17C-224 (9) UJ!J1/LC,UJ 10. UJ J CJO�JYG� Ul.l°MJLI.7CC 1-H17G U.,
Go-West Building,(Florence*,iorthmpton Ma-eh 31,2003
OA File 23003 page 3
a. The requirernent of paragraph 3408.3.5 states that"alterations shall not be made to
elements or systems contributing to the lateral load resistance of a building which
would reduce their capacity to resist lateral loads..." As long as no exterior walls
and no pasty wells are removed or altered in any way,no fimher investigation or
reinforcement is required.
b. The requirement ofparagraph 3408.6.3 requires that earthquake hazards be reduced.
Hazards include non-conforming masonry parapets, wood-framed floors not
connected to masonry bearing walls, and non-conforming precast concrete
connections, This building does not have any of these hazards.
In short,only significantly damaged and woefully inadequate structural elements need to be repaired
or reinforced. However,repairs and reinforcements must comply with the Code requirements for
new buildings. The building needs selected structural reinforcement and repairs in order to be
brought into compliance wifa the requirements of the Massachusetts State Building Code (780
CMR). Additional rneasuremeuts and inspections will also be needed before final construction
structural drawings can be prepared.
If you have any comments or gaestions, please call me.
Sincerely,
Oemulgee.Associates, In:.
. Kiri , P. WAYNE'
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Go-West Building,(Florence)Northampton March 31,2003
OA File 23003 Page 2
redundant system that includes at least two layers of ceiling/tie joists. One of the trusses is missing a
diagonal strut.
It is recommended that the mussing truss strut be replaced and auxiliary framing be installed to
reinforce the interior bearing cross wall,
The site visit did not include access to the roof. Therefore, the exterior framing of the parapet or false
front was not observed. However, the parapet framing probably consists of the front wall studs projected
up into the parapet. The studs appear sound when observed from inside the attic. However,their integrity
above the roof line would depend on the soundness of the flashing and cladding covering the parapet.
Fire Escape. The exterior steel fire escape was not specifically observed during the site visit. However,
subsequent photos sent to this office suggest that minor maintenance. such as paindDg, is needed.
Chapter 34 Requirements. Chapter 34 of the Massachusetts State Building Code (7780CMR) dues the
structural requirements wher a building will be altered or repaired. For this discussion,it has been assumed
that the anticipated repairs will only affect architectural finishes and mechanical equipment and structural
framing and loadings will not be significantly affected. It has also been assumed that there will be no change
in uses.
1. Paragraph 34082 addresses the adequacy of all structural systems affected by the alterations
or repairs. To the extent that the alterations do not change the original design loads and do
not remove or interrupt major structural elements,no further investigation or reinforce meat
is required. However,where existing bearing walls will be changed,affected framing must
be verified.
2. Paragraph 3408.3.1 generally allows existing,intact members to be grandfathered as long
as they are not blatantly unsafe. An engineering analysis did find that the first and second
floor joists are significantly undersized
3. Paragraphs 3408.3.3 and 3408.3.8 require that damaged or deficient members be repaired
using the code criteria for new construction,although deficient members can be 15 percent
under-strenSth without needing to be reinforced. As recommended above, additional
framing will be required to reinforcement to the first and second floor joists and pan of the
roof framing.
4. Paragraph 3408.5.2 requires that the floor framing be adequate to support the loads required
for new construction whenever repairs or alterations affect the framing. The added new
framing will comply with the requirements of Chapter 16 for new construction..
5. Paragraph 3408.5.3 and 3408.5.4 establish minimum requirements forwind and seismic load
resistance. In general, though, where structural work is minor, no significant structural
changes axe planned,and the building has adequately supported the worst storms anticipated
by the Code,then the lateral bracing systern can be considered adequate.
6. Paragraph 3408.5.4 addresses the requirements of the existing lateral load resisting system
relative to earthquake loads. If alteration costs exceed half the value of the building
(excluding fire safety and accessibility costs),the building would be assigned a"S cis r_uc
Hazard Category"of 2(Table 3408.1). For this category,paragraph 3408.5.4.4 requires that
the building comply with two specific requirements:
OCMULGEE ASSOCIATES, INC./
Consulting Structural Fzl&eeri ng �
317 High Street, Ipswich, Massaebusetts 01938
Voice: (978) 356-7833 Fax: (978)356-3465
E-Mad: ormulstZatiac.not
March 31, 2003
Kathleen R.Ford,,AIA,
Ford Gillen Architects
409 Main Street
Arzaberst,Massachuscus 01002.2364
Reference: Go-West Building,(Florence)Northampton
OA File 23003
Dear Kathy:
I visited the Go-West building on Thursday, January 16 to examine its overall structural condition. The
building is a wood-framed three story building about 45 feet wide by 60 feet long,not including a one story
addition or the west side. 'The first floor is an empty commercial space and the two upper floors are occupied
residential rooms. There is a full basement under the commercial space.
First Floor Framing and Basemen:. The first floor is supported by rough sawn 2x10 joists that span about
22 feet from the exterior foundation walls to a central bearing wall. On the east side of the basement, an
intermediate beam is present that divides the joist span in half;on the west side,the joists span the full 22 feet
An engineering analysis found that the joists can support a live load of only 20 psf with a 22 foot span but
can support 100 psf with an 11 foot span.
It is recommended that an intermediate beam be installed on both sides of the basement in order for
the commercial floor framing to be in compliance with the state building code.
The fast floor joists are heavily charred in the northeast corner of the basement. The top of the foundation
wall is also tilted outward in this area,a condition that may have developed as a result of the partial loss of
bracing at the top of the wall during the fire.
it is recommended that the charred joists and beams be replaced with new framing and that the brick
wall be removed and them rebuilt plumb.
Second and Third Floor Framing. The second floor joists are rough sawn 2x10 joists that spars about 22 feet
from the exterior stud bearing walls to a central steel beam and post system. The third floor framing could
not be observed because the second and third floors are occupied. While the third floor may be framed the
same as the first and second, there does not seem to be any dedicated vertical support system except for
randomly located-walls between rooms. Assuming that the second floor joists support both the second and
third floor loads,the 2x10 joists do not comply with the requirements of the state building code for residential
units. However,the steel beams and columns do have the required capacity.
It is recommended that the second floor joists be reinforced with modern LVL framing in order to
support the required 40 psf live load from two levels.
Roof Framing and Parapet. The roof is f arced with conventional rafters that rest on the outside stud bearing
walls and lean against a central ridge beam, The ridge beam is supported on two wood trusses and an
incomplete interior cross wall. The system appears to be functioning adequately because it is a complex,