31D-185 Clark Ave Code Review-decksMark O. Gelotte Architect.
________________________________________________________________________
70 Elm Street
Hatfield, Massachusetts 01038
413 247- 9624 mgelotte@markgelottearchitect.com
December 16, 2014
Re: Massachusetts Code Review
Repairs, Rear Decks.
Clark Avenue Condominiums
53 Clark Ave, Northampton, Ma. 01038
Repairs and Reinforcing of Rear Decks
The building at 53 Clark Avenue was constructed in the mid to late 19th century, originally as a mill
along the Mill River (now relocated). The original structure is of exterior brick bearing wall
construction with heavy timber interior structural frame and 3” nominal plank flooring. In the late
1980’s the building was converted to residential condominiums and a third floor was added with
wooden decks and egress stair enclosures.
The scope of work for the present project involves repairing and reinforcing various connections on the
existing wood decks on the rear of the building. See drawing A-3 by Mark O. Gelotte Architect.
IEBC 2009
Chapter 4: Classification of Work (Work Area Method)
Section 402 Repairs: Comply with Chapter 5
402.3 Related work. Work on non-damaged components that is necessary for the required repair of
damaged components shall be considered part of the repair and shall not be subject to the provisions of
Chapter 6,7,8,9 or 10.
Chapter 5: Repairs
506.2.1 Repairs for less than Substantial structural damage.
For damage less than substantial structural damage, the damaged elements shall be permitted to be
restored to their pre-damage condition.
The work involved would satisfy the requirements for “Less than Substantial Structural Damage.”
However the design of the new repair connections will meet the loading requirements of IBC 2009 for
new construction.
See following page for Use and Occupancy, Heights and Areas and Type of Construction.
Clark Ave Condominiums Deck Repairs 2
IBC 2009
Use and Occupancy
Group R-2, Residential, Multiple dwellings, (Condominiums, 16 total units)
Building Heights and Areas
Areas
Basement:
Unoccupied: 2105 sf.
Owner Storage: 2790 sf.
Second Floor:
R-2 Use: 5695 sf.
R-2 decks 573 sf.
First Floor:
R-2 Use: 5695 sf.
R-2 decks 914 sf.
Third Floor:
R-2 Use: 4440 sf.
R-2 decks 336 sf
Height
40’ at average grade plane
3 stories R-2 residential Condominiums
1 level below grade, owner/occupant storage and unoccupied space.
Type of Construction
Type IV & Type V: More than half of the building area, basement, first and second Floor is of exterior
brick bearing wall construction with heavy timber interior structural frame and 3” nominal plank
flooring. The rear exterior wall of half of the building is of wood frame and the third floor is completely
of light wood frame construction. The decks are constructed of pressure treated dimensional lumber
with various galvanized metal connectors.