Tag Archive for ‘Building Code’
Installation Complete for Solar Panels on Arvada Annex Building
EVstudio recently had the opportunity to observe the installation of the forty photo-voltaic panels atop the City of Arvada Annex Building. To maximize the potential for solar collection the use of an existing steel framed sight wall originally designed to screen the Annex’s roof top heating and cooling mechanical units from being viewed from street [...]
Steel Stud Track Attachment to Masonry with Simpson Wedge-All
Recently I have been working on a lecture hall project in Killeen, Texas. The structure of this lecture hall is primarily going to be composed of steel roof framing members and concrete masonry unit (CMU) walls. Covering the entrance to this lecture hall is a covered colonnade. The visual architectural requirements of the colonnade’s covering [...]
Killeen, Texas Adopts 2009 I-Codes
The Killeen City Council has voted to adopt the 2009 International Code Council (ICC) Building Codes. The new codes will become effective April 1, 2011, however the 2008 National Electric Code will remain in effect. In addition to the ICC codes Killeen has published their local amendments to the Codes which take precedence [...]
2009 Code Update: Deck Attachments
The 2009 International Residential Code has new provisions concerning the attachment of decks to homes. Most significant in this is the new hold-down tension device requirement of R502.2.2.3. This device is illustrated below and will certainly add construction costs to deck addition projects due to the invasive nature of the interior tension device attachment. From [...]
What in the World is a Ufer Ground?
In EVstudio’s structural engineering practice this question comes up almost every week. In contemporary construction, a ufer is a concrete encased ground electrode, which is most often a 20 foot long piece of #4 rebar cast into a foundation wall that will protrude from the top of wall so that the structure’s electrical system may [...]
2009 Code Update: Decks and Balconies
The 2006 International Residential Code (IRC) Section 202 defined the term deck as, “An exterior floor system supported on at least two opposing sides by an adjoining structure and/or posts, piers, or other independent supports”. The term balcony was defined as, “An exterior floor projecting from and supported by a structure without additional independent supports”. [...]
Separation of Top of Foundation Wall and Adjacent Exterior Grade
One of the most commonly asked questions to the structural department involved the required distance between the top of a foundation wall and the adjacent exterior grade. The 2009 International Residential Code requires a minimum of 6 inches of separation where brick veneer is not present. The idea here is to provide a buffer zone [...]
Accessible Fitting Room Requirements
When designing an accessible fitting room, remember to provide the required clear floor space along with a code compliant bench. According to ANSI 803.4 and ADA 4.35.4, a bench is required in all accessible fitting rooms. Benches must be 42 inches long, between 20 and 24 inches deep, and 17 to 19 inches high. If the [...]
All Mandatory Local Building Codes Now Free Online
It has been reported to us that the results of a recent lawsuit have made all mandatory building codes accessible to the public. An archive of adopted local building codes in PDF format are located here. We cannot vouch for the completeness of this archive and it is always a good idea to check with [...]
Varying Design Wind Speeds for Arvada, Colorado
Contractors, Owners and Designers should be aware that the City of Arvada has five different wind zones of varying intensity. This could mean a difference of up to 20-25 pounds per square foot of wind pressure on the components and cladding of roofs. For a project such as solar panel installation this could have significant [...]
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