Learn About Rooftop & Ground Wind Forces for Mechanical Units
Want to learn how to design AC units on stands or curbs for wind design? Are you looking for tools to help in in design? Visit our FORCES page to learn more.
Tags: mechanical
Instructions for proper use of rooftop equipment wind pressure calculator
HELP PAGE For the Engineering Express® Rooftop Equipment Wind Pressure Calculator Note: See Limitations & Conditions of Use at the end of this article. Quick Links Access The Calculator View The Glossary Learn Even More Calculator Inputs 1) Ultimate Wind Velocity (Vult): This is the peak 3-second Ultimate gust wind speed. Consult your building …
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What wind information is required for construction documents?
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 …
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Roof Mounted Equipment Height Requirements
In accordance with FBC 2020 (7th Edition), the following clearance below raised roof mounted mechanical units applies inside & outside the HVHZ*: WIDTH** OF MECHANICAL UNIT MINIMUM CLEARANCE ABOVE SURFACES FBC 1510.10 FBC 1522.3 Outside HVHZ Inside HVHZ Height < 24″ < 24″ 14″ 24″ < 36″ 25″ < 36″ 18″ 36″ < 48″ 37″ …
Metal Fasteners UNC vs Spaced Thread
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 …
About Impact Requirements & Mechanical Equipment in the Florida Building Code
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 of the US Coast, and ultimately depends …
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When is a Miami Dade NOA or FL Product Approval required, and how do TER’s & Master Plans Fit In?
FIRST, A WORD ABOUT FLORIDA & THE IBC Florida is one of few states leading the Product Evaluation requirement. Many other states accept documentation from Florida provided it meets the intended use in some form or another as the International Building Code has similar requirements. The Florida Building Code (Building commission rule 61G20-3.001) requires certain …
How do I get a Certified TER or Master Plan Sheet?
FIRST, WHAT’S A CERTIFIED TER & Master Plan Sheet? TER’s or Technical Evaluation Reports and Master Plan Sheets must bear the original signature and raised seal or a digital seal of the evaluating engineer to be valid for use by code. This is a code requirement and necessary to maintain quality control, liability, and integrity …
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What doesn’t a TER or Master Plan Sheet do?
FIRST, WHAT IS A TER? TER’s or Technical Evaluation Reports are evaluations of a product’s performance. They are not intended to approve products for a specific application, but rather provide limiting values based on installation options for a design professional to use in their site-specific application. SO WHAT DOESN’T A TER DO? TER’s don’t provide …
Did the wind loading requirements change for rooftop structures for ASCE 7-10 – 7-16 & The Florida Building Code?
Regarding ASCE 7-16 & the 2020 Florida Building Code (FBC) 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 out additional requirements for roof decks, shingles, and roof tiles ASCE 7-16 …