Engineering Q&A

Q: Which environmental condition usually controls building material sizes?

admin — Tue, 18 May 2010 15:54:41 +0000

A: Typically wind is the primary (governing) load condition for pole buildings. Snow loading begins to have an important effect at approximately 50 psf and higher.

Q: What is a shear wall?

admin — Tue, 18 May 2010 15:54:28 +0000

A: A shear wall is a wall that is installed to resist lateral loading such as wind and seismic loads through diaphragm or plate action.

Q: What is the difference between a cantilevered and diaphragmed building analysis?

admin — Tue, 18 May 2010 15:54:15 +0000

A: A cantilevered building resists lateral loading through post bending only. A diaphragmed building takes advantage of the shear capacity of the wall sheathing to resist lateral loading.

Q: What is the most common gauge of metal sheathing used in pole buildings?

admin — Tue, 18 May 2010 15:54:01 +0000

A: The most common gauge of metal sheathing used in northwest pole buildings is 29 gauge.

Q: What code covers the design and construction of pole buildings?

admin — Tue, 18 May 2010 15:53:51 +0000

A: The International Building Code.

Q: How does higher than minimum snow loading impact the structural components of a building?

admin — Tue, 18 May 2010 15:53:36 +0000

A: Increased snow loading primarily affects purlins, trusses and rafters. However, it also affects post size, footing size and truss attachment.

Q: What is the purpose of a footing?

admin — Tue, 18 May 2010 15:53:21 +0000

A: The purpose of a footing is to resist vertical movement of the posts due to vertical loading. The footing prevents the post from sinking into the ground over time.

Q: What is the most common size of footing for pole buildings?

admin — Tue, 18 May 2010 15:53:05 +0000

A: The most common footing size for a pole building in the northwest is 24″ diameter and 6″ thick. Footings can be larger or smaller as required by load conditions.

Q: What effects footing size?

admin — Tue, 18 May 2010 15:52:57 +0000

A: Footing size is effected by vertical loading and soil capacity.

Q: What commonly happens to the building material requirements when one or more walls have large or many openings (doors and windows) in them?

admin — Tue, 18 May 2010 15:52:48 +0000

A: Large doors or openings will increase loading in the diaphragm. The walls may require plywood sheathing. When openings are designed into a building, its capacity to resist lateral (primary wind) loading is reduced.