Codes & Standards

Our interpretations of the many codes and standards in our engineering industry

New Jersey Flooding

ASCE 24-24 Explained: What’s New in Flood-Resistant Design for 2024 Building Codes

ASCE 24-2024 – Flood-Resistant Design for 2024 Building Codes The newly released ASCE 24-24, Flood Resistant Design and Construction, brings significant updates to how structures are designed in flood-prone areas. Referenced in the 2024 International Building Code (IBC) and other national standards, ASCE 24-24 replaces the 2014 edition and reflects the latest FEMA guidance, lessons …

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mechanical railing

Differences Between Designing a Railing For General Use vs. Rooftop Mechanical Equipment

Installing A Railing Around Mechanical Equipment? It could be easier than you think. Railings around mechanical equipment, as opposed to general use pedestrian railings, can be designed to a different standard. These types of railing include those that protect: •  Roofs of commercial buildings •  Industrial facilities •  Mechanical rooms Railing systems of all kinds …

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window-analysis-binding-box-shape-examples

Glass Aspect Ratio Limitations in Florida’s High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ)

When A Glazed Opening Isn’t Exactly Square Often times a glazing product is approved for large missile impact, but requires a field modification for size. While the tested span cannot be exceeded and still meet the building code’s large missile impact requirements, the aspect ratio (the length to width ratio) can be altered so long …

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Privacy Fence

Understanding Fence Design: Key Considerations and Code Requirements

Fences – An Overview Fences serve multiple purposes, from enhancing privacy and security to defining property boundaries and improving aesthetics. However, a well-designed fence isn’t just about appearance, it must also comply with building codes to ensure safety, durability, and structural integrity. This article explores common fence designs and the key regulations that apply to …

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window-door retrofit guide south florida broward palm beach dade

The Ultimate Guide To Creating A Window – Door Retrofit Permit Package In South Florida

How To Apply For A Retrofit Window-Door-Garage Door Permit In South Florida Dade, Broward & Palm Beach Counties have adopted a unique set of rules for permitting window and door replacements (alteration level 1). While there are variations between cities, counties, & states, these requirements are similar.  Alteration Level 1 Defined: FBC/IBC existing building Section …

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How To Calculate Porosity of a Louver – Sign – Fence Per ASCE 7

Porosity – How ‘Open’ A Surface Is – Explained The porosity of open structures is defined in ASCE-7 standard under ‘open signs’ (chapter 29, as of ASCE 7-22). This standard explains that the permeable (wind) porosity of a surface isn’t always equivalent to the calculated visual porosity. Left: mechanically articulating louvers that can reach a …

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About Florida Declaratory Statements

What Are Florida Building Code Declaratory Statements And Where Can I Find And Submit Them?

Binding Florida Code Interpretations As in other states, Florida’s Building Code is published on a regular cycle. In Florida, besides petitions for code changes, there are questions asked to the state for clarifications to unclear sections or new issues that may arise. Those are called Declaratory Statements, which can be searched by clicking here. You …

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Florida Product Approval Logo

Florida Product Approval Submittal Cutoff Dates – Public Comment Process – Pro Tips

Are you submitting a building product to the Florida Product Approval System? What you need to know:  Cutoff dates for submittal and approval:   Building Codes and Standards – Product Approval POC Key Dates In The Florida Product Approval Submittal Process:  Submittal Deadlines Applicants must have your product uploaded to the state system by this …

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ASCE 7 Risk Categories Explained - Engineering Express

ASCE 7 Risk Categories Explained

ASCE 7 Risk Category Summary What Are The ASCE-7 Risk Categories? ASCE 7 provides the information needed to convert wind speed to wind pressure. Earlier versions of this code had factors applied to the end pressure when determining the severity of risk for a particular design. For example, there’s more need for an essential facility …

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PRODUCT APPROVALS ARE NOT ALWAYS REQUIRED! HERE’S WHY:

Here Are 3 Myths About Product Approval Requirements Background Product evaluations (sometimes called “product approvals”, “ICC reports”, Miami Dade NOA’s or similar) for building products are general requirements as found in the International Building Code.  Building officials, architects, insurance companies, third-party reviewers, and even homeowners ask for them all the time.    Permits frequently require …

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Miami NOA QA Expiration Date Example 1

Whats the difference between the Miami Dade NOA Quality Assurance Date and the Building Code Expiration Date?

Learn How To Quickly Spot And Use QA Expiration & Code Dates On a Miami Dade NOA Why This Is So Important Miami Dade Lists an ‘Expiration Date’ on the cover page of their Miami Dade NOA’s, which is misunderstood and frequently misused. Many times the product being used is NOT Code compliant, even though …

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