Our interpretations of the many codes and standards in our engineering industry
Virtual inspections for PEs in U.S. buildings Virtual inspections moved from a pandemic workaround to a mainstream option in many U.S. jurisdictions, but what’s allowed by a building department is not always the same as what a Professional Engineer (PE) can responsibly certify under licensure rules, standard of care, and contract/insurance constraints. What is a …
Gable End Bracing and the FORTIFIED Program Gable end walls are a well-documented weak point in high-wind events. When a gable end fails, wind and rain can enter the attic and interior, often leading to extensive structural and water damage. The FORTIFIED® Home program specifically addresses this risk by requiring improved gable end bracing and …
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 …
ASCE 24-24 Explained: What’s New in Flood-Resistant Design for 2024 Building Codes Read More »
How To Find Your Flood Zone Understanding your property’s flood risk is essential for design, construction, insurance, and safety planning. Fortunately, identifying your flood zone is straightforward. Step 1: Use FEMA’s Flood Map Service Visit the FEMA Flood Map Service Portal.By entering your address or GPS coordinates, you can quickly access the official FEMA flood …
FAQ: Where can I find the flood zone my house or project is in? Read More »
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 …
Differences Between Designing a Railing For General Use vs. Rooftop Mechanical Equipment Read More »
Florida & Miami Dade Have Similar Expiration Rules Let’s Break Them Down 1: Building Code Expiration Date In all cases, a product approval must contain information regarding the effective building code for use. Genarlly speaking, permits must be applied for during the time the effecitve building codes are in effect. There are nuances regarding master …
When Does a Florida Or Miami Dade NOA Product Approval Expire? Read More »
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 …
Glass Aspect Ratio Limitations in Florida’s High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) Read More »
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 …
Understanding Fence Design: Key Considerations and Code Requirements Read More »
How To Apply For A Retrofit Window-Door-Garage Door Permit In South Florida & Beyond Dade, Broward & Palm Beach Counties have adopted a unique set of rules for permitting window and door replacements (alteration level 1). Other coastal counties across the US are catching on, so the process applies when needed. While there are variations …
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 …
How To Calculate Porosity of a Louver – Sign – Fence Per ASCE 7 Read More »
How To Determine The Design Wind Speed For Your Project To determine the wind speed to use for your project, visit the ASCE Hazard Tool. This tool allows input of a project address and also returns flood, snow, ice & seismic information. visit the asce hazard tool What You Need To Know Risk Categories About …
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 …
Key Dates In The Florida Product Approval Submittal Process The Florida Product Approval program follows a structured review cycle administered by the Florida Building Commission and the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) Submittal Deadlines: Applicants must upload all required product documentation to the state’s online system by the official deadline published on the …
Florida Product Approval Submittal Cutoff Dates – Public Comment Process – Pro Tips Read More »
Open, Closed, Partially Open & Partially Enclosed Structures When designing buildings subject to wind loads (e.g., according to ASCE 7‑16, Chapter 26.2), it is essential to determine how ‘enclosed’ a structure is. The enclosure classification strongly influences internal wind pressures, which in turn affect structural components (walls, windows, doors, roof systems, etc.). Four classifications are …
Open, Closed, Partially Open, and Partially Enclosed Structures. Read More »
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 …
What’s A Miami Dade Renewal Process? A Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance (NOA) is valid for five years from its issuance date. To keep the approval active, manufacturers must submit a renewal application before expiration, extending the NOA for another five-year term. Qualified engineering firms—such as Engineering Express—can prepare and file this renewal on behalf of …
