Where are the ｼ points in the main beams?

Tig · Nov 24, 2009

I am preparing to build a house. This will be the second house I have designed and built. The first one being 20 years ago. At that time I submitted a drawing and a few specs then I was off to the races. The inspections were thorough and the we had no problems. The house turned out excellent, required little maintenance and even tested beyond R2000 standards when we sold it last year.
These days it seems things are a bit more complicated from the get go.
I understand why and I am working my way through a lot of questions and details. Last weekend I dug up the septic so I could measure it. I also submitted a framing diagram for the joists and beams, elevations, layouts......
I could use a bit of help understanding one question that came back.
"Where are the ¼ points in the main beams?"
Can someone please translate that for me?
Thank in advance.

beenthere · Nov 24, 2009

Probably has to do with the bending moments, and their location is dependent upon the load points and the support points.

Tig · Nov 24, 2009

Thanks BT. I've been doing my homework and I understand the question now. I fear I am off to a bad start with this guy because while his question is legitimate, it's a bit over the top in this context. There's nothing in my design that approaches our published load standards. I've arranged a meeting in the morning to see if I can mend some fences. I'm up to speed on our construction standards and building code. I'll bring my engineering references and my best attitude and see what else he needs.

beenthere · Nov 24, 2009

Wish you luck. There is nothing dicier than trying to weave a good line in and around an inspector who's main purpose in life is to strut his stuff, and show off his power. I've known both kinds.
And twist their tail just a little with some knowledge, and they dig deep to show you that you "ain't seen nothin yet".

I had a final inspection on a house addition, and thought all was well. At the last minute I found an outlet that didn't have a ground wire and remembered it was fed by a 2-wire line with no ground in the old house. Wouldn't you know it, the inspector only was checking for one thing...had his meter out checking every outlet for a ground and proper hot connection. He had one more to check (the bad one) when he stopped to question a deck outside, and what the plan was to finish it. I launched into a long story, with lots of questions for him, and he plumb forgot to check that last outlet. Whew!! It would have been a real tough one to fix to. But I capped it off and don't use it now.

Tig · Nov 24, 2009

I hear you BT on the "ain't seen nothing yet"
My usual approach is to open the discussion by listening and then ask for recommendations. I don't mind doing it his way. I just like to understand the details.

Tig · Nov 26, 2009

Well, I met with the inspector. He's a plumber by trade. He was defensive at first but warmed up and offered information once he realized I was not there to fight with him. I do hope he will go back and look up some of the things we discussed in the building code. They are very clearly stated. I do not want to start this project by challenging him on a basic design detail.
In the end it was a pleasant conversation to get to know each other a bit. His previous questions disappeared but I do have some more detail to give him.
Wish me luck.