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Please perform the following structural repairs and reinforcing:
The 4 %2"diameter spiral stair center support.
• The base of this column was recently reinforced;this was required because the existing column
base had almost completely decomposed. Half of the existing column base has been sleeved with a
new half pipe section with an internal diameter of 4 %2". This is an acceptable repair,however the
bottom two stair treads shall be removed and an additional half sleeve shall be added and welded
into place so that the entire column base diameter has a reinforcing sleeve. Replace the removed
stair treads.
• Remove the soil around the post base and clear away debris down to the concrete foundation
column support.
• Remove the soil at the bases of the additional diagonal braces that support the main spiral column.
The stair treads.
• The stair treads located near the bottom of this fire escape have had their original toe and heel
channel section almost completely decomposed.New 3/8 inch thick x 2 inch deep plates have been
welded to the exterior faces of the existing degraded channel section and to the existing center pipe
column. This is an acceptable tread reinforcing detail. Please continue this reinforcing detail to the
remainder of the noses and heals of the remaining stair treads above.
The guard rails.
• none
The second floor and third floor landings:
• The second and third floor landings require substantial improvements to their existing conditions.
This is because the 2"deep channel sections at the east and west sides of the landings are
completely decomposed. Please see the attached sketches for the required second and third floor
reinforcing details.
General improvements:
• Wire brush and scrape existing paint and repaint entire assembly to protect from elements.
• Repoint the brick around the existing second floor and third floor landings as required.
Once these repairs and upgrades have been installed I will re-observe this fire escape and at that time I
will compose a letter of compliance for this fire escape.
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.
Sincerely, OF~•
2�w~ F
Jacob Smith Engineering and Design ° 6110 H
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By J/
Jacob F. Smith,P.E.
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JACOB SMITH ENGINEERING & DESIGN
March 20th,2014
To: 29 Pleasant Street Trust
Care of Prime Condominiums Management, Inc.
P.O. Box 413
Chicopee, MA 01027
Re: 29 Pleasant Street
Northampton, MA
01060
On March 18,2014, I visited the above address to observe the structural condition of a spiral steel fire
escape egresses that services a second and third floor level. The address noted above, is a mixed use structure
with Mercantile(M)on the ground floor and Residential units(R2)at the floors above. This structure has three
floors above grade and conforms to type III-B construction. The existing spiral fire escape that I have observed
is located at the south corner of the structure and egresses to an alley way. The reason for this fire escape
observation is to satisfy the following requirement of the 2009 International Building Code and the 8`h Edition
Massachusetts State Building Amendments.
Sections 1001.3.2. Testing and Certification. This section states that all exterior bridges, steel or
wooden stairways,fire escapes and egress balconies shall be examined and/or tested, and certified for
structural adequacy and safety every five years, by a registered design professional, or others qualified and
acceptable to the building official;said professional or others shall then submit an affidavit to the building
off cial.
I met Mr. James Thompson on site and we proceeded to start our observation at the third floor and
work our way down. My first impression of this fire escape is that it appears to be,in general, in fair condition.
Several structural elements of this spiral stair assembly have clearly decomposed and it appeared that several
existing structural elements have already been reinforced in the recent past.
This spiral stair assembly consists of a 4 '/Z"diameter cast iron center support post. The stair treads
consist of 2 inch deep channel at the toe and heal of the tread and 1/4 inch x 2 plate inch radius exterior edge.
The stair tread plates are 3/16"thick diamond plate. The stair railing assembly consists of%2 inch x %inch
balusters at 8 inch on center and a 1 1/4 inch channel cap. The second floor and third floor landings consist of 2
inch and 4 inch deep perimeter channel sections. These landings have 3/16"thick diamond plate metal
decking. The landings are supports by a 3x3xl/4"angle knee braces at the west end which is thru bolted to the
existing building. The landings east ends are supported by the 4 %"diameters spiral stair center support
column.
8 COATEs AVENUE SOUTH DEERFIELD. MA 01373
jacob@jacobsmithengineering.com
VOCE 413-397-3441 FAX 413-665-1142