Impact Protection

About Impact Requirements & Mechanical Equipment in the Florida Building Code & Essential Facilities

Mechanical Equipment – Impact or Not Impact? Questions frequently arise as to what the rule is in Florida, Miami, and the HVHZ zone (Dade and Broward Counties, FL) under the Florida Building Code (FBC) for impact rating on mechanical equipment. The answer also has similar references in the International Building Code (IBC) for impact areas …

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What are The Span Limitations of Large Missile Impact Doors – Windows – Shutters?

A Frequent question is what are the span, height, pressure, and installation limitations for large & small missile impact products. The following takes into consideration the Florida Building Code  8th Edition (2023) limitations for designing & installing operable and non-operable windows/glass doors & impact protection devices. For Operable Windows & Glass Doors Inside the HVHZ …

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About ASTM E1996-17 Missile Levels

Overview As of the 2020 Florida Building Code & 2018 International Building Code, ASTM E1996-17 is the adopted reference standard.  The title is ‘Standard Specification for Performance of Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls, Doors, & Impact Protective Systems Impacted by Windborne Debris in Hurricanes’. (Exterior garage doors & rolling doors are covered by ANSI/DASMA 115 & …

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What are the requirements for using ASTM Missile Level E in Florida (2021 updated)?

In the 7th Edition Florida Building Code (2020), missile level E is valid in and outside of the HVHZ (Broward and Dade Counties) when it came to essential facilities.   You can find information in section FBC 1626.2.4 which is under the HVHZ (Dade & Broward Counties) but FBC section 449.4.2.5.1 refers to FBC sections …

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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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