rlackore

The California Residential Code is based on the 2012 IRC. California's definition of Fire Separation Distance is not modified from the standard definition: California has amended IRC Section R302, but the pertinent table R302.1(1) remains unchanged with no special footnotes or provisions: I highly recommend purchasing a copy from the ICC, though you can also access it for free online here: http://www.ecodes.biz/ecodes_support/Free_Resources/2013California/13Residential/13Residential_main.html ...or in a scanned pdf version here: https://law.resource.org/pub/us/code/bsc.ca.gov/gov.ca.bsc.2013.02.5.pdf.

The ICC publishes every three years - there is no "2013 IBC", though California does have a 2013 Building Code based on the 2012 IBC; California also uses an amended version of the 2012 IRC in the State's 2013 Residential Code.

Greg's fire-blocking provision is not part of the standard IRC - it's got to be a locally adopted amendment. EDIT: I think Greg must live in Washington state - they have adopted this amendment to Table R302.1(1).

The IRC and the IBC define Fire Separation Distance the same; the definition is very clear. When you're dealing with distance from a lot line, there isn't much you can do except play with the location of the building. When dealing with buildings on the same lot the designer is permitted to determine the placement of the imaginary line that will be used to determine the fire separation distance - I always place and dimension this line on the lot layout plan that shows all the other important fire-related stuff (fire department vehicle access, fire department connections, hydrants, maximum hose distance, etc.).

Good info, sure, but the IRC doesn't care.

Section R202, Definitions. It is the same definition as the IBC Chapter 7.

Fire Separation Distance IS measured to the Lot Line, or to an imaginary line between two buildings on the SAME LOT. Very important.

Worked for me right away:

So obvious. Thanks for the correction.

Make sure the layer Cross Section Lines is turned on - it is the "default" layer on which CA creates special cross-section geometry that can be "found" by snaps (including dimensions), though it can't be selected.

If I understand correctly you want to keep the roof ridge height and steepen the pitch to achieve a knee-wall condition. Select the roof plane, open the Roof Plane Specification dialog box, Check General>Height/Pitch/Lock Ridge Top Height, then enter the desired Roof Pitch, click OK. The final step is to adjust the lower gable roof plane intersection.

We've been saving and working with plans stored on a network since X5. No problems with X7.

In my experience the ribbon board can be specified for any depth - the bigger problem is that they are primarily for alignment, so if you spec a bigger ribbon board and need it for structural attachment of an exterior ledger, then you also need to specify to the framer how to attach the ribbon board to the trusses.

You can insert a door with the door tool. You can insert vents using the window tool.

Use the CAD Block Management dbx to select and insert a copy of the block. Explode the copy. Edit the linework, then re-block and change the name to the original block name and accept the name change in the warning dbx that pops up. All instances of the original block will be updated.

3. Select the Terrain Perimeter, open the Terrain Specification dialog box, then un-check General>Building Pad>Subfloor Height Above Terrain>Automatic, and enter 550mm into the box. This will place the terrain 55cm below the first floor elevation.

2. If you aren't worried about accurately modeling the structure, then this is easy to do with a roof plane. Set it to 0-degree pitch and place it vertically into position.

1. Select the end walls, open the Object Specification dialog box, then check the box for Roof>Roof Options>Full Gable Wall, and Structure>Default Wall Heights>Default Wall Top Height. When you close the dialog box the roofs will auto-rebuilt to gables. Then you'll have to adjust the attic walls as necessary and apply the exterior wall covering to match the second floor walls.

Do you mean an open web truss, or an i-joist? The previous answers address an i-joist scenario. If we're talking about an open web truss, then the answer depends on whether the deck attaches perpendicular to the trusses or parallel to the trusses, as well as how the end bearing condition is fabricated/detailed. Open web trusses provide superior cantilever lengths and options, depending on the depth of the truss. Can you post a drawing or picture of what you are trying to achieve?

Joey thanks for that nugget - it taught me something valuable.

If I understand correctly, select the walls you want to hang the floor off of (these will be the walls below the floor platform), open the Wall Specification dialog box, and check the box Structure>Hang Floor Platform Above on Wall.

Select the railing walls and open the dbx. Check the box Structure>Platform Intersections>Go Through Floor Below.

Are you by chance using the Blend Colors with Materials option? Check out the X7 Reference Manual beginning on page 832 for Material Painter options and modes; page 833 explains the Blend Colors with Materials option.

Have you reviewed the X7 Reference Manual, page 546, Creating a Stairwell? This section explains how to create the Open Below room on the second floor that will "reveal" the stair.

If you could post the plan file, or at least some images of the issue, it would help us with a reply.