Codes & Standards

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

What is the Minimum Roof Slope for Metal Panels and other Roof Types?

The minimum roof slope requirement for metal panels varies depending on panel connection conditions.  The required roof slope varies with application of materials and use. See the below Florida Building Code 7th Edition (2020) sections below to determine which slope is appropriate based on your specific design scenario.   Definition METAL ROOF PANEL. An interlocking …

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Designing Interior Glass? Here are some engineering code items to consider

There’s more to consider when designing interior glass than just how it looks. Turns out there are quite a few design and safety factors to adhere to.  In accordance with both the International and Florida Building Codes (IBC 2018 & FBC 2017/2020): Regarding differential horizontal movement:   (Section 2403.4) Interior Glazed Areas:  Where interior glazing is …

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When is an Engineer Seal Required, Why Do We Write ‘Draft’ on Unsealed Work, And About Digital Seals

In Florida (as well as mast all states): 1. If an engineer produces a drawing that is not a final plan, it needs to be sealed and stated as such.  Releasing unsealed plans violates Florida Administrative Code 61G15-23.001 as highlighted below. 2. If the drawings an engineer produces are final plans, they need to be signed …

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Case Study: Phantom Screens – Is a Florida Product Approval Required?

Product Approvals for building components are the general rule in Florida.  Building officials, architects, insurance companies, even homeowners ask for them all the time, frequently refusing permits, insurance discounts, and product installations. So what is the legal ruling on when and if product approvals are required for this product? The Florida Building Code requires only …

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Frost Protection For Concrete Footings On Grade – Heave Explained

Footings Move When Soil Freezes. Let’s Explain. Building codes describe the design requirements of shallow foundations in regions where soil is subjected to seasonal ground freezing.  Codes require that footings be protected from frost to prevent a phenomenon known as heave. Frost heave occurs when water penetrates the ground soil and subsequently freezes. When water …

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Steel Bolt Edge Distance Requirements

Per AISC-ANSI-360-16, the minimum edge distance for bolts to the edge of a connected part is to follow the below table J3.4 (inches)   AISC/ANSI 360-16 is a free publication from AISC/ANSI Visit Our Pre-Engineered Plans & Evaluation Reports

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Can an engineer design alternate anchorage for a Florida product approval or other product evaluation?

The answer is yes, anchors can be substituted for anchors shown on the product evaluation documents.   According to Section 1709.9.4 of the Florida Building Code 8th Edition (2023): “All Impact-resistant coverings shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions and in accordance with the product approval. Installation instructions shall be provided and …

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How do I tell if my building is considered “enclosed”?

A building is considered “enclosed” if it does not comply with the requirements for open or partially enclosed buildings (ASCE 7-16, Section 26.2, “BUILDING, ENCLOSED”). From the ASCE 7-16 Commentary C26.2 Definitions: BUILDING, ENCLOSED; BUILDING, OPEN; BUILDING, PARTIALLY ENCLOSED; BUILDING, PARTIALLY OPEN: These definitions relate to the proper selection of internal pressure coefficients, (GCpi). “Enclosed,” …

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How do I tell if my building/enclosure is considered “partially enclosed”?

A building is considered “Partially Enclosed” if it complies with both of the following conditions (ASCE 7-16, Section 26.2, “BUILDING, PARTIALLY ENCLOSED”): the total area of openings in a wall that receives positive external pressure exceeds the sum of the areas of openings in the balance of the building envelope (walls and roof) by more …

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How do I calculate the effective opening area on window or door products? – What opening area should be used for wind pressure determination on a multi-panel product?

From The Buidling Code The Building Codes in the US reference ASCE-7 for the design of the components and cladding of buildings (ref. section 26.1.2.2 ASCE 7-10, ASCE 7-16, ASCE 7-22+). Theory Wind design theory is such that the smaller the area in consideration, the greater the probability that a maximum burst of wind will …

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