Our interpretations of the many codes and standards in our engineering industry
Key Terms Used In This Article For Reference: Mean Roof Height (h) Least Horizontal Dimension More on ASCE 7 Components & Cladding Understanding Wall Zones 4 & 5 An analysis of wind pressure acting on a building component (window, door, etc.) is performed depending in part on what wind pressured zone it is in (see illustrations …
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 …
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 …
What are The Span Limitations of Large Missile Impact Doors – Windows – Shutters? Read More »
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 …
Requirements of Substituting Glass Panels In Insulating Glass Systems Read More »
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 …
Requirements of Substituting Insulated Glass Spacers in Glazed Products Read More »
Overview As of the 2020 Florida Building Code & 2018 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 by ANSI/DASMA 115 & …
In the 7th Edition Florida Building Code (2020), missile level E is valid in and outside of the HVHZ (Broward and Dade Counties) when it came to essential facilities. You can find information in section FBC 1626.2.4 which is under the HVHZ (Dade & Broward Counties) but FBC section 449.4.2.5.1 refers to FBC sections …
What are the requirements for using ASTM Missile Level E in Florida (2021 updated)? Read More »
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 …
ASCE 7 Least Horizontal Dimension – Minimum Building Width Read More »
Regarding any aluminum railing project, it is imperative to understand the life-safety issue that arises when welding an aluminum railing or sign post. For example, a rail is classified as a life-saving fall guard for any elevation above 31 inches above grade. The aluminum alloys normally used (such as 6061-T6) get their strength from a …
Loss of Capacity Due To Welded Aluminum In Railings – Signs – Structures Read More »
Per definition by ASCE 7-22, ASCE 7-16 & ASCE 7-10, Section 26.2 is defined as: BASIC WIND SPEED (V): Three-second gust speed at 33ft above the ground in Exposure C (see Exposure Categories) as determined in accordance with ASCE-7 Section 26.5.1. The wind shall be assumed to come from any horizontal direction. The basic …
The directionality factor (Kd) used in the ASCE 7 wind load provisions for components and cladding is a load reduction factor intended to take into account the less than 100% probability that the design event wind direction aligns with the worst case building aerodynamics. Per ASCE 7-22/16,Section 26.6, the Directionality Factor Kd is defined …
A canopy is an overhead structure that offers protection from weather elements like rain, snow, and sunlight. Canopies can come in various types and configurations, whether attached to an existing building or standing independently on their own supports. With materials ranging from steel and concrete to aluminum, wood, or fabric, the design possibilities are extensive. …
Understanding Canopies: Design and Load Considerations Read More »
First, it needs to be said that there is a complicated formula that converts wind velocity to wind pressure. Many wind pressure values can exist from a single wind velocity which vary based on roof height, topography, terrain, even code version, and more. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 rating based …
Aesthetically pleasing, clean and one of the biggest architectural trends, the glass railing is fast gaining popularity as a go-to safeguard barrier for modern construction. It’s not only a widely used structural component for safeguard applications, but one with many variables and configurations that changes the way that they need to be analyzed in order …
Sunrooms across the US are categorized into 5 categories. AAMA published these in their AAMA/NPEA/NSA 2100-12 publication which made its way into the Florida & International Building Codes. FBC (17, 20) lists this in Chapter 20 section 2002.6 directly siting the AAMA/NPEA/NSA 2100 spec. IBC 2015/2018 References AAMA 2100 in IRC Chapter 44 Please refer …
This is provided to inform clients of the dissimilar metal protection requirements of the 2015 Aluminum Design Manual, Chapter M – Section M.7 Structures of the alloys covered by the Aluminum Design Manual are not ordinarily painted. Surfaces shall be painted where: 2014-T6 alloys are exposed to corrosive environments. Aluminum alloy parts are in contact …
How to Avoid Contact With Aluminum & Dissimilar Metals Read More »
