Regarding any aluminum railing project, it is imperative to understand the life-safety issue that arises when welding an aluminum railing or sign post. For example, a rail is classified as a life-saving fall guard for any elevation above 31 inches above grade. The aluminum alloys normally used (such as 6061-T6) get their strength from a …
Loss of Capacity Due To Welded Aluminum In Railings – Signs – Structures Read More »
Why are spacing, edge distance, and embedment important for concrete anchors? Anchors transfer loads into concrete, making them vital for safe design. Their strength depends not only on the anchor itself but on how it interacts with the concrete. Three factors are key: spacing, edge distance, and embedment depth. If these are not respected, the …
Why are spacing, edge distance, and embedment important for concrete anchors? Read More »
Overview Metal fastening is designed per the requirements of the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC): Specification for Structural Steel Buildings in conjunction with the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA): TIR-A9-14 Design Guide for Metal Cladding Fasteners. Types The two most common types of fastener threads used in construction are Unified Coarse Thread (UNC) more …
Per the 2015 National Design Specification for Wood Construction (NDS 2015), section 12.1.4.6, the minimum length of lag screw penetration Pmin not including the length of the tapered tip, E, of the lag screw into the main member of single shear connections and the side members of double shear connections shall be 4D where D …
What’s the minimum penetration for lag screws into wood? Read More »
Minimum Edge Distance Requirements for Bolts & Screws in Metal (Steel & Aluminum) Proper edge distance is critical to avoid tear-out, maintain bearing strength, and ensure fastener installation tolerances in metal members. Insufficient edge distance can lead to deformation or cracking near the edge of the metal, especially when larger fasteners or tight spacing are …
Minimum Edge Distance Requirements for Bolts & Screws in Metal (Steel & Aluminum) Read More »
What Is A Window Or Door Buck? Openings in buildings are frequently not exact and are referred to as rough openings for that reason. When window products are placed into openings, they often need to be shimmed into place to properly fit the opening. Sometimes, windows come with a ‘fin’ that requires a buck to …
