Core drills must not be within how many inches of any structural element?

Core drills must not be within 18 inches of any structural element to ensure the integrity and stability of the structure. This distance is significant because drilling too close to structural components could compromise their load-bearing capacity. Structural elements like beams, columns, and walls are designed to support specific loads, and penetrating these elements can weaken them, potentially leading to structural failures.

Maintaining this minimum distance of 18 inches helps to avoid damaging reinforcing bars and ensures that the physical connections and load paths within the structure remain undisturbed. It is a standard guideline in construction and design practices to prevent any adverse effects on structural integrity when performing core drilling operations. This caution aligns with safety regulations and best practices in the field of design and construction.