Codes & Standards

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

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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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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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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*** Find More Help With Product Approvals Here ***

Find more general help with Florida & Miami-Dade Product Approvals by visiting the support articles of EngineeringPlans.com.   Also quickly smart-search Florida & Miami-Dade approvals using their synchronized Search. SEARCH PRODUCT APPROVALS Smart Search All Florida & Miami-Dade Product Approvals & Create Your Perfect Design Use Search Filters

roof snow load

What’s the difference between ground and roof snow load for patio covers?

Ground vs. Roof Snow Load Many don’t understand that the snow load that’s rated for an area typically refers to the snow accumulating on the ground surface.  There are many variables that come into play when converting from ground to roof snow load.  This article explains those factors for uniform snow-loading conditions. Ground Snow Load Defined …

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Performance Limitations for Mechanical Equipment & TER Certifications

Summary of Building Code & Research Intent The intent & provisions of the 2018 International Building Code (IBC), 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) & 2020 Florida Building/Residential Codes are to establish minimum requirements to safeguard the public safety, health, and general welfare of occupants of new and existing buildings & structures. From 2022 / 2020 …

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About Impact Requirements & Mechanical Equipment in the Florida Building Code & Essential Facilities

Mechanical Equipment – Impact or Not Impact? Questions frequently arise as to what the rule is in Florida, Miami, and the HVHZ zone (Dade and Broward Counties, FL) under the Florida Building Code (FBC) for impact rating on mechanical equipment. The answer also has similar references in the International Building Code (IBC) for impact areas …

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snow buildup on trellis example

Snow Build-Over On Pergolas, Trellises & Mechanically Louvered Roofs (Cornice)

Beware of Snow Buildup On Open Roofs An important and frequently overlooked requirement for checking snow loads on open roof systems such as pergolas, trellises, and mechanically louvered roofs is the snow ‘buildover’ effect.  This occurs when the snow accumulates on open patio roof components to the point where it builds ‘up and over’, touching the …

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Pros and Cons of Obtaining a Florida Statewide Approval Vs A Miami Dade Approval and how a TER fits in

Two common means of product evaluations in Florida are Florida Statewide Approvals (FSA’s) and Miami-Dade Notices of Acceptance (NOA’s). To help determine whether these evaluations would be right for you, we’ve compiled a list of pros & cons for each type of evaluation. (opinions as interpreted by this firm)   Pros for a Florida Statewide …

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How Do I Get Approval To Substitute Glass Type-Interlayer On My Product Evaluation?

If you are a manufacturer with a Florida or Miami Dade Approval, or if you are trying to install a tested and approved large missile impact glazing system with an alternate glass interlayer from another manufacturer, you will need to follow ASTM E1996 A1.11. According to section A1.11.4, you cannot change the interlayer type without …

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Performance Requirements Typically Requested On Project Specifications

For shop drawings requested for structural permit by this office, the following are typical specifications requested.  Engineering Express routinely complies with these when providing certified plans for permit:   Delegated Design:  Design , including comprehensive engineering analysis by a qualified professional engineer, using performance requirements & design criteria indicated. Structural Performance: shall withstand the effects …

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The building department is asking for design wind speed – risk category – exposure – address on my master plan – TER What do I tell them?

In the case of Master Plans and Technical Evaluation Reports, product evaluations, master plans, and technical evaluation reports generally list the limiting pressure forces that the product (building component) can withstand  (such as these – click here). Items such as wind speed, risk category, wind exposure are connected to the site-specific condition the building component …

The building department is asking for design wind speed – risk category – exposure – address on my master plan – TER What do I tell them? Read More »

What are editorial changes to products registered in the Florida Product Approval System?

Editorial changes are permitted within the state product approval system when an approved product is modified but no additional uploads are needed, and there is no change to the number of products or product performance. This is a limited revision, and should only be used when fixing items such as: Typographical errors Changes to the …

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What is the current Florida Building Code

Effective January 1, 2021, the current Florida code is the 2020 Florida Building Code (7th Edition).  It’s scheduled to be in service for roughly (3) years from that date. Check here for any updates & changes:  https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes/florida    

About Door Product Pressure Ratings and Water Infiltration

QUESTION: Why do certain door products rate a certain p.s.f like -60/+60 then lower ratings are shown throughout the product approval?   Usually, the higher door pressure performance are not taking the water testing & infiltration conditions into consideration.  A deeper search into the evaluation will likely reveal limitations of performance if water infiltration is …

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