Current Issues and Concerns

Transcription

1 Current Issues and Concerns

2 Introduction to Tacoma Design/Safety Issues Modular Loading Truss Plate Corrosion Fire Safety Farm Building Code Update

3 Tacoma Engineers has its roots in Guelph, Ontario providing structural consulting services since Currently have offices in Guelph and Barrie. The firm has grown steadily to a staff of over forty people, including professional engineers, project managers, technologists and administration staff. We have been involved in the agricultural sector for over 30 years, and have proudly participated in the evolution of farm structures. To date, Tacoma Engineers has been involved with over 2000 agricultural projects.

4 Farm Builder (General Contractor) Project Engineer Structural, Geo, M&E Farm Operator Building Department Other Agencies Needs Determination Team Development Schematic Design Consultation Detailed Design Approvals Communication is critical Process can be disrupted by conflict but effective planning and dialogue is key to success

5 Ontario chicken farmers are transitioning from crate based handling to a modular system. Estimated that 70% of producers will transition within 3-5 years Modules consist of plastic drawers in metal frames. Modules will weigh up to 3000# and will be moved with industry specific low profile forklifts.

6 Two systems are being implemented: end loading & side loading. End loading system includes a track running full length of the barn on which the modules will be pushed to end wall doors. 700kg push tractors to be used. Side loading systems will have the modules placed directly in the barn through a series of 6-8 doors installed at 50 along the length of the barn. Loads: end load systems track with 5.1 kn/m load plus the tractor; side load systems concentrated load of 4.2 kpa New barns are to have 9 ceilings to accommodate modular loading

7 Corrosion of metal truss plates a growing concern with observed failures in less than 10 years Most affected trusses are in cold beef & dairy barns as well as warm swine barns. Common attribute is a condition where the truss plates are exposed to a wet service condition (condensation). Inadequate ventilation or recirculated air is very problematic

8 Two practical solutions to minimize corrosion: Proper ventilation Durable truss plates Ventilation is designed to move sufficient air through the building to extract moisture, gases and dust Barns increasing made tight for energy efficiency but this is leading to reduced ventilation. Attic is a particular concern. Numerous ventilation systems allow recirculation of corrosive gases.

9 Two practical solutions to minimize corrosion: Proper ventilation Durable truss plates TPIC & regional truss manufacturers have ongoing research on durability of truss plates Range of options: Regular G90 sheet steel, G185 hot dip galvanized plates; duplex systems (galvanized & epoxy coating); stainless steel.

10 Public awareness of farms fires has increased significantly in the past 2 years. Peaked with the tragic loss of 40 horses at Classy Lanes stables outside of Guelph. Data from OFM office, indicates that farm fires are a major concern but the incidence of fires has not dramatically changes. On average 175 fires with $30M loss Common cause of the fires: mechanical & electrical systems, misuse of ignition sources and inadequate maintenance.

11 OMAFRA Technical Advisory Panel consisting of a broad spectrum of stakeholders addressed farm fires. Ontario Publication 837: Reducing the Risk of Fire on Your Farm Recommendations: Protect and maintain electrical systems Control ignition sources (hot works & heating systems) Maintain fire separations & fire stops Increase spatial separation Provide fire department access General housekeeping

12 Farm building design and construction in Ontario governed by National Farm Building Code of Canada NFBCC recognizes unique characteristics of farm buildings and farming industry low human occupancy. Provides accommodations with respect to design loads, building materials, means of egress, building separation and size, and exterior access.

13 CCBFC published the NFBCC in 1995 as a National Model Code. No substantive updates since publication. CCBFC works under the direction of PTPACC. CCBFC has made it a priority to update the requirements of the National Farm Building Code of Canada (NFBC), last published in This decision is supported by the Provincial/Territorial Policy Advisory Committee on Codes (PTPACC) and the Canadian Farm Builders Association : Sept 2012

14 CFBA position on NFBC 1995 Building Codes not keeping up with the requirements of the farming industry Buildings increasing in size and complexity but standards over 20 years old. Concern that Provinces will lose confidence with existing 1995 national model code Lobbying for a federal update started in 2006, presentation to CCBFC Exec Committee in 2008, CCBFC-PTPACC Joint Task Group wrapped up with a recommendation for an update to NFBC. Worked with Ontario through

15 In March 2016, CCBFC established a Joint Task Group on Farm Buildings with the mandate to review then update the requirements for farm buildings. JTG Mandate Review past reports & studies Jurisdictional survey Definition of farm buildings based on size and use Investigate fire, structural and hazardous material risk Develop proposed changes JTG Membership 3 technical sub-committees Industry (CFBA) CCBFC Staff

16 Definition of Farm Buildings Farm Building means a building or part thereof which does not contain a residential occupancy and which is associated with and located on land devoted to the practice of farming and used essentially for the housing of equipment or livestock, or the production, storage and processing of agricultural and horticultural produce or feeds. the rationale of having special requirements for farm buildings, as distinct from other buildings, is based on the low human occupancy load, the remote location of typical farm structures or the special nature of the occupancies involved These definitions have been maintained

17 From CCBFC, the requirements for farm buildings will be integrated into the NBC & NFC. Goal is for inclusion in the 2020 NBC update A standalone Farm Building Code will no longer exist (except possibly for small farm buildings) Preference to have the farm building requirements distinct from other buildings to allow for provincial adoption or exemption.

18 Discussion regarding of classification of farm buildings based on occupancy, size, ownership, etc. Current Direction: Farm buildings defined as a separate class of building (G) with 4 divisions based on occupancy G1: High Hazard Farm Buildings G2: Standard Farm Building (not otherwise defined) G3: Greenhouses G4: Farm Buildings with no human occupancy Range of discussion to date primarily on G2 structures

19 Farm Buildings: Structural Discussions Snow 1 in 50 year return period Wind 1 in 50 year return period Seismic analysis not exempt Occupancy live loads Storage loads Importance factors Sliding Snow factors System factors

20 Farm Buildings: Fire Protection Protections: Persons and/or Property Building Size Compartmentalization Combustible Construction Fire Detection & Suppression Spatial Separation Fire Department Access Electrical & Mechanical Systems

21 Farm Buildings: Hazardous Materials Methane production & storage Bulk storage for flammable materials Dust explosion risk Farm garage/machine shops Hot works

22 Ongoing process ultimately leading to an overdue update to farm building regulations CFBA maintains a focus on developing practical solutions for the design of safe and efficient farm buildings

23 Questions and discussion.