User:Hab044/sandbox

I would like to contribute information about metal timber connectors which, during WWII, were referred to as the "Modern timber connector method of construction." These type of connectors include both split rings and shear plates. I could also expand on this topic to include more modern timber connectors such as proprietary brands such as Simpson Strong-Tie.

National Lumber Manufacturer’s Association. “Airplane hangar Construction”. Construction Information Series: Lumber and It’s Utilization, vol. IV, ch. 8, 1941, p. 8.

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Article evaluation: Cavity wall

• Is everything in the article relevant to the article topic? Is there anything that distracted you? Mostly except that some of the categories under "wall issues" are not explained such as "salts." The case is not made how these issues are specific to cavity wall construction and not related to all types of wall construction.
• Is any information out of date? Is anything missing that could be added? Information is missing on the common types of rigid cavity wall insulation including polystyrene, polyisocyanurate (polyiso), and polyurethane. The article could address how rigid insulation can have an integral vapor barrier, saving one step in the construction process.
• What else could be improved? Some statements are misleading, such as the description of a cavity wall as consisting of "two skins," when actually only the outer veneer is a "skin" and the inner wythe of the wall is usually structural, supporting the veneer through masonry ties. The article also doesn't mention that in modern cavity wall construction, weep holes must be included beneath the windows to provide drainage from potential rain infiltration around window perimeters. Additionally, the article leads the viewer to believe that the terms "cavity wall" and "double wythe" are interchangeable when in fact they are completely distinct construct systems. The article also only mentions insulation in terms of "nonrigid insulation batts" when actually the most common types of modern cavity wall insulation are rigid insulation. The article also doesn't mention modern galvanized steel veneer ties which are common as a cheaper alternative to stainless steel, although they have a shorter lifespan. The illustration "Components on a CMU and brick cavity wall" contains basic errors such as showing flashing and weeps terminating at an exterior paved surface instead of at a minimum distance above grade as required per code. It should be corrected to show that cavity walls are fully grouted under the lowest level of flashing. The illustration does not show an accurate wall footing configuration. The illustration also does not show the planes where the water barrier and/or vapor barrier would be located within the assembly.

• Is the article neutral? Are there any claims that appear heavily biased toward a particular position? Yes, the article is neutral.
• Are there viewpoints that are overrepresented, or underrepresented? No, the viewpoint of the article seems balanced, though technically underdeveloped.

• Check a few citations. Do the links work? Does the source support the claims in the article? Multiple citations throughout the "Components" and "Wall Issues" sections are incomplete or missing. A lot more work could be done to complete citations and update references to more current construction industry standards.
• Is each fact referenced with an appropriate, reliable reference? Where does the information come from? Are these neutral sources? If biased, is that bias noted? No, the section "Wall Issues" is not well supported by multiple references. It seems to all be based on one source that is a trade publication, not an academic source.

• What kinds of conversations, if any, are going on behind the scenes about how to represent this topic? It looks like there's some discussion of how to improve the content related to cavity wall insulation materials. It also appears that there was a section called "The Science of Cavity" that was criticized for being sloppily written and then removed. There are also discussions of how the article makes statements about building regulations, wall performance concepts, usage of system, and wall ties for being misleading or not well supported.
• How is the article rated? Is it a part of any WikiProjects? I'm not sure how to tell but it has a yellow banner at the top of the article that states "article has an unclear citation style." I'm not certain but it does not look like part of any WikiProjects.
• How does the way Wikipedia discusses this topic differ from the way we've talked about it in class? It goes into a little bit more detail on modern construction method, but isn't entirely accurate or thorough.

Draft for Contributions:

Article: Timber framing

Add Section 5.3: Modern timber connector method (1940's)

In the 1930's a system of timber framing referred to as the "modern timber connector method" was developed. It was characterized by the use of timber members assembled into trusses and other framing systems and fastened using various types of metal timber connectors. Commonly these timber connectors consisted of split-ring connectors, and shear plates. This type of timber construction was used for various building types including warehouses, factories, garages, barns, stores/markets, and recreational buildings. The use of these structures was promoted because of their low construction costs, easy adaptability, and performance in fire as compared to unprotected steel truss construction.

During World War II, the United States Army Corps of Engineers and the Canadian Military Engineers undertook to construct airplane hangars using this timber construction system in order to conserve steel. Wood hangars were constructed throughout North America and employed various technologies including bowstring, Warren, and Pratt trusses, glued laminated arches, and lamella roof systems. Unique to this building type is the interlocking of the timber members of the roof trusses and supporting columns and their connection points. The timber members are held apart by "fillers" (blocks of timber). This leaves air spaces between the timber members which improves air circulation and drying around the members which improves resistance to moisture born decay.

I added 3 starter articles for: lamella structures, split-ring connectors, and shear plate connectors.

References:

American Institute of Timber Construction. (2012). Timber construction manual. Hoboken :: Wiley.

Harris, Cyril M. Dictionary of Architecture and Construction (4th ed.). (2006). New York, NY: The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Herzog, T. (2012). Timber construction manual /. Basel ;: Birkhäuser,.

National Lumber Manufacturer’s Association. “Airplane hangar Construction”. Construction Information Series: Lumber and It’s Utilization, vol. IV, ch. 8, 1941.

Raser, Wm. V. (1941). Modern Timber Connectors for Modern Timber Structures (Unpublished master's thesis). School of Forestry, Oregon State College, Corvallis, OR. Scholars Archive at OSU, https://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/concern/undergraduate_thesis_or_projects/fb494f226?locale=en. Accessed 18 Nov 2018.

I would like to include some images from the 1941 National Lumber Manufacturer's Association and I am working on copyright permissions. The NLMA no longer exists as such and so I've been corresponding with the American Wood Council who now holds the copyright. Hopefully I will have permission in time to include in the article. Update: On 11/30/18 I received copyright permissions from AWC!

My article Lamella (structures) was accepted as a stub-class article! And someone else has started contributing to it. Very exciting.