Residential & Commercial Glazing Differences & Common Terms 101 Engineering Express is typically asked what the difference between residential & commercial glazing & how we help each industry. Read below for answers to the most common questions & terms. Commercial Glazing What is Commercial Glazing? This generally involves the framing systems used …
Residential & Commercial Terms & Engineering Design Differences 101 Read More »
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.
ASCE 7-16 has expanded on the definition of component & cladding zones from previous ASCE 7 standards Per ASCE 7-16, buildings are composed of 5 different zones, depending on the wind loading they are subjected to. Zones ‘4’ & ‘5’ relate to wall zones & are defined as follows: Zone 4: Any areas between …
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 & …
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 …
What are the requirements for using ASTM Missile Level E in Florida (2021 updated)? Read More »
From ASCE 7 (10, 16 & previous standards): The “Least Horizontal Dimension” can be taken as the shortest possible distance that can be taken between two parallel lines that fully encompass the building The Least Horizontal Dimension is further demonstrated as follows: Where ‘B’ is the Least Horizontal Dimension.
Per definition by ASCE 7-16 & ASCE 7-10, Section 26.2 is defined as: BASIC WIND SPEED (V): Three-second gust speed at 33ft above the ground in Exposure C (see Exposure Categories) as determined in accordance with ASCE 7-16 (10) Section 26.5.1. The wind shall be assumed to come from any horizontal direction. The basic …
The directionality factor (Kd) used in the ASCE 7 wind load provisions for components and cladding is a load reduction factor intended to take into account the less than 100% probability that the design event wind direction aligns with the worst case building aerodynamics. Per ASCE 7-16,Section 26.6, the Directionality Factor Kd is defined as …
A canopy is a structure which provides overhead protection from the elements such as rain, snow, or sunlight. Canopies can be attached to a structure or they can be free standing with their own supports. They can be constructed of a variety of materials including steel, concrete, aluminum, wood, or even fabric. According to ASCE …
What is a canopy awning & which wind forces should I use to design? Read More »
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 …
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 which 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 »
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 which is …
ASCE 7 EXPOSURE CATEGORIES AND HOW EXPOSURE ‘D’ WORKS Read More »
Background Building codes require that buildings be classified by their level of importance in determining the risk taken with safety factors against their failure under critical design loads. Calculations for the structure’s overall stability, flexure, and fatigue are all based on the assumption of a given risk category design level. ASCE 7 references risk category …
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 …
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 »
The Applied Technology Council (ATC) offers site-specific information that is used in our calculators to determine the wind velocity. For the best results, the address of the site may be used. To find your wind speed, follow the step-by-step guide below. Note: Ground Snow Load can also be found from this tool, as well as …
