, and parts thereof, shall be designed and constructed to support safely the factored loads in load combinations defined in this code without exceeding the appropriate strength limit states for the materials of construction. Alternatively, buildings and other structures, and parts thereof, shall be designed and constructed to support safely the nominal loads in load combinations defined in this code without exceeding the appropriate specified allowable stresses for the materials of construction.

Loads and forces for occupancies or uses not covered in this chapter shall be subject to the approval of the building official.

SECTION 1609

WIND LOADS

1609.1 Applications. Buildings, structures and parts thereof shall be designed to withstand the minimum wind loads prescribed herein. Decreases in wind loads shall not be made for the effect of shielding by other structures.

TABLE 1609.6.2(2)

NET PRESSURE COEFFICIENTS, cneta,b

1. Main wind-force-resisting frames and systems Open signs and lattice frameworks Ratio of solid to gross area

SECTION 1807 A

FOUNDATION WALLS, RETAINING WALLS

AND EMBEDDED POSTS AND POLES

1807A.3 Embedded posts and poles. Designs to resist both axial and lateral loads employing posts or poles as columns embedded in earth or in concrete footings in earth shall be in accordance with Sections 1807A.3.1 through 1807A.3.3.

1807A.3.2 Design criteria. The depth to resist lateral loads shall be determined using the design criteria established in Sections 1807A.3.2.1 through 1807A.3.2.3, or by other methods approved by the building official.

1807A.3.2.1 Nonconstrained. The following formula shall be used in determining the depth of embedment required to resist lateral loads where no lateral constraint is provided at the ground surface, such as by a rigid floor• or rigid ground surface pavement, and where no lateral constraint is provided above the ground surface, such as by a structural diaphragm.

(formula not included for clarity)

1807A.3.2.2 Constrained. The following formula shall be used to determine the depth of embedment required to resist lateral loads where lateral constraint is provided at the ground surface, such as by a rigid floor or pavement.

(formula not included for clarity)

1807A.3.2.3 Vertical load. The resistance to vertical loads shall be determined using the vertical foundation pressure set forth in Table 1806A.2.

 

[FredK]

Great first post outside.

 

[charlie]

Thanks Outside you nailed the answer.

 

[Big Mac]

Good post outside. Quite comprehensive. The only thing I didn't see covered was seismic design, which can be an issue in some areas depending on the design of the sign.