4.7 KiB
General Structural Contractor Notes
These notes outline responsibilities, procedures, and requirements for contractors during the construction of the structural elements of the project.
Contractor Responsibilities
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The structural drawings and specifications represent the finished structure. Methods, procedures, and sequencing of construction are the contractor’s responsibility.
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The contractor must take all necessary precautions to maintain structural integrity at every stage of construction.
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The contractor is responsible for quality control, including workmanship and materials furnished by subcontractors or suppliers.
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All work must conform to OSHA standards.
Coordination and Documentation
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Refer to non-structural drawings for complete information regarding sleeves, curbs, inserts, depressions, openings, etc.
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The general contractor is responsible for obtaining all contract documents and the latest revisions/addenda and distributing them to subcontractors and suppliers before shop drawing submittals or material procurement.
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Using or reproducing contract drawings in lieu of shop drawings signifies acceptance of all information shown and obligates the contractor to bear costs for any resulting errors.
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The general contractor must compare architectural and structural drawings and report discrepancies to the architect and engineer prior to fabrication or installation. Here’s a clarified and reorganized version of your note on material substitutions:
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Substitutions:
- All requests for substitutions of materials or details shown in the contract documents must be submitted for approval during the bidding period.
- Once bids are accepted, proposed substitutions will only be considered if:
- They are officially submitted
- They include a clearly identified cost savings to be deducted from the contract
Excavation and Site Safety
- The contractor is solely responsible for all excavation procedures, including lagging, shoring, and protection of adjacent property, structures, streets, and utilities, in accordance with all applicable codes.
Framing and Member Placement
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Framing layouts represent design concepts and systems construction; the contractor and subcontractors are responsible for material quantities and unspecified components.
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Members not specifically dimensioned should be located on column lines or equally spaced between located members.
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Features not fully shown or specified shall be constructed to match similar conditions elsewhere.
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In case of conflicts among structural drawings, general notes, and specifications, the strictest requirement indicated by the engineer shall govern.
Live Load Posting
- Elevated floor structures with a design live load exceeding 50 PSF must have the load posted on durable, conspicuous signs in the applicable areas.
Structural Maintenance
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All structures require periodic maintenance to extend lifespan and ensure integrity.
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The building owner shall establish a maintenance program including, but not limited to:
- Painting structural steel
- Protective coatings for concrete
- Sealants and caulking of joints
- Maintenance of expansion and control joints
- Repair of spalls and cracks in concrete
- Pressure washing of elements exposed to salt or harsh chemicals
Structural Engineer’s Role
- The structural engineer does not control or supervise construction means, methods, sequences, or safety programs and is not responsible for the acts or omissions of the contractor or subcontractors.
- Periodic site observations by the engineer’s representatives are solely to become generally familiar with progress and quality and ensure that work appears to comply with contract documents.
- These observations are not exhaustive or continuous and do not substitute for contractor responsibility.
Waterproofing
- Proper waterproofing of the building envelope is critical to long-term structural performance.
- Waterproofing design is the responsibility of the architect/contractor and must follow best practices for the locality and assembly type.