To determine the wind speed to use for your project, visit the ASCE Hazard Tool. This tool allows input of a project address and also returns flood, snow, ice & seismic information. Additional notes: There are several ‘risk categories’ associated with a location that determine what wind speed to use. A building that’s a risk …
ASCE Mean Roof Height – An Introduction A building’s height plays a large role in calculating the magnitude of wind pressures on a structure. Wind will affect a building and its components differently if it can travel overtop of the structure, or if wind travels around the building sides. The ASCE 7 standard uses a …
Eave Height and Mean Roof Height – Per ASCE 7 – Building Codes Read More »
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 »
QUESTION: Why do certain door products rate a certain p.s.f like -60/+60 then lower ratings are shown throughout the product approval? Usually, the higher door pressure performance are not taking the water testing & infiltration conditions into consideration. A deeper search into the evaluation will likely reveal limitations of performance if water infiltration is …
About Door Product Pressure Ratings and Water Infiltration Read More »
Understanding Wall Zones 4 & 5 Wind speed converts to wind pressure using a formula with many variables. There are many wind pressures on a building to one given wind speed. Zones 4 & 5 define two of those pressures on wall zones for buildings as described below. Key Terms Used In This Article About …
Overview of Missile Impact Levels As of the 2023 Florida Building Code & 2021 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 …
About Large Missile Impact Level ‘E’ ASTM publishes ASTM E1996, Standard Specification for Performance of Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls, Doors, and Impact Protective Systems Impacted by Windborne Debris in Hurricanes. This standard is referenced in both the IBC (International Building Code and FBC (Florida Building Code) which governs use throughout the US. Florida is of …
What are the requirements for using ASTM Missile Level E in Florida and the US? Read More »
From ASCE 7 (ASCE 7-22,16, 10 & 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. For further reference, see our …
ASCE 7 Least Horizontal Dimension – Minimum Building Width Read More »
Per definition by ASCE 7-22, 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 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 7-22/16,Section 26.6, the Directionality Factor Kd is defined …
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 »
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 that 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 »
The 2 Ways To Find Wind Speed, Snow & Related Values For Projects in the US There are currently two websites as of January 2024 that allow access to finding a location’s ASCE wind speed, snow load, as well as other code minimum requirements. This article helps you find and navigate each site. Method 1: …
How to Find Wind Speed & Snow Using the ASCE and ATC Hazards Tools by Location Websites Read More »
This topic has been merged with our main ASCE 7 Risk Category Knowledge Base Article. See this page and scroll to the bottom for an explanation of deciding which risk category to be used with signs & fences.
Glossary of Building Component Engineering Terms & Abbreviations These terms are published by Engineering Express to coincide with help menus for our online tools & published articles and as they relate to the Building Component Design industry. See also our FLOOD ENGINEERING GLOSSARY for more terms related to flood engineering. See Also SUNROOM TERMINOLOGY for …
Many don’t understand how wind works & state that a product is rated to a specific wind speed. This is false advertising & not true. There’s no such thing as “Rated to XXX MPH wind” This is frequently seen in marketing materials which is a false & misleading statement that comes with many unwritten …
