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 …
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 »
Why are spacing, edge distance, and embedment important for concrete anchors? Anchors transfer loads into concrete, making them vital for safe design. Their strength depends not only on the anchor itself but on how it interacts with the concrete. Three factors are key: spacing, edge distance, and embedment depth. If these are not respected, the …
Why are spacing, edge distance, and embedment important for concrete anchors? Read More »
INTRODUCTION The main purpose foundations serve is to distribute and resist the forces or loads experienced by the host structure due to wind, rain, snow, seismic, & other load conditions. When it comes to building components such as generators, signs, and fences the code leaves a gray area for foundation design. This happens because most …
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 …
ASCE 7 Main Wind Force vs. Components & Cladding Explained (MWFRS vs. C&C) Read More »
Choosing the Right Footing for Patios, Pergolas, and Sunrooms Every great structure begins below the surface. For sunrooms, pergolas, carports, and patio covers, the footing is what carries the load. Different footing designs manage forces in their own way, and choosing the right type is the key to stability against wind, weight, and shifting soils. …
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
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: …
How to Find Wind Speed & Snow Using the ASCE and ATC Hazards Tools by Location Websites Read More »
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 …
What are porosity and closure angles when defining a porous building opening? Read More »
Lag screws are some of the toughest types of screws available. When it comes to fastening heavy materials in construction and woodworking, lag bolts and lag screws stand out as some of the most reliable and commonly used fasteners. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at why they’re so widely used, exploring their …
About Lag Bolts-Screws In Wood – Size – Pullout – Shear Read More »
This topic has been merged with our main ASCE 7 Risk Category Knowledge Base Article. See this page and scroll to the bottom for an explanation of deciding which risk category to be used with signs & fences.
Glossary of Building Component Engineering Terms & Abbreviations These terms are published by Engineering Express to coincide with help menus for our online tools & published articles and as they relate to the Building Component Design industry. See also our FLOOD ENGINEERING GLOSSARY for more terms related to flood engineering. See Also SUNROOM TERMINOLOGY for …
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 …
Perforated Design Method vs. Segmented Design Methods for Shear Walls The International Building Code (2018) defines a shear wall as “a wall designed to resist lateral forces parallel to the plane of a wall.” Lateral forces include, but are not limited to, wind and seismic forces that may shift or deflect a structure laterally. …
Perforated Design Method vs. Segmented Design Methods for Shear Walls Read More »
The Ultimate Starter Checklist for Evaluating Your Building Component Before a product can be approved, installed, or even marketed, it must prove compliance with building code performance standards.Whether you’re developing a rooftop mechanical unit, sunroom system, or custom enclosure, success depends on one thing:How well you prepare your submission. CHECKLIST Product Documentation A complete technical …
Starter List in Evaluating Your Building Component For Product Approvals & TER’s Read More »
FLOOD GLOSSARY The following is provided as a curated summary of terms taken from the referenced standards that appear in the article footing. SEE ALSO OUR GENERAL GLOSSARY OF TERMS NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM (NFIP) The Federal program, create by an act of Congress in 1968, that makes flood insurance available in communities that enact …
