F1 and F2 are the limiting performance capacities of the forces in the parallel and perpendicular directions of a building component. Which one is which direction appears in a guide in each TER or corresponding test reports. There’s also an interaction between the 2 forces that cannot be exceeded which is also explained on the …
I see values for F1 and F2 on Evaluation Reports. What are they? Read More »
We are frequently asked what are the limitations applied on Small Missile Impact and Large Missile Impact products. Engineering Express takes into consideration the following code limitations while preparing design charts for operable windows/glass doors and non-operable windows/glass doors: Referencing Florida Building Code Seventh Edition, (2020) Chapter 2411.3.2.4.i & 1709.5.1.3.i for Operable Windows and Glass …
What are Limitations of Small & Large Missile Impact Designs? Read More »
Engineering Express provides structural design evaluations of various types of mechanical equipment exposed to weather. There are four (4) evaluation types typically performed, each with their own benefits and limitations of use. This article explores each type and provides examples and summary of output. Some notes to first understand: All tiers listed below include …
About Validators & Quality Assurance Compliance It is often asked of us to explain the validator and quality assurance requirements of the Florida Statewide Product Approval System. While there is much more to learn about the topic of obtaining a Florida Statewide approval, the following explains these terms and requirements. Contact an engineer at Engineering …
Florida Statewide Approvals (FSA) – Quality Assurance and Validator Requirements Read More »
WHAT IS A MASTER PLAN SHEET / PRODUCT EVALUATION / TER? A master plan, also known as a product evaluation or TER (Technical Evaluation Report) is a set of general instructions describing how to assemble a building component to a given performance limit without regard to a specific installation. Unlike an address-specific (or site-specific) plan, …
Master Plan Sheet – Product Evaluation – TER Explained Read More »
HERE’S 3 MYTHS ABOUT PRODUCT APPROVALS: Background: Product evaluations (sometimes called “product approvals”, “ICC reports”, NOA’s or similar) for building components are the general rule in the International Building Code. Building officials, architects, insurance companies, third party reviewers, even homeowners ask for them all the time, frequently refusing permits, insurance discounts, and product installations. …
PRODUCT APPROVALS ARE NOT ALWAYS REQUIRED! HERE’S WHY: Read More »
Product Approvals for building components are the general rule in Florida. Building officials, architects, insurance companies, even homeowners ask for them all the time, frequently refusing permits, insurance discounts, and product installations. So what is the legal ruling on when and if product approvals are required for this product? The Florida Building Code requires only …
Case Study: Phantom Screens – Is a Florida Product Approval Required? Read More »
DENIED – YES OR NO? While plan reviewers, inspectors, and other building officials have the authority to question any document submitted if the document complies with the intent of the applicable building code and related codes & standards, if the site-specific project design criteria (determined by others) complies with the limitations of the certified evaluation …
Can a Building Inspector or Plan Reviewer Deny The Use of a TER or Master Plan Sheet? Read More »
WHEN IS A FLORIDA PRODUCT APPROVAL OR MIAMI DADE NOA REQUIRED & HOW TER’S AND MASTER PLANS FIT IN FIRST, A WORD ABOUT FLORIDA & THE IBC Before we jump into the Florida product approval, let’s talk about Florida and the IBC. Florida is one of few states leading the Product Evaluation requirement. Many other …
THE BUILDING DEPARTMENT WON’T ACCEPT MY TECHNICAL EVALUATION REPORT (TER)? Sometimes, municipalities or contract documents require more information than just submitting a TER (Technical Evaluation Report). Typical reasons why TER’s aren’t approved include: No certification is provided that the product meets the job specific project requirements SOLUTION: A Design Professional needs to certify that the …
What do I do if a TER or Master Plan isn’t enough for a permit? Read More »
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 …
How do I get a Certified TER or Master Plan Sheet? Read More »
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 …
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 engineer to create a technical evaluation report is given …
What is a TER and how is it used for permitting? Read More »
