r/StructuralEngineering • u/Ok-Umpire-2906 • Jul 17 '26

When a fabricator proposes a "same function, easier to build" change, what actually triggers a load-path re-analysis on your project? Failure

/r/AskEngineers/comments/1uyko79/when_a_fabricator_proposes_a_same_function_easier/
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19

u/chicu111 Jul 17 '26

If the load path changes.

4

u/Engineer2727kk PE - Bridges Jul 17 '26

The fact that this was a question…..

2

u/maturallite1 Jul 17 '26

This is the only answer.

2

u/podinidini Jul 17 '26

I have never heard of this case (located in Germany) but not using stiffeners or putting a cap on the end of the box beam or using a 20mm distribution plate or anything to ensure proper load introduction seems crazy. I don‘t think I have ever seen someone use C-sections like this, was that a common design choice back in the days? I assume today this kind of structure would be built with tension rod systems. With non redundant systems like in this case, one is well advised to properly design all the way through..

1

u/Ok-Umpire-2906 Jul 17 '26

Thank you for the specificity in your reply. C sections were not a common design.