Presentation Summary:
The 2024 International Plumbing Code (IPC) will have new language explicitly requiring isolation of plumbing from expansive soil under isolated slabs (over a crawlspace or voidwork). It will not permit buried plumbing. It will also not permit non-isolated void systems that provide various forms of “voids” but do not actually isolate plumbing, hangers and supports under the slab, even though the manufacturers may claim they “isolate” plumbing. Furthermore, as a consequence of many lawsuits and the clarifying language in the 2024 IPC, Mechanical Engineering firms today are increasingly interpreting long-standing IPC requirements for protection of plumbing to require isolation of plumbing from expansive soil under slabs. Below isolated slabs, these firms are not allowing buried plumbing and not allowing non-isolated void systems. However, Mechanical Engineers cannot isolate plumbing without Structural Engineers doing their part. Responding to recent changes in the Mechanical Engineering practices that define their standard of care, this presentation will identify tasks Structural Engineers need to perform in order for plumbing to be isolated.
About the Speakers:
Ron Podojil, PE is a Structural Engineer in Texas with 26 years of experience with R-S-C-R Inc. He has been active in SEAoT, serving on the SEAoT Board from 2001-2006, and active in the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE). He has extensive experience in the design of institutional projects in Texas where expansive soil is present and he has a proven track record of completing challenging projects successfully, collaborating with colleagues from other engineering disciplines. He has a B.S. and M.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at San Antonio.
Allen Grammer, PE is a Mechanical Engineer with Baird, Hampton and Brown, Inc. He has worked on a education, medical, faith-based, industrial, and commercial buildings across the United States for the past decade. His responsibilities include project management, HVAC and plumbing design, construction administration, energy modeling, and QA/QC. Mr. Grammer is a mentor at BHB, an active member and former President of the Fort Worth Chapter of ASHRAE, an active member of TSPE, and he serves on NSSA and ICC technical committees. He graduated from Texas Christian University.
Tony Janish, PE currently serves as Vice President of Alpha Testing, LLC, a Universal Engineering Sciences (UES) Company. Janish has worked in north Texas since 1995 and joined Alpha Testing in 2006. A registered professional engineer, Janish holds both a B.S. and M.S. in Civil Engineering from Michigan Technological University. Janish uses his extensive field experience to analyze problems and situations and develop practical, cost-effective geotechnical solutions to client challenges. Janish is also the co-creator of Alpha Testing’s AIA-approved geotechnical engineering seminar series.
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