Structural Documentation for US Projects
In the United States, structural engineering calculations are a formal engineering deliverable that triggers regulatory scrutiny. The Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) — typically the local building department — reviews the calculation package submitted with permit applications. In some states (California for hospitals and schools, Oregon) and for some project types, independent peer review is mandatory. Lenders and insurance underwriters for high-value projects routinely commission their own technical reviews. In every one of these contexts, the quality of the documentation matters as much as the quality of the design — a correct calculation that is poorly organised, lacks code references, or fails to state its assumptions clearly will be rejected or result in lengthy RFI cycles that delay construction.
Sixteens Consultancy Services produces US structural calculation packages formatted for AHJ submission from the start of the design process, not as a documentation afterthought. Our Florida waterslide structural calculations were submitted to Florida AHJ and approved — a direct reference for our US documentation standards. Every SCS calculation package includes a design basis section, code-cited load calculations, analysis model documentation, and member design checks with explicit utilisation ratios and code clause references.
Structure of a US Structural Calculation Package
SCS US calculation packages are organised into the following sections:
- Cover sheet and design basis — Project identification, applicable codes (IBC edition, ASCE 7 edition, AISC 360 edition), risk category (per ASCE 7-22 Table 1.5-1), occupancy, site location with latitude/longitude, and a code compliance summary confirming the design adheres to the specified standards.
- Site parameters — Wind: basic wind speed V (3-second gust) from ASCE 7-22 Figure 26.5-1A or B, exposure category, directionality factor, terrain exposure constant, topographic factor. Seismic: USGS SS and S1, site class, Fa and Fv, SDS and SD1, seismic design category. All site parameters are presented with the reference ASCE 7-22 table or figure number.
- Load take-off — Dead loads (structural self-weight plus superimposed dead), live loads per IBC Table 1607.1, wind loads per ASCE 7-22 Chapter 27 (MWFRS) or Chapter 30 (components and cladding), seismic loads per ASCE 7-22 Chapter 12, and applicable load combinations per ASCE 7-22 Section 2.3 (LRFD).
- Structural analysis documentation — STAAD.Pro or ETABS model summary, member list, load case descriptions, and key analysis results for critical members and reactions.
- Member design checks — AISC 360-22 Chapter E (compression), F (flexure), G (shear), H (combined loading) checks with computed φPn, φMn, φVn, and combined interaction ratio (IR ≤ 1.0) for each critical member.
- Connection force schedule and key connection checks — Extracted from the analysis model, with at least the governing connection types designed and documented.
- Special Inspection requirements — Identification of IBC Chapter 17 Special Inspection categories applicable to the project.
SCS Track Record — Florida Waterslide Calculations
The Florida waterslide project calculation package was submitted to Florida AHJ under FBC 2023 review requirements. The package covered all of the above sections with FBC-specific requirements: HVHZ wind loads, Florida exposure category adjustments, and FBC 2023 load combination modifications. The package was reviewed, questions were answered in one revision cycle, and the permit was issued. The structure was built from the approved documents.
How to Engage SCS for Design Reports in the USA
Email [email protected] with: project state and AHJ, structure type and Risk Category, any specific AHJ documentation format requirements, whether peer review will be required, and your PE of record contact. Mubashir responds within one business day. WhatsApp at +974 6004 4913. Deliverables: PDF calculation package with index, design basis section, load calculations, analysis documentation, member checks, connection schedule, Special Inspection statement — all organised for PE review and AHJ submission.