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Comment on 2009 International Code Manuals Available for FREE Viewing Online by Sean O'Hara

Sean O'Hara — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:17:43 +0000

Hey Mickey, unfortunately the manuals are no longer available online. Turned out to be too good to be true for long.

Comment on 2009 International Code Manuals Available for FREE Viewing Online by Mickey

Mickey — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 09:09:31 +0000

Hi,
The IBC link is not working..shows page not found! Pls repair this broken link.

Thanks...

Comment on Repairs to Concrete Foundations Made Simple Using Carbon-Fiber Kevlar Grid Straps by Tim Howe

Tim Howe — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 02:29:07 +0000

I have also seen kevlar straps used in masonry construction. For this specific case the kevlar straps were used for new construction and due to maximum wall thickness requirements the straps were a ideal fit.

Comment on Repairs to Concrete Foundations Made Simple Using Carbon-Fiber Kevlar Grid Straps by Mike Schmidt

Mike Schmidt — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 22:17:24 +0000

The cost question comes up a lot. We did a cost comparison between wall anchors and the wall straps.We took a 40lf (8' tall) wall and completed a repair plan with costs. To complete a wall anchor repair would be aprox $7,000.00 and take about 3 days to install. The same wall using wall straps would cost aprox $3,000.00 and take 1 day to install. This is a huge cost savings for the homeowner/investor.

Comment on Repairs to Concrete Foundations Made Simple Using Carbon-Fiber Kevlar Grid Straps by Jim Houlette

Jim Houlette — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 19:49:19 +0000

Yes, but more carbon-fiber than kevlar. Carbon-fiber can be used to replace welded wire reinforcement. The carbon-fiber mats are lighter and easier to work with. Although, a bit more difficult to keep up into the middle of the slab. The better application I see is precast decorative pieces and underlayments to decorative concrete toppings.
Carbon-fiber is less ductile than steel so the control of cracks in concrete is increased. Cracks can be held to hairline in lieu of 1/8" wide. Also, carbon-fiber does not corrode.
If the price of carbon-fiber keeps going down I believe we will see many more applications.

Comment on Repairs to Concrete Foundations Made Simple Using Carbon-Fiber Kevlar Grid Straps by Dean Dalvit

Dean Dalvit — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 19:34:10 +0000

Jim, is the industry using any kevlar in new construction reinforced concrete design? It seems there may be advantages over steel rebar if it's not cost prohibitive. Interested in your opinion on that.

Comment on Cabana Door Hardware in Recreation Center by Matt Svoboda

Matt Svoboda — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:10:08 +0000

Patrick:
Many locksets of this type come with an emergency key. Here's a link to a supplier with a picture.
Thanks for the question!
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/2RXW3

Comment on Change of Occupancy in the International Building Code by Sean O'Hara

Sean O'Hara — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 20:37:36 +0000

Steve, first let me point out that this is a different type of occupancy than the "occupancy" discussed earlier in the discussion. The rest of the discussion is about occupancy that feeds into exiting and separations and fixture counts. Another confusing bit of the IBC.

What you are asking about is the occupancy category as it relates to structural design. Occupancy category I is structures that represent a low hazard to human life in the event of failure. It includes:

Agricultural facilities (buildings) which are defined as "a structure designed and constructed to house farm implements, hay, grain, poultry, livestock and other horticultural products. This structure shall not be a place of human in habitation or a place of employment where agricultural products are processes, treated or packaged, nor shall it be a place used by the public." Also certain temporary facilities and minor storage facilities.

Based on that equipment storage, livestock and feed or produce sounds fine. Horse riding areas do not appear to meet the definition. If they include spectator seating or more than 300 occupants, you're in Type III and anything else is Type II.

Hope that helps, Sean

Comment on Change of Occupancy in the International Building Code by Steve

Steve — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:22:47 +0000

Sean,

I'm hoping you can clear up the description of the occupancy category "Type I" from IBC2006 table1604.5. My company provides building components for many types of buildings, but it is this category that seems to raise the most questions. Many of the barns we supply are for farms, but I don't know if that automatically qualifies them as Type I. If we assume each building has a specific use, can we use an occupancy category "Type I" for farm buildings such as:
Equipment storage
Livestock
Horse riding arenas
Feed or produce storage

Thanks,
Steve

Comment on Cabana Door Hardware in Recreation Center by Patrick McMichael

Patrick McMichael — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:13:29 +0000

How is entry gained from the outside in an emergency? Is that part of the locking mechanism?