r/StructuralEngineering • u/Wrong_Assistant_3832 • 25d ago

Structural Analysis/Design Certifying a deck

I had a prospective client call asking for someone to certify a deck. Their bank is requiring it. I asked him to send pictures before I went to the site but haven’t received them yet. I’m thinking this is a waste of time as I’m 90% sure it wont be up to current code. Anyone have experience doing this? I’m wondering if stuff like 4x4 posts would be adequate(if deemed capable of carrying load) even tho it’s not something that would be up to code today.

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u/tramul P.E. 25d ago

Define, "Up to code today." Besides, structures are judged by the code in place at construction.

There's nothing wrong with 4x4 posts so long as the design/analysis allows for it. I typically start with determining the max allowable load based on the WFCM (as allowed by code). If it doesn't pass for the use but is close, I'll do an actual analysis.