Framed floors

Question 1

What are the two primary materials that piles can be made from?

Answer 1

H5 Timber, Concrete

Question 2

What is the main function of ordinary piles?

Answer 2

To resist vertical loads (compression or tension).

Question 3

Where are ordinary piles commonly used?

Answer 3

In situations where the load-bearing capacity of the soil is insufficient.

Question 4

What is the minimum depth at which ordinary piles should be placed into the ground?

Answer 4

200mm

Question 5

What is the maximum height above ground level for ordinary piles?

Answer 5

3 meters

Question 6

How are bearers attached to ordinary piles?

Answer 6

Bearers are run directly over the pile and fixed with 2 nails and wire dogs or 4 nails.

Question 7

What type of pile is used to resist horizontal forces such as wind or seismic activity?

Answer 7

Anchor pile

Question 8

Where are anchor piles typically used?

Answer 8

In areas prone to landslides.

Question 9

What is the minimum depth for anchor piles?

Answer 9

900mm

Question 10

What is the maximum height above ground level for anchor piles?

Answer 10

600mm

Question 11

How are bearers fixed to anchor piles?

Answer 11

Bearers are run along the side of the piles and attached with M12 bolts and 3mm washers.

Question 12

What are braced piles used to resist?

Answer 12

Both horizontal and vertical loads.

Question 13

Where are braced piles typically used?

Answer 13

In deep excavations.

Question 14

What is the minimum depth for braced piles?

Answer 14

450mm

Question 15

What is the maximum height above ground level for braced piles?

Answer 15

3 meters

Question 16

At what angle are braces typically attached to braced piles?

Answer 16

Between 10 to 45 degrees.

Question 17

How many braces can be attached to a pile?

Answer 17

No more than two braces at the bottom, and only one at the top of the pile.

Question 18

What is the primary use of driven/cantilever piles?

Answer 18

Primarily used in poor soil conditions, often for retaining walls.

Question 19

What is the maximum length for driven piles?

Answer 19

3.6 meters

Question 20

What is the minimum depth for driven piles in gravel?

Answer 20

900mm

Question 21

What is the minimum depth for driven piles in other soil types?

Answer 21

1.2 meters

Question 22

How are bearers attached to driven piles?

Answer 22

Bearers are run directly over the pile and fixed with 2 nails and wire dogs or 4 nails.

Question 23

What is the only reason to dig a pile hole deeper than the minimum specified depth?

Answer 23

To reach a depth where the bearing capacity of the soil is sufficient.

Question 24

How much space should be left for concrete under a pile?

Answer 24

100mm

Question 25

How do pile foundation joints differ from pole frame construction?

Answer 25

In pile foundations, bearers are run directly on top of the piles, while in pole construction, bearers are bolted to the outside of the poles.

Question 26

What is the minimum timber treatment for subfloor timber when it is close to the ground?

Answer 26

H5

Question 27

What is the importance of where bearers should join and how these joints are arranged over multiple rows of piles?

Answer 27

Load distribution, structural continuity, and redundancy

Question 28

What should be placed between pile and bearer junctions, and why?

Answer 28

A Damp Proof Course (DPC) to prevent moisture from rising from the ground to the bearers.

Question 29

How does the height above ground affect timber treatment of subfloor framing?

Answer 29

The closer the timber is to the ground, the higher the risk of moisture penetration.

Question 30

What is the role of subfloor ventilation in timber foundations?

Answer 30

To remove moist air from under the building, preventing moisture damage.

Question 31

How many air changes per hour are required for wet sites according to building code E2?

Answer 31

10 air changes per hour

Question 32

What are common forms of subfloor ventilation?

Answer 32

Vents, ventilation pipes, raised floor spaces, drainage systems, and elevated foundations.

Question 33

What else is done to prevent subfloor moisture from entering a building envelope?

Answer 33

A Damp Proof Course (DPC), higher ground level, and drainage systems.

Question 34

What is the purpose of a ribbon plate in floor framing?

Answer 34

It attaches to the house and serves as a connection point for the floor framing.

Question 35

What should be checked before placing and fixing timber in floor frames?

Answer 35

Straightness (to avoid uneven floors).

Question 36

What are some types of timber flooring used in construction?

Answer 36

Laminate, particle board, pine plywood, hardwood (e.g., oak or rimu).

Question 37

How should sheet or lineal flooring be oriented relative to framing for maximum strength?

Answer 37

It should be installed perpendicular to the floor joists, and joints should be staggered over joists.

Question 38

What is the most important thing to check as you lay and fix off decking timber?

Answer 38

Ensure it is square with the framing and installed straight.

Question 39

What are the three most common methods for fixing flooring to framing?

Answer 39

Nails, screws, and glue.

Question 40

What is secret nailing?

Answer 40

Nailing through the tongue in a tongue-and-groove system, with the groove covering the nail.

Question 41

What hardware is used to connect piles to bearers?

Answer 41

Z nails

Question 42

What hardware is used to connect bearers to joists?

Answer 42

Z nails, CPC 40/80

Question 43

What is used to connect joists to boundaries/ribbons?

Answer 43

Joist hangers

Question 44

What hardware is used to attach boundaries/ribbons to an existing structure?

Answer 44

Bolt and washer

Question 45

What is used to connect joists to ribbon plates?

Answer 45

Hurricane tie

Question 46

What factors influence the choice of hardware for timber construction?

Answer 46

Material, exposure to weather elements, durability, and rust protection.

Question 47

What are trimmer joists used for in floor framing?

Answer 47

They form the openings for stairs or access hatches.

Question 48

What is the role of the header in stair openings?

Answer 48

It supports the stair framing and helps transfer loads.

Question 49

What height difference requires a building consent for a deck?

Answer 49

A fall of 1.5 meters or more.

Question 50

What is the minimum gap required between a deck and cladding?

Answer 50

12mm