Article about Seismic concerns...

http://www.seismic.ca.gov/pub/CSSC_2007-03_Field_Act_Report.pdf

Revit Family

Sometimes in the course of regular work, I need to create a custom component. Here is an example: Here is a link to the file: :-)

Acts of God.

If man caused global warming is really the cause of storms, why do insurance companies still have "Acts of God" disclaimers? With the legions of the non-believers growing, shouldn't the non-believers refuse to sign insurance documents that exclude Acts of God? How can you explain to an atheist that an Act of God caused the damage and their claim will not be paid?

Armstrong Project Showcase

I received this video from Armstrong. It shows several beautiful projects that use their products. Enjoy.

Second floor walkways

Here is the code section that triggers the treatment of second floor walkways as corridors:

 

SECTION 1019

EGRESS BALCONIES

1019.1 General. Balconies used for egress purposes shall conform

to the same requirements as corridors for width, headroom,

dead ends and projections.

1019.2 Wall separation. Exterior egress balconies shall be

separated from the interior of the building by walls and opening

protectives as required for corridors.

Exception: Separation is not required where the exterior

egress balcony is served by at least two stairs and a dead-end

travel condition does not require travel past an unprotected

opening to reach a stair.

It looks like the 10 feet requirement comes from the accessible means of egress section:

1007.7 Exterior area for assisted rescue. The exterior area for

assisted rescue must be open to the outside air and meet the

requirements of Section 1007.6.1. Separation walls shall comply

with the requirements of Section 705 for exterior walls.

Where walls or openings are between the area for assisted rescue

and the interior of the building, the building exterior walls

within 10 feet (3048 mm) horizontally of a n,onrated wall or

unprotected opening shall have afire-resistance rating of not

less than ,1 hour. Openings within such exterior walls shall be

protected by opening protectives having a fire protection rating

of not less than 3/4 hour. This construction shall extend vertically

from the ground to a point 10 feet (3048 mm) above the

floor level of the area for assisted rescue or to the roof line,

whichever is lower.

Religion & Politics

From Wikipedia:
 Of the 55 delegates to the 1787 Constitutional Convention, 49 were Protestants, and three were Roman Catholics (C. Carroll, D. Carroll, and Fitzsimons).  

Specific Accessibility References

There is often a temptation to go beyond the text when it comes to code compliance. Many times designers and contractors add a little extra. In most cases adding a bit of margin of error is justified. Wider corridors benefit everyone, not just the wheelchair users. Clearances in restrooms are beneficial to the portly and those with limited use of legs.

Some plan checkers and some inspectors will ask for clearances where they do not apply. Case in point toilet tissue dispensers in accessible stalls, can they project out more than 4"?

ANSI 604.3.2 Overlap. The required clearance around the water closet shall be permitted to overlap the water closet, associated grab bars, paper dispensers, sanitary napkin receptacles, coat hooks, shelves, accessible routes, clear floor space at other fixtures and the turning space. No other fixtures or obstructions shall be within the required water closet clearance.
2010 CBC 111SB.S.4 Toilet tissue dispensers. Toilet tissue dispensers shall be located on the wall within 12 inches (305 mm) of the front edge of the toilet seat, mounted below the grab bar, at a minimum height of 19 inches (485 mm), and 36 inches (914 mm) maximum to the far edge from the rear wall. Dispensers that control delivery or that do not permit continuous paper flow shall not be used. See Figure 11B-1A.

The code language and figures do not mention projection. You do not need a recessed toilet tissue dispenser and its associated costs in order to comply. Now you may want recessed accessories in order to fulfill your design objectives, but don't hide behind a non-existent code requirement.

I am an architect licensed in three states, however everything you read on the internet should be verified with a design professional in your jurisdiction.