June 2017

Professional Engineers
Ontario

STRUCTURAL
ENGINEERING DESIGN
SERVICES FOR BUILDINGS
GUIDELINE

CONTRIBUTORS
Kevin Chessman, P.Eng.
Don Ireland, P.Eng.
Neil Kennedy, P.Eng.
John Mark, P.Eng.
Robert Morrison, P.Eng.
Ranka Radonjic-
Vuksanovic, P.Eng.
 STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING DESIGN SERVICES FOR BUILDINGS

CONTENTS
Abstract...................................................................................................................................................................................... 3

1. Purpose of PEO Guidelines................................................................................................................................................... 4

2. Preface................................................................................................................................................................................... 4

3. Purpose and Scope of this Guideline................................................................................................................................... 6

4. Introduction........................................................................................................................................................................... 6

Part A. Professional Relationships and Scope of Work........................................................................................................... 7

Part B. Design and Construction............................................................................................................................................ 10

1 – Preliminary Design..................................................................................................................................................... 10

2 – Final Design and Documents..................................................................................................................................... 11

3 – Tendering and Construction...................................................................................................................................... 17

Part C. Office Procedures........................................................................................................................................................ 18

Part D. Other Services Related to Structural Engineering in Buildings................................................................................ 19

Definitions............................................................................................................................................................................... 21

Appendix 1–Structural Design Data Matrix........................................................................................................................... 22

Notice: The Professional Standards Committee has a policy of reviewing guidelines every five years to determine if the guideline is
still viable and adequate. However, practice bulletins may be issued from time to time to clarify statements made herein or to add
information useful to those engineers engaged in this area of practice. Users of this guideline who have questions, comments or sug-
gestions for future amendments and revisions are invited to submit these to PEO using the standard form included in the following
online document: http://peo.on.ca/index.php/ci_id/23427/la_id/1.htm

2 Structural Engineering Design Services for Buildings

 ABSTRACT
The purpose of this guideline is to
provide best practices for engineers
providing structural engineering services
in buildings. Special emphasis is placed on
the duties to their employers, clients and
the public. This guideline recommends
methods for ensuring clarity of
responsibilities between practitioners
when two or more are providing structural
engineering services for different aspects
of a building. This guideline was
developed for buildings required to be
designed by an engineer as per the
Professional Engineers Act; however, it
may also be used by engineers providing
services for other buildings and
designated structures.

Professional Engineers Ontario 3

 1.

PURPOSE OF PEO GUIDELINES

Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) produces guidelines to educate licensees and the
public on best practices.

For more information on PEO’s guideline and development process, including PEO’s
standard form for proposing revisions to guidelines, please refer to the Guideline
Development and Maintenance Processes document, available at:
http://peo.on.ca/index.php/ci_id/23427/la_id/1.htm

To view other PEO guidelines, please visit the Practice Advice Resources and Guidelines
section of the PEO website: www.peo.on.ca/index.php/ci_id/30386/la_id/1.htm.

2.

PREFACE
In April 2010, the Professional Standards Committee (PSC) formed a subcommittee of
practitioners from both consulting engineering and steel fabricators. As per the Coun-
cil-approved terms of reference, the subcommittee was directed by the PSC to revise the
existing guideline for Professional Engineers Providing Structural Engineering Services in
Buildings to prescribe and clarify the practitioner’s responsibilities when providing these
services. The previous edition of the guideline was published by PEO in 1995.

The subcommittee was asked to revise the guideline to deal with concerns raised by
practitioners, building officials and contractors regarding the lack of coordination and
improper division of responsibility between practitioners when two or more are providing
structural engineering services for different aspects of the building. The subcommittee
was asked to consider methods for ensuring clarity of responsibilities in order to mitigate
problems associated with this division of services.

The subcommittee met for the first time on July 7, 2010, and submitted a completed
draft of this document to the PSC for approval on April 5, 2016. During the course of
their work, the subcommittee renamed the guideline to Providing Structural Engineering
Design Services for Buildings to better reflect the nature of the guideline.

Following consultations with practitioners and stakeholders, the final draft was approved
by Council at its meeting on June 24, 2016.

4 Structural Engineering Design Services for Buildings

 Note:
References in this guideline to “engineers”
apply equally to professional engineers,
temporary licence holders, provisional licence
holders and limited licence holders.

“Practitioners” in this document, refers both to

engineers as well as Certificate of Authorization
holders who offer and provide engineering services
to the public as defined in the Professional
Engineers Act, henceforth referred to as the Act.

This guideline uses the term “building” as

defined in the Building Code Act, 1992 Ontario.
“Building” is also used in this guideline to mean
“Designated Structures” as identified in the
Building Code.

Professional Engineers Ontario 5

 • difficulties associated with the division of structural engineer-
ing design for a building between multiple practitioners pro-
3. viding services for different clients and suggested procedures
for mitigating risks of non-coordination, incomplete design
and responsibility gaps;
• the term “structural integrity of the building” and how this
term relates to the services provided by the various contribu-
tors to the overall structural design of building;
• limits of responsibility allocated to the various practitioners
providing structural engineering services for the building
structure and components;
• practitioner responsibility for review of shop drawings and
the associated responsibilities for that review;
• identifying a single practitioner as the “primary structural en-
gineer” responsible for coordinating all structural engineering
design work done by the various practitioners; and
• PEO policies for sealing documents and identifying the prop-
er procedures to be followed by the practitioners in various
structural engineering design roles.

This guideline defines the role of a primary structural engineer

(PSE) and delineates differences between the PSE and other practi-
tioners. Furthermore, this guideline outlines the services that a PSE
PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THIS GUIDELINE should consider providing as good practice, and may assist a PSE in
The purpose of this guideline is to provide best practices for engi- explaining their services to a client, some of which may be in excess
neers performing structural engineering design services in build- of the client’s original expectation. These outlined services are not
ings, with special emphasis on the duties to employers, clients and intended to be exhaustive. This guideline applies to buildings and
the public. The guideline covers the following areas: designated structures as defined in the Building Code.
• examples of the division of structural engineering design in
buildings where professional engineering work is carried out
by different practitioners and the variations in their contrac-
tual relationships;

4.

INTRODUCTION
This PEO guideline covers the services offered by engineers with Typical roles for structural engineers on a building design project
respect to structural engineering design work in buildings, includ- that can be undertaken by various practitioners include:
ing preliminary design, as well as preparation of final plans and • the design of the primary structural system for gravity and
documents. lateral loads;
• the design of proprietary components to be incorporated into
The guideline also details the allocation of responsibilities gener- the primary structural system;
ally undertaken by the various structural engineers involved on a • the design of secondary components not part of the primary
building project. Given the wide variation in size and complexity of system but requiring inherent structural integrity, such as
building projects, the number and organization of practitioners will cladding systems, roofing systems or balcony railings;
vary; however, the outcomes described should remain constant. • review of shop drawings; and
• general review of construction as required by the Building
Code, with the plans and other drawings that form the basis
for the issuance of the permit.

6 Structural Engineering Design Services for Buildings

 On a typical project, it falls to PART A.
the designer of the primary
structural system to determine PROFESSIONAL RELATION- other elements, and for allowing for their
and communicate the extent of effects on the primary structural system.
SHIPS AND SCOPE OF WORK
sub-contracted design work and For this purpose, the PSE is responsible
Structural Engineers for the review of these elements.
the design criteria to be used
Structural engineers combine structural
(although this may vary). All analysis with experience and knowledge When engaged to perform engineering
practitioners involved in the to create designs that meet Building services, the PSE should negotiate the
project should confirm their Code and project requirements. They aspects of the work for which they will be
scope and design criteria prior also prepare drawings indicating the responsible with their client. They may
to undertaking their work. location, sizes and quantities of materials, provide some or all of the basic services
and specifications indicating the quality specified in Part B–Design and Con-
of materials and required performance struction of this guideline. Together, all
of structural systems. In certain types of of the services specified in Part B shall be
projects, a structural engineer may also considered to be full basic services. When
be the prime consultant. required by clients, PSEs may also provide
These roles may be performed by a single the additional services specified in Part D
individual, by several individuals within Primary Structural Engineer (PSE) of this guideline.
a single firm, or by several individuals The PSE is responsible for the integrity of
working for different firms. Where major the primary structural system of the build- The PSE should work with the client,
base building components are designed by ing. Although the PSE can rely on other the prime consultant or the design/build
two or more different engineering firms, structural engineers to be responsible for contractor to define a scope of work that
this guideline recommends that a primary primary structural elements, the PSE has enables him or her to provide the required
structural engineer (PSE) be assigned to the overall responsibility to verify that the designs, specifications, contract documents,
the project. designs achieve a primary structural system and/or contract administration as described
that meets applicable standards. Structural in this guideline and applicable codes and
When more than one practitioner is engineers, other than the PSE, who are standards—especially where they affect the
involved, it is critical that all structural also engaged on a project in an ancillary structural integrity of the building.
engineers base their work on a clear under- role are to sign and seal the documents
standing of the extent of their responsibili- related to the structural components (either Although the PSE may have a contrac-
ty and of the design criteria on which their secondary or specialty structural elements) tual relationship directly with the client,
work is based. All structural engineers on a for which they are responsible. The PSE the prime consultant or the design/build
building project are responsible for clarify- does not take professional responsibility for
ing these two points where any division of the work of others, but rather performs a
labour occurs. On a typical project, it falls coordinating role.
to the designer of the primary structural
system to determine and communicate the PSEs do not normally provide design The PSE is responsible for the
extent of sub-contracted design work and services for building components such integrity of the primary structural
the design criteria to be used (although as stairs, miscellaneous metals, non-load
system of the building. Although
this may vary). All practitioners involved bearing walls, steel member connections,
timber connectors, light gauge steel con- the PSE can rely on other structural
in the project should confirm their scope
and design criteria prior to undertaking nection details and metal stud back-up to engineers to be responsible for
their work. veneer walls. However, when negotiated primary structural elements, the
with clients, primary structural engineers PSE has the overall responsibility
may provide these services. to verify that the designs achieve a
primary structural system that meets
While the PSE may not be responsible
for the design of secondary structural applicable standards.
elements, specialty structural elements or
non-structural elements, the PSE remains
responsible for designing the primary
structural system to accommodate these

Professional Engineers Ontario 7

Structural engineers, other than the PSE, who are also engaged on a project Other Project Participants
in an ancillary role are to sign and seal the documents related to the structural While the client, prime consultant and
components (either secondary or specialty structural elements) for which they general contractor are not the focus of
are responsible. The PSE does not take professional responsibility for the work
this guideline, the following description
of their roles is provided so as to properly
of others, but rather performs a coordinating role.
identify, by exclusion, the role of the struc-
tural engineers engaged on a project. Items
listed here are not the responsibility of the
PSE or any other structural design team
member unless they are explicitly identi-
fied as such in a written contract.
contractor, the PSE interacts mostly with other professionals, the general contractor and
the testing and inspection companies associated with the building project. Client
In order that the design and construction
Before commencement of services, the PSE should meet with the client to: of the project may be carried out in a
• develop the scope of work for basic services and additional services; manner that meets appropriate standards
• reach agreement on fees, payment schedule and professional liability insurance; and of public safety and the requirements of
• reach agreement on, and complete a written contract. applicable building regulations, the client
should:
For a “fast-track” project, in addition to the above, the PSE should: 1. retain, or cause to be retained, qual-
• establish with the client, terms and conditions under which preliminary or partially ified design professionals, such as a
completed contract documents can be issued in advance, and clearly define the require- PSE, a geotechnical engineer and a
ments for partially completed contract documents; prime consultant;
• advise the client that no part of the designs or specifications is complete before con- 2. before the commencement of the
tract documents, including those of other professionals, have been completed; and PSE’s services, finalize, or cause to be
• advise when scheduling may adversely affect the quality and safety of the services finalized, a written agreement with
provided by the PSE and other professionals. the PSE (directly with the client or
with the prime consultant or with
Basic services for a building project are generally organized in an agreement according another appropriate party);
to the sequential stages of a typical project. Although each stage of these basic services 3. cooperate with the PSE to set out a
generally contain items pertaining to the progress of work at each construction stage, it written description of the scope of
is normal practice for certain basic services activities to be performed out of the normal the PSE’s services as referred to in this
sequence or in different stages than indicated in the scope of services due to the require- guideline;
ments of a specific project.

The typical stages of basic services for a building project may include:
• conceptual or schematic design;
• design development;
• contract documents, including designs for the primary structural system, structural
calculations, structural design drawings and specifications; Before commencement of services,
• tendering; and the PSE should meet with the
• general review of construction. client to:
• develop the scope of work for
Specialty Structural Engineer (SSE)
basic services and additional
In buildings, some structural elements may be designed by the fabricators of those
components, and their specialty structural engineers (SSE) are responsible for those services;
parts of the work. These elements include, but are not limited to, open web steel • reach agreement on fees,
joists, steel connections, pre-engineered steel buildings, manufactured wood products, payment schedule and
precast concrete and specialized foundations. professional liability insurance;
and
Where there is a gap in required design information, the SSE should communicate with the
• reach agreement on, and
PSE. The SSE is responsible for the integrity of their designs and must sign, seal and date
the documents prepared in their professional capacity or under their direct supervision. complete a written contract.

8 Structural Engineering Design Services for Buildings

4. cooperate with the prime consultant so that an adequate General Contractor
written description of the project is developed; A general contractor has a contractual relationship with a client.
5. cooperate with the prime consultant and the PSE to establish This contract typically states that the general contractor is re-
a realistic schedule for the provision of the PSE’s services; sponsible for the labour, materials and equipment for the build-
6. authorize, in writing, any additional services that may be ing project; and that they are responsible for the construction
required beyond the scope of the PSE’s contract; methods, techniques, sequences, procedures, safety precautions
7. assure that all required approvals, licences and permits from and programs associated with the construction, as set out in the
the authorities with jurisdiction are obtained; contract documents.
8. recognize that, since no design team or its designs are perfect,
some errors or omissions may occur. Accordingly, a reason- The general contractor is responsible for their own work and the
able contingency should be included in the client’s budget; supervision, coordination, safety, quality assurance and inspection
9. recognize that drawings, specifications and other documents of the work of subcontractors, where applicable.
prepared by the PSE are for the specific project and such
documents should not be used or copied for other projects
without the agreement of the PSE and without advice from a
qualified design professional; and
10. recognize that, because code interpretation of the authority
with jurisdiction may differ from the PSE, some changes The general contractor is responsible for their own
may occur. work and the supervision, coordination, safety, quality
assurance and inspection of the work of subcontractors,
If the client fails or refuses to carry out the obligations as set out where applicable.
above, the PSE should:
(a) consider giving written notice to the client advising the client
of the PSE’s recommendations;
(b) consider whether the PSE can continue with the project; and
(c) if appropriate, consider notifying the authority with jurisdiction.

Prime Consultant
To enable the PSE to perform their duties properly, the prime
consultant should:
1) interpret and define the needs of the client. The prime con-
sultant should identify any special design criteria and advise
the PSE accordingly;
2) outline the scope of assignment to each design professional
for design, preparation of contract documents, general review
of construction and contract administration;
3) provide timely information in sufficient detail to allow the
PSE to adequately perform their duties;
4) coordinate and review the designs, drawings and other con-
tract documents produced by all participants of the design
team; and
5) coordinate communication of information between the cli-
ent, the contractor and the design professionals, including the
PSE, so that construction proceeds in a manner that complies
with applicable codes and regulations, and meets their needs.

Professional Engineers Ontario 9

 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
PART B. The following three sections (1–Preliminary Design,
2–Final Design and Documents, and 3–Tendering
and Construction) outline the services that are usually
appropriate for a PSE to provide for a building project.
These sections can assist a PSE or SSE in explaining
their services to a client, a prime consultant or a design/
build contractor. These outlines are not intended to be
exhaustive and should not detract from other provisions
of this guideline.

1–Preliminary Design
The PSE should secure a definition of the requirements
for, and establish the parameters governing, the struc-
tural design. The PSE should then develop a prelimi-
nary design concept for the structural system based on
considerations of economy, performance, constructa-
bility, accepted safety standards and compatibility with
other design elements and user requirements.

While incorporating the requirements, a PSE should:

• abide by the requirements of the current applicable
codes, acts and regulations;
• establish the loads and structural resistance for the
structural design; and
• recommend any specialized services related to
the structural design process that are required for
completion of the project. It is preferable that the
PSE be engaged to prepare the terms of reference
for these specialized services and comment upon
the reports presented, when necessary.

PSEs should consult with the client, prime consultant

and/or design/build contractor about proposed con-
struction materials and techniques, and their alternatives
(including explaining the short and long-term advantages
and disadvantages of each choice), so they can make an
informed decision before final plans and specifications are
While incorporating the requirements, a PSE developed. PSEs should also assess whether new materials
and proprietary products have been independently tested
should:
under conditions and loadings that correspond to those
• abide by the requirements of the current anticipated during use.
applicable codes, acts and regulations;
• establish the loads and structural resistance In the preliminary design stage, the PSE may:
for the structural design; and • attend periodic meetings with the client and design
• recommend any specialized services related team to obtain instructions on the project’s func-
tional, aesthetic, cost and scheduling requirements;
to the structural design process that are
• establish dates by which information affecting the
required for completion of the project. It structural design will be needed from other disci-
is preferable that the PSE be engaged to plines, such as architectural and mechanical;
prepare the terms of reference for these • conduct site inspections and review existing draw-
specialized services and comment upon the ings for renovations or additions;
reports presented, when necessary.
• establish criteria relating to the primary structural system for the geotechnical engi- g) recommend to prime consultants,
neer and other consultants, as required. Comment on reports presented; as appropriate, that an independent
• check applicable codes, regulations and restrictions affecting the design of the project; testing agency monitor the fabrica-
• develop the structural scheme for the primary structural system together with tion and installation of products, and
alternate schemes, where appropriate. Consider materials and systems suitable to the test the materials used for compliance
project requirements. Consider the requirements of the other design professionals with specifications.
and provide any information relating to the primary structural system they require;
• prepare a summary report that recommends the primary structural system selected Design Development Stage
for the project, outlines the reasons for the selection and comments on the effect of In the design development stage, the
the selection on the structural budget for the project; selected preliminary design is developed in
• provide brief outline specifications for the proposed materials; and sufficient depth to complete construction
• explain in writing to the client the risks, advantages and disadvantages of any new details and permit work on construction
construction materials or techniques the PSE proposes for use in the project; documents to begin. During this stage, the
Although not part of their usual duties, the PSE may also assist the client, prime consul- PSE should, as required:
tant and/or design/build contractor to: a) attend meetings with the client and
• determine the need for specialized services such as geotechnical soils investigation, other stakeholders to coordinate the
vibration analysis or wind tunnel testing; flow of design information amongst
• develop or review the project schedule, including milestone dates; the other design team members;
• develop channels of communication with others to: b) cooperate with the other stakeholders,
o coordinate responsibility for showing overall and detail dimensions on the design responding to their requests, taking
drawings; into account their requirements, and
o coordinate design drawing standards and specifications format; and advising them (through the prime
o coordinate the timing of meetings during each stage of the project. consultant) of functional aspects of
the primary structural system that may
The client may assume responsibility for some or all of the foregoing preliminary design affect the design of their components;
stage decisions that do not fall within the practice of engineering, provided: c) analyze and design the structural
• the responsibility for these decisions is clearly defined in writing and relieves the system in conformity with applicable
PSE of responsibility for the effects of such decisions on the selection of the primary codes and regulations;
structural system, costs and/or scheduling; d) review serviceability limits, such as:
• the PSE can make appropriate decisions with regard to engineering and safety; and deflections, vibration, lateral drift,
• the PSE can satisfy the requirements of subsequent stages of these guidelines. concrete and masonry crack control,
foundation settlement and soil-struc-
2–Final Design And Documents ture interaction;
The PSE should develop the structural system design based on the approved or accepted e) review reports by specialized ser-
preliminary design report. The completed design is described by plans and specifications vices such as geotechnical, vibration
that are sufficiently detailed to ensure that the structural system, if built in accordance analysis and wind tunnel testing, and
with the plans and specifications, will be in compliance with the Building Code at the incorporate recommendations into
time of design and will conform to the design intent. the primary design;
f ) prepare structural analysis and design
In preparing final plans and specifications, structural engineers should: calculations for the primary structural
a) analyze and design the structural system in conformity with applicable codes and system components;
regulations; g) prepare foundation designs based on
b) analyze and design each element of the system or, where elements are to be designed recommendations in the geotechnical
by others, provide appropriate design criteria; investigation report;
c) prepare clear design briefs stating the applicable codes, loads, assumptions and design h) prepare the framing design and design
criteria for the analysis and design of the system and its components; detail sketches showing layouts of
d) cooperate with the other design professionals during system design, responding to typical areas;
their requests, taking into account their requirements, and advising them (through i) prepare or edit outline specifications
the prime consultant) of functional aspects of the system that may affect the design of for structural components; and
their systems; j) coordinate the structural design with
e) cooperate with others in their preparation of cost estimates and schedules from time deflection and lateral movement criteria
to time, based upon the most accurate information available as the design develops; to meet requirements of other SSEs.
f ) advise the prime consultant that structural elements designed by others are to be de-
signed by engineers according to specifications and Building Code requirements; and

Professional Engineers Ontario 11

 Geotechnical Information drawings the design criteria (including
Unless they are qualified, structural applicable codes, materials and loads)
engineers should not provide opinions used for the analysis and design. The PSE
on the bearing capacity of soils for foun- should also state in the specifications the
dation support. However, when clients overall structural intent of the design,
or prime consultants have not retained a the elements that are to be designed by
geotechnical engineering firm to prepare specialty engineers, and specify indepen-
a geotechnical report, structural engineers dent testing and inspection of products
may assume values based on their experi- and materials that would be required for
ence in the area and must clearly indicate quality assurance.
on the drawings those design assumptions
used to prepare foundation designs. When Structural Calculations
estimated geotechnical values are used, the The PSE must prepare calculations to sup-
PSE should advise the prime consultant port the structural design of the primary
that these selected design values must be structural system. The calculations should
verified by a geotechnical engineering firm contain a table of contents or index and
prior to construction, and that if conditions must clearly show and delineate service
are found to differ, the designs may have to loads, factored loads and factored load
The PSE should have a quality assurance combinations. The structural calculations
be changed. The PSE should also advise the
process to confirm the adequacy and should be dated, legible and retained in a
prime consultant that additional design and
appropriateness of the design, and also for project file.
construction costs and project delays can
the construction documents to confirm
result if site conditions that were assumed
they convey the design intent and are suf- A copy of input and output of computer
are not actually realized. As well, the doc-
ficient for their intended use. The quality analysis should be included in the project
uments must contain a specific reference
assurance documentation should identify file, along with a description of the soft-
to having a geotechnical engineering firm
the engineers who prepared the design and ware used.
verify soil conditions under foundations
documents, and also those who carried
prior to foundation placement.
out the quality assurance process. In general, structural calculations typically
Although this “design-and-confirm”
strategy is not ideal, clients may exercise will include:
Primary Structural System Design
that option and engineers should address a) the design criteria;
In conjunction with designing the primary
it in a manner that preserves the safety and b) a discussion and description of the
structural system, the PSE shall:
integrity of the foundation design. design basis, including assumptions;
1. with respect to primary structural
c) the standards referenced, with edition
elements, connection details and
For more information, refer to the practice dates;
proprietary products:
guideline Professional Engineers Providing d) a list of live loads, environmental
a. specify types of elements, their
Geotechnical Engineering Services. loads such as wind, snow and seismic
positions within the structure
criteria, and any other special loads;
and methods of connecting to the
Design and Construction e) specifications for materials used;
primary structural system; and Documents f ) geotechnical report information and
b. determine and specify in the The PSE should oversee the creation of design criteria;
contract documents the elements construction documents for the primary g) deflection limitations of structural
that are to be designed by other structural system that comply with the elements and systems;
specialty engineers, and specify building codes and good engineering h) location diagrams for structural
loads and design criteria for use practice at the time of design. The con- elements;
by SSEs in their design. struction documents include calculations, i) vertical load analysis and design
2. with respect to non-structural construction drawings and specifications. of roof structures, floor structures,
elements attached to the primary
frames or trusses, columns, walls and
structural system, the PSE shall: Construction drawings are graphical foundations;
a. design the primary structural sys- and pictorial documents describing the j) lateral load analysis and design for
tem to accept and support such design and characteristics of the elements seismic and wind forces;
elements; and necessary for construction of the primary k) computer analysis and design results;
b. indicate the assumed design building structure. and
loads applied to the prima-
l) special analysis, such as dynamic and
ry structural system by the In preparing the final plans and speci- vibration analyses.
non-structural elements. fications, the PSE should state on the

12 Structural Engineering Design Services for Buildings

The practice guideline Professional Engineers Reviewing Work Pre- The specifications should make it clear that:
pared by Another Professional Engineer states the following, “Clients a) the PSE’s review of shop drawings is undertaken to determine
or regulatory bodies might ask authoring engineers to submit whether they meet the intent of the design; and
design calculations and other information that is not normally b) the client should engage independent agencies to advise on
considered part of the final documents. Unless there is a contrac- the quality of the contractor’s performance and whether the
tual or legislated obligation to do otherwise, authoring engineers work meets the intent of the design.
should not provide documents generated during commission of
the engineering services.” Structural Drawings
When structural drawings are issued, they are intended to be
Specifications used for a specific purpose, such as a building permit application,
Structural engineers shall provide the technical sections of specifica- tendering of the work or construction. These drawings need to
tions for all structural design work for which they are responsible. The be sufficiently complete for the purpose for which they are issued
specifications should cover: and they are to be prepared under the direct supervision of the
a) the scope of work; PSE or SSE who is responsible for the drawing and design content
b) standards, codes and bylaws governing the work; therein. Whenever structural drawings are issued, the drawings
c) submittals required; are to include the purpose of the issuance in the title block and
d) quality control requirements; are to be sealed as per the practice guideline Use of the Professional
e) materials and tolerances; Engineer’s Seal.
f ) workmanship and fabrication;
g) criteria for temporary works; Working drawings are drawings-in-progress or supplementary
h) field review of construction, inspection and testing; sketches that are intended for use only by those involved with the
i) provisions for the contractor to provide notification before design work during the design development and contract docu-
commencing; ment stages of the project. Working drawings are not intended
j) significant steps of the work; to be issued, except for coordination with others, and should
k) trade warranties; and normally not be sealed.
l) erection information, where necessary, to ensure the intent
and integrity of the design. Best practice is for drawings to be fully coordinated and complete
before they are issued for a building permit application, tender
Specifications are prepared using a format suitable for inclusion in or construction. It may be necessary in some cases, however, to
the contract documents. On smaller projects and where appro- issue drawings that are not complete. Therefore, drawings issued
priate, however, specifications can be abbreviated in an outline for a building permit application or tender should not be used for
format and become part of the structural design drawings. construction. Furthermore, drawings that indicate an incomplete
Specifications should specify that the PSE’s review of submittals design should not be submitted for permit application.
and field reviews, as well as testing and inspection by independent
companies reporting to the client, are carried out to inform the Drawings issued for a building permit application must indicate
client of the quality of the contractor’s performance, and that the complete design intent but may require more details for
these reviews, tests and inspections do not relieve the builder of pricing or clarification of the design intent as a result of questions
his/her responsibilities to build the project to conform to the raised during the tendering period. When numerous or significant
structural drawings and specifications. modifications are made to the “Issued for Building Permit” draw-
ings following the building permit application, notification of
those alterations should be submitted to the building department
as part of the permit application.
Specifications should specify that the PSE’s review of
submittals and field reviews, as well as testing and Prior to the start of construction, “Issued for Construction”
inspection by independent companies reporting to the drawings should be prepared by the PSE. These drawings incor-
client, are carried out to inform the client of the quality porate all known modifications to the previously issued drawings.
of the contractor’s performance, and that these reviews, The design and related data will be conveyed in a combination
of graphical representations, tables and notes that document the
tests and inspections do not relieve the builder of his/her
design standards, load criteria, member locations, orientations and
responsibilities to build the project to conform to the sizes, and any other data required as per applicable CSA Stan-
structural drawings and specifications. dards. The design information on the drawing should be suffi-
ciently complete so that the design can be fully understood and
verified by another structural engineer. The drawings also need to
include sufficient detail to enable the fabrication, installation and
connection of the elements by the contractor.

Professional Engineers Ontario 13

 When the PSE is a sub-consultant, the
Building Code analysis is usually the con-
When structural drawings are issued, they are intended to be used for a cern of the prime consultant.
specific purpose, such as a building permit application, tendering of the
3) Structural design data matrix
work or construction. These drawings need to be sufficiently complete for
There is value for all parties, including
the purpose for which they are issued and they are to be prepared under the government authorities, for the structural
direct supervision of the PSE or SSE who is responsible for the drawing and documents to also include a structural
design content therein. design matrix to summarize issues perti-
nent to Part 4 Division B of the Building
Working drawings are drawings-in-progress or supplementary sketches that Code. The matrix table should include
all pertinent structural design load input
are intended for use only by those involved with the design work during the
assumptions and some of the basic output
design development data. See Appendix 1 for an example of a
standard structural design data matrix.

Specifically, the drawings prepared by or under the direct supervision of structural engi- When the PSE is not competent to
neers should include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following: carry out a Building Code analysis,
it is recommended that another
1) Structural notes
a) codes and standards, with dates of issue, to which the design conforms; design professional be engaged to
b) design criteria indicating vertical and horizontal loads used in the design, clearly provide that service.
identified as factored or unfactored, including live loads, environmental loads and
dead loads (such as landscape, partition and equipment loads);
c) reference to the geotechnical report on which the foundation design is based, design
bearing pressure (SLS and ULS) and any other pertinent soil data; 4) Sections and details
d) brief material specifications; Elevations, sections and details are to
e) absolute or relative deflection criteria for primary structural elements; and be at an appropriate scale to portray the
f ) sequence of construction notes, if critical to the construction or long-term perfor- relationship of structural elements to
mance of the structure. each other and their interconnection(s).
Sections and details are to be in sufficient
2) Building Code analysis matrix number to show all non-typical condi-
Section 12(6) of the Act governs the relationship between professional engineers and tions, their locations and extent.
architects. Generally, professional engineers are restricted to preparing or providing de-
signs for structural, mechanical, electrical and other systems in the building that involve Typical details should be used where
the practice of professional engineering. However, for certain building classifications, appropriate; however, care should be taken
professional engineers may prepare designs for all aspects of the buildings including to determine that details noted as “typical”
those aspects that are normally designed by an architect, such as floor plans, exiting, fire are applicable to the condition being por-
separations and provisions for disabled persons. These are fairly common circumstances as trayed and that their locations and extent
section 12(6)2 allows professional engineers to prepare all drawings needed for factories, are explicit.
industrial units, parking garages and storage units, etc., within the noted boundaries. Pro-
fessional engineers are also permitted to provide all drawings for buildings that are exempt 5) General items
from the Architects Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. A.26 such as commercial, mercantile or residential Include on the structural drawing set,
buildings of three storeys or less and not more than 600m² gross floor area. graphically or by notes:
a) grid line dimensions (grid line dimen-
A Building Code analysis matrix provides information needed for the evaluation of the sions may be shown on only one of
permit application and also documents the design basis and expectations. For these rea- the structural plans to avoid duplica-
sons, where the PSE is the prime consultant, a Building Code analysis matrix is required tion errors);
on the drawings prepared as part of the application for a building permit as per Regula- b) structurally derived dimensions that
tion 260/08. When the PSE is not competent to carry out a Building Code analysis, it is are not shown on architectural draw-
recommended that another design professional be engaged to provide that service. ings;
c) snow accumulation diagrams and
For more information, refer to the practice bulletin Use of Building Code Compliance Data wind pressures including pressure
Matrix by Professional Engineers Submitting Drawings for Building Permits. diagrams, if appropriate;

14 Structural Engineering Design Services for Buildings

d) expansion, construction and control joint locations and accumulations diagrams and point loads for equipment
details; including the load positions. The drawings must indicate
e) design loads, deflection criteria and any other relevant data whether loads noted are service or factored loads;
for manufactured components; c) slopes and depressions, or references to drawings by others
f ) the lateral load resisting system; that show that information;
g) temporary bracing, if required; and d) sizes, locations, dimensions and details of structural elements;
h) provisions for future extensions, if applicable. e) for cantilever suspended span (Gerber) systems, include beam
cantilever lengths and splice locations;
Providing adequate dimensions on the drawings is one of the f ) locations, sizes and framing details or reinforcing around
most important elements in the preparation of complete con- major member openings;
struction drawings and the mark of a well-executed project. The g) reference elevations of floors or roof(s);
construction drawings should include dimensions that allow for h) wall framing elevations showing girts and bracing, including
the proper installation and assembly of the building structure. calculated forces, for steel framed buildings;
Although dimensioning of the building is usually provided by the i) reinforcing bar sizes and spacing for concrete members, with
prime consultant, and the primary source of dimensions occur fabrication and placing criteria;
on their drawings, the PSE is responsible for, and shall assist in, j) conditions at change of elevation of the structure, conditions
coordinating the dimensions needed for the accurate location and at intersections of different structural materials, and at inter-
construction of the building structure. To that end, floor levels, action of structural and non-structural components;
column spacing, structural wall locations and offsets, and founda- k) calculated member end forces, moments, shears or torsion re-
tions and piers are to be coordinated with the prime consultant’s quired for connection design by others (governing combined
drawings to confirm consistency of dimensions. factored connection forces should be provided);
l) locations and details of control, construction and expansion
6) Foundation plans should show: joints; and
a) grid lines and grid line dimensions as well as overall dimen- m) provision for future extensions.
sions and structurally derived dimensions;
b) the types, sizes, locations and details of foundations for 8) Column information, usually provided in
columns, walls, piers, equipment and any other structural tables or line diagrams, should show:
loadbearing components; a) elevations of the bottom and top of columns;
c) the anticipated bearing elevations for foundations; b) member sizes;
d) any drainage or dewatering system or requirements; c) reinforcing elements for concrete columns;
e) the foundation system installation sequence, if important to d) proposed splice locations and splice details for structural steel
the structural design; and concrete columns;
f ) sub-grade preparation for slabs-on-grade, as well as the thick- e) column axial loads and bending moments to be resisted at
ness, reinforcing and elevation of the slabs-on-grade; base and at splices; and
g) estimated pile lengths and capacities, or a source for this f ) stiffeners, lateral bracing and local reinforcements for steel
information; elements.
h) frost-safe soil cover or equivalent insulation requirements for
shallow foundations;
i) the approximate location of existing services and founda-
tions, or any other relevant site information made known to
the PSE, that may conflict with the proposed foundations.
Service locates, however, are still the responsibility of the
excavation contractor; and
j) allowable SLS and ULS soil or rock-bearing capacity, pile
capacities and lateral earth pressures for retaining structures
with reference to pertinent geotechnical reports.

7) Framing plans of floors, roofs and elevations of

walls should show:
a) grid lines and structurally derived dimensions, dimensions to
outside of structural floor plate from grid or overall dimen-
sions of floor plate;
b) all pertinent design loads broken down into the various load
cases. This includes uniform area loads, variable roof snow

Professional Engineers Ontario 15

9) Structural detail drawings should show (depending on the materials
used):
a) masonry bearing and shear wall details, including masonry unit and mortar strengths,
details of reinforcing, support of loads, lintels and grouting procedures;
b) reinforced concrete member details, such as geometry, reinforcing, etc., sufficiently
detailed to enable others to prepare reinforcing plans and details as well as bar lists;
c) wood shear wall details, including nailing patterns and end anchorages or factored
anchorage forces if connectors are to be designed by other specialty engineers;
d) elevations and details of custom-designed trusses, including splice locations and
calculated member forces for each member if specialty engineers are required to detail 12) Cold formed steel (CFS)
the interconnections between the members; and components:
e) timber members and connection details, or end forces if connectors are to be de- CFS structural members may be part of
signed by a SSE. the primary structural system as beams,
joists or load bearing studs. In such cases,
10) Connections:
the structural drawings should indicate all
a) where connections are the responsibility of a SSE, design drawings should indicate
CFS member sizes according to stan-
required information and connection forces, and may include appearance criteria;
dardized sizes developed by the CSSBI.
and
When CFS members are used in non-load
b) where connections are the responsibility of the PSE, design drawings should show
bearing systems, such as panelized wall
dimensions and specific connection details.
cladding and curtain walls, the structural
11) Temporary works drawings should only indicate the maxi-
A sufficient design criterion to enable SSEs to design temporary works for which the mum member depth and the design loads
contractor is normally responsible needs to be present on, or derivable from, the con- to be resisted so that the specialty engineer
struction documents. Some temporary works, such as temporary bracing required to can design the system framing. In either
stabilize the structure for a specific duration during construction, is the responsibility of case, the structural drawings should spec-
the PSE. Note that temporary bracing is not the same as erection bracing, which is the ify that specialty engineers are to design
contractor’s responsibility. the member-to-member connections and
prepare shop details.
For more information, refer to the practice guideline Professional Engineers–Temporary Works.

16 Structural Engineering Design Services for Buildings

3–Tendering and Construction
Tendering stage
The PSE may provide an “issued for tender” set of documents and
this set is normally assumed to be substantially complete, and only
lacking details that are not significant in the tendering process.

During the tendering period, the PSE should assist prime consul-
tants in answering ques¬tions raised by the tendering contractors
and, when necessary, prepare addendum (addenda) or clarification
notes to the structural documents.

As additional services, the PSE may also assist the client, prime
consultant and or design/build contractor to:
• prepare the tendering documents;
• prepare pre-qualification documents;
• review bidders’ qualifications;
• obtain required approvals, licenses and permits; and analyze
and evaluate tenders submitted; and
• review and analyze tender prices.

Construction stage
Prior to the start of construction, the PSE should provide an “is-
sued for construction” set of documents. This set of documents
is an update of the tendered documents and includes all items
in the structural addendum, clarification memos and any other
items that should be noted to coordinate with the documents of
• timber connector details and plans;
other disciplines.
• cold formed steel plans and connection details; and
• shoring diagrams.
For general review during construction, refer to the practice
guideline Professional Engineers Providing General Review of Con-
Any document or drawing that includes design work performed
struction as Required by the Ontario Building Code. This guide-
by the SSE shall be issued under seal in accordance with the Use
line outlines services that should be provided as part of general
of the Professional Engineer’s Seal practice guideline. Any other
review during construction.
documents without engineering design content carried out by the
Fabricator, Manufacturer, and Construction Drawings SSE should not be sealed by the SSE. The PSE should review all
& Documents of the sealed documents for compliance with the specified struc-
Unless indicated otherwise in the contract, fabricators or manu- tural requirements and all other documents for general confor-
facturers should produce drawings and documents for the work mance to the design intent.
covered under their contract with the general contractor or sub-con-
tractor. These drawings and documents should be prepared by the It is always preferable that the PSE or a design engineer reviews
fabricators or manufacturers after reviewing the drawings, specifica- the associated shop drawings. However, the PSE may delegate
tions and contract documents supplied by the PSE. this task. The PSE should exercise their professional judgment
and due diligence in determining what work should be delegated,
Typical fabricator or manufacturer drawings and documents may the skill and knowledge required to review the shop drawings and
include: how the work is delegated.
• structural design drawings and documents for proprietary
structural elements, such as open web steel joists;
• erection drawings and documents that specifically show the
location of structural elements, connections and components
to be supplied by the fabricator;
• shop fabrication/connection drawings and documents that
provide information necessary for shop personnel to fabricate
and assemble the items;
• reinforcing bar lists, placing diagrams and details;

Professional Engineers Ontario 17

 PART C.

Finally, structural engineering

firms are strongly encouraged to
refer to the practice guideline
Conducting a Practice Review,
which deals with the professionally
acceptable manner of operating
and managing a professional
engineering practice.

OFFICE PROCEDURES
Structural engineering firms are required to maintain minimum 4. implement design and quality assurance procedures to ensure
standards in the organization and equipping of their offices. the PSE oversees the engineering and drawing preparation
for which they are taking responsibility. This includes direct
At a minimum, the following actions should be undertaken by involvement in establishing the design parameters to be
every office: followed for the work, monitoring and reviewing engineering
1. maintain a library of relevant codes and standards for the type calculations, and reviewing the construction documents for
of work being undertaken. This usually includes, but is not accuracy and adequacy for their intended use.
limited to: 5. maintain project files organized by project number. The
• the National Building Code of Canada; project files, including calculations, correspondence, reports
• National Building Code structural commentaries; and shop drawings, must be maintained as per the practice
• the Building Code; guideline Professional Engineering Practice.
• CSA standards, as appropriate; and 6. maintain a digital copy of project file folders and have a sys-
• publications and design guides from trade associations tem of regular backups. It is good practice to keep the digital
such as CISC, CSSBI, CPCA, CWC, CPCI, etc. files for a set period of time.
7. maintain copies of original sealed drawings and documents as
It is recommended that obsolete versions of these documents per the practice guideline Use of the Professional Engineer’s Seal.
be retained for reference when an existing building is being
assessed or altered. Finally, structural engineering firms are strongly encouraged to
2. select and maintain computer software for use in the design refer to the practice guideline Conducting a Practice Review, which
process as well as for administrative activities. deals with the professionally acceptable manner of operating and
3. document design procedures, including identifying commu- managing a professional engineering practice.
nication needs and timeframes, and establishing a quality
assurance process to be followed.

18 Structural Engineering Design Services for Buildings

 • dynamic analysis beyond that required by the Building Code
(e.g. spectrum analysis or time-history response analysis);
PART D. • review and coordination of designs and specifications pre-
pared by SSEs or other design professionals, which have not
been specifically included in the basic services agreement,
OTHER SERVICES RELATED TO STRUCTURAL to confirm compatibility with the primary structural system
ENGINEERING IN BUILDINGS (for more information please refer to the practice guideline
Professional Engineers Reviewing Work Prepared by Another
In addition to the basic services described in Part B–Design and
Professional Engineer);
Construction, the PSE can provide additional services if it is
• design of specialty structural elements and non-structural
agreeable with both the PSE and the client. Such an agreement
elements not specifically included in basic services agreement,
should be in an additional services contract. These additional
such as: curtain walls, building facings, cladding, antennae,
services may be related to a building project for which the PSE is
elevators, storage tanks and exterior landscape elements;
already engaged, or they may comprise the entire scope of the ser-
• determination of, or investigation into, structural fire-resis-
vices provided. Structural engineers should provide the following
tance requirements;
services only if they are engaged by prime consultants or clients
• preparation of alternate designs, or investigation into
and they have the experience and ability required to do so.
alternate products or systems requested by the client or the
general contractor;
For a building project, additional services are typically not consid-
• preparation of, or assistance with, cost estimates, or reviewing
ered to be included in basic services and are not part of the basic
cost estimates prepared by others;
services that a PSE should provide under this guideline. Addi-
• translation of contract documents, conversion into other units,
tional services for a building can include design, preparation of
or special preparation of design drawings for reduction in size;
documents and field review.
• preparation of documents for tendering segregated contracts,
pre-tendered contracts, phased or fast-track construction;
Additional services could include, but are not limited, to:
• review of the general contractor’s design for or installation of
• changes in project scope or complexity due to choices or
temporary works for excavations and construction, underpin-
requirements of others;
ning of adjacent structures, or erection sequence instructions;
• changes in time schedules, imposed by others, either reducing
• review of the general contractor’s methods, procedures or
design time or extending construction time;
construction equipment;
• activities related to existing buildings, including surveys;
• design changes due to construction cost over-runs not direct-
• preparation of documents for demolition;
ly in the control of the PSE;
• filing applications for, and/or obtaining, project-related permits;
• design changes due to errors or omissions by the general
• seismic analysis beyond that required to meet the require-
contractor;
ments of the relevant building code;
• additional work due to damage to the construction work
• seismic analysis and design of seismic restraints for non-struc-
resulting from either natural or human-caused events;
tural elements;
• continuous, unusually frequent, or unusually detailed field
• physical model analysis such as wind-tunnel tests or shaking
reviews during construction;
table tests;
• review of re-submittals or supplementary submittals due to
incorrect or incomplete submittals by the general contractor;
• preparation of quantity take-offs and/or bills of materials;
• preparation of fabrication drawings, reinforcing steel bending
In addition to the basic services described in Part B– schedules or other types of shop drawings;
• preparation of record drawings;
Design and Construction, the PSE can provide additional
• tenant-related design services; and
services if it is agreeable with both the PSE and the • services as an expert witness.
client. Such an agreement should be in an additional
services contract. These additional services may be Other services not part of the basic scope of work related to a
related to a building project for which the PSE is already building project, which may be in addition to a wider scope
engaged, or they may comprise the entire scope of the of service or be the entire scope of service in themselves, could
include items such as those in the list that follows.
services provided. Structural engineers should provide
the following services only if they are engaged by prime Advisory Services
consultants or clients and they have the experience and Advisory services include testimony, consultation and advice, ap-
ability required to do so. praisals, valuations, research or other services leading to specialized
conclusions and recommendations.

Professional Engineers Ontario 19

Feasibility Studies Mechanical and Electrical Works
Feasibility studies involve preliminary engineering studies and the Mechanical and electrical works include equipment supports,
collation and processing of information to recommend a plan or machine foundations and light standards.
course of action for projects. They include exploration, gathering
of topographical and other site-condition information, subsoil Resident Inspection
investigation, analysis of conditions, economic studies of capital, Under the general review of construction, only periodic visits to the
operating costs and other financial considerations, and similar site are provided. When more detailed monitoring of field work
studies on which recommendations for projects could be based. is considered necessary, structural engineers should be retained to
provide field staff on a part- or full-time basis, as required.
Construction Cost Estimating
Construction cost estimating services include comparative cost es- Provision of As-Built or Record Drawings
timates for preliminary and final designs as required by clients or As-built drawings, when prepared by the PSE, consist of con-
prime consultants. Structural engineers should indicate that since struction drawings revised in accordance with “as-built” marks
actual costs are dependent on conditions beyond their control, provided by the contractor. There is no warranty of accuracy on
they cannot guarantee the accuracy of such estimates. Prime con- the part of the PSE for the information provided by others. As-
sultants should engage cost consultants for cost estimating when it built drawings are not sealed by the PSE.
becomes a priority.
Record drawings consist of revised construction drawings, and
Structural Engineering Assessments of Existing Buildings possibly completely new drawings as required, to illustrate
In certain circumstances, clients will hire individual engineers or as-constructed conditions. Record drawings are prepared from
engineering firms to conduct structural assessments of existing field observations by the PSE who warrants that the information is
buildings or parts thereof. Generally, structural engineering assess- accurate. Record drawings are to be sealed by the PSE.
ments of existing buildings fall into one of two categories:
• assessments of the overall integrity of buildings; or Preparation of Erection and Fabrication Drawings
• assessments of buildings or parts thereof affected by structurally The preparation of erection and fabrication drawings includes
compromising events, such as fires, vehicle impact or flooding. shop drawings for structural steel, precast concrete, reinforcing
steel, structural timber and other prefabricated components, and
For more information, refer to the practice bulletin Structural bills of materials and quantities. These drawings are normally
Engineering Assessments of Existing Buildings. provided by SSEs involved with the project.

Surveys of Existing Structures Structural Modelling

Surveys of existing structures may include detailed condition sur- The preparation of physical models and subsequent testing is an
veys and/or dimensional surveys, as well as structural evaluations area of practice usually undertaken by firms that specialize in this
of existing buildings. These surveys may also include the gathering service, or undertaken in an academic setting.
of information on unusual or specific existing loadings, such as
process equipment, storage or effects from adjacent construction. Building Information Modeling (BIM) Management
This service relates to the creation and management of a digi-
Search of Records tal representation that is used as the authoritative source for all
These may include searches of such records that may be held information about the project. This is dependent on compatible
against the property as rights, restrictions and easements, and for input (conforming to agreed standards) from all project stake-
information concerning underground services. holders. While PEO does not have a specific guideline for BIM,
the practice guideline Professional Engineers Using Software-Based
Revisions to Drawings and Specifications Engineering Tools provides best practices that apply to BIM.
These services include extensive revisions to drawings and
specifications due to changes originated by prime consultants or
clients after the commencement of final plans and specifications.
Revisions to drawings and specifications may be necessary, for ex-
ample, when clients or prime consultants do not obtain a geotech-
nical report before the design and construction phases begin.

Architectural Works
Architectural works include stairs and handrails, curtain walls,
miscellaneous metals, building finishes and appendages, signage,
poles, decorative walls, light metal framing, and waterproofing
and moisture protection.

20 Structural Engineering Design Services for Buildings

 DEFINITIONS

For the purposes of this guideline the

following terms and definitions apply:

Building
This guideline uses the term “building”
as defined in the Building Code Act, 1992
Ontario. “Building” is also used in this
guideline to mean “Designated Structures”
as identified in the Building Code.

Client
The person or organization that has com- weight and applicable live loads based on trusses, combination wood and metal or
missioned the work and retains the prime occupancy, use of the space and environ- plywood joists, precast concrete elements,
consultant. mental loads, such as wind, snow and seismic dampers and base-isolation devices
seismic forces. and anchors, and other miscellaneous pre-
Constructability fabricated structural components of wood
The extent to which a design of a facility Prime consultant or metal buildings.
provides for ease of construction yet meets The person or organization responsible
the overall requirements of that facility. for coordinating the building design and Specialty structural engineer (SSE)
liaison with the client and contractor. A member who designs and supervises the
Contractor As necessary, prime consultants are also preparation of documents for a specialty
The person, firm or corporation con- responsible for ensuring coordination structural element while acting as a sup-
tracting with the client to provide labour, between all design professionals, including porting engineer providing supplementary
materials and equipment for the execution architectural, structural, mechanical, elec- supporting structural engineering services
of the work. Contractors are responsible for trical engineers and other specialists. to the PSE.
coordinating and supervising sub-trades,
and maintaining quality control and con- Secondary structural element Structural integrity
struction procedures. A structural design element that is Structural integrity is defined in the Struc-
structurally significant for the function tural Commentary L of the 2010 edition
Non-structural element it serves but does not contribute to the of the National Building Code (Part 4
A design element of a building that is not overall strength or stability of the primary of Division B) to mean the ability of a
a primary structural element, secondary structural system. The design and field structure to absorb local failure without
structural element, or specialty structural review of secondary structural elements widespread collapse.
element. Examples can include non-bear- may fall under the responsibility of the
ing partitions and suspended ceilings. PSE or the SSE. Examples can include ele- Temporary works
vator support rails and beams, curtain wall Temporary works are installations required
Primary structural element systems, cladding, and seismic restraints to provide interim access, protection,
A beam, column or other structural design for architectural, mechanical and electrical support or services for works and materi-
element that forms a part of the primary design elements. als during the construction of permanent
structural system. works. Contractors may be required by
Specialty structural element legislation or specifications to retain profes-
Primary structural engineer (PSE) A structural design element that is de- sional engineering services for certain types
The person or organization responsible for signed and field reviewed by a speciality of temporary works. However, structural
the structural integrity of the primary struc- structural engineer providing structural engineers shall include the responsibility
tural system, and for general conformance engineering services as a supporting reg- for checking the temporary works design to
and coordination of secondary structural istered professional. These elements, nor- ensure it meets the structural intent of the
elements and specialty structural elements mally fabricated off-site, typically require designer. For more information, refer to the
with the primary structural system. specialized fabrication equipment or a practice guideline Professional Engineers–
proprietary fabrication process not usually Temporary Works.
Primary structural system available at the project site. Examples
A combination of primary structural can include open-web steel joists, wood
elements that support a building’s self

Professional Engineers Ontario 21

 APPENDIX 1–STRUCTURAL DESIGN DATA MATRIX

STRUCTURAL DESIGN DATA MATRIX

No. ITEM DESCRIPTION

1. Primary Structural System Some options
(M1) Steel roof, Unreinforced load bearing masonry
(M2) Precast plank decks, Unreinforced load bearing masonry
(M3) Steel roof, Reinforced load bearing masonry
(M4) Precast plank decks, Reinforced load bearing masonry
(S1) Steel framing using tension only bracing and steel decks
(S2) Limited duct. M.R. frames and steel decks
(T1) Light timber framing and nailed shear walls
2. Design Codes OBC (latest) Part: 4 or 9
All Codes as listed in OBC
Article and Table 1.3.1.2
And as listed in other notes
3. Dead Loads (may be shown on framing plans)
a) Self Weight- Optional to include breakdown ---- kPa
b) Partition Allowance ---- kPa
Total Dead Load ---- kPa
4. Live Loads (may be shown on framing plans)
(Note: Loads on a floor may vary according to use and should be noted as such)
Ground Floor ---- kPa
Upper Floors ---- kPa
5. Snow/Rain Loads (Note: See plan or schedules for snow accumulation loads at change of height or
obstructions)

c) Import. (ls) 1.0 ULS, 0.9 SLS

d) Ground snow (Ss 1/50) ---- kPa
e) Ground rain load (Sr 1/50) ---- kPa
f) Roof drainage One of 3 options (refer to EABO Flow Control Roof Drainage Declaration form):
(A) No flow control drains M1
(B) F low control system by engineer meets standard M2 criteria so that rain and
snow loads are not considered simultaneously
(C) Controlled flow, but rain and snow loads are considered as simultaneous M3
6. Wind load
c) Import. (lw) 1.0 ULS, 0.75 SLS
d) Wind load (q 1/50) ___ kPa Category (for Interior Pressure)
2
e) Fact. Horizontal Shear (N-S) ___ kN (kips)
f) Fact. Horizontal Shear (E-W) ___ kN (kips)

22 Structural Engineering Design Services for Buildings

 7. Seismic load
a) Import. (le) ---
b) Seismic data Sa(0.2) Sa(0.5) Sa(1.0) Sa(2.0)
xxx xxx xxx xxx
c) Site data Site Class Fa Fv
xxx xxx xxx
leFaSa(0.2) = xxx
d) Method of analysis Equivalent Static or Dynamic

e) Equivalent static force procedure B= Ta= Mv= J=

xxx xxx xxx xxx
1st direction Type of SFRS Rd= Ro=
Conv. Const. Shear Walls xxx xxx

Shear Moment Maximum Deflection

xxx xxx xxx
2nd direction Type of SFRS Rd= Ro=
(usually the same as first direction) xxxxxx xxx xxx

Shear Moment Maximum Deflection

xxx xxx xxx

8. Other Loads

9. Foundation
Description Shallow Foundations or Deep Foundations
Bearing (ULS) xxxx kPa (psf)
Bearing (SLS) xxxx kPa (psf)
Retaining Structures Ka = xx, Kp = xx, Density = xx kN/CU.M.
Surcharge = xx kPa(psf), Frict. Fact. = xx
Soil Report by: --------
10. Future Construction
 llowances designed for on structure
A Description
shown
Future additions Description

Professional Engineers Ontario 23

Professional Engineers
Ontario