11/15/2010
WE HAVE A NEW WEBSITE!
Welcome to the new online home of Harriott Valentine Engineers. We now have a way to better showcase our favorite projects, architects, and building issues.
The Spotlight section (which you've already skillfully found) will periodically focus on the latter of those. The topics might include a specific project update, a new code change, or a particular detail that we have found useful. Check back periodically!
11/10/2011
60TH AIA SEATTLE HONOR AWARDS FOR WASHINGTON ARCHITECTURE
This November, the AIA has once again honored great architecture in Washington.
HV projects were well represented.
Colman Triplex - Workshop AD
Courtyard Cut - E. Cobb Architects Inc.
eHAB - E. Cobb Architects Inc.
Prospect House - Janof/Hald Architecture
Seattle Children's PlayGarden - bARC, babienko ARCHITECTS pllc
River Bank House - Balance Associates Architects
The Lake House - Stuart Silk Architects
Umbrella House - Suyama Peterson Deguchi
And congratulations to Workshop AD for receiving an Honor Award for the Colman Triplex.
Check out AIA's website for all entries.
11/25/2011
THE 2009 IBC IS COMING.
The 2009 International Building Code is in full effect on November 22, 2010, and there are a whole bunch of changes. Here are a few of the major ones that affect the structure.
The way wind loads are calculated has been revised by the referenced ICC publication Residential Construction in High-wind Regions. This updates the wind section from the "fastest-mile" method, left over from the Standard Building Code, and uses all of the current wind-speed maps and conventions. In another section of the code, special-inspection requirements have been established for buildings in high-wind areas.
Cast-in-place bolts now must have continuous special inspection if strength design is used for the concrete. Post-installed anchors in hardened concrete must now have periodic inspection.
Retaining-wall sliding forces have been clarified for keys. A footing key is a portion of concrete that extends below the footing in an attempt to grab more of the passive soil pressure. The code now explicitly prohibits the liberal practice of ignoring the active pressure on the opposite side of the key.