The panels are attached to the foundation by threaded rods that run through the central straw core of the panel. The threaded rods are fastened at the top of the panels with plate washers. Steve Pestell, of Rogina Pestell Structural Engineers, implemented this anchoring strategy as part of a wider effort to adapt Agriboard to California's seismic environment. The goal was to accomplish this task in an efficient manner that would minimize the redesign of the Agriboard panel while still meeting California approval guidelines. The panels typically come from the plant with electrical chases that run vertically within the straw core and this anchoring method required minimal change to the production method.
Panel installation is underway. The builders are moving ahead fast. There is only a little more sunshine in the forecast so everybody appreciates the clip. At midday today about 75% of the first floor panels were up after starting work on the panels yesterday. Most panels are being place by crane.
The mudsills and LSL keys have been applied to the foundation. The Agriboard install should start tomorrow. Total Concepts is the General Contractor and Shook and Waller is the contractor responsible for the Agriboard installation. A big thank you to Steve Pestell, the structural engineer of record, for catching some last minute lumber rating issues and to John Sharp, of Total Concepts, for catching all the electrical issues before the panels went in.
