Supplemental architectural services can: • help architects generate income • increase the value of the firm through diversification • help attract new clients or keep the firm involved with existing patrons • be used as special projects for young professionals to nurture their development. Each supplemental architectural service in this series includes bullet points on Read more
What You Need to Know
Approved Standards and testing: All approved materials and construction assemblies referenced in building codes are required to be manufactured to accepted methods or tested approved by agencies according to standardized testing, such as: ASTM International, NFPA, ANSI, industry trade groups such as ASHRAE, or by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL), such as UL (http://productspec.ul.com/) Types of Construction Read more
What is a Means of Egress? What is the difference between accessible means of egress and general means of egress with a building with multiple means of egress? Accessible Means of Egress is defined as a continuous and unobstructed path of travel from any occupied portion of a facility to a public way. Egress consists Read more
The key to knowing the requirements that the IBC code mentions, is the ANSI a117.1 Standard. Universal design, Barrier Free Design, and Accessible Design are all according to the ANSI Standard a117.1 Even the DOJ’s Americans with Disability Act refers to the ANSI A117.1 Standard. The You can find ANSI online, but book is only $30. I Read more
Stairs are can be one of the trickier parts of a building. You’ll want to follow basic guide lines when designing accessible buildings. Stair Configurations: 10′ x 20′ is a good starting point for a rule of thumb for a stairwell size. stairways shall have min headroom clearance of 80″ – measured vertically Read more
PRE-CLOSEOUT 0.) About when the project is 3/4 complete, the Architect makes a site visit to determine if the contractor is on track to complete the project on time, and within budget. This site visit allows the architect to determine if the retainage witheld from certificates of payment is going to be needed to complete Read more
RAMP CODE: 1010.4 Vertical rise • Rise of any ramp is limited to ≤ 2′-6″. 1010.5.1 Width • The width required for a means of egress ramp is the same as that required for corridors. Note: 1018.2, “Corridor width,” is cited as the source governing applicable widths. • ≥ 3′ clear width is required for Read more
In terms of Door approach, take a look at this chart from ANSI 117.1, Minimum maneuvering clearances at doors shall comply with Section 404.2.3 and shall include the full clear opening width of the doorway Read more
GUARDRAILS 1.Open sides of landings, floor surfaces, ramps, and stairways shall be protected by a continuous guardrail. HANDRAILS 1.Handrails shall be provided on both sides of ramps and stairs. On open stair/ramp sides railing becomes handrail/guardrail and is treated by the software as handrail even at landings if there’s no change in direction – Read more