Our interpretations of the many codes and standards in our engineering industry
Binding Florida Code Interpretations As in other states, Florida’s Building Code is published on a regular cycle. In Florida, besides petitions for code changes, there are questions asked to the state for clarifications to unclear sections or new issues that may arise. Those are called Declaratory Statements, which can be searched by clicking here. You …
ASCE 7 Risk Category Summary What Are The ASCE-7 Risk Categories? ASCE 7 provides the information needed to convert wind speed to wind pressure. Earlier versions of this code had factors applied to the end pressure when determining the severity of risk for a particular design. For example, there’s more need for an essential facility …
Here Are 3 Myths About Product Approval Requirements Background Product evaluations (sometimes called “product approvals”, “ICC reports”, NOA’s or similar) for building products are general requirements as found in the International Building Code. Building officials, architects, insurance companies, third-party reviewers, and even homeowners ask for them all the time. Permits frequently require them, insurance discounts …
PRODUCT APPROVALS ARE NOT ALWAYS REQUIRED! HERE’S WHY: Read More »
Learn How To Quickly Spot And Use QA Expiration & Code Dates On a Miami Dade NOA Why This Is So Important Miami Dade Lists an ‘Expiration Date’ on the cover page of their Miami Dade NOA’s, which is misunderstood and frequently misused. Many times the product being used is NOT Code compliant, even though …
Find more general help with Florida & Miami-Dade Product Approvals by visiting the support articles of EngineeringPlans.com. SEARCH PRODUCT APPROVALS Smart Search All Florida & Miami-Dade Product Approvals & Create Your Perfect Design Use Search Filters Visit EngineeringPlans.com for more Visit:
When designing outdoor structures like patio covers, one of the most critical factors to consider is the ability to support snow loads. In regions that experience significant snowfall, the weight of snow can exert considerable pressure on a structure, making it essential to understand how snow accumulates and affects different parts of a building. Two …
What’s the difference between ground and roof snow load for patio covers? Read More »
Summary of Building Code & Research Intent The intent & provisions of the 2018 International Building Code (IBC), 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) & 2020 Florida Building/Residential Codes are to establish minimum requirements to safeguard the public safety, health, and general welfare of occupants of new and existing buildings & structures. From 2022 / 2020 …
Performance Limitations for Mechanical Equipment & TER Certifications Read More »
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 …
Beware of Snow Buildup On Open Roof Areas An important and frequently overlooked requirement for checking snow loads on open roof systems such as pergolas, trellises, and mechanically louvered roofs is the snow ‘buildover’ effect. This occurs when the snow accumulates on open patio roof components to the point where it builds ‘up and over’, …
Snow Build-Over On Pergolas, Trellises & Mechanically Louvered Roofs (Cornice Effect) Read More »
Two common means of product evaluations in Florida are Florida Statewide Approvals (FSA’s) and Miami-Dade Notices of Acceptance (NOA’s). To help determine whether these evaluations would be right for you, we’ve compiled a list of pros & cons for each type of evaluation. (opinions as interpreted by this firm) Pros for a Florida Statewide …
If you are a manufacturer with a Florida or Miami Dade Approval, or if you are trying to install a tested and approved large missile impact glazing system with an alternate glass interlayer from another manufacturer, you will need to follow ASTM E1996 A1.11. According to section A1.11.4, you cannot change the interlayer type without …
How Do I Get Approval To Substitute Glass Type-Interlayer On My Product Evaluation? Read More »
For shop drawings requested for structural permit by this office, the following are typical specifications requested. Engineering Express routinely complies with these when providing certified plans for permit: Delegated Design: Design , including comprehensive engineering analysis by a qualified professional engineer, using performance requirements & design criteria indicated. Structural Performance: shall withstand the effects …
Performance Requirements Typically Requested On Project Specifications 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 »
In the case of Master Plans and Technical Evaluation Reports, product evaluations, master plans, and technical evaluation reports generally list the limiting pressure forces that the product (building component) can withstand (such as these – click here). Items such as wind speed, risk category, wind exposure are connected to the site-specific condition the building component …
Editorial changes are permitted within the state product approval system when an approved product is modified but no additional uploads are needed, and there is no change to the number of products or product performance. This is a limited revision, and should only be used when fixing items such as: Typographical errors Changes to the …
Effective January 1, 2021, the current Florida code is the 2020 Florida Building Code (7th Edition). It’s scheduled to be in service for roughly (3) years from that date. Check here for any updates & changes: https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes/florida
