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Horizontal Membrane Protection

Membrane protection in the context of fire resistance indicates a component in either a fire-resistive assembly or a specialized system providing the fire resistance. This definition is a prime example of how advances in...

What Is Delegated Design?

The concept of delegated design has been around for many years. Recent conversations in professional circles center on its increased usage. However, there is a certain confusion that is often related to the process....

Gypsum Board Fire Ratings

Please explain the different types of gypsum wallboard as related to fire rating. First it must be noted that gypsum board, as a single product or building material, has no fire-resistive rating in...

Defense Against Water

What is the rainscreen concept for an exterior wall? The simple definition is that the concept provides a secondary line of defense against water, in both its liquid and vapor state, from penetrating...

Allowable Drift

Can you explain allowable drift in seismic design? The design of buildings to resist seismic events is regulated by the International Building Code. The standard that is referenced within the code is ASCE...

Allowable Drift

Can you define allowable drift and how it affects a contractor? Drift is the lateral movement of buildings caused by wind or earthquakes. According to Don Allen, P.E., S.E., director of engineering at...

Waste Not, Want Not

Can you explain changes to construction waste recovery? Statistics reveal that a copious amount of waste material is generated during the construction, renovation or demolition of a building. There is a heightened...

Panelized Construction Standards

Can you explain the new standards for panelized construction? New standards may soon impact all contractors involved in pre-building panels to be installed on a construction site. Two of these standards, from the...

Heat-Related Illness

Can you explain OSHA’s involvement in heat-related illness? Heat-stress continues to be a concern of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the agency has recently entered a preliminary rulemaking stage. OSHA published...