I'll vote for the 50lb point load at 42" too, but add in the caveat that someone should give it the boot test (or butt test) when it is rough framed. If it feels very rigid, and the fasteners are such that it shouldn't ever loosen, then go with it. It will only stiffen once it is sheathed and...
Well, it hasn't been confirmed in writing yet, but the client was told verbally that the inspector has backed off and is accepting the fixtures as they are. I was almost looking forward to seeing this debate go public at a town meeting but it seems that isn't going to happen. I will share any...
Coolad- The precedent was set long ago that it is okay to mount small fixtures in trees. Preventing fixtures in trees by asking for structural calculations on a whole tree is akin to preventing roadside sign structures by forcing people to design them to resist impact forces from a tractor...
I have to believe that this is also setting a dangerous precedent and creating a potential liability for the township. What if someone installs a ropes course (either officially, or just as a backyard play structure) as suggested by Archie264 and a tree falls over and injures someone or worse...
hawkaz- This was the logical approach that I took but was denied on. He is claiming that the trees is being reclassified as a structure if lights are added and therefore it needs to meet current Codes and ASCE wind loads for this. If left without lights, then no issue because it is not being...
I don't know the exact sequence of events, but a total of eight or so lights are installed around a parking lot serving a small business. The business is in a heavily wooded area where mounting lights on trees is the obvious best way to do it. This is holding up issuance of a C.O. for a...
hawkaz, JStephen, others - these avenues have been pursued but with no luck.
This is the body of the inspector's rejection letter, written verbatim:
"While I admire your try to say that the trees are existing structures, I disagree and your letter is rejected for the following reasons:
1. The...
Good reference, Archie264, thank you. As for going to higher ups, that is easier said than done. Third party inspection agencies are given a lot of latitude and no one really wants to take them on. Something concrete is needed if anyone is going to get involved. This is one of those...
A client of mine installed small light fixtures (12" arm, small single bulb light with about .5ft^2 of projected area. The trees are 40ft+ tall oak trees with 12"-18" trunks. The inspector is claiming that the trees become structures as defined by the IBC Code 2009 because of the addition of a...
SRO-
Keep in mind that the AAMA document is quite old and arguably out of date in some regards. Take a look at the following link for a relevant post I made on Seaint a few months ago. You may or may not want to consider what the current Aluminum Design Manual has to say about material...
For me it depends on the size of the building and also if there is an architect and/or the architect's drawing quality. For a single-story wood framed building, I'll tend to show building sections in addition to a basement/first/roof plan. I can be more clear about how everything interacts...
K2skis-
Poconos. Most inspectors here do ignore wall bracing as well as other important foundation items. One inspector, however, knows the wall bracing inside and out and has put me to task in defense of some judgment calls. I really respect that and have learned from it.
Architects...
I've read from reliable sources that hairpins should be limited to 10-15kip column thrust conditions. Anything beyond that would warrant the under-slab tie or some other method.
Do any of you use lower limits?
K2skis-Have you seen movement in buildings with large spans/design forces, or in a...
That sounds like a reasonable check.
If the bolt is long(?), is there a possibility that the moment in the shank of the bolt might cause it to bend out of the way? That might happen before the L straightens out.
Interpretation of the prescriptive method is further polluted by the ongoing revision of the supporting documents by APA. I appreciate that they are doing all this research, but Ii have found it difficult to simply follow the Code without deciphering which interpretation or APA test data...
K2,
This was a manufactured house which should have had straps wrapped around the sill plate, or something like it. But there were none.
In their infinite wisdom, the house manufacturer used 2x2 ledgers to support the joists. Once the foundation moved in beyond that point, there was no...
I can't argue with the concept of this requirement. It sounds excessive to have the house that deep. FWIW, I just had a client add three 12" block shear walls inside his foundation wall. They were required to brace the 9' Superior Wall panels that were leaning in about 9" at the top on the...
K2skis-
The load path issue was resolved, at least partially. Simpson had worked up some engineering and had some recommended details. I have not looked at it since PA deleted these requirements. Solid blocking and other requirements would take care of the parallel condition.
The council I...
In PA, the anchor bolt section was removed after the builder's association mobilized against the politicians. So now we are back to 6' o.c. which is about as silly as 7" on center.
It didn't help that some inspectors wouldn't bother to understand the code and just asked for 7" spacing...