Codes & Standards Archives

ASCE 7 Main Wind Force vs. Components & Cladding Explained (MWFRS vs. C&C)

ASCE 7 separates wind loading into three types: Main Wind Force Resisting System (MWFRS), Components and Cladding (C&C), and Other Structures and Building Appurtenances. MWFRS is defined as “(a)n assemblage of structural elements to provide support and stability for the overall structure.” Typically, members that receive loading from two surfaces are designed to resist MWFRS …

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What wind speed should I use for my project?

The answer varies with location and type of building. There are several ‘risk categories’ associated with a location that determine what wind speed to use. A building that’s a risk category I for example has a lower wind speed requirement than a more important risk category II or III building. We explain risk categories here. …

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1 Hour Fire Rating For Roof vs Wall

Many ask if there’s a difference between a 1 hour fire rating on a wall product vs a 1 hour fire rating on a roof product. If you think about it, fire (AKA heat) does behave differently as it rises vs. spreads. In fact, there is a difference: In the Florida Building Code (2020), & …

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ASTM, SEI, ISO Fastener Material Properties and Specifications

Here is a list of fastener markings for various grades of anchors. Information is reprinted courtesy of American Fastener FASTENER GRADE MARK (SCROLL DOWN TO SEE A CHART OF MARKINGS ON THE FASTENER TO IDENTIFY THEM) Identification Grade Mark Specification Fastener Description Material Nominal Size Range (in.) Mechanical Properties Proof Load(psi) Yield StrengthMin (psi) …

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ASCE 7 Risk Categories Explained

ASCE 7 Risk Category Background Building codes require that buildings be classified by their level of importance in determining the risk taken with safety factors against their failure under critical design loads. Calculations for the structure’s overall stability, flexure, and fatigue are all based on the assumption of a given risk category design level. ASCE …

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Is a large missile impact window or door automatically approved for small missile impact?

Overview Changes to the 2020 Florida Building Code for Porous Impact Protection Devices Porous Impact Protective Systems: ASTM E1996-12A brought a significant change to Porous Impact Protective Systems (PIPS). A Porous Impact Protective System is defined as “An assembly whose aggregate open area exceeds 10% of its projected surface area”. Prior to ASTM E1996-12A, any …

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What Seismic area is my location?

Here are some useful sites to check the seismic criteria for a location: https://www.fema.gov/earthquake-hazard-maps https://earthquake.usgs.gov/hazards/designmaps/ – USGS https://seismicmaps.org/ https://www.seaoc.org/page/seismicdesignmaptool– Structural Engineer Association of California

What wind information is required for construction documents?

From the 5th, 6th &7th Edition of the Florida Building Code (2014, 2017, 2020) section 1603.1.4 as well as from section 1603.1.4. of the 2012, 2015, & 2018 International Building Code, construction documents shall show the following: Ultimate design wind speed, Vult (3-second gust), miles per hour and nominal design wind speed (Vasd) as …

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Can you substitute spacers for insulating glass units (IGU)?

The question of whether or not an installer can substitute the spacer that separates the outer from the inner glazing on an insulating glass unit is common in the industry and has far-reaching implications. Our research (subject to independent verification is as follows): ASTM E-1996-17 section A1.9.2 (referenced in the 7th Edition Florida Building Code …

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Wind Speed to Wind Pressure For Sunrooms – Canopies – Pergolas Using ASCE 7-16

ASCE 7-16 is introduced into the 2018 International Building Code and 7th Edition Florida Building Code (2020) as the new referenced standard for wind design. This standard introduced an enhanced section for the conversion of wind velocities to roof wind pressures for roof components attached to buildings and freestanding structures such as sunrooms, overhead canopies, …

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How to Find Wind Speed & Snow Using the ASCE and ATC Hazards Tools by Location Websites

The 2 Ways To Find Wind Speed, Snow & Related Values For Projects in the US There are currently two websites as of January 2024 that allow access to finding a location’s ASCE wind speed, snow load, as well as other code minimum requirements. This article helps you find and navigate each site. Method 1: …

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What are porosity and closure angles when defining a porous building opening?

Explanation: In the event of a high wind event, it is the concern of building codes ASCE-7 and ASTM specifications that windows and doors don’t fail and develop an opening breach in the building. An opening would allow more wind to enter the structure and pressurize the inside of the building, leading to other doors …

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Roof Mounted Equipment Height Requirements

In accordance with FBC 2020 (7th Edition), the following clearance below raised roof mounted mechanical units applies inside & outside the HVHZ*: WIDTH** OF MECHANICAL UNIT MINIMUM CLEARANCE ABOVE SURFACES FBC 1510.10 FBC 1522.3 Outside HVHZ Inside HVHZ Height < 24″ < 24″ 14″ 24″ < 36″ 25″ < 36″ 18″ 36″ < 48″ 37″ …

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About The UL 325 Safety Standard for Gate Operators

The UL 325 is a safety standard for door, drapery, gate, louver, and window operators and systems. The standard was developed by underwriters laboratories Inc. in an open non-exclusionary process for manufacturers to use in designing products. This standard provides minimum requirements for the manufacture and installation of gate operators. It applies to electric operators …

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Egress Emergency Escape Requirements for Windows

The International Building Codes 2015/2018, Florida Building Codes 2017, 2020, & corresponding Residential Codes list the following in regards to egress as an emergency escape in regards to windows & doors leading out of a dwelling. Please note that these may be paraphrased and are for general purposes only. Consult the actual code for specific …

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Metal Fasteners UNC vs Spaced Thread

Overview Metal fastening is designed per the requirements of the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC): Specification for Structural Steel Buildings in conjunction with the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA): TIR-A9-14 Design Guide for Metal Cladding Fasteners. Types The two most common types of fastener threads used in construction are Unified Coarse Thread (UNC) more …

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