general structural notes

huangyhg

general structural notes
hi,
i just left my old job to start my own practice, and i need to start a structural notes sheet.  
i am trying not to be influenced by the notes sheet that i'm used to at my old job because i think it's unethical to copy any of it.  so, can anyone advise me if there are any structural note "formats" or guidlines that could help me with creating my notes sheet?  

check out the case for more information.  i believe they also have a guideline for checking plans and plan completeness.
case is the council of american structural engineers.
regards,
qshake
eng-tips forums:real solutions for real problems really quick.
first congratulations on starting your own business. i wish you best of luck. owning your own business will be like a roller coaster ride and i hope you enjoy all of it.
secondly let me applaud you by taking the high road and not copying what belongs to your ex-employer. this speaks highly of your character.
many years back when i started my own business, i started a notes sheet as well. it has evolved so much over the years. my best advice is to break down the major heading of each notes and this is what i have on mine:
general structural notes. i cover under this loads, codes, and general cya type notes. this one is dynamic and changes with every project.
structural steel notes. i cover steel grades, codes, welding, bolting, min. connection capacity, coating of steel, shop drawings requirement, welder certifications, etc.
concrete notes. these cover concrete strength(s), bar grades, bar covers, splice length of rebars, i always add a note not use calcium chloride, standard hook length for various bar sizes, etc.
masonry notes. this covers masonry strength, bar grade, grout requirements, mortar type and strength, horizontal reinforcement, bond type, cold joint spacing, bar requirements at masonry openings, etc.
timber notes (as required).
light gage framing notes (as required).
submittal requirements (i use state of florida board of engineer’s submittal requirements).
abbreviations (this one keeps expanding).
i would read and review how others prepare their notes. then you can tailor your accordingly. vendors can be excellent source of notes as well.
the following are links to some sites that should give you an idea and start:
kmead,
you might find the following checklist interesting.  
our notes have continued to evolve and grow over the years. it is always a challenge on whether you want it on the drawings or in the spec. too many notes sometimes don't get read but can come in handy when there is a dispute.
i always list first, the applicable code and the design loads (for plan reviewers and future reference by other engineers). since most projects we do are under the ibc, i make sure that we list all the info. that ibc requires in section 1603 (ibc 2000).
the second is a list of materials strengths with applicable astm's and required strengths.
the third is the specific design and detailing info. for various items such as concrete, reinforcing steel, structural steel, soils, foundations, masonry, precast, wood, etc.
you might want to consider adding sections on field verification of existing conditions, shoring, earth retention, special inspection and testing.
i hope this helps!