Passive Wind Design
My Dad is amazing. Everyone that meets him agrees. He is hard working, kind and smart. He still skis at 89 years young! He challenged me when I was a… Read More »
Category: Structural Design
Architectural House Styles
Depending on the area where you live, there are certain architectural house styles that drive the look and feel of the neighborhood. Most of these are controlled by local conditions… Read More »
A trip to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater
On a recent family trip, we stopped at the infamous, Fallingwater; a building, often describe as the pinnacle of American single-family home design. It is impossible to mention the building… Read More »
Steel Moment Frames
Building structure needs to be designed not only to hold up gravity loads but also to handle lateral loads from wind and earthquakes. In most typical residential situations, shear walls… Read More »
2015 IPC on Attic Vent Termination
There has been confusion in the construction industry since adoption of 2015 IPC Section 903.2 about attic vent terminations. The NH Mechanical Safety & Licensing Board, NH Fire Marshal’s Office,… Read More »
Durable Housing for Group Homes
We all have favorites. I like Contoocook Creamery’s Blueberry Milk as a “Victory Drink” on top of a mountain! Litherman’s Bow Wow Yippie Yo IPA is a nice treat to celebrate… Read More »
Truss Uplift Wall Connection
Roof trusses have become more and more common in wood-framed construction. Their strategic design allows for economical material to be used, easy fabrication, and quick installation that saves costs all… Read More »
Settlement of Shallow Footings
A shallow foundation on soil can be made for an individual load (i.e., isolated), or to support multiple loads (e.g., strip, raft or mat). The soil needs to be able… Read More »
Normal and Customary Documents for Construction
We all joke about construction plans sketched on a napkin. Thanks to readily available design software, far too many have become “Architects” and “Engineers.” Enter Zoning Restrictions, Shoreland Protection and… Read More »
Allowable Holes and Notches in Wood Joists
There are very specific guidelines of where and how to drill holes and notches in conventional wood joists for plumbing and electrical. Taking out the wrong section of a wood… Read More »