Q1.7: In past competitions, it was clarified that the scale of the building in architectural renders was at the team’s discretion. Clarification Q1.5 from the 2023 SDC instead suggests that the maximum building scale for the 2023 SDC can be no more than 1:56, giving a story height of 14 feet. Is this interpretation correct?
A: In Q1.5 we stated that any scaling factors considering the building to be a typical real life construction can be used. If the average height of a story is 14’, then the scaling factor would be 1:56, which is the average, not the maximum. Please select scaling factors that would yield “typical real life […]
Q1.8: The scaling of 1:56, as said in previous clarification and the vertical (height): horizontal (length and breadth) dimension can offer just 1 residential apartment on a floor while in a realistic construction, it’s observed to have at least 2 apartments on a floor. So, should we stick with the beforementioned clarification, or can we proceed with increasing the ratio of horizontal dimension to vertical dimension (currently it is 14:3)?
A: Participants should stick to the provided ratio and follow the response from the previous clarification.
Q8.3: Under section 8.3/8.4, the rules specify a 1/2 in. diameter rod to be inserted for dead load installation. In the 2022 rules, the length of the rod is specified as 20 in. long, however we were not able to find the length in this years’ rule book. As the tower dimensions are different from 2022 to 2023, we were wondering what this years’ 1/2 in. steel threaded rod length is
A: The rods that will be used in this year’s competition will have the same dimensions as the previous year: 0.5 inch diameter and 12 inch long.
Q7.9: We are requesting clarification for the sentence “An 18.00 in. by 18.00 in. square continuous wooden (Plywood or MDF) base plate will be used to attach the model to the shake table.” Is it permitted to laminate two pieces of plywood together (one on top of the other) to make up the required 0.25 inch to 0.5 inch thickness for the base plate? Furthermore, is it permitted to use dowel pins to connect two pieces of plywood together (one on top of the other) to make up the required 0.25 inch to 0.5 inch thickness for the base plate?
A: Lamination of two plywood plates to make up for the required thickness is accepted as long as there is no space (gap) between the two sheets. On the other hand, dowel pins are not accepted. However, the SLC strongly encourages the team to use a single 0.5-in thick plate if possible.
Q1.5: With a scaling factor of 1:96, the 3″ structural floor height is increased to 24′ in the architectural model. This height is sufficient to allow for the creation of lofted spaces. Is it permissible to include lofted spaces in the architectural design and renders so long as they follow the California Building and Fire Codes?
A: Any scaling factors considering the building to be a typical real life construction can be used (average height of stories is 14’ giving a scale of 1:56, not more than this). Yes, lofted spaces are permitted as long as they follow the California building and fire codes.