Memorandum

TO:	All Design Section Staff - 47340
FROM:	Chuck Ruth
DATE:	April 5, 2000
SUBJECT:	Modification of Bridge and Structures Office Contract Plan Signature Policy

A natural work team chaired by Yesh Mhatre has proposed "final stage" recommendations for implementation of a new contract plan signature policy. Their initial recommendations were implemented on June 25, 1997. Their updated recommendations were received on March 22, 2000 and have been considered along with the recommendations of the Design Section Unit Managers, and Jerry Weigel. For all structural designs prepared by the Design Section of the Bridge and Structures Office, the following professional seal and signature policies are effective beginning May 1, 2000:

1. For contract plans prepared under the direction and supervision of a licensed Civil or licensed Structural bridge engineer, the Unit Manager and the licensed Civil or licensed Structural Engineer co-seal and sign the plans, except the bridge layout sheet. The bridge layout sheet are sealed and signed by the Bridge Engineer or the Bridge Design Engineer in his absence.

2. For contract plans not prepared under the direction and supervision of a licensed Civil or licensed Structural bridge engineer, the Unit Manager and the Bridge Design Engineer co-seal and sign the plans, except the bridge layout sheet. The bridge layout sheet is sealed and signed by the Bridge and Structures Engineer or the Bridge Design Engineer in his absence.

3. Non Standard Retaining Walls: M. Talukdar and the licensed designer seal and sign the contract plans. If Munindra is the designer, the Unit Manager co-seals and signs the contract plans.

4. Sign Structures: G. Minns and Gary Bedi (or the licensed designer) seal and sign the plans. If Gary Minns or Gary Bedi are the designer, the Unit Manager co-seals and signs the contract plans.

5. Expansion Joints and Bearings: Ralph Dornsife and the licensed designer seal and sign the plans. If Ralph is the designer, the Unit Manager co-seals and signs the contract plans.

6. Noise Walls: Bijan Khaleghi and the licensed designer seal and sign the plans. If Bijan is the designer, the Unit Manager co-seals and signs the contract plans.

The intent is to have at least one structural seal and signature on all contract plan sheets. A designer can request a higher level review (Bridge Design Engineer) for any project, and should request a higher level review for unique and one-of-a-kind type of designs.

The purpose of these plan signature modifications is two-fold. First, the new signature policy meets the requirements of WAC 196-23, Stamping and Seals. Second, with this change, our licensed bridge engineers are empowered to seal and sign their own work, which facilitates a sense of ownership, responsibility, and pride.

CCR:

cc:     J. A. Weigel, 47340

         E. H. Henley, 47340

         H. L. Coffman, 47340

         F. Higgins, 47340

         B. Ziegler, 47329