Cush Drive- What's its Function?

acotrel said:

Loved the video. One thing I've noticed about engineers during many years of working with them - they don't handle UNCERTAINTY very well. Everything seems to be plugging numbers into formulae and believing the answers.

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As a former contractor and now a building code administrator, I'm reminded of this every day.

I review plans submitted by a 'design professional'. When I reject their plans because they don't meet code, or don't make sense, they typically turn around and re-submit the same thing. I've taken architects/engineers out in the field and shown them why their design won't work. The look on their faces starts out as a 'deer in the headlights' stare, then an oh, f**k, he's right look, which leads to a re-submittal where they state that they realized there was a flaw in the design, and submit a new drawing, which is 'their' idea. The owner then gets a bill for the new design.

Building codes are complicated, but I boil it down to two basic factors - structural integrity and fire safety. The overall goal of most building codes is to prevent fires and build structures strong enough to protect occupants from the hazards in that part of the world - whether its earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes or floods. One of my simple tests is the 'mouse' test. I picture myself as a mouse. If I can find my my through a fire wall, it's not a fire wall. This can be a very effective way to demonstrate building safety to the designer of record. Using small words and lots of pictures, I usually get through to these 'professionals'.

Back when I was a contractor, it was the same crap, except nobody listened to me then. After all. I was just a contractor, not a PE or member of the AIA.

Broward County! When I re roofed about 7 or 8 yrs ago I researched oriented strand board as I had never heard of it or used it. I believe I found that Broward county prohibited it's use as it failed readily if it got wet and then the hurricane lifted the roof off. I stuck with good old plywood and Broward county nailing requirements. When the inspector came, his only comment was, " boy you sure nailed the shit of it didn't you". I laughed and told him it was Broward county nailed. I don't think he got my joke.