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Recent content by msquared48

  1. msquared48

    Is a Masters needed to be a Sturctural Engineer

    A masters did not really help me progress toward the Structural license that much, but four years of practical experience and the tutoring of senior structural engineers did. Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA)
  2. msquared48

    Drywall Screws in Flush Mount Hanger

    The joists do not look pressure treated to me so that should not be an issue. However, the mounting screws should be removed and replaced with a screw that is recommended by the joist hanger manufacturer. That can be done sequentially to each joist without removing the floor structure as...
  3. msquared48

    Intermittent Popping sounds in Roof Structure

    Thanks for the comments… Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA)
  4. msquared48

    Intermittent Popping sounds in Roof Structure

    DVD: No roofing or repair issues. As for the wind, it is exposed to a southeast open water situation with probably a high Kzt factor, but the noise is not associated timewise with any wind gusts. Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA)
  5. msquared48

    Intermittent Popping sounds in Roof Structure

    The space for the trusses is unheated, so temperature fluctuation is very suspect, but taking 30 years to present is odd to me. I have no idea on the type of truss end connectors that may have been used, if any, yet. No roof leaks either, old or new. The house is very well maintained. The...
  6. msquared48

    Intermittent Popping sounds in Roof Structure

    I have a project where the client is hearing periodic popping sounds in his plant manyfactured roof structure after 30 years, He has the original owner and has structural drawings that I am studying. Two locations are involved, one at a major girder truss location, and the other near a hip...
  7. msquared48

    Plaster Cracks vs Structural Cracks?

    Looks to.me that the corner column shifted laterally at a 45 degree angle at the floor. The molding opened up at the intersection too. Need to open up the base of the corner column and verify, perhaps adding corner strap after repositioning the column. Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA)
  8. msquared48

    Custom lake home with tall wall great room

    No moment frame needed. Done several of these homes over the years. You have two good shear walls to either side of the window wall to use, log or plywood. The vertical angle at the center of the window wall reduces the l/r ration of the central column at the angle. Don't make this more...
  9. msquared48

    Longitudinal Split in wood

    If the checking creates two separate members, it is significant as S andI are significantly decreased. Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA, HI)
  10. msquared48

    Site visit photos

    Blue beam works well for me. Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA, HI)
  11. msquared48

    Charging for Meetings/Site Visits Prior to Being Engaged

    I charge my minimum 4 hour fee for local site visits and more for farther away. This is another way to weed out the serious clients. If further work is needed, I write a proposal. Been doing this for many years and it works for me. Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA, HI)
  12. msquared48

    Retainers?

    I have used retainers for many years to weed out the serious clients and cut my losses. 25 to 50% is reasonable, depending on the size of the project, and the retainers are not refundable. Retainers also help to manage cash flow. I do not take on projects where I do not get paid until “they”...
  13. msquared48

    Upgrading computers

    Switched to a new computer and upgraded to Windows 10. Have RISA 2D on the old computer which is no longer used. Can I switch it to the new computer or do I have to buy a new program at $750.00? Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA, HI)
  14. msquared48

    RISA and Ukraine war

    Josh: Sounds like a scary time for RISA in general. Similar to all the eggs in one basket scenario. Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA, HI)
  15. msquared48

    We're MBAs, we can fix anything

    All generalizations aren't worth a damn, including this one! Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA, HI)

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