Engineering Judgments
VTEC Laboratories — Delivering Tested Expertise in Every Engineering Judgment
For over three decades, we have been an industry leader in providing testing and consulting services on numerous issues related to fire, flammability, and building code safety. As an A2LA and ISO accredited organization, we’re always prepared to share our expertise on our clients’ behalf.
To learn more about how our engineering judgment services can assist your project, fill out our contact form or call us directly at 718-542-8248.
From changes in designs to errors in construction, projects can sometimes deviate from their original plans. This can result in a job site that no longer meets its previously specified fire and building codes. In situations like these, the best way to avoid costly delays and overruns is to employ licensed professionals like our engineers at VTEC Laboratories to draw up an engineering judgment — commonly referred to as an EJ.
Building owners, architects and construction managers know that certain design features and construction issues can result in noncompliance with International Building Codes and National Fire Protection Association standards. This is when a field-tested professional engineer with a background in fire testing and building code requirements is called in to review the situation. This professional is then tasked with devising a viable solution and submitting a signed engineering judgment letter — complete with all necessary technical rationales, safety precautions, and conclusions.
In addition, when conditions require it, VTEC Laboratories offers its expertise and consulting services to meet with all interested parties — such as local building code authorities — to discuss how an engineering judgment we prepare meets regulations and resolves any building and fire code issues. Our engineering judgment services can also aid in getting registered trademarks for new product builds.
Engineering Judgment Guidelines
The key to an effective approach to an engineering judgment lies in the experience of the organization and professionals preparing it. This is why deciding to work with our engineers who are experts in fire protection is such a prudent business decision.
At VTEC Laboratories, we’ve been providing engineering and testing services directly related to fire protection and safety since 1982. In that time, we’ve carried out a wide array of fire testing for numerous building departments including in Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, Denver, and Wisconsin. Plus, we’re experienced in working with government agencies such as the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, NYCTA, NYCDOT, NYCHA and more.
With our extensive experience behind every engineering judgment we prepare, you can count on a solution that takes into account previous historical examples, published engineering data, and the most up-to-date computer models. The end result is a solution that fully supports the highest standards in building codes and fire safety regulations.
Looking for a second opinion on a previous engineering judgment? Contact our professionals at VTEC. We are happy to review and recommend next steps.
Engineering Judgment and Risk
It’s important to understand that in instances when they’re needed, only well-prepared engineering judgments can help reduce the overall risk to your project. For this reason, we follow the most stringent guidelines when drawing up an engineering judgment.
We strictly adhere to first using tested systems over engineering judgments whenever applicable. Then, in cases when engineering judgments are absolutely necessary, we only allow fully licensed engineers to draft, issue and sign them. Also, we never recycle or attempt to reuse an engineering judgment. Instead, we approach each engineering judgment with a fresh set of eyes to look for the best solution in relation to both your project and the existing local body of building code enforcement.
With VTEC, you can be sure the needs, safety and overall compliance issues of your project have been fully taken into account. In this manner, your exposure to risk is reduced in both the short term for gaining necessary approvals and in the long term for the safety of your building and the people who use it.
What Is An Engineering Judgment?
An engineering judgment is a report typically used to justify a change in a design or system by referencing previously collected data or publicly available information. This allows the client to avoid having to perform costly testing while still providing justification proving the new design or system would perform as required.
What Does VTEC Need To Complete an Engineering Judgment?
You will need to provide information on your project and inform us about how a certain aspect of that project will change. We will also discuss what the requirements are for the current and updated system/design before we perform the research on if it will work. A report is then written up summarizing our findings with references and indicate whether or not the change can be justified.
Contact VTEC Laboratories for an Engineering Judgment
Contact us online, or call us at (718) 542-8248 today for a physical testing quote.