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New Advancements and Implementations.
Sorry for the delay in posting our September and October Newsletter, but here they are.
We have spent the past two months in optimizing our Web Site, Web Casts, implementing our cell phone tracking system to better service our growing client base. Here is the overview. The Web Site now has a secure client project Reporting Format, which allows clients with proper ID and Password to immediately check the status of their individual project from anywhere you may be traveling either by the internet, Cell phone, PDA or Blackberry. For those using the Internet go to www.adcbuilderseminar.com For those using their Cell phone, PDA 's or Blackberry go to www.adcbuilderSeminar.mobi Either way you are now able to view the status of your project by viewing Map to building site, Photos of project progress, Budget expenditures to date, a narrative statement to support both expenditures, a pictorial graph and photos. The Reporting Format additionally features a wide array of resources offered by ADC Limited, LLC and links to Professional resources that may be needed during the development, implementation and on-going work on your project.
We at ADC Limited appreciate your patience and continued support during the expansion of our support to you. the client.
If you have questions, comments or suggestions please email me at: Davis52@comcast.net
Creating Arched Openings in Walls.
By Tito Young, AIA Associate.
More often than not, a designer might need to create an archway. Understanding what options are in those opening should help the way you want to use or not use arches.
Historically, it was thick brick walls that were used to support building loads. If you needed an opening, they were done with arches, which collected forces into a single point at the center of the arch. Of course, limitations always regulated the size and number of these arched openings based on the structural integrity of the masonry.
The introduction of steel allowed changes to sizes and widths of openings and also led to the way of removing the need of the arch altogether.
Now seen as a comeback, arches are being used once again. However its translation of what it is and what it is, has been lost over the years.
Some definitions:
ARCH: Structural brickwork, usually curved, that spans an opening and supports the weight of the brickwork above without use of any reinforcement or steel angles and without vertical support from the building frame. Veneer c
LINTEL: Structural wood or steel, usually horizontal but sometimes curved to simulate an arch. A lintel is used to support the weight of the structure above it without vertical support from the building frame.
SHELF ANGLE: A horizontal structural member, usually a steel angle that may or may not support the structural framing above.
Of course with all arches, they must be designed to properly be either include one or all of the below
The Arch: Every arch will have the following component part of it. The main item is the crown or keystone. The soffit is the very underside of any arch. A point where the arch becomes flat towards the ground is called the spring angle. How each of these components interacts to each other will offer the beauty in any arch.
The structural arch: Because arches have natural fail points, if under-designed, there are common definitions of these points. An accomplished designer will know how to allow for preventing failure points.
The Abutment: This is either a wall or a columns; it is the place where the arch ends, on either side of the arch. Colonnades may also be used to act as point thrust locations which adds support to the abutment and eventually the arch.
Expansion Joints: Critically locations and considerations for single or multiple aches include a rubberized joint which allows for expansion between the colonnade and the abutment.
Temporary Shoring: It is important that in the construction of any arch, temporary shoring is provided.
In conclusion, when considering an arch, or any kind of rounded opening, look at historically referencing what the arch does and how does it apply to your project. Talk to your designer, why have you considered an arch when determine the placements in accordance to what it means to the overall project. A good designer will incorporate your wish for an arch, at the same time maximize its look and reflect what it means to you constructed project.
What is a Variance?
By Tito Young, AIA Associate.
Height, set back distances and parking requirements differ for each zoning districts. A variance allows a design to have an alternative to these requirements because of unusual conditions on that property. The conditions could be anything from physical characteristics such as neighboring windows peering into your possible location, fitting a second parking spot, location of a new driveway or even topographic differences.
There are two kinds of Variances, first known as a MAJOR VARIANCE and the second known as a MINOR VARIANCE. I will try to investigate the differences.
A Major Variance must be approved by the City Planning Commission. It will involve any of the following provisions:
- Allowable activity type or facility type.
- Performance Standards
- Maximum number of living units
- Minimum lot area, (check your local Zoning Ordinance as required)
- Maximum Floor-Area Ratio;
- Maximum size for commercial or manufacturing establishments;
- Required off-street parking where the proposed waiver or reduction totals an expected number of parking spaces (certainly check with your local Zoning Ordinance)
-Changes to Projections above view plane. This is a common issue, because there have been more and more concern with density and not blocking or over shadow neighboring structures. (Check with your local Zoning Ordinance.)
A Minor Variance generally does not involve provisions listed above. If you should have one, they will in fact however, need to be approved by the Zoning Administrator.
As with most Zoning Administration requirements, approval for either a major or minor variance is going to be made in reflection to the following four conditions.
• Unique physical characteristic on the property.
• Minimal difference between other properties in the same zoning district.
• Little or no impact on the neighborhood
• The variance is not a special privilege.
It will take some time to get a variance approved, and like most major cities or metropolitan areas, can occur anywhere from four to eight weeks. If the variance is more complex, expect the time for approval to be much longer.
The good news is any variance is generally part of the building permit, so additional expenses for additional permits won't be needed. Keep in mind that there are expiration dates for variances to occur, generally 2 years. Once granted, the variance is good indefinitely.
So if your project is said to require either a major or minor variance, recognize the fact that the city does will want photographs, drawings, sketches or models that will require an understand what is needed.
ADC Trainer Message
It is our objective to provide the maximum education through our workbook(s) and seminars. To that extent, we are starting this column with a "pre-test." We are asking our readers to take this pre-test and register at the link below to receive the correct answers to the questions. We will be using your responses to further develop and expand our educational effort to better prepare our end-user, the home owner and newly licensed contractor. This pre-test will also be used to validate our presentations via our workbook (s) and seminars. Our aim is to assist our readers by gauging their level of knowledge of the building industry and identify areas in which they need further education. It will also aid ADC Limited, LLC to provide more timely information about the industry and how newly acquired information can accelerate the readers understanding.
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