Our interpretations of the many codes and standards in our engineering industry
TER – Technical Evaluation Report (Product Performance Evaluation) Explained A TER or Technical Evaluation Report, is an engineering evaluation based on testing and/or rational analysis for the performance of a building product or component. In the case of Engineering Express, we are evaluating the structural aspects of a product only. The authority for a qualified …
What is a TER and how is it used for permitting? Read More »
Per the Aluminum Design Manual (ADM) 2015, the allowable bending stress of round tubes shall be determined for the limit states of yielding, rupture, and local buckling: that given by section F.6.1 (compressive yielding), or that given by section F.6.1 (tensile yielding), or that given by section F.6.1 (tensile rupture), or that given by …
Procedure For Calculating Aluminum Box Beams For Bending Read More »
Per the 2015 National Design Specification for Wood Construction (NDS 2015), section 12.1.4.6, the minimum length of lag screw penetration Pmin not including the length of the tapered tip, E, of the lag screw into the main member of single shear connections and the side members of double shear connections shall be 4D where D …
What’s the minimum penetration for lag screws into wood? Read More »
Minimum Edge Distance Requirements for Bolts & Screws in Metal (Steel & Aluminum) Proper edge distance is critical to avoid tear-out, maintain bearing strength, and ensure fastener installation tolerances in metal members. Insufficient edge distance can lead to deformation or cracking near the edge of the metal, especially when larger fasteners or tight spacing are …
Minimum Edge Distance Requirements for Bolts & Screws in Metal (Steel & Aluminum) Read More »
Can an engineer design alternate anchorage for a Florida product approval or other product evaluation? Say you have an evaluation report for a window or door. The report calls out for one brand of anchors, but you want to use another. Do you violate the provisions of the evaluation? The answer is yes, anchors can …
Enclosed Structures Explained Determining whether a structure is classified as an enclosed building is a key step in wind-load design. The enclosure classification determines the internal pressure coefficient (GC pi) and therefore affects how much internal wind pressure is considered when sizing components like walls, windows, doors, roofs, and connections. Definition (ASCE 7-16 ) An …
Open Structures Explained Determining if a structure qualifies as an open building is a fundamental step in wind design. The classification directly affects how internal pressures (GCpi) are applied per ASCE 7-16 Section C26.2, ensuring that the correct wind load assumptions are used for safety and performance. Definition(ASCE 7-16 / FBC Reference) A building is …
Partially Enclosed Structures Explained Understanding whether a building is partially enclosed is a critical step in wind design. This classification determines the internal pressure coefficients (GCpi) used in ASCE 7 and directly affects the loads applied to components such as windows, doors, roofs, and wall systems. Definition (ASCE 7-16 / FBC Reference) A structure is …
Understanding The ‘Effective Opening Area’ For Wind Pressure Design The theory goes that Mother Nature cannot blow her fury at the maximum force at all areas at the same time… Therefore, the larger the opening, the lesser that opening will all receive the full force of a windstorm at the same time. ASCE-7 contains provisions …
While the 1/3 stress increase is all but a memory, this article explains its history & origin. The one-third stress increase has a long history of use in Allowable Stress Design (ASD). It is most commonly used to account for the improbability of two transient loads concurrently acting at their maximum lifetime values– for example, …
The One-Third (1/3) Stress Increase: Where Is It Now? Read More »
First, What is a Notice To Owner (NTO)? This notice alerts a homeowner in Florida that someone has or will provide improvements to their property, either by furnishing services or materials. It puts the owner on legal notice that they now have a responsibility to make certain that that person gets paid, if not, that …
Florida Engineers Do Not Have To File A Notice To Owner To Lien A Property Read More »
Regarding ASCE 7-16 & the 2020 Florida Building Code (FBC) Also Applies for ASCE 7-22 & 2023 Florida Building Code (8th Edition) YES. Section 1609.1.1 and Chapter 35 of the 2020 FBC refer to ASCE 7-16 as the governing code for loading requirements on most rooftop structures*. *Section 1609.5 of the 2020 FBC lays …
What’s The Difference Between ASD & LRFD Design? Put in layman’s terms, think of a wood plank designed to stretch between two supports. You’re going to walk across the piece of wood. The person that designed that plank needed to figure out if it will hold you. They had two options when designing: 1) Reduce …
