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Yes, but it would be better if you provided a conduit for the waterline. Basically, take the next larger pipe size and run the waterline through that. This allows the waterline to move a little, and it’s easier to replace if needed. Of course, if you have a number of turns in the pipe replacement …

Continue reading “Can you pour concrete over a water line?”

You need to read the label. PVC glue may only be an adhesive. PVC cement tends to be a solvent-based welder. This means that it will dissolve some of the PVC of each piece intermingling it before setting the result. When done poorly it acts as an adhesive. When done well it creates a bond …

Continue reading “What is the difference between PVC glue and PVC cement?”

This varies greatly depending on size and location, but in general, it is considered to be around 10% of the cost of construction. In areas where there is a lot of competition and we are speaking of houses 2,000 sqft or less the number drops to 5% or even 3% of the cost of construction.

The simple answer. The more mass you have further from the bottom (ground level in this case) the stronger the earthquake affects the building. So, a huge one story (low) building will withstand the same earthquake better than a forty story building with a small footprint. All other things being equal. That being said, the …

Continue reading “How are different sized buildings affected by earthquakes?”

Yes. but make sure you place a waterproof membrane (building paper) between the plywood and the next layer of material.

No. Pressure-treated lumber should only be used in direct contact with concrete. It contains chemicals (ranging from arsenic to copper to quinine depending on where you are located and the base wood used) to stop insects and wood rot/ fungus. It should not be used where people might come into prolonged contact with it or …

Continue reading “Does pressure treated wood need to be sealed?”

Friable is a description of a material’s readiness to crumble under light pressure. Thick bread or really any food called a crumble. But, note that you’ll tend to encounter these materials as a solid. Friable just tells you what will happen if you pick it up or push on it.

Generally, no. Their license does not grant them the ability to design buildings. As such, that means that they are limited to buildings that do not require a license to design. This would typically include trellises, unoccupied support structures like sheds or equipment garages, and lastly houses. Most jurisdictions will require any structural portions to …

Continue reading “Do landscape architects design buildings?”

Poly Ethylene Vinyl Acetate – PEVA Its generally used either for glue gun sticks or PVC alternates. It is used when there are concerns about PVC being a carcinogen. As such, it is a popular choice of filler in plastic matrixes.

Okay, By definition, and practice, trusses are going to be efficient structures. So let’s assume that you mean: Which truss configuration meet’s all the design criteria using the least material. Almost any triangulated truss system that has gone through an optimation process is going to come close. But, you still have a major hurdle that …

Continue reading “What is the consensus on the most efficient geometry for a truss beam. I see a few different designs for cell towers. I found a company called IsoTruss. I think they had multiple designs. What math has been done on this topic?”