Engineering & Architecture
Purpose-built for A/E firms, structural engineers, and design professionals. Instant access to building codes, design standards, and firm documentation with full citations.
Knowledge Domains
Building Codes & Standards
IBC, ASCE, ACI, AISC standards with jurisdiction-specific amendments.
Design Guidelines
AIA best practices, LEED requirements, and accessibility standards.
Project Documentation
Specifications, RFIs, submittals, and construction administration docs.
Firm Standards
CAD standards, QA/QC procedures, and project management templates.
Real-World Examples
What are the seismic design requirements for a 6-story steel moment frame in Los Angeles?
For LA (Seismic Design Category D): (1) Use ASCE 7-22 for seismic loads with Site Class D default, (2) Steel SMF per AISC 341 with R=8, Ω₀=3, Cd=5.5, (3) Story drift limit 0.020hsx per ASCE 7 Table 12.12-1, (4) Strong column-weak beam ratio ≥1.0 per AISC 341 E3.4a, (5) Panel zone design per AISC 341 E3.6e. Prequalified connections per AISC 358 required. [Source: ASCE 7-22 Ch.12, AISC 341-22, LA Building Code amendments]
What are the egress requirements for a 50,000 SF office building with 500 occupants?
Egress requirements per IBC 2021: (1) Occupant load: 500 (given) or calculate at 100 SF/person for business, (2) Min 2 exits required (>500 occupants = 3 exits), (3) Exit width: 0.2" per occupant = 100" min total, (4) Travel distance max 300' (sprinklered), (5) Common path max 100', (6) Exit separation ≥ 1/2 diagonal, (7) Exit signs illuminated, emergency lighting required. Verify ADA accessible route to each exit. [Source: IBC 2021 Ch.10, NFPA 101, ADA Standards]
What's the minimum ventilation rate for a conference room per ASHRAE 62.1?
Per ASHRAE 62.1-2022 for conference rooms: (1) People outdoor air rate (Rp) = 5 CFM/person, (2) Area outdoor air rate (Ra) = 0.06 CFM/SF, (3) Default occupant density = 50 people/1000 SF, (4) For 1000 SF room: Vbz = 5×50 + 0.06×1000 = 310 CFM outdoor air, (5) Apply zone air distribution effectiveness (Ez) typically 1.0 for ceiling supply. Consider demand control ventilation with CO2 sensors for variable occupancy. [Source: ASHRAE 62.1-2022 Table 6.2.2.1]
What are the stormwater detention requirements for a 5-acre commercial development?
Typical requirements (verify local jurisdiction): (1) Post-development peak flow ≤ pre-development for 2, 10, 100-yr storms, (2) Water quality: treat first 0.75-1.0" of runoff (first flush), (3) Volume control: often infiltrate/retain 1" over impervious area, (4) Detention sizing: Modified Rational or TR-55 methods, (5) Outlet structure: multi-stage with low-flow orifice. LA County requires hydromod management. Check MS4 permit and LID requirements. [Source: Local stormwater manual, MS4 permit, TR-55]
What LEED credits can we target for a new office building aiming for Gold certification?
LEED v4.1 BD+C Office Gold strategy (60-79 pts): (1) Location & Transportation - 12-16 pts (transit, bike facilities), (2) Sustainable Sites - 6-8 pts (heat island, rainwater), (3) Water Efficiency - 8-10 pts (indoor/outdoor reduction), (4) Energy - 18-25 pts (optimize performance, renewables), (5) Materials - 6-8 pts (EPDs, recycled content), (6) IEQ - 10-12 pts (daylight, views, air quality). Prioritize energy performance (biggest point category) and location credits (often free points). [Source: LEED v4.1 BD+C Scorecard, USGBC Reference Guide]
What's our standard RFI response protocol and timeline requirements?
Firm RFI protocol: (1) Log receipt in Procore/Newforma within 24 hours, (2) Initial review by PM within 2 business days, (3) Route to appropriate discipline lead, (4) Standard response time: 7 business days (contractual), (5) Complex RFIs requiring consultant input: 14 days with interim response, (6) Track in weekly OAC meetings, (7) Issue formal response on firm letterhead with ASI if design change required. Flag cost/schedule impact RFIs immediately. [Source: Firm CA Manual v2.3, Standard Contract Terms]
Key Benefits
Reduce Code Research Time
Access IBC, ASCE, ACI, and local amendments instantly. No more hunting through code books or outdated PDFs.
Improve First-Submission Success
Catch code compliance issues before permit submission. Reduce plan check comments and revision cycles.
Standardize Firm Practices
Ensure consistent application of firm standards across all projects. New staff follow best practices from day one.