The 2015 International Residential Code (IRC) Section R 603, Cold Formed Steel Wall Framing, covers the topic well. With a bit of work you can get a free look at the code at the iccsafe. website.
These interior walls ARE bearing walls, as they support more than their own weight. I agree that 2 by 6's cannot span 25 or 26 feet without intermediate support. I also agree with just about all posts. In this case, there are several not so expensive fixes. Hire a Structural Engineer to give you...
I've specifically looked and not found it yet. I can give you MA dates, initial adoption and each of the 9 editions. If you do come up with a national one, keep me in mind. I believe Retired and Ron are correct: You will probably have to go state by state
Absolutely. Sorry I missed that. You can put 4 by 8 sheets--if 4X is too wide, use 2X--around the perimeter, the top being just beneath the flat styro. I'd use 2 inch on both layers. I put mine on the inside of the foundation wall as opposed to outside. It sounds like overkill, but you are...
You do not mention ceiling joists. How are the outside walls prevented from "kicking out?" If no ceiling joists, you definitely need a structural ridge.
If you look at Dallas businesses, you'll find dozens, maybe 200 businesses doing expansive clay remedial work. That says a lot. Check your house for damage while you are on this topic. Having said this, my take would be to check the soil beneath the driveway. No sense spending money for the same...
The I joist is an engineered product. (Maybe this no permit guy built them himself out of old phonebooks.) Make sure you get a copy of the I joist spec (companies have their differences) and see that it's acceptable for this use and design.
To the original question: Do state authorities have the authority to enforce a structure to comply with the IBC code? The answer is as follows:
It depends on the enabling legislation of the particular state. If a state exempts buildings inside of a moat and the structure is within a moat, the...
I got a compaction test for a 10k sq.ft. slab. Six tests. All OK (97 & 97 %) I ask for the location sketch of tests. Testing guy makes a sketch and tells me the test does not require locations. I check 3 other testing companies and one P.E. They each confirm location is not required by ASTM...
