Chapter 14: Framing Systems and Structural Design

balloon-frame construction

studs (lumber) run from the sill plate (concrete ground floor) to the top plate of the second floor; more common in older houses since long studs aren’t available anymore

platform-frame construction

each level of the house is constructed separately; floor is a platform built independently of walls

in platform-frame construction how far apart are wall studs spaced apart

16” on center (OC)

in platform-frame construction how far apart are floor joists

can be 12”, 16”, 19.2” or 24” on center; depends on the load

in line framing

all studs and rafters are given the same spacing; usually 16” or 24” on center, increases the load-bearing efficiency of the frame; reduces amount of lumber needed to build a house

post and beam framing

relies on fewer but larger pieces of framing members; spaced farther apart than conventional framing; flooring beams spaced 8’ apart

timber framing

post and beam framing that rests on a foundation

structural insulated panel

3 1/2” thick polystryene foam between sheets of exterior plywood or oriented-strand board (OSB)

manufactured housing

houses built completely/entirely by assembly lines

shear wall

wall to resist lateral forces; shear strength is NEEDED at the corners of houses, top of wall secured to second floor bottom of wall secured to sill plate

design value

number assigned to how well a particular wood resists stress

span table

lists maximum spacing allowed between different sizes of joists or rafters; on center spacing

on center (OC)

refers to distance from the centerline of one structural member to the centerline of the next closest member

dead load

total weight of the building; including structural frame and anything permanently attached

live load

weight that is not permanently attached; furniture, people

joist hanger

used where floor or ceiling joists meet another framing member like a beam