Codes & Standards

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

Snow Over Pergola

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

Beware of Snow Buildup On Open Roof Areas 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’, …

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

In the case of Performance Evaluation 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 …

FAQ The building department is asking for design wind speed – risk category – exposure – address on my plan – performance evaluation – 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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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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Mean Roof Height (ASCE 7)

Per ASCE 7, the Mean Roof Height (h) is defined as the average of the roof eave height and the height to the highest point on the roof surface, except that, for roof angles of less than or equal to 10°, the mean roof height is permitted to be taken as the roof eave height.   Visually, AAMA TIR …

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What are The Span Limitations of Large Missile Impact Doors – Windows – Shutters?

A Frequent question is what are the span, height, pressure, and installation limitations for large & small missile impact products. The following takes into consideration the Florida Building Code  8th Edition (2023) limitations for designing & installing operable and non-operable windows/glass doors & impact protection devices. For Operable Windows & Glass Doors Inside the HVHZ …

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Requirements of Substituting Glass Panels In Insulating Glass Systems

ASTM 1996-17 Regarding Glass Substitution Section A1.8 states: “A1.8.1.1 The impact resisting lite (monolithic or laminated) of an insulating glass unit shall be composed of the same glass type and treatment with equal thickness or thicknesses of glass, and thicker or equal interlayer of the same manufacturer and type as originally tested and approved. Section …

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Requirements of Substituting Insulated Glass Spacers in Glazed Products

ASTM 1996-17 Regarding Insulated Glass Spacers. This 2017 standard added section A1.9.2 stating tested air spacers making up the insulated laminated unit can be substituted with other spacers. “A1.9.2 If the conditions in A1.8.1.3 are met, a change in spacer type, shape, or dimension is allowed automatically.” Section A1.8 states: “A1.8.1.3 Substitutions for insulating glass …

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Large Missile Impact Hit - Engineering Express

About ASTM E1996 Missile Levels

Overview of Missile Impact Levels As of the 2023 Florida Building Code & 2021 International Building Code, ASTM E1996-17 is the adopted reference standard. The title is ‘Standard Specification for Performance of Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls, Doors, & Impact Protective Systems Impacted by Windborne Debris in Hurricanes’. (Exterior garage doors & rolling doors are covered …

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What are the requirements for using ASTM Missile Level E in Florida and the US?

About Large Missile Impact Level ‘E’ ASTM publishes ASTM E1996, Standard Specification for Performance of Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls, Doors, and Impact Protective Systems Impacted by Windborne Debris in Hurricanes. This standard is referenced in both the IBC (International Building Code and FBC (Florida Building Code) which governs use throughout the US. Florida is of …

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ASCE 7 Least Horizontal Dimension – Minimum Building Width

From ASCE 7 (ASCE 7-22,16, 10 & previous standards):   The “Least Horizontal Dimension” can be taken as the shortest possible distance that can be taken between two parallel lines that fully encompass the building The Least Horizontal Dimension is further demonstrated as follows: Where ‘B’ is the Least Horizontal Dimension.   For further reference, see our …

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