2009 IBC Table 721.6.2(4) 1

[msquared48]

For a floor assembly, under the subfloor column, what is constituted as a T&G "softwood"?

Are they taking T&G planks made from a softwood, which seems ridiculous in today's construction, or T&G plywood, which seems more reasonable?

Sometimes I wish they would not try to confuse the issue and just speak plain English.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

http://mmcengineering.tripod.com

 

[OldPaperMaker]

Mike,
I think that this section of the IBC is using "softwood" to refer to conifers like Douglas Fir, Hemlock,Pine etc. that generally don't loose their needles in the winter and "hardwood" as deciduous trees like oak, maple, etc. that do loose their leaves in the winter.

I hope that this helps.

 

[msquared48]

I suppose that make sense. Thanks. Just had to hear another opinion.

Somehow, I just have a hard time wrapping my mind around trhe idea of DF being soft. After 100 years, you cannot drive a nail into it, especially with the nails manufactured today. 99, maybe.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

http://mmcengineering.tripod.com

 

[4thorns]

Hi Mike. Softwood sub floor is quite common in the log home industry in situations where the second floor framing is comprised of beams. The flooring is generally a 2" nominal thickness and has a v-match...v-groove face which is laid face down over the beams. Our company uses a spruce 2x6 T&G "Plank". The v-groove/match face is for aesthetics from below. The other face is a basic flat face which can be sanded and finished as is or act as a sub floor for the second floor.
Doug