C-A5A5 Approvals

Code of Standard Practice (AISC, 2022a) Section 4.4 addresses the approval process. Engineers do not commonly construct buildings; instead, they produce design documents and specifications to inform the construction process. The review and approval of the approval documents is a vital part of the construction process and is a confirmation that the engineer of record's (EOR) design intent has been correctly interpreted; it is an important part of the design and construction process, the ultimate goal of which is the safety of the structure, and, therefore, is now addressed in this Specification.

CASE Document 962-D (CASE, 2020) indicates that when the design of some element of the primary structural system is delegated to someone other than the structural EOR, “…such elements, including connections designed by others, should be reviewed by the structural engineer of record or other responsible engineer. He [or she] should review such designs and details, accept or reject them and be responsible for their effects on the primary structural system.” Historically, the Code of Standard Practice has embraced this same concept.

Submittal documents as prepared by a specialty structural engineer and approved by the EOR or registered design professional in responsible charge is commonly accepted practice with manufacturers of metal buildings, proprietary seismic components, and steel joist manufacturers, provided it is approved by the authority having jurisdiction. Refer to the 2021 IBC Chapter 1, Section 107 (ICC, 2021), for additional information.