Terminology for Bolting Wood Headers

[jim57]

What is the correct way to specify a bolting pattern to connect two wood members? If I want 2 rows top and bottom with each row spaced 12" apart and offset by 6" do I say 1/2" bolts 12" o.c. staggered" or do I say 1/2" bolts 6" o.c. staggered top and bottom? Sounds simple but have a lot of different opinions.
Thanks

 

[KootK]

Your best bet is to do it graphically, either with a typical detail someplace or a mini-detail as part of the callout. No matter what you say, there always seems to be some chance for misinterpretation.

If we're sticking with text, I like 2-ROWS 1/2" DIA BOLTS @ 6" OC STAGGERED.

Ideally, you'd also want to specify:

- top and bottom edge distances.
- end distances.
- the somewhat special condition at the end.

All that can be text or reference to other text as well but, all tolled, it adds weight to doing it graphically I feel.

 

[jim57]

Thanks

 

[lexpatrie]

Draw what you mean, if you want to, supplement with text. This makes a very poor written note as your question already proves.