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I've been working on a shearwall module for my Wall Plugin (SketchUp) for a while now and I've finally got it to a point where I thought I could put out a video explaining its basic usage. https://youtu.be/BUNeCPGn-_s It would be really cool if I could get it to run the numbers as well (maybe...

I like the idea of plywood gussets with glue and nails on new construction but would it be easier to use screws on a retro or repair job especially when you have a gypsum ceiling involved and you don't want to shake everything apart? If one did use screws what Simpson fastener product (or...

I agree with all of your comments but at the same time why add more uncertainty into the process with the interpolation of sub-standard maps. A confused student is a good student. Nathaniel P. Wilkerson, PE www.medeek.com

Yes, I know but that is not my point. Why can't the ASCE provide a higher quality map in their print edition, something with a few more contour lines like the sketch I've given above. The funny thing is that they have very detailed maps now for the State of Hawaii, yet the map for the...

I've compared my hand sketched isolines with the ASCE Hazard Tool and so far I'm getting pretty good agreement. I'm wondering if anyone could recommend a surface program that could extrapolate the surface given a number of spot values and isolines? A confused student is a good student...

I suppose one could argue that the discrepancy caused by poor interpolation will probably result in a wind speed difference of only 2-3 mph which will not drastically alter the wind speed analysis and loads calculated for a structure. However, I would argue that we are doing engineering here...

I don't know about the rest of you but when I look at the new wind speed maps in the ASCE 7-16, in particular the eastern United States I find the contour lines a bit confusing. With that in mind I spent a couple minutes this morning trying to fill in some of blanks so to speak, see below...

Its the snow load that always gets me, the national map is usually no good for most of the western US. Really it comes down to your local building dept. A confused student is a good student. Nathaniel P. Wilkerson, PE www.medeek.com

Just wondering how many other engineers are using the new ASCE 7 Hazard Tool put out by the ASCE. I've got to say I'm pretty impressed, they should have put this out there ten years ago. A confused student is a good student. Nathaniel P. Wilkerson, PE www.medeek.com

I've been looking at a polyurethane SIP made by Eco Panels. The overall strength and rigidity of this type of construction is fascinating to me. As an engineer my first thought is how do I analyze such a structure (coming from your typical shearwall stud frame construction, AWC-NDS etc...)...

Looks like its pretty expensive now. A confused student is a good student. Nathaniel P. Wilkerson, PE www.medeek.com

I was checking my own nail calculator spreadsheet against the AWC connection calculator and noticed a minor discrepancy. After double checking all my calcs I determined that the AWC calculator is not taking into account the tapered tip assumptions. I then emailed their technical support and the...

I just received a response back from the AWC that the printed version does include the commentary whereas the online version does not. Time to buy a nice new shiny NDS, besides my 2012 is getting a little dog eared and its time to retire it. A confused student is a good student. Nathaniel P...

I'm sure this question has been asked before but I noticed that the electronic copy of the 2015 NDS does not include the commentary, up until this point I've never felt the need to purchase the printed version since the electronic version is so much quicker to search through. Does anyone know...

It does seem that the baseplate thickness is all over the place. A confused student is a good student. Nathaniel P. Wilkerson, PE www.medeek.com

Thank-you for all of your responses. I should have checked the AISC design examples more thoroughly, sure enough J.7 is a baseplate design example. The only difference between that example and my case is the post/column is a wide flange. The plate thickness calcs appear to use equations...

I have a customer looking to install steel HSS posts rather than the typical PT wood posts (ie. 6x6). Not sure why, I think steel in this setting is ugly but I suppose you could wrap it and never have to look at it again. I'm not real familiar with steel posts and baseplate design so I am...

Does anyone know where I can get a higher resolution map of the Air Freezing Index Map shown in the IRC and IBC. A confused student is a good student. Nathaniel P. Wilkerson, PE www.medeek.com

How does fiber mesh really work. Once the concrete is cracked the fibers are rendered useless. Then you could potentially have differential settlement of your slab (case in point my garage has a nasty edge jutting up that I need to grind down but have never gotten to). A confused student is a...

I'm trying to put together a matrix of the most common RC Column configurations. Here is what I have so far: With the circular columns is it more common to weld the transverse ties into circular hoops or to just hook the tie around adjacent longitudinal bars. I don't have a lot of real...