Q5.24: Since the rules are made in English engineering units such as inch and feet but in Indonesia we use SI units and this difference requires a convergence between the two values in each unit. What is the tolerance difference for each value of conversion? because the materials are made and easier to cut in integer numbers but this conversion results in many decimals such as base plate dimensions of 18X18 in. this converts to 45.72X45.72 cm. Is it okay if we round it up to 46X46 cm or is it not allowed?

A: We recommend that teams using SI units convert imperial units to SI units, add the tolerance (if they need to take advantage of the tolerance), and then round down to the nearest integer of mm to get the maximum allowed dimension.  For example, for the base plate dimension mentioned in the question, Section 5.7.a […]

Q5.22: In figure 14, it is shown that the bottom right floor is considered as non rentable area because it cannot be access from the upper half and the left side of the area so we have to provide the floor area and also the access to each floor area, are we correct or is there something we misunderstood? Second question, since the boundaries for the floor member is only the span of the member, this means we can make all floor member in plus(+) shape with no X or is there a boundary for that too?

A: Regarding the first question, all rentable floor area must be accessible from the rest of the floor in question.  In Figure 14 of the Design Guide, the bottom right section of floor meets the requirements for maximum spans but would not be counted as rentable floor area because the adjacent sections of floor have […]

Q5.23: Regarding the use of the rentable floor space on top of floor 10, do the openings on the exterior faces (between floor 10 and 11) fall under the category of interior openings or exterior openings? In other words, do we only need 1 opening (counted as interior opening) or 2 openings (counted as exterior opening)?

A: Only 1 opening is required to access the rentable floor area between the exterior and interior sections of the 10th story.  The only point where 2 openings are required is the exterior of the first floor (Section 5.6.c of the Official Rules).

Q5.21: While members in their final state must fit inside a 0.2″ x 0.2″ x 15″ box, can individual members be glued end-to-end or notched and glued end-to-end to create a composite member longer than 15″? In this case, each separate member would still be less than the specified dimensions.

A: Yes, this would be typical in members used as columns as long as the individual members satisfy requirements outlined in the Official Rules

Q5.20: In Section 5.6.c for the rentable floor area, it states that a clear opening with dimensions 1″ wide by 2.25″ tall is required originating from the interior of the building. Does this access point refer to an opening through the floor plan, such as if there was a stairwell or elevator core? If so, does that mean an opening through the floor plan would be 1″ by 1″? Or, do these dimensions just refer to occupants being physically able to walk around the floor with the height clearance of 2.25″?

A: The 1” x 2.25” access point refers to a clear opening of this dimension on the vertical plane for each floor instead of an opening on the floor plan. It is intended to represent the clearance that occupants need to be able to physically walk around the floor and access other spaces.  An opening […]