After constructing and placing the concrete footers, the next step in the construction of the 2005 Maryland Solar Decathlon home was to set the posts that will support the main beams of the house.
Each of the 14 posts on the two main lines of footers had to be individually leveled and attached to the footer. Team members used Simpson Strong Tie connections to attach the posts to the bolts that were set in the footers before pouring the concrete.
Finally, dimensional lumber was screwed into the posts to create cross bracing that would keep the posts level during the next phases of construction. The outer two rows of footers will receive posts when the bumpouts above them are constructed.
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