Public Notice: Engineering Guidelines for Buildings Damaged by Forest Fires and Floodplain Compliance
The New Mexico State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Professional Surveyors has issued updated guidelines for property owners affected by forest fires. The notice provides detailed engineering requirements for assessing and restoring foundations, slabs, and utility infrastructure exposed to fire damage. It also outlines specific procedures for properties located in flood zones and fire zones without flood risk.
Key Engineering Requirements for Fire-Damaged Structures:
Structural Assessment: A New Mexico licensed Professional Engineer must conduct a thorough evaluation to assess the damage to fire-exposed foundations and slabs, determining whether structural integrity and load-bearing capacity have been compromised.
Material Testing: Materials used in the foundation and slab must undergo testing to determine residual strength and durability, particularly for fire-induced spalling, which can weaken the structure.
Reinforcement Evaluation: Reinforcement materials within the foundation and slab must be evaluated for damage. Any weakened or damaged reinforcement must be replaced to ensure the structure’s safety.
Fire Protection Measures: To prevent future damage, fire-resistant materials such as fire-rated concrete or coatings should be integrated into the design of restored foundations and slabs.
Thermal Expansion Considerations: Exposure to fire can lead to thermal expansion and contraction, resulting in potential cracking and deformation. These issues must be addressed during restoration to prevent further damage.
Compliance with Building Codes: All restoration work must adhere to local building codes and regulations to meet safety standards and ensure public welfare.
Rebuilding in Fire Zones (Non-Flood Areas):
For properties located in fire zones but outside flood-prone areas, additional requirements must be followed:
Foundation Reuse: If the property owner wishes to reuse the existing foundation, a foundation-specific engineering certificate must be submitted along with the building permit application. This certificate must verify that the foundation meets current building code regulations.
New Foundations and Soil Suitability: In the case of new foundations, soil suitability testing may be required per the 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) Sections R401.4 and R401.4.2. These sections address the need for soil testing in areas where expansive, compressible, or shifting soil characteristics are present:
Soil Tests (R401.4): Where soil data suggests questionable characteristics, the building official may require a soil test to assess the soil’s characteristics at the property location. An approved agency must perform the test using accepted methods.
Compressible or Shifting Soil (R401.4.2): If the soil is found to be compressible or shifting, it must be removed to a depth and width sufficient to stabilize moisture content in active zones. Alternatively, the soil can be chemically treated, dewatered, or presaturated to ensure stability.
Rebuilding in Flood Districts:
For properties located in flood zones, compliance with Federal and State Floodplain guidelines is mandatory. All permits will be held until new floodplain designations are finalized, and ordinance modifications will be presented to align with updated data. Structures in flood zones must be elevated above the floodplain level and built using flood-resistant materials.
Conclusion:
The public notice from the New Mexico State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Professional Surveyors, adopted on August 9, 2024, emphasizes that buildings affected by fire must undergo a comprehensive damage assessment, material testing, reinforcement evaluation, and fire protection measures. Soil suitability and compliance with building codes are crucial for ensuring the safety and stability of both existing and new foundations. Property owners are urged to follow these guidelines to safeguard life, health, and property during the rebuilding process.
For further information, contact the New Mexico State Board of Licensure at 505-476-4565 or visit their website at www.sblpes.state.nm.us.