The following is an actual question given on a University of Washington engineering mid-term. The answer was so “profound” that the Professor shared it with colleagues, and the sharing obviously hasn’t ceased… Bonus Question: Is Hell exothermic (gives off heat) or Endothermic (absorbs heat)? Most of the students wrote Proofs of their beliefs using Boyle’s…
A Better Nail
BOSTITCH HurriQuake(TM) nail. This nail out preforms all other nail gun fasteners. The innovative design excels in withdrawal values. The building code evaluation lists the withdrawal value of 50 pounds per inch for the 0.113 inch diameter (8d box or cooler equivalent diameter) the value for a 8d box is 20 pounds per inch, and…
Flood Vents
Enclosed spaces in a non-velocity flood zone require flood vents. The purpose of these vents is to equalize pressure in the event of a flood event. In the past foundation ventilation products or soffit vents have been used for this purpose. The International Building Code uses ASCE 24-05 as a reference for flood vents. ASCE…
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“Normal people … believe that if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Engineers believe that if it ain’t broke, it doesn’t have enough features yet.” Scott Adams
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A positive attitude may not solve all you problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876-1944)
Overdriving Fasteners
The fasteners must be installed with the heads flush to the panel surface. If overdriving occurs, no more than 20 percent of the fasteners are permitted to be overdriven more than 1/16 inch (1.6 mm). It is recommended that where nail heads occasionally are more than 1/16 inch below the surface, an additional nail should…
Residential Corner Bracing
International Residential Code requires the following for corner bracing: Section R602.10.4 Length of braced panels. “each braced wall panel shall be at least 48 inches (1219 mm) in length, covering a minimum of three stud spaces where studs are spaced 16 inches (406 mm) on center and covering a minimum of two stud spaces where…
FHA Permanent Foundation
FHA loans require the mobile home be placed on a permanent foundation. A permanent foundation is defined as: Permanent foundations must be constructed of durable materials; i.e. concrete, mortared masonry, or treated wood – and be site-built. It shall have attachment points to anchor and stabilize the manufactured home to transfer all loads, herein defined,…