Frame cracking question

stevec · Feb 25, 2008 9:21 pm

Hi all
Does anyone know if their is an issue with the frame cracking below. My frame has statrted and on the bottom corner of the house the wood is cracked and broken. This is straight on the slab. I mainly want to know if this will cause any issues in the future. My supervisor has indicated it is not a problem

I dont think it will but thought it is better to get you guys to give me some adivce as it is always great on the forum

Dukekamaya · Feb 25, 2008 9:32 pm

Look along the bottom plate for the structual grade marking/stamp - stuctual grade pine really shouldn't be splitting like that. IMO it renders the bottom of that bracing useless.

PhoenixStar · Feb 25, 2008 9:35 pm

steve, i don't see it as a problem....especially as it's an exterior wall plate. It has been braced.....you might find that your builder might cover it with masonite anyway?

Just a thought though....be mindful of the amount of overhang of your framework over your slab... (just looking at your pic)

mattwalker · Feb 25, 2008 9:36 pm

Steve,

I would point it out to your S/S if you can...

I dont think it is a major one (they can fix it with some corner blocks now) but it could be down the track.

Better safe than sorry!

Hennig · Feb 25, 2008 10:59 pm

Also note that the speed bracing is a type b form of bracing which to meet regs requires a mechanical fixing (dyna bolt or the like) within 100mm of the fixing point located the bottom point of the brace.
In other words, that concrete nail should be a dyna bolt or excalibur bolt.
I agree with the comment on the usefulness of the bracing with a split located where it is. Recommend or request a block on top nailed from each end and down into the bottom plate - so that the brace can then be nailed to it.
Just a question, how long has the timber been exposed to the weather?

stevec · Feb 25, 2008 11:04 pm

Timber would have been exposed to the weather for 2 weeks

Hennig · Feb 25, 2008 11:16 pm

Pre fab or stick built?

ausdesign · Feb 26, 2008 7:37 am

Not sure how you can determine that it is a type B bracing unit.
If I was guessing, I'd say a type A with the concrete nail correct.
A block, the full width between the studs, should be fixed securely to the bottom plate & studs with extra nailing through the brace into the block.

stevec · Feb 26, 2008 8:17 am

The frame was built from scratch by PD. IE Not pre fab from the factory. They built it all on site

Dukekamaya · Feb 26, 2008 5:18 pm

I agree with Peter.

stevec · Feb 26, 2008 5:56 pm

The supervisor is going to look at this issue and retif it. Thankyou everyone who provided the advice so I knew what to tell them.

Hennig · Feb 26, 2008 11:50 pm

My apologies. Good building practice and following engineers recommendations has lead me to believe that a M10/M12 bolt within 100-1500mm from bottom bracing point of a strap/speed brace is correct.
Again, apologies for any miscommunication.