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Updates

Stop the Sound

Can you explain the term “flanking” relative to acoustically rated partitions? “Flanking” in a military sense means to circumvent the enemy’s front line. The same is true in acoustics. Focusing on an acoustically...

What Is This Partition?

Q: I’m renovating an old building where the interior stud framing appears to be made from steel wire. What is this type of partition? A:  There was an interesting framing system developed by one...

Prescriptive Versus Performance

Q: What is the difference between a prescriptive-based and a performance-based building code? A: It is important to understand the main goal of a building code. The preface of the 2021 International Building...

Spot-Grouting: What Is It?

Q: Can you explain the term “spot-grouting” in the installation of steel door frames in commercial applications? A: Spot-grouting in cold-formed steel framing and gypsum panel systems relates to the interface between the...

Critical Lighting

Q: What is meant by the phrase “critical lighting”? A: In general, critical lighting can be considered as any lighting condition that tends to magnify surface anomalies on a finished surface. The finish...

Carbon Content Defined

Q: What is meant by “carbon content” in building materials? A: Carbon content is a phrase used in the design community to compare specific sustainability attributes in building materials. It doesn’t reflect the...

Thermal Bridging

Q: Can you explain the concept of thermal bridging and its current impact for the contractor? A: Codes and standards are now looking at curbing the negative effect of thermal bridging, which will...

IBC Changes Regarding Exterior Cement Plaster

Q: Can you explain the recent changes in the International Building Code regarding exterior cement plaster? A: The 2021 version of the IBC has significant changes relating to the application of cement plaster...

Forces vs. Walls

Q: Can you describe the difference between material and geometric properties relating to the structural capacity of wall systems? A: The structural capacity of any product or system is a function of the...