It has become increasingly apparent that more and more construction problems originate with building code or contract documents' oversights. To avoid these problems, it is imperative that wall and ceiling contractors and their employees become familiar with code and standard requirements.
Here is a simple little quiz that anyone working in our industry should pass with ease or at least by looking up the referenced code section.
1.True or False
4d blued smooth box nails, 1-1/2" x No. 14 gauge 7/32" head may be used for attaching exterior expanded metal or wire lath Table 25-C 1994 UBC
2. 1-1/2" x 16 gauge carrying channels (main runners) must be installed not over (36") (42") (48") o.c. to support cross furring channels installed 16" o.c. Table 25-A 1994 UBC.
3.True or False
Two layers 1/2 " type X gypsum wallboard applied horizontally or vertically on 25 gauge Cee studs is recognized as 2 hour fire resistive construction. Table 7-B 1994 UBC.
4. The maximum allowable deflection of interior walls and partitions over 72 inches high subject to a maximum force of 5 pounds per sz/ ft. shall not exceed (1/120) (1/240) (1/360) of the span for walls with brittle finishes (plaster) and (1/120) (1/240) (1/360) of the span for walls with flexible finishes (drywall).
5.True or False
If a purchaser of steel studs and track wants a certificate of the materials compliance with ASTM Standard Specifications, he should so do when placing the order (ASTM C-645 and 955).
6. Steel studs and joists shall be marked on the section with a label or stamp maximum 48 inches o.c. showing the following:
Circle those required by ICBO
Manufacturers name, logo or initials.
Order Number
Material thickness
Configuration or cross section
Yield strength of steel (if over 33 ksi)
Length
ICBO ES Evaluation Report number
7. Wood structural panels (plywood or OSB) may be installed between gypsum wallboard or gypsum sheathing and studs on either exterior or interior side of wood framed assemblies without affecting the fire resistance. (Footnote 17 Table 7-B)
8.True or False
Stress relief joints to control cracking in fire rated walls, partitions and ceilings must have code approved fire resistive joint systems. (Section 706.1 Uniform Building Code)
9. True of False
Building code tolerance for surface flatness of gypsum wallboards or portland cement plaster basecoats is 1/4 inch when measured in any direction under a 5 ft. straight edge.
10.True or False
Wood structural panels may be attached to 20 gauge, cold-formed steel studs for constructing vertical shear diaphragms. (Tables 22-VIII, A B & C 1997 Uniform Building Code).
It isn't materials that are producing problems, it is decisions about materials made by architects, owners, builders and subcontractor employees that create most problems.
Answers: 1. F | 2. 42" | 3. T | 4. 1/240 Brittle, 1/120 Flexible | 5. T | 6. 1,2,3,5 & 7 | 7. T | 8. T | 9. F | 10. T
