Recent content by mlzahn

I certainly understand the threat of termites on the wood formwork. But after the concrete walls have set, is the integrity of the formwork really a factor?

Is there any reason why formwork for stemwalls, which have been backfilled against, needs to be removed?

If I have an HSS4x4x1/4 that needs a cap plate, what weld should I use and what cap plate thickness should I use? I'm used to specifying a cap plate thickness that matches the HSS wall thickness. I'm used to specifying a partial pen weld because I don't want to require inspection. But partial...

Thank you to all who resonded.

Thank you to all who responded!

Does anyone know of any literature that addresses wind load on canopies? I have been designing canopies for eave loading, but I honestly don't think eave loading is appropriate. Eave loading involves continuous air flow on top with little airflow below. This would certainly require...

I'm thinking of using steel bar joists for second floor support of a two story Medical Office Building in Southern California. I was also thinking of using wood sheathing on metal deck for the second floor. Is there anyone out there that thinks I shouldn't? I've seen the type of construction...

Is reinforcing needed in cylindrical footings used for fence posts? Posts are 12 high, spaced at 8 feet. Is there an allowance for not using reinforcing? Thank you.

When I mention seismic forces, I mean both lateral seismic force and upward seismic force.

We all now about compression struts for hanging systems. The most common instance is compression struts used for ceiling systems. But I'm not sure why they are needed a lot of the time. If 0.6 times the dead load is greater than the upward load caused by siesmic forces, why would compression...