Porosity – How ‘Open’ A Surface Is – Explained The porosity of open structures is defined in ASCE-7 standard under ‘open signs’ (chapter 29, as of ASCE 7-22). This standard explains that the permeable (wind) porosity of a surface isn’t always equivalent to the calculated visual porosity. Left: mechanically articulating louvers that can reach a …
How To Calculate Porosity of a Louver – Sign – Fence Per ASCE 7 Read More »
Canopies & Wind Uplift – An Introduction First, Understand This A backyard canopy or pergola, trellis, or a lightweight sunroom/screen room attached to the back of your house are of relatively very little weight and are typically lighter in construction than the structure to which they are attached to. Also, consider that a house wall …
How To Determine Uplift Reactions For Canopies-Carports-Pergolas Read More »
Beware of Snow Buildup On Open Roof Areas An important and frequently overlooked requirement for checking snow loads on open roof systems such as pergolas, trellises, and mechanically louvered roofs is the snow ‘buildover’ effect. This occurs when the snow accumulates on open patio roof components to the point where it builds ‘up and over’, …
Snow Build-Over On Pergolas, Trellises & Mechanically Louvered Roofs (Cornice Effect) Read More »
The following is a summary of sunroom-related terms provided courtesy of the National Sunroom Association. Click Here for the official publication provided by the NSA, reprinted here for informational purposes. The terminology information encompasses many common terms used in the sunroom industry. You will note that some terms are cross-referenced to a “primary” …
Wind Exposure Category Overview ASCE-7 is the governing referenced standard for design loads on buildings & other structures for building codes throughout the US. ASCE 7 (26.7 of ASCE 7-16) describes the process to which wind speed is converted into wind pressure to design such structures. The formula is based on many variables. One of …
ASCE 7 WIND EXPOSURE CATEGORIES AND HOW EXPOSURE ‘D’ WORKS Read More »
READ BELOW BEFORE USING NON SITE-SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONSFROM ENGINEERING EXPRESS FOR YOUR PROJECT General Information About Non Site-Specific Plans: Certified Performance Evaluations (also referred to as Master Plans, Technical Evaluation Reports (TER’s), Generic or Non Site-Specific Plans) you receive contain a physical or digitally certified engineer seal. They are intended to be used to assist …
How do you get from a T5 to T6 temper? Heat treatment is done by raising the alloy temperature to about 980 degrees F and holding it there for about an hour. The purpose of this is to dissolve all the alloying elements in a solid solution in the aluminum. Then the alloy is quenched …
What’s the difference between aluminum T5 and T6 temper (like 6063-T5 vs 6063-T6 alloy)? Read More »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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. …
CHECKLIST OF DESIGN ITEMS NEEDED FOR SCREENED ENCLOSURES, OPEN, & ENCLOSED PATIOS, PERGOLAS & SUNROOMS Engineering Express provides signed & sealed design plans for various types of screened enclosures, sunrooms, & open / enclosed patios attached to the main residence or freestanding. Please review the starter list – checklist below & make sure you complete …
CHECKLIST FOR SCREENED ENCLOSURES, OPEN, & ENCLOSED PATIOS – SUNROOMS Read More »
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 …
What wind information is required for construction documents? Read More »
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 »
