A Four-Hour Advanced Internet Course

on
Chapter 16, Florida Building Code - Building 6th
Edition (2017)

Building Structural Design

Approved by the Florida Board of Professional Engineers
Course #881

with supplementary information on

Chapter 471, F.S. The Engineer Registration Law and
Rules 61G15-19, 30, and 31, F.A.C.
The Rules of the Florida Board of Professional Engineers

Portions of the publication reproduce excerpts from the Florida Building Code-Building,
6th Edition (2017), International Code Council, Inc. Washington, D.C. Reproduced with
permission. All rights reserved.

As offered by

PDH Now, LLC

7100 Driftwood Dr.
Farmington, NM 87402
505-947-5714
www.pdhnow.com
[email protected]
 Chapter 16 Building Structural Design, Florida Building Code – Building, 6th Ed. (2017)

Couse Description
This FBC Building Structural Design course satisfies the 4-hour continuing education
requirement for Professional Engineer license renewal.
The course is designed as an advanced distance learning interactive course that enables
the practicing professional engineer to review the Florida Building Code Chapter 16
Building Structural Design, 6th Edition, 2017.

Objectives
The primary objective of this course is to review and test the student on knowledge
pertaining to the Florida Building Code Chapter 16 Building Structural Design, 6th
Edition, 2017.
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be well versed in 2017 6th
Edition of the code.

How to Read this Course

The student is required to thoroughly read and comprehend the subject code.
In order to complete the course, the student must pass the quiz in the final chapter of
the course. It is recommended that the student keep these questions in mind as the
course is read.

Topics Covered
Florida Building Code Chapter 16 Building Structural Design, 6th Edition, 2017.

Grading
Students must achieve a minimum score of 70% on the online quiz to pass this course.

The quiz may be taken three times.

The student will be asked at the end of the quiz to attest that he or she has personally
and successfully completed all chapters of instruction.

The quiz may be viewed in the final chapter of this course.

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 Chapter 16 Building Structural Design, Florida Building Code – Building, 6th Ed. (2017)

Couse Inquiry
This course is designed to be interactive. The student is encouraged to contact us to
discuss any questions that arise while taking this course. All inquiries will be answered
within two days or less. The reader can contact PDHNow as follows:

By Email: [email protected]

By Phone: 505-947-5714

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 Chapter 16 Building Structural Design, Florida Building Code – Building, 6th Ed. (2017)

Table of Contents
Part I ............................................................................................................................... 6

CHAPTER16 STRUCTURAL DESIGN ........................................................................... 6

SECTION 1601 GENERAL ............................................................................................. 6

SECTION 1602 DEFINITIONS AND NOTATIONS ......................................................... 6

SECTION 1603 CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS ......................................................... 8

SECTION 1604 GENERAL DESIGN REQUIREMENTS ............................................... 10

SECTION 1605 LOAD COMBINATIONS ...................................................................... 16

SECTION 1606 DEAD LOADS ..................................................................................... 21

SECTION 1607 LIVE LOADS ....................................................................................... 22

SECTION 1608 SNOW LOADS - DOES NOT APPLY TO FLORIDA ........................... 38

SECTION 1609 WIND LOADS...................................................................................... 42

SECTION 1610 SOIL LATERAL LOADS ...................................................................... 63

SECTION 1611 RAIN LOADS....................................................................................... 65

SECTION 1612 FLOOD LOADS ................................................................................... 71

SECTION 1613 EARTHQUAKE LOADS - DOES NOT APPLY TO FLORIDA ............. 77

SECTION 1614 ATMOSPHERIC ICE LOADS .............................................................. 93

SECTION 1615 STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY ................................................................ 93

SECTION 1616 HIGH-VELOCITY HURRICANE ZONES— GENERAL, DEFLECTION,

VOLUME CHANGES AND MINIMUMLOADS.............................................................. 98

SECTION 1617 HIGH-VELOCITY HURRICANE ZONES— ROOF DRAINAGE

RESERVED ................................................................................................................ 100

SECTION 1618 HIGH-VELOCITY HURRICANE ZONES— SPECIAL LOAD

CONSIDERATIONS .................................................................................................... 100

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 Chapter 16 Building Structural Design, Florida Building Code – Building, 6th Ed. (2017)

SECTION 1619 HIGH VELOCITY HURRICANE ZONES— LIVE LOAD REDUCTIONS

RESERVED ................................................................................................................ 102

SECTION 1620 HIGH-VELOCITY HURRICANE ZONES— WIND LOADS ................ 102

SECTION 1621 HIGH-VELOCITY HURRICANE ZONES— OVERTURNING MOMENT

AND UPLIFT ............................................................................................................... 104

SECTION 1622 HIGH-VELOCITY HURRICANE ZONES— SCREEN ENCLOSURES

.................................................................................................................................... 105

SECTION 1623 HIGH-VELOCITY HURRICANE ZONES— LIVE LOADS POSTED AND

OCCUPANCY PERMITS RESERVED ........................................................................ 105

SECTION 1624 HIGH-VELOCITY HURRICANE ZONES— FOUNDATION DESIGN

RESERVED ................................................................................................................ 106

SECTION 1625 HIGH-VELOCITY HURRICANE ZONES— LOAD TESTS ................ 106

SECTION 1626 HIGH-VELOCITY HURRICANE ZONES— IMPACT TESTS FOR

WIND-BORNE DEBRIS .............................................................................................. 107

Part II .......................................................................................................................... 114

Excerpts from the Rules of the Florida Board of Professional Engineers .................... 114

Part III ......................................................................................................................... 136

Course Exam .............................................................................................................. 136

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 Chapter 16 Building Structural Design, Florida Building Code – Building, 6th Ed. (2017)

Part I

CHAPTER16
STRUCTURAL DESIGN

SECTION 1601
GENERAL
1601.1 Scope.

The provisions of this chapter shall govern the structural design of buildings, structures and
portions thereof regulated by this code.

Exception: Buildings and structures located within the high-velocity hurricane zone shall
comply with the provisions of Sections 1605, 1607, 1611, 1616 through 1626, and, as applicable
in flood hazard areas, Section 1612.

SECTION 1602
DEFINITIONS AND NOTATIONS
1602.1 Definitions.

The following terms are defined in Chapter 2:

https://codes.iccsafe.org/public/document/code/377/6733131

ALLOWABLE STRESS DESIGN.

DEAD LOADS.
DESIGN STRENGTH.
DIAPHRAGM.
1. Diaphragm, blocked.
2. Diaphragm boundary.
3. Diaphragm chord.
ESSENTIAL FACILITIES.
FABRIC PARTITION.
FACTORED LOAD.
HELIPAD.
ICE-SENSITIVE STRUCTURE.

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 Chapter 16 Building Structural Design, Florida Building Code – Building, 6th Ed. (2017)

IMPACT LOAD.
LIMIT STATE.
LIVE LOAD.
LIVE LOAD (ROOF).
LOAD AND RESISTANCE FACTOR DESIGN (LRFD).
LOAD EFFECTS.
LOAD FACTOR.
LOADS.
NOMINAL LOADS.
OTHER STRUCTURES.
PANEL (PART OF A STRUCTURE).
RESISTANCE FACTOR.
RISK CATEGORY.
STRENGTH, NOMINAL.
STRENGTH, REQUIRED.
STRENGTH DESIGN.
SUSCEPTIBLE BAY.
VEHICLE BARRIER.
NOTATIONS.

D = Dead load.
Di = Weight of ice in accordance with Chapter 10 of ASCE 7.
E = Combined effect of horizontal and vertical earthquake induced forces as defined in
Section 12.4.2 of ASCE 7.
F = Load due to fluids with well-defined pressures and maximum heights.
Fa = Flood load in accordance with Chapter 5 of ASCE 7.
H = Load due to lateral earth pressures, ground water pressure or pressure of bulk
materials.
L = Roof live load greater than 20 psf (0.96 kN/m2) and floor live load.
Lr = Roof live load of 20 psf (0.96 kN/m2) or less.
R = Rain load.
S = Snow load.
T = Self-straining load.
Vasd = Nominal design wind speed (3-second gust), miles per hour (mph) (km/hr) where
applicable.

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 Chapter 16 Building Structural Design, Florida Building Code – Building, 6th Ed. (2017)

Vult = Ultimate design wind speeds (3-second gust), miles per hour (mph) (km/hr)
determined from Figure 1609.3(1), 1609.3(2), 1609.3(3) or ASCE 7.
W = Load due to wind pressure.
Wi = Wind-on-ice in accordance with Chapter 10 of ASCE 7.

SECTION 1603
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
1603.1 General.

Construction documents shall show the size, section and relative locations of structural members
with floor levels, column centers and offsets dimensioned. The design loads and other
information pertinent to the structural design required by Sections
1603.1.1 through 1603.1.8 shall be indicated on the construction documents.

Exception: Construction documents for buildings constructed in accordance with

the conventional light-frame construction provisions of Section 2308 shall indicate the following
structural design information:

1. Floor and roof live loads.

2. Ground snow load, Pg.
3. Ultimate design wind speed, Vult, (3-second gust), miles per hour (mph) (km/hr) and
nominal design wind speed, Vasd, as determined in accordance with Section 1609.3.1 and
wind exposure.
4. Seismic design category and site class.
5. Flood design data, if located in flood hazard areas established in Section 1612.3.
6. Design load-bearing values of soils.

1603.1.1 Floor live load.

The uniformly distributed, concentrated and impact floor live load used in the design shall be
indicated for floor areas. Use of live load reduction in accordance with Section 1607.10 shall be
indicated for each type of live load used in the design.

1603.1.2 Roof live load.

The roof live load used in the design shall be indicated for roof areas (Section 1607.12).

1603.1.3 Roof snow load data. DOES NOT APPLY TO FLORIDA

The ground snow load, Pg, shall be indicated. In areas where the ground snow load, Pg, exceeds
10 pounds per square foot (psf) (0.479 kN/m2), the following additional information shall also be
provided, regardless of whether snow loads govern the design of the roof:
1. 1.Flat-roof snow load, Pf.

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 Chapter 16 Building Structural Design, Florida Building Code – Building, 6th Ed. (2017)

2. 2.Snow exposure factor, Ce.

3. 3.Snow load importance factor, Is.
4. 4.Thermal factor, Ct.
5. 5.Drift surcharge load(s), Pd, where the sum of Pd and Pf exceeds 20 psf (0.96 kN/m2).
6. 6.Width of snow drift(s), w.

1603.1.4 Wind design data.

The following information related to wind loads shall be shown, regardless of whether wind
loads govern the design of the lateral force-resisting system of the structure:

1. Ultimate design wind speed, Vult, (3-second gust), miles per hour (km/hr) and nominal
design wind speed, Vasd, as determined in accordance with Section 1609.3.1.
2. Risk category.
3. Wind exposure. Applicable wind direction if more than one wind exposure is utilized.
4. Applicable internal pressure coefficient.
5. Design wind pressures to be used for exterior component and cladding materials not
specifically designed by the registered design professional responsible for the design of
the structure, psf (kN/m2).

1603.1.5 Earthquake design data. DOES NOT APPLY TO FLORIDA

The following information related to seismic loads shall be shown, regardless of whether seismic
loads govern the design of the lateral force-resisting system of the structure:
1. Risk category.
2. Seismic importance factor, Ie.
3. Mapped spectral response acceleration parameters, SS and S1.
4. Site class.
5. Design spectral response acceleration parameters, SDS and SD1.
6. Seismic design category.
7. Basic seismic force-resisting system(s).
8. Design base shear(s).
9. Seismic response coefficient(s), CS.
10. Response modification coefficient(s), R.
11. Analysis procedure used.

1603.1.6 Geotechnical information.

The design load-bearing values of soils shall be shown on the construction documents.

1603.1.7 Flood design data.

For buildings located in whole or in part in flood hazard areas as established in Section 1612.3,
the documentation pertaining to design, if required in Section 1612.5, shall be included and the

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 Chapter 16 Building Structural Design, Florida Building Code – Building, 6th Ed. (2017)

following information, referenced to the datum on the community’s Flood Insurance Rate Map
(FIRM), shall be shown, regardless of whether flood loads govern the design of the building:
1. Flood design class assigned according to ASCE 24.
2. In flood hazard areas other than coastal high hazard areas or coastal A zones, the
elevation of the proposed lowest floor, including the basement.
3. In flood hazard areas other than coastal high hazard areas or coastal A zones, the
elevation to which any nonresidential building will be dry flood proofed.
4. In coastal high hazard areas and coastal A zones, the proposed elevation of the bottom of
the lowest horizontal structural member of the lowest floor, including the basement.

1603.1.8 Special loads.

Special loads that are applicable to the design of the building, structure or portions thereof shall
be indicated along with the specified section of this code that addresses the special loading
condition.

1603.1.8.1 Photovoltaic panel systems.

The dead load of rooftop-mounted photovoltaic panel systems, including rack support systems,
shall be indicated on the construction documents.

SECTION 1604
GENERAL DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
1604.1 General.

Building, structures and parts thereof shall be designed and constructed in accordance with
strength design, load and resistance factor design, allowable stress design, empirical design or
conventional construction methods, as permitted by the applicable material chapters.

1604.2 Strength.

Buildings and other structures, and parts thereof, shall be designed and constructed to support
safely the factored loads in load combinations defined in this code without exceeding the
appropriate strength limit states for the materials of construction. Alternatively, buildings and
other structures, and parts thereof, shall be designed and constructed to support safely
the nominal loads in load combinations defined in this code without exceeding the appropriate
specified allowable stresses for the materials of construction.
Loads and forces for occupancies or uses not covered in this chapter shall be subject to the
approval of the building official.

1604.3 Serviceability.

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 Chapter 16 Building Structural Design, Florida Building Code – Building, 6th Ed. (2017)

Structural systems and members thereof shall be designed to have adequate stiffness to limit
deflections and lateral drift. See Section 12.12.1 of ASCE 7 for drift limits applicable to
earthquake loading.

TABLE 1604.3
DEFLECTION LIMITSa, b, c, h, i
CONSTRUCTION L S or W f D + Ld, g
Roof members:e
Supporting plaster or stucco ceiling l/240
Supporting nonplaster ceiling l/360 l/360 l/180
Not supporting ceiling l/240 l/240 l/120
Members supporting screen surface j
l/180 l/180 l/60
Floor members l/360 — l/240
Exterior walls:
With plaster or stucco finishes — l/360 —
With other brittle finishes — l/240 —
With flexible finishes — l/120 —
Interior partitions: b

With plaster or stucco finishes l/360 — —

With other brittle finishes l/240 — —
With flexible finishes l/120 — —
Farm buildings — — l/180
Greenhouses — — l/120
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
1. For structural roofing and siding made of formed metal sheets, the total load deflection shall not exceed l/60. For secondary roof
structural members supporting formed metal roofing, the live load deflection shall not exceed l/150. For secondary wall members
supporting formed metal siding, the design wind load deflection shall not exceed l/90. For roofs, this exception only applies when the
metal sheets have no roof covering.
2. Flexible, folding and portable partitions are not governed by the provisions of this section. The deflection criterion for interior
partitions is based on the horizontal load defined in Section 1607.14.
3. See Section 2403 for glass supports.
4. The deflection limit for the D+L load combination only applies to the deflection due to the creep component of long-term dead load
deflection plus the short-term live load deflection. For wood structural members that are dry at time of installation and used under dry
conditions in accordance with the ANSI/AWC NDS, the creep component of the long-term deflection shall be permitted to be
estimated as the immediate dead load deflection resulting from 0.5D. For wood structural members at all other moisture conditions,
the creep component of the long-term deflection is permitted to be estimated as the immediate dead load deflection resulting from D.
The value of 0.5D shall not be used in combination with ANSI/AWC NDS provisions for long-term loading.
5. The above deflections do not ensure against ponding. Roofs that do not have sufficient slope or camber to ensure adequate drainage
shall be investigated for ponding. See Section 1611 for rain and ponding requirements and Section 1503.4 for roof drainage
requirements.
6. The wind load is permitted to be taken as 0.42 times the “component and cladding” loads for the purpose of determining deflection
limits herein. Where members support glass in accordance with Section 2403 using the deflection limit therein, the wind load shall be
no less than 0.6 times the “component and cladding” loads for the purpose of determining deflection.
7. For steel structural members, the dead load shall be taken as zero.
8. For aluminum structural members or aluminum panels used in skylights and sloped glazing framing, roofs or walls of sunroom
additions or patio covers not supporting edge of glass or aluminum sandwich panels, the total load deflection shall not exceed l/60. For
continuous aluminum structural members supporting edge of glass, the total load deflection shall not exceed l/175 for each glass lite
or l/60 for the entire length of the member, whichever is more stringent. For aluminum sandwich panels used in roofs or walls of
sunroom additions or patio covers, the total load deflection shall not exceed 1/120.
9. For cantilever members, l shall be taken as twice the length of the cantilever.
10. Screen surfaces shall be permitted to include a maximum of 25-percent solid flexible finishes.

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 Chapter 16 Building Structural Design, Florida Building Code – Building, 6th Ed. (2017)

1604.3.1 Deflections.

The deflections of structural members shall not exceed the more restrictive of the limitations
of Sections 1604.3.2 through 1604.3.5 or that permitted by Table 1604.3.

1604.3.2 Reinforced concrete.

The deflection of reinforced concrete structural members shall not exceed that permitted by ACI
318.

1604.3.3 Steel.

The deflection of steel structural members shall not exceed that permitted by AISC 360, AISI
S100, ASCE 8, SJI CJ, SJI JG, SJI K or SJI LH/DLH, as applicable.

1604.3.4 Masonry.

The deflection of masonry structural members shall not exceed that permitted by TMS 402/ACI
530/ASCE 5.

1604.3.5 Aluminum.

The deflection of aluminum structural members shall not exceed that permitted by AA ADM1.

1604.3.6 Limits.

The deflection limits of Section 1604.3.1 shall be used unless more restrictive deflection limits
are required by a referenced standard for the element or finish material.

1604.4 Analysis.

Load effects on structural members and their connections shall be determined by methods of
structural analysis that take into account equilibrium, general stability, geometric compatibility
and both short- and long-term material properties.

Members that tend to accumulate residual deformations under repeated service loads shall have
included in their analysis the added eccentricities expected to occur during their service life.

Any system or method of construction to be used shall be based on a rational analysis in

accordance with well-established principles of mechanics. Such analysis shall result in a system
that provides a complete load path capable of transferring loads from their point of origin to the
load-resisting elements.

The total lateral force shall be distributed to the various vertical elements of the lateral force-
resisting system in proportion to their rigidities, considering the rigidity of the horizontal bracing
system or diaphragm. Rigid elements assumed not to be a part of the lateral force-resisting

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 Chapter 16 Building Structural Design, Florida Building Code – Building, 6th Ed. (2017)

system are permitted to be incorporated into buildings provided their effect on the action of the
system is considered and provided for in the design. A diaphragm is rigid for the purpose of
distribution of story shear and torsional moment when the lateral deformation of the diaphragm
is less than or equal to two times the average story drift. Where required by ASCE 7, provisions
shall be made for the increased forces induced on resisting elements of the structural system
resulting from torsion due to eccentricity between the center of application of the lateral forces
and the center of rigidity of the lateral force resisting system.

Every structure shall be designed to resist the overturning effects caused by the lateral forces
specified in this chapter. See Section 1609 for wind loads, Section 1610 for lateral soil loads
and Section 1613 for earthquake loads.

1604.5 Risk category.

Each building and structure shall be assigned a risk category in accordance with Table 1604.5.
Where a referenced standard specifies an occupancy category, the risk category shall not be
taken as lower than the occupancy category specified therein. Where a referenced standard
specifies that the assignment of a risk category be in accordance with ASCE 7, Table 1.5-
1, Table 1604.5 shall be used in lieu of ASCE 7, Table 1.5-1.

TABLE 1604.5
RISK CATEGORY OF BUILDINGS AND OTHER STRUCTURES
RISK
NATURE OF OCCUPANCY
CATEGORY
Buildings and other structures that represent a low hazard to human life
in the event of failure, including but not limited to:

 Agricultural facilities.
I
 Certain temporary facilities.
 Minor storage facilities.
 Screen enclosures.

Buildings and other structures except those listed in Risk Categories I, III
II
and IV.
Buildings and other structures that represent a substantial hazard to
human life in the event of failure, including but not limited to:

 Buildings and other structures whose primary occupancy is public

assembly with an occupant load greater than 300.
 Buildings and other structures containing Group E occupancies
III with an occupant load greater than 250.
 Buildings and other structures containing educational
occupancies for students above the 12th grade with an occupant
load greater than 500.
• Group I-2 occupancies with an occupant load of 50 or
more resident care recipients but not having surgery or
emergency treatment facilities.

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 Chapter 16 Building Structural Design, Florida Building Code – Building, 6th Ed. (2017)

 Group I-3 occupancies.

 Any other occupancy with an occupant load greater than 5,000.a
 Power-generating stations, water treatment facilities for potable
water, wastewater treatment facilities and other public utility
facilities not included in Risk Category IV.
 Buildings and other structures not included in Risk Category IV
containing quantities of toxic or explosive materials that:
 Exceed maximum allowable quantities per control area as given
in Table 307.1(1) or 307.1(2) or per outdoor control area in
accordance with the Florida Fire Prevention Code; and
 Are sufficient to pose a threat to the public if released.b

Buildings and other structures designated as essential facilities, including

but not limited to:

 Group I-2 occupancies having surgery or emergency treatment

facilities.
 Fire, rescue, ambulance and police stations and emergency
vehicle garages.
 Designated earthquake, hurricane or other emergency shelters.
 Designated emergency preparedness, communications and
operations centers and other facilities required for emergency
response.
 Power-generating stations and other public utility facilities
required as emergency backup facilities for Risk Category IV
IV structures.
 Buildings and other structures containing quantities of highly toxic
materials that:
 Exceed maximum allowable quantities per control area as given
in Table 307.1(2) or per outdoor control area in accordance with
the Florida Fire Prevention Code; and
 Are sufficient to pose a threat to the public if released.b
 Aviation control towers, air traffic control centers and emergency
aircraft hangars.
 Buildings and other structures having critical national defense
functions.
 Water storage facilities and pump structures required to maintain
water pressure for fire suppression.
1. For purposes of occupant load calculation, occupancies required by Table 1004.1.2 to use gross floor area calculations shall be
permitted to use net floor areas to determine the total occupant load.
2. Where approved by the building official, the classification of buildings and other structures as Risk Category III or IV based on their
quantities of toxic, highly toxic or explosive materials is permitted to be reduced to Risk Category II, provided it can be demonstrated
by a hazard assessment in accordance with Section 1.5.3 of ASCE 7 that a release of the toxic, highly toxic or explosive materials is
not sufficient to pose a threat to the public.

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 Chapter 16 Building Structural Design, Florida Building Code – Building, 6th Ed. (2017)

1604.5.1 Multiple occupancies.

Where a building or structure is occupied by two or more occupancies not included in the
same risk category, it shall be assigned the classification of the highest risk
category corresponding to the various occupancies. Where buildings or structures have two or
more portions that are structurally separated, each portion shall be separately classified. Where a
separated portion of a building or structure provides required access to, required egress from or
shares life safety components with another portion having a higher risk category, both portions
shall be assigned to the higher risk category.

1604.6 In-situ load tests.

The building official is authorized to require an engineering analysis or a load test, or both, of
any construction whenever there is reason to question the safety of the construction for the
intended occupancy. Engineering analysis and load tests shall be conducted in accordance
with Section 1708.

1604.7 Preconstruction load tests.

Materials and methods of construction that are not capable of being designed
by approved engineering analysis or that do not comply with the applicable referenced standards,
or alternative test procedures in accordance with Section 1707, shall be load tested in accordance
with Section 1709.

1604.8 Anchorage.

Buildings and other structures, and portions thereof, shall be provided with anchorage in
accordance with Sections 1604.8.1 through 1604.8.3, as applicable.

1604.8.1 General.

Anchorage of the roof to walls and columns, and of walls and columns to foundations, shall be
provided to resist the uplift and sliding forces that result from the application of the prescribed
loads.

1604.8.2 Structural walls.

Walls that provide vertical load-bearing resistance or lateral shear resistance for a portion of the
structure shall be anchored to the roof and to all floors and members that provide lateral support
for the wall or that are supported by the wall. The connections shall be capable of resisting the
horizontal forces specified in Section 1.4.5 of ASCE 7 for walls of structures assigned to Seismic
Design Category A and to Section 12.11 of ASCE 7 for walls of structures assigned to all
other seismic design categories. Required anchors in masonry walls of hollow units or cavity
walls shall be embedded in a reinforced grouted structural element of the wall. See Sections
1609for wind design requirements and 1613 for earthquake design requirements.

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1604.8.3 Decks.

Where supported by attachment to an exterior wall, decks shall be positively anchored to the
primary structure and designed for both vertical and lateral loads as applicable. Such attachment
shall not be accomplished by the use of toenails or nails subject to withdrawal. Where positive
connection to the primary building structure cannot be verified during inspection, decks shall be
self-supporting. Connections of decks with cantilevered framing members to exterior walls or
other framing members shall be designed for both of the following:

1. The reactions resulting from the dead load and live load specified in Table 1607.1, or the
snow load specified in Section 1608, in accordance with Section 1605, acting on all
portions of the deck.
2. The reactions resulting from the dead load and live load specified in Table 1607.1, or the
snow load specified in Section 1608, in accordance with Section 1605, acting on the
cantilevered portion of the deck, and no live load or snow load on the remaining portion
of the deck.

1604.9 Counteracting structural actions.

Structural members, systems, components and cladding shall be designed to resist forces due to
earthquakes and wind, with consideration of overturning, sliding and uplift. Continuous load
paths shall be provided for transmitting these forces to the foundation. Where sliding is used to
isolate the elements, the effects of friction between sliding elements shall be included as a force.

1604.10 Wind and seismic detailing.

Lateral force-resisting systems shall meet seismic detailing requirements and limitations
prescribed in this code and ASCE 7, excluding Chapter 14 and Appendix 11A, even when
wind load effects are greater than seismic load effects.

SECTION 1605
LOAD COMBINATIONS
1605.1 General.

Buildings and other structures and portions thereof shall be designed to resist:

1. The load combinations specified in Section 1605.2, 1605.3.1 or 1605.3.2;

2. The load combinations specified in Chapters 18 through 23; and
3. The seismic load effects including overstrength factor in accordance with Section 12.4.3
of ASCE 7 where required by Section 12.2.5.2, 12.3.3.3 or 12.10.2.1 of ASCE 7. With
the simplified procedure of ASCE 7 Section 12.14, the seismic load effects including
overstrength factor in accordance with Section 12.14.3.2 of ASCE 7 shall be used.

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 Chapter 16 Building Structural Design, Florida Building Code – Building, 6th Ed. (2017)

Applicable loads shall be considered, including both earthquake and wind, in accordance
with the specified load combinations. Each load combination shall also be investigated with one
or more of the variable loads set to zero.

Where the load combinations with overstrength factor in Section 12.4.3.2 of ASCE 7apply,
they shall be used as follows:

1. The basic combinations for strength design with overstrength factor in lieu of Equations
16-5 and 16-7 in Section 1605.2.
2. The basic combinations for allowable stress design with overstrength factor in lieu
of Equations 16-12, 16-14 and 16-16 in Section 1605.3.1.
3. The basic combinations for allowable stress design with overstrength factor in lieu
of Equations 16-21 and 16-22 in Section 1605.3.2.

1605.1.1 Stability.

Regardless of which load combinations are used to design for strength, where overall structure
stability (such as stability against overturning, sliding, or buoyancy) is being verified, use of the
load combinations specified in Section 1605.2 or 1605.3 shall be permitted. Where the load
combinations specified in Section 1605.2 are used, strength reduction factors applicable to soil
resistance shall be provided by a registered design professional. The stability of retaining walls
shall be verified in accordance with Section 1807.2.3.

1605.2 Load combinations using strength design or load and resistance factor design.

Where strength design or load and resistance factor design is used, buildings and other structures,
and portions thereof, shall be designed to resist the most critical effects resulting from the
following combinations of factored loads:

(Equation 16-1)

(Equation 16-2)

(Equation 16-3)

(Equation 16-4)

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(Equation 16-5)

(Equation 16-6)

(Equation 16-7)

where:

f1 = 1 for places of public assembly live loads in excess of 100 pounds per square foot (4.79
kN/m2), and parking garages; and 0.5 for other live loads.

f2 = 0.7 for roof configurations (such as saw tooth) that do not shed snow off the structure,
and 0.2 for other roof configurations.

Exceptions:

1. Where other factored load combinations are specifically required by other provisions of
this code, such combinations shall take precedence.
2. Where the effect of H resists the primary variable load effect, a load factor of 0.9 shall be
included with H where H is permanent and H shall be set to zero for all other conditions.

1605.2.1 Other loads.

Where flood loads, Fa, are to be considered in the design, the load combinations of Section 2.3.3
of ASCE 7 shall be used. Where self-straining loads, T, are considered in design, their structural
effects in combination with other loads shall be determined in accordance with Section 2.3.5
of ASCE 7. Where an ice-sensitive structure is subjected to loads due to atmospheric icing, the
load combinations of Section 2.3.4 of ASCE 7 shall be considered.

1605.3 Load combinations using allowable stress design.

1605.3.1 Basic load combinations.

Where allowable stress design (working stress design), as permitted by this code, is used,
structures and portions thereof shall resist the most critical effects resulting from the following
combinations of loads:

(Equation 16-8)

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 Chapter 16 Building Structural Design, Florida Building Code – Building, 6th Ed. (2017)

(Equation 16-9)

(Equation 16-10)

(Equation 16-11)

(Equation 16-12)

(Equation 16-13)

(Equation 16-14)

(Equation 16-15)

(Equation 16-16)

Exceptions:

1. Crane hook loads need not be combined with roof live load or with more than three-
fourths of the snow load or one-half of the wind load.
2. Flat roof snow loads of 30 psf (1.44 kN/m2) or less and roof live loads of 30 psf (1.44
kN/m2) or less need not be combined with seismic loads. Where flat roof snow loads
exceed 30 psf (1.44 kN/m2), 20 percent shall be combined with seismic loads.
3. Where the effect of H resists the primary variable load effect, a load factor of 0.6 shall be
included with H where H is permanent and H shall be set to zero for all other conditions.
4. In Equation 16-15, the wind load, W, is permitted to be reduced in accordance with
Exception 2 of Section 2.4.1 of ASCE 7.
5. In Equation 16-16, 0.6 D is permitted to be increased to 0.9 D for the design of special
reinforced masonry shear walls complying with Chapter 21.

1605.3.1.1 Stress increases.

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 Chapter 16 Building Structural Design, Florida Building Code – Building, 6th Ed. (2017)

Increases in allowable stresses specified in the appropriate material chapter or the referenced
standards shall not be used with the load combinations of Section 1605.3.1, except that increases
shall be permitted in accordance with Chapter 23.

1605.3.1.2 Other loads.

Where flood loads, Fa, are to be considered in design, the load combinations of Section 2.4.2
of ASCE 7 shall be used. Where self-straining loads, T, are considered in design, their structural
effects in combination with other loads shall be determined in accordance with Section 2.4.4
of ASCE 7. Where an ice-sensitive structure is subjected to loads due to atmospheric icing, the
load combinations of Section 2.4.3 of ASCE 7 shall be considered.

1605.3.2 Alternative basic load combinations.

In lieu of the basic load combinations specified in Section 1605.3.1, structures and portions
thereof shall be permitted to be designed for the most critical effects resulting from the following
combinations. When using these alternative basic load combinations that include wind or seismic
loads, allowable stresses are permitted to be increased or load combinations reduced where
permitted by the material chapter of this code or the referenced standards. For load combinations
that include the counteracting effects of dead and wind loads, only two-thirds of the minimum
dead load likely to be in place during a design wind event shall be used. When using allowable
stresses that have been increased or load combinations that have been reduced as permitted by
the material chapter of this code or the referenced standards, where wind loads are calculated in
accordance with Chapters 26 through 31 of ASCE 7, the coefficient (ω) in the following
equations shall be taken as 1.3. For other wind loads, (ω) shall be taken as 1. When allowable
stresses have not been increased or load combinations have not been reduced as permitted by the
material chapter of this code or the referenced standards, (ω) shall be taken as 1. When using
these alternative load combinations to evaluate sliding, overturning and soil bearing at the soil-
structure interface, the reduction of foundation overturning from Section 12.13.4 in ASCE 7 shall
not be used. When using these alternative basic load combinations for proportioning foundations
for loadings, which include seismic loads, the vertical seismic load effect, Ev, in Equation 12.4-4
of ASCE 7 is permitted to be taken equal to zero.

(Equation 16-17)

(Equation 16-18)

(Equation 16-19)

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 Chapter 16 Building Structural Design, Florida Building Code – Building, 6th Ed. (2017)

(Equation 16-20)

(Equation 16-21)

(Equation 16-22)

Exceptions:

1. Crane hook loads need not be combined with roof live loads or with more than three-
fourths of the snow load or one-half of the wind load.
2. Flat roof snow loads of 30 psf (1.44 kN/m2) or less and roof live loads of 30 psf (1.44
kN/m2) or less need not be combined with seismic loads. Where flat roof snow loads
exceed 30 psf (1.44 kN/m2), 20 percent shall be combined with seismic loads.

1605.3.2.1 Other loads.

Where F, H or T are to be considered in the design, each applicable load shall be added to the
combinations specified in Section 1605.3.2. Where self-straining loads, T, are considered in
design, their structural effects in combination with other loads shall be determined in accordance
with Section 2.4.4 of ASCE 7.

SECTION 1606
DEAD LOADS
1606.1 General.

Dead loads are those loads defined in Chapter 2 of this code. Dead loads shall be considered
permanent loads.

1606.2 Design dead load.

For purposes of design, the actual weights of materials of construction and fixed service
equipment shall be used. In the absence of definite information, values used shall be subject to
the approval of the building official.

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 Chapter 16 Building Structural Design, Florida Building Code – Building, 6th Ed. (2017)

SECTION 1607
LIVE LOADS
1607.1 General.

Live loads are those loads defined in Chapter 2 of this code.

TABLE 1607.1
MINIMUM UNIFORMLY DISTRIBUTED LIVE LOADS, L0, AND MINIMUM
CONCENTRATED LIVE LOADSg
OCCUPANCY OR USE UNIFORM(psf) CONCENTRATED(pounds)
1. Apartments (see residential) — —
2. Access floor systems
Office use 50 2,000
Computer use 100 2,000
3. Armories and drill rooms 150 m
—
4. Assembly areas
Fixed seats (fastened to floor) 60m
Follow spot, projections and control
50
rooms
Lobbies 100m —
Movable seats 100 m

Stage floors 150m

Platforms (assembly) 100m
Other assembly areas 100m
Same as
5. Balconies and decksh —
occupancy served
6. Catwalks 40 300
7. Cornices 60 —
8. Corridors
First floor 100
—
Same as
Other floors occupancy served
except as indicated
9. Dining rooms and restaurants 100m —
10. Dwellings (see residential) — —
11. Elevator machine room and
control room grating(on area of 2 — 300
inches by 2 inches)
12. Finish light floor plate — 200

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 Chapter 16 Building Structural Design, Florida Building Code – Building, 6th Ed. (2017)

construction(on area of 1 inch by 1

inch)
13. Fire escapes 100
—
On single-family dwellings only 40
14. Garages (passenger vehicles
40m Note a
only)
Trucks and buses See Section 1607.7
15. Handrails, guards and grab bars See Section 1607.8
16. Helipads See Section 1607.6
17. Hospitals
Corridors above first floor 80 1,000
Operating rooms, laboratories 60 1,000
Patient rooms 40 1,000
18. Hotels (see residential) — —
19. Libraries
Corridors above first floor 80 1,000
Reading rooms 60 1,000
Stack rooms 150b, m 1,000
20. Manufacturing
Heavy 250m 3,000
Light 125 m
2,000
21. Marquees, except one-and two-
75 —
family dwellings
22. Office buildings
Corridors above first floor 80 2,000
File and computer rooms shall be
designed for heavier loads based on — —
anticipated occupancy
Lobbies and first-floor corridors 100 2,000
Offices 50 2,000
23. Penal institutions
Cell blocks 40 —
Corridors 100
24. Recreational uses:
Bowling alleys, poolrooms and similar
75m
uses
—
Dance halls and ballrooms 100m
Gymnasiums 100m
Ice skating rink 250m

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 Chapter 16 Building Structural Design, Florida Building Code – Building, 6th Ed. (2017)

Reviewing stands, grandstands and

100c, m
bleachers
Roller skating rink 100m
Stadiums and arenas with fixed seats
60c, m
(fastened to floor)
25. Residential
One- and two-family dwellings
Uninhabitable attics without storagei 10
Uninhabitable attics with storagei, j, k 20
Habitable attics and sleeping areas k
30
Canopies, including marquees 20 —
All other areas 40
Hotels and multifamily dwellings
Private rooms and corridors serving
40
them
Public roomsm and corridors serving
100
them
26. Roofs
All roof surfaces subject to
300
maintenance workers
Awnings and canopies:
Fabric construction supported by a
5Nonreducible
skeleton structure
All other construction, except one-and
20
two-family dwellings
Ordinary flat, pitched, and curved
20
roofs (that are not occupiable)
Primary roof members exposed to a
work floor
Single panel point of lower chord of
roof trusses or any point along
primary structural members
2,000
supporting roofs over manufacturing,
storage warehouses, and repair
garages
All other primary roof members 300
Occupiable roofs:
Roof gardens 100
Assembly areas 100m
All other similar areas Note 1 Note 1
27. Schools

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 Chapter 16 Building Structural Design, Florida Building Code – Building, 6th Ed. (2017)

Classrooms 40 1,000
Corridors above first floor 80 1,000
First-floor corridors 100 1,000
28. Scuttles, skylight ribs and
— 200
accessible ceilings
29. Sidewalks, vehicular driveways
250d, m 8,000e
and yards, subject to trucking
30. Stairs and exits
One- and two-family dwellings 40 300f
All other 100 300f
31. Storage warehouses (shall be
designed for heavier loads if required
for anticipated storage) —
Heavy 250m
Light 125m
32. Stores
Retail
First floor 100 1,000
Upper floors 75 1,000
Wholesale, all floors 125 m
1,000
33. Vehicle barriers See Section 1607.8.3
34. Walkways and elevated
60 —
platforms(other than exit ways)
35. Yards and terraces, pedestrians 100m —

For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 square inch = 645.16 mm2, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2, 1 pound per square foot = 0.0479 kN/m2, 1 pound = 0.004448
kN, 1 pound per cubic foot = 16 kg/m3.

a. Floors in garages or portions of buildings used for the storage of motor vehicles shall be designed for the uniformly distributed live
loads of this Table or the following concentrated loads: (1) for garages restricted to passenger vehicles accommodating not more than
nine passengers, 3,000 pounds acting on an area of 41/2inches by 41/2 inches; (2) for mechanical parking structures without slab or deck
that are used for storing passenger vehicles only, 2,250 pounds per wheel.
b. The loading applies to stack room floors that support nonmobile, double-faced library book stacks, subject to the following
limitations:
1. The nominal book stack unit height shall not exceed 90 inches;
2. The nominal shelf depth shall not exceed 12 inches for each face; and
3. Parallel rows of double-faced book stacks shall be separated by aisles not less than 36 inches wide.
c. Design in accordance with ICC 300.
d. Other uniform loads in accordance with an approved method containing provisions for truck loadings shall be considered where
appropriate.
e. The concentrated wheel load shall be applied on an area of 4.5 inches by 4.5 inches.
f. The minimum concentrated load on stair treads shall be applied on an area of 2 inches by 2 inches. This load need not be assumed to
act concurrently with the uniform load.
g. Where snow loads occur that are in excess of the design conditions, the structure shall be designed to support the loads due to the
increased loads caused by drift buildup or a greater snow design determined by the building official (see Section 1608).
h. See Section 1604.8.3 (HVHZ shall comply with Section 1616.5) for decks attached to exterior walls.
i. Uninhabitable attics without storage are those where the maximum clear height between the joists and rafters is less than 42 inches, or
where there are not two or more adjacent trusses with web configurations capable of accommodating an assumed rectangle 42 inches

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 Chapter 16 Building Structural Design, Florida Building Code – Building, 6th Ed. (2017)

in height by 24 inches in width, or greater, within the plane of the trusses. This live load need not be assumed to act concurrently with
any other live load requirements.
j. Uninhabitable attics with storage are those where the maximum clear height between the joists and rafters is 42 inches or greater, or
where there are two or more adjacent trusses with web configurations capable of accommodating an assumed rectangle 42 inches in
height by 24 inches in width, or greater, within the plane of the trusses.
The live load need only be applied to those portions of the joists or truss bottom chords where both of the following conditions are
met:
i. The attic area is accessible from an opening not less than 20 inches in width by 30 inches in length that is located where the
clear height in the attic is a minimum of 30 inches; and
ii. The slopes of the joists or truss bottom chords are no greater than two units vertical in 12 units horizontal.

k. The remaining portions of the joists or truss bottom chords shall be designed for a uniformly distributed concurrent live load of not
less than 10 pounds per square foot.
l. Attic spaces served by stairways other than the pull-down type shall be designed to support the minimum live load specified for
habitable attics and sleeping rooms.
m. Areas of occupiable roofs, other than roof gardens and assembly areas, shall be designed for appropriate loads as approved by the
building official. Unoccupied landscaped areas of roofs shall be designed in accordance with Section 1607.12.3.
n. Live load reduction is not permitted unless specific exceptions of Section 1607.10 apply.

1607.2 Loads not specified.

For occupancies or uses not designated in Table 1607.1, the live load shall be determined in
accordance with a method approved by the building official.

1607.3 Uniform live loads.

The live loads used in the design of buildings and other structures shall be the maximum loads
expected by the intended use or occupancy but shall in no case be less than the minimum
uniformly distributed live loads given in Table 1607.1.

1607.4 Concentrated live loads.

Floors and other similar surfaces shall be designed to support the uniformly distributed live loads
prescribed in Section 1607.3 or the concentrated live loads, given in Table 1607.1, whichever
produces the greater load effects. Unless otherwise specified, the indicated concentration shall be
assumed to be uniformly distributed over an area of 21/2feet by 21/2 feet (762 mm by 762 mm) and
shall be located so as to produce the maximum load effects in the structural members.

1607.5 Partition loads.

In office buildings and in other buildings where partition locations are subject to change,
provisions for partition weight shall be made, whether or not partitions are shown on the
construction documents, unless the specified live load is 80 psf (3.83 kN/m2) or greater. The
partition load shall be not less than a uniformly distributed live load of 15 psf (0.72 kN/m2).

1607.6 Helipads.

Helipads shall be designed for the following live loads:

1. A uniform live load, L, as specified below. This load shall not be reduced.

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 Chapter 16 Building Structural Design, Florida Building Code – Building, 6th Ed. (2017)

1.1. 40 psf (1.92 kN/m2) where the design basis helicopter has a maximum take-off weight of
3,000 pounds (13.35 kN) or less.
1.2. 60 psf (2.87 kN/m2) where the design basis helicopter has a maximum take-off weight
greater than 3,000 pounds (13.35 kN).
2. A single concentrated live load, L, of 3,000 pounds (13.35 kN) applied over an area of 4.5
inches by 4.5 inches (114 mm by 114 mm) and located so as to produce the maximum load
effects on the structural elements under consideration. The concentrated load is not required
to act concurrently with other uniform or concentrated live loads.
3. Two single concentrated live loads, L, 8 feet (2438 mm) apart applied on the landing pad
(representing the helicopter’s two main landing gear, whether skid type or wheeled type),
each having a magnitude of 0.75 times the maximum take-off weight of the helicopter, and
located so as to produce the maximum load effects on the structural elements under
consideration. The concentrated loads shall be applied over an area of 8 inches by 8 inches
(203 mm by 203 mm) and are not required to act concurrently with other uniform or
concentrated live loads.

Landing areas designed for a design basis helicopter with maximum take-off weight of 3,000-
pounds (13.35 kN) shall be identified with a 3,000 pound (13.34 kN) weight limitation. The
landing area weight limitation shall be indicated by the numeral “3” (kips) located in the bottom
right corner of the landing area as viewed from the primary approach path. The indication for the
landing area weight limitation shall be a minimum 5 feet (1524 mm) in height.

1607.7 Heavy vehicle loads.

Floors and other surfaces that are intended to support vehicle loads greater than a 10,000-pound
(4536 kg) gross vehicle weight rating shall comply with Sections 1607.7.1through 1607.7.5.

1607.7.1 Loads.

Where any structure does not restrict access for vehicles that exceed a 10,000-pound (4536 kg)
gross vehicle weight rating, those portions of the structure subject to such loads shall be designed
using the vehicular live loads, including consideration of impact and fatigue, in accordance with
the codes and specifications required by the jurisdiction having authority for the design and
construction of the roadways and bridges in the same location of the structure.

1607.7.2 Fire truck and emergency vehicles.

Where a structure or portions of a structure are accessed and loaded by fire department access
vehicles and other similar emergency vehicles, the structure shall be designed for the greater of
the following loads:

1. The actual operational loads, including outrigger reactions and contact areas of the
vehicles as stipulated and approved by the building official; or
2. The live loading specified in Section 1607.7.1.

1607.7.3 Heavy vehicle garages.

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Garages designed to accommodate vehicles that exceed a 10,000-pound (4536 kg) gross vehicle
weight rating, shall be designed using the live loading specified by Section 1607.7.1. For garages
the design for impact and fatigue is not required.

Exception: The vehicular live loads and load placement are allowed to be determined using the
actual vehicle weights for the vehicles allowed onto the garage floors, provided such loads and
placement are based on rational engineering principles and are approved by the building official,
but shall not be less than 50 psf (2.9 kN/m2). This live load shall not be reduced.

1607.7.4 Forklifts and movable equipment.

Where a structure is intended to have forklifts or other movable equipment present, the structure
shall be designed for the total vehicle or equipment load and the individual wheel loads for the
anticipated vehicles as specified by the owner of the facility. These loads shall be posted in
accordance with Section 1607.7.5.

1607.7.4.1 Impact and fatigue.

Impact loads and fatigue loading shall be considered in the design of the supporting structure.
For the purposes of design, the vehicle and wheel loads shall be increased by 30 percent to
account for impact.

1607.7.5 Posting.

The maximum weight of vehicles allowed into or on a garage or other structure shall be posted
by the owner or the owner’s authorized agent in accordance with Section 106.1.

1607.8 Loads on handrails, guards, grab bars, seats and vehicle barriers.

Handrails, guards, grab bars, accessible seats, accessible benches and vehicle barriers shall be
designed and constructed for the structural loading conditions set forth in this section.

1607.8.1 Handrails and guards.

Handrails and guards shall be designed to resist a linear load of 50 pounds per linear foot (plf)
(0.73 kN/m) in accordance with Section 4.5.1 of ASCE 7. Glass handrail assemblies
and guards shall also comply with Section 2407.

Exceptions:

1. For one- and two-family dwellings, only the single concentrated load required by Section
1607.8.1.1 shall be applied.
2. In Group I-3, F, H and S occupancies, for areas that are not accessible to the general
public and that have an occupant load less than 50, the minimum load shall be 20 pounds
per foot (0.29 kN/m).

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1607.8.1.1 Concentrated load.

Handrails and guards shall be designed to resist a concentrated load of 200 pounds (0.89 kN) in
accordance with Section 4.5.1 of ASCE 7.

1607.8.1.2 Intermediate rails.

Intermediate rails (all those except the handrail), balusters and panel fillers shall be designed to
resist a concentrated load of 50 pounds (0.22 kN) in accordance with Section 4.5.1 of ASCE 7.

1607.8.2 Grab bars, shower seats and dressing room bench seats.

Grab bars, shower seats and dressing room bench seats shall be designed to resist a single
concentrated load of 250 pounds (1.11 kN) applied in any direction at any point on the grab bar
or seat so as to produce the maximum load effects.

1607.8.3 Vehicle barriers.

Vehicle barriers for passenger vehicles shall be designed to resist a concentrated load of 6,000
pounds (26.70 kN) in accordance with Section 4.5.3 of ASCE 7. Garages accommodating trucks
and buses shall be designed in accordance with an approved method that contains provisions for
traffic railings.

1607.9 Impact loads.

The live loads specified in Sections 1607.3 through 1607.8 shall be assumed to include adequate
allowance for ordinary impact conditions. Provisions shall be made in the structural design for
uses and loads that involve unusual vibration and impact forces.

1607.9.1 Elevators.

Members, elements and components subject to dynamic loads from elevators shall be designed
for impact loads and deflection limits prescribed by ASME A17.1/CSA B44.

1607.9.2 Machinery.

For the purpose of design, the weight of machinery and moving loads shall be increased as
follows to allow for impact: (1) light machinery, shaftor motor-driven, 20 percent; and (2)
reciprocating machinery or power-driven units, 50 percent. Percentages shall be increased where
specified by the manufacturer.

1607.9.3 Elements supporting hoists for façade access equipment.

In addition to any other applicable live loads, structural elements that support hoists for façade
access equipment shall be designed for a live load consisting of the larger of the rated load of the
hoist times 2.5 and the stall load of the hoist.

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1607.9.4 Lifeline anchorages for façade access equipment.

In addition to any other applicable live loads, lifeline anchorages and structural elements that
support lifeline anchorages shall be designed for a live load of at least 3,100 pounds (13.8 kN)
for each attached lifeline, in every direction that a fall arrest load may be applied.

1607.10 Reduction in uniform live loads.

Except for uniform live loads at roofs, all other minimum uniformly distributed live loads, Lo,
in Table 1607.1 are permitted to be reduced in accordance with Section 1607.10.1 or 1607.10.2.
Uniform live loads at roofs are permitted to be reduced in accordance with Section 1607.12.2.

1607.10.1 Basic uniform live load reduction.

Subject to the limitations of Sections 1607.10.1.1 through 1607.10.1.3 and Table 1607.1,
members for which a value of KLLAT is 400 square feet (37.16 m2) or more are permitted to be
designed for a reduced uniformly distributed live load, L, in accordance with the following
equation:

(Equation 16-23)

For SI:

where:

L = Reduced design live load per square foot (m2) of area supported by the member.

Lo = Unreduced design live load per square foot (m2) of area supported by the member
(see Table 1607.1).

KLL = Live load element factor (see Table 1607.10.1).

AT = Tributary area, in square feet (m2).

L shall be not less than 0.50Lo for members supporting one floor and L shall be not less
than 0.40Lo for members supporting two or more floors.

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 Chapter 16 Building Structural Design, Florida Building Code – Building, 6th Ed. (2017)

TABLE 1607.10.1
LIVE LOAD ELEMENT FACTOR, KLL
ELEMENT KLL
Interior columns 4
Exterior columns without cantilever slabs 4
Edge columns with cantilever slabs 3
Corner columns with cantilever slabs 2
Edge beams without cantilever slabs 2
Interior beams 2
All other members not identified above including:
Edge beams with cantilever slabs
Cantilever beams
1
One-way slabs
Two-way slabs
Members without provisions for continuous sheartransfer normal to their span

1607.10.1.1 One-way slabs.

The tributary area, AT, for use in Equation 16-23 for one-way slabs shall not exceed an area
defined by the slab span times a width normal to the span of 1.5 times the slab span.

1607.10.1.2 Heavy live loads.

Live loads that exceed 100 psf (4.79 kN/m2) shall not be reduced.

Exceptions:

1. 1.The live loads for members supporting two or more floors are permitted to be reduced
by a maximum of 20 percent, but the live load shall be not less than L as calculated
in Section 1607.10.1.
2. 2.For uses other than storage, where approved, additional live load reductions shall be
permitted where shown by the registered design professional that a rational approach has
been used and that such reductions are warranted.

1607.10.1.3 Passenger vehicle garages.

The live loads shall not be reduced in passenger vehicle garages.

Exception: The live loads for members supporting two or more floors are permitted to be
reduced by a maximum of 20 percent, but the live load shall not be less than L as calculated
in Section 1607.10.1.

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1607.10.2 Alternative uniform live load reduction.

As an alternative to Section 1607.10.1 and subject to the limitations of Table 1607.1, uniformly
distributed live loads are permitted to be reduced in accordance with the following provisions.
Such reductions shall apply to slab systems, beams, girders, columns, piers, walls and
foundations.

1. A reduction shall not be permitted where the live load exceeds 100 psf (4.79 kN/m2)
except that the design live load for members supporting two or more floors is permitted
to be reduced by a maximum of 20 percent.

Exception: For uses other than storage, where approved, additional live load
reductions shall be permitted where shown by the registered design
professional that a rational approach has been used and that such reductions are
warranted.

2. A reduction shall not be permitted in passenger vehicle parking garages except that the
live loads for members supporting two or more floors are permitted to be reduced by a
maximum of 20 percent.
3. For live loads not exceeding 100 psf (4.79 kN/m2), the design live load for any structural
member supporting 150 square feet (13.94 m2) or more is permitted to be reduced in
accordance with Equation 16-24.
4. For one-way slabs, the area, A, for use in Equation 16-24 shall not exceed the product of
the slab span and a width normal to the span of 0.5 times the slab span.

(Equation 16-24)

For SI: R = 0.861(A − 13.94)

Such reduction shall not exceed the smallest of:

1. 40 percent for members supporting one floor.

2. 60 percent for members supporting two or more floors.
3. R as determined by the following equation:

(Equation 16-25)

where:

A = Area of floor supported by the member, square feet (m2).

D = Dead load per square foot (m2) of area supported.

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 Chapter 16 Building Structural Design, Florida Building Code – Building, 6th Ed. (2017)

Lo = Unreduced live load per square foot (m2) of area supported.

R = Reduction in percent.

1607.11 Distribution of floor loads.

Where uniform floor live loads are involved in the design of structural members arranged so as
to create continuity, the minimum applied loads shall be the full dead loads on all spans in
combination with the floor live loads on spans selected to produce the greatest load effect at each
location under consideration. Floor live loads are permitted to be reduced in accordance
with Section 1607.10.

1607.12 Roof loads.

The structural supports of roofs and marquees shall be designed to resist wind and, where
applicable, snow and earthquake loads, in addition to the dead load of construction and the
appropriate live loads as prescribed in this section, or as set forth in Table 1607.1. The live loads
acting on a sloping surface shall be assumed to act vertically on the horizontal projection of that
surface.

1607.12.1 Distribution of roof loads.

Where uniform roof live loads are reduced to less than 20 psf (0.96 kN/m2) in accordance
with Section 1607.12.2.1 and are applied to the design of structural members arranged so as to
create continuity, the reduced roof live load shall be applied to adjacent spans or to alternate
spans, whichever produces the most unfavorable load effect. See Section 1607.12.2 for
reductions in minimum roof live loads and Section 7.5 of ASCE 7 for partial snow loading.

1607.12.2 General.

The minimum uniformly distributed live loads of roofs and marquees, Lo, in Table 1607.1 are
permitted to be reduced in accordance with Section 1607.12.2.1.

1607.12.2.1 Ordinary roofs, awnings and canopies.

Ordinary flat, pitched and curved roofs, and awnings and canopies other than of fabric
construction supported by a skeleton structure, are permitted to be designed for a reduced
uniformly distributed roof live load, Lr, as specified in the following equations or other
controlling combinations of loads as specified in Section 1605, whichever produces the
greater load effect.

In structures such as greenhouses, where special scaffolding is used as a work surface for
workers and materials during maintenance and repair operations, a lower roof load than specified
in the following equations shall not be used unless approved by the building official. Such
structures shall be designed for a minimum roof live load of 12 psf (0.58 kN/m2).

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(Equation 16-26)

where: 12 ≤ Lr ≤ 20

For SI: Lr = LoR1R2

where: 0.58 ≤ Lr ≤ 0.96

Lo = Unreduced roof live load per square foot (m2) of horizontal projection supported by
the member (see Table 1607.1).

Lr = Reduced roof live load per square foot (m2) of horizontal projection supported by the
member.

The reduction factors R1 and R2 shall be determined as follows:

(Equation 16-27)

(Equation 16-28)

For SI: 1.2 - 0.011At for 18.58 square meters < At < 55.74 square meters

(Equation 16-29)

where:

At = Tributary area (span length multiplied by effective width) in square feet (m2)
supported by the member, and

(Equation 16-30)

(Equation 16-31)

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(Equation 16-32)

where:

F = For a sloped roof, the number of inches of rise per foot (for SI: F = 0.12 × slope, with
slope expressed as a percentage), or for an arch or dome, the rise-to-span ratio multiplied
by 32.

1607.12.3 Occupiable roofs.

Areas of roofs that are occupiable, such as vegetative roofs, roof gardens or for assembly or other
similar purposes, and marquees are permitted to have their uniformly distributed live loads
reduced in accordance with Section 1607.10.

1607.12.3.1 Vegetative and landscaped roofs.

The weight of all landscaping materials shall be considered as dead load and shall be computed
on the basis of saturation of the soil as determined in accordance with ASTM E2397. The
uniform design live load in unoccupied landscaped areas on roofs shall be 20 psf (0.958 kN/m2).
The uniform design live load for occupied landscaped areas on roofs shall be determined in
accordance with Table 1607.1.

1607.12.4 Awnings and canopies.

Awnings and canopies shall be designed for uniform live loads as required in Table 1607.1 as
well as for snow loads and wind loads as specified in Sections 1608 and 1609.

1607.12.5 Photovoltaic panel systems.

Roof structures that provide support for photovoltaic panel systems shall be designed in
accordance with Sections 1607.12.5.1 through 1607.12.5.4, as applicable.

1607.12.5.1 Roof live load.

Roof surfaces to be covered by solar photovoltaic panels or modules shall be designed for the
roof live load, Lr, assuming that the photovoltaic panels or modules are not present. The roof
photovoltaic live load in areas covered by solar photovoltaic panels or modules shall be in
addition to the panel loading unless the area covered by each solar photovoltaic panel or module
is inaccessible. Areas where the clear space between the panels and the rooftop is not more than
24 inches (610 mm) shall be considered inaccessible. Roof surfaces not covered by photovoltaic
panels shall be designed for the roof live load.

1607.12.5.2 Photovoltaic panels or modules.

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 Chapter 16 Building Structural Design, Florida Building Code – Building, 6th Ed. (2017)

The structure of a roof that supports solar photovoltaic panels or modules shall be designed to
accommodate the full solar photovoltaic panels or modules and ballast dead load, including
concentrated loads from support frames in combination with the loads from Section
1607.12.5.1 and other applicable loads. Where applicable, snow drift loads created by the
photovoltaic panels or modules shall be included.

1607.12.5.3 Photovoltaic panels or modules installed as an independent structure.

Solar photovoltaic panels or modules that are independent structures and do not have
accessible/occupied space underneath are not required to accommodate a roof photovoltaic live
load, provided the area under the structure is restricted to keep the public away. All other loads
and combinations in accordance with Section 1605 shall be accommodated.

Solar photovoltaic panels or modules that are designed to be the roof, span to structural
supports and have accessible/occupied space underneath shall have the panels or modules and all
supporting structures designed to support a roof photovoltaic live load, as defined in Section
1607.12.5.1 in combination with other applicable loads. Solar photovoltaic panels or modules in
this application are not permitted to be classified as “not accessible” in accordance with Section
1607.12.5.1.

1607.12.5.4 Ballasted photovoltaic panel systems.

Roof structures that provide support for ballasted photovoltaic panel systemsshall be designed, or
analyzed, in accordance with Section 1604.4; checked in accordance with Section 1604.3.6 for
deflections; and checked in accordance with Section 1611 for ponding.

1607.13 Crane loads.

The crane live load shall be the rated capacity of the crane. Design loads for the runway beams,
including connections and support brackets, of moving bridge cranes and monorail cranes shall
include the maximum wheel loads of the crane and the vertical impact, lateral and longitudinal
forces induced by the moving crane.

1607.13.1 Maximum wheel load.

The maximum wheel loads shall be the wheel loads produced by the weight of the bridge, as
applicable, plus the sum of the rated capacity and the weight of the trolley with the trolley
positioned on its runway at the location where the resulting load effect is maximum.

1607.13.2 Vertical impact force.

The maximum wheel loads of the crane shall be increased by the percentages shown below to
determine the induced vertical impact or vibration force:

25
Monorail cranes (powered)
percent

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 Chapter 16 Building Structural Design, Florida Building Code – Building, 6th Ed. (2017)

25
Cab-operated or remotely operated bridge cranes (powered)
percent
10
Pendant-operated bridge cranes (powered)
percent
Bridge cranes or monorail cranes with hand-geared bridge, trolley and
0 percent
hoist

1607.13.3 Lateral force.

The lateral force on crane runway beams with electrically powered trolleys shall be calculated as
20 percent of the sum of the rated capacity of the crane and the weight of the hoist and trolley.
The lateral force shall be assumed to act horizontally at the traction surface of a runway beam, in
either direction perpendicular to the beam, and shall be distributed with due regard to the lateral
stiffness of the runway beam and supporting structure.

1607.13.4 Longitudinal force.

The longitudinal force on crane runway beams, except for bridge cranes with hand-geared
bridges, shall be calculated as 10 percent of the maximum wheel loads of the crane. The
longitudinal force shall be assumed to act horizontally at the traction surface of a runway beam,
in either direction parallel to the beam.

1607.14 Interior walls and partitions.

Interior walls and partitions that exceed 6 feet (1829 mm) in height, including their finish
materials, shall have adequate strength and stiffness to resist the loads to which they are
subjected but not less than a horizontal load of 5 psf (0.240 kN/m2).

1607.14.1 Fabric partitions.

Fabric partitions that exceed 6 feet (1829 mm) in height, including their finish materials, shall
have adequate strength and stiffness to resist the following load conditions:

1. The horizontal distributed load need only be applied to the partition framing. The total
area used to determine the distributed load shall be the area of the fabric face between the
framing members to which the fabric is attached. The total distributed load shall be
uniformly applied to such framing members in proportion to the length of each member.
2. A concentrated load of 40 pounds (0.176 kN) applied to an 8-inch-diameter (203 mm)
area [50.3 square inches (32 452 mm2)] of the fabric face at a height of 54 inches (1372
mm) above the floor.

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SECTION 1608
SNOW LOADS - DOES NOT APPLY TO FLORIDA
1608.1 General.

Design snow loads shall be determined in accordance with Chapter 7 of ASCE 7, but the design
roof load shall not be less than that determined by Section 1607.

1608.2 Ground snow loads.

The ground snow loads to be used in determining the design snow loads for roofs shall be
determined in accordance with ASCE 7 or Figure 1608.2 for the contiguous United States
and Table 1608.2 for Alaska. Site-specific case studies shall be made in areas designated “CS”
in Figure 1608.2. Ground snow loads for sites at elevations above the limits indicated in Figure
1608.2 and for all sites within the CS areas shall be approved. Ground snow load determination
for such sites shall be based on an extreme value statistical analysis of data available in the
vicinity of the site using a value with a 2-percent annual probability of being exceeded (50-year
mean recurrence interval). Snow loads are zero for Hawaii, except in mountainous regions
as approved by the building official.

TABLE 1608.2
GROUND SNOW LOADS, pg, FOR ALASKAN LOCATIONS
LOCATION POUNDS PERSQUARE FOOT
Adak 30
Anchorage 50
Angoon 70
Barrow 25
Barter Island 35
Bethel 40
Big Delta 50
Cold Bay 25
Cordova 100
Fairbanks 60
Fort Yukon 60
Galena 60
Gulkana 70
Homer 40
Juneau 60
Kenai 70
Kodiak 30

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 Chapter 16 Building Structural Design, Florida Building Code – Building, 6th Ed. (2017)

Kotzebue 60
McGrath 70
Nenana 80
Nome 70
Palmer 50
Petersburg 150
St. Paul Islands 40
Seward 50
Shemya 25
Sitka 50
Talkeetna 120
Unalakleet 50
Valdez 160
Whittier 300
Wrangell 60
Yakutat 150

For SI: 1 pound per square foot = 0.0479 kN/m2.

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 Chapter 16 Building Structural Design, Florida Building Code – Building, 6th Ed. (2017)

FIGURE 1608.2
GROUND SNOW LOADS, pg, FOR THE UNITED STATES (psf)

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1608.3 Ponding instability.

Susceptible bays of roofs shall be evaluated for ponding instability in accordance with Section
7.11 of ASCE 7.

SECTION 1609
WIND LOADS
1609.1 Applications.

Buildings, structures and parts thereof shall be designed to withstand the minimum wind loads
prescribed herein. Decreases in wind loads shall not be made for the effect of shielding by other
structures. All exterior wall coverings and soffits shall be capable of resisting the design
pressures specified for walls for components and cladding loads in accordance with Section
1609.1.1. Manufactured soffits shall be labeled in accordance with Section 1709.10 of this code.

1609.1.1 Determination of wind loads.

Wind loads on every building or structure shall be determined in accordance with Chapters 26 to
30 of ASCE 7 or provisions of the alternate all-heights method in Section 1609.6. Wind shall be
assumed to come from any horizontal direction and wind pressures shall be assumed to act
normal to the surface considered.

Exceptions:

1. Subject to the limitations of Section 1609.1.1.1, the provisions of ICC 600shall be

permitted for applicable Group R-2 and R-3 buildings.
2. Subject to the limitations of Section 1609.1.1.1, residential structures using the provisions
of AWC WFCM.
3. Subject to the limitations of Section 1609.1.1.1, residential structures using the provisions
of AISI S230.
4. Designs using NAAMM FP 1001.
5. Designs using TIA-222 for antenna-supporting structures and antennas, provided the
horizontal extent of Topographic Category 2 escarpments in Section 2.6.6.2 of TIA-
222 shall be 16 times the height of the escarpment. Design using this standard shall be
permitted for communication tower and steel antenna support structures.
6. Wind tunnel tests in accordance with ASCE 49 and Sections 31.4 and 31.5 of ASCE 7.
7. Wind loads for screen enclosures shall be determined in accordance with Section 2002.4.
8. Exposed mechanical equipment or appliances fastened to a roof or installed on the
ground in compliance with the code using rated stands, platforms, curbs, slabs, walls, or
other means are deemed to comply with the wind resistance requirements of the 2007
Florida Building Code, as amended. Further support or enclosure of such mechanical
equipment or appliances is not required by a state or local official having authority to
enforce the Florida Building Code.

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 Chapter 16 Building Structural Design, Florida Building Code – Building, 6th Ed. (2017)

The wind speeds in Figures 1609.3(1), 1609.3(2) and 1609.3(3) are ultimate design wind
speeds, Vult, and shall be converted in accordance with Section 1609.3.1to nominal design wind
speeds, Vasd, when the provisions of the standards referenced in Exceptions 4 and 5 are used.

1609.1.1.1 Applicability.

The provisions of ICC 600 are applicable only to buildings located within Exposure B or C as
defined in Section 1609.4. The provisions of ICC 600, AWC WFCM and AISI S230 shall not
apply to buildings sited on the upper half of an isolated hill, ridge or escarpment meeting the
following conditions:

1. The hill, ridge or escarpment is 60 feet (18 288 mm) or higher if located in Exposure B or
30 feet (9144 mm) or higher if located in Exposure C;
2. The maximum average slope of the hill exceeds 10 percent; and
3. The hill, ridge or escarpment is unobstructed upwind by other such topographic features
for a distance from the high point of 50 times the height of the hill or 1 mile (1.61 km),
whichever is greater.

1609.1.2 Protection of openings.

In wind-borne debris regions, glazed openings in buildings shall be impact resistant or protected
with an impact-resistant covering meeting the requirements of ANSI/DASMA 115 (for garage
doors and rolling doors) or TAS 201, 202 and 203, AAMA 506, ASTM E1996 and ASTM
E1886 referenced herein, or an approved impact-resistant standard as follows:

1. Glazed openings located within 30 feet (9144 mm) of grade shall meet the requirements
of the large missile test of ASTM E1996.
2. Glazed openings located more than 30 feet (9144 mm) above grade shall meet the
provisions of the small missile test of ASTM E1996.
3. Storage sheds that are not designed for human habitation and that have a floor area of 720
square feet (67 m2) or less are not required to comply with the mandatory windborne
debris impact standards of this code.
4. Openings in sunrooms, balconies or enclosed porches constructed under existing roofs or
decks are not required to be protected provided the spaces are separated from the building
interior by a wall and all openings in the separating wall are protected in accordance
with Section 1609.1.2 above. Such spaces shall be permitted to be designed as either
partially enclosed or enclosed structures.

Exceptions:

1. Wood structural panels with a minimum thickness of 7/16 inch (11.1 mm) and
maximum span between lines of fasteners of 44 inches (1118 mm) shall be
permitted for opening protection in Group R-3 or R-4 occupancy buildings with a
mean roof height of 33 feet (10 058 mm) or less where Vultis 180 mph (80 m/s) or
less. Panels shall be precut to overlap the wall such that they extend a minimum
of 2 inches (50.8 mm) beyond the lines of fasteners and are attached to the

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framing surrounding the opening containing the product with the glazed opening.
Panels shall be predrilled as required for the attachment method and secured with
corrosion-resistant attachment hardware permanently installed on the building.
a. Attachments shall be designed to resist the components and cladding loads
determined in accordance with the provisions of ASCE 7, with corrosion-
resistant attachment hardware provided and anchors permanently installed
on the building.
b. As an alternative, panels shall be fastened at 16 inches (406.4 mm) on
center along the edges of the opposing long sides of the panel.
i. For wood frame construction, fasteners shall be located on the wall such that they
are embedded into the wall framing members, nominally a minimum of 1 inch
(25.4 mm) from the edge of the opening and 2 inches (50.8 mm) inward from
the panel edge. Permanently installed anchors used for buildings with wood
frame wall construction shall have the threaded portion that will be embedded
into the wall framing based on 1/4-inch (6.35 mm) lagscrews and shall be long
enough to penetrate through the exterior wall covering with sufficient
embedment length to provide an allowable minimum 300 pounds ASD design
withdrawal capacity.
ii. For concrete or masonry wall construction, fasteners shall be located on the wall a
minimum of 11/2 inches (37.9 mm) from the edge of the opening and 2 inches
(50.8 mm) inward of the panel edge. Permanently installed anchors in
concrete or masonry wall construction shall have an allowable minimum 300
pounds ASD design withdrawal capacity and an allowable minimum 525
pounds ASD design shear capacity with a 11/2 inch edge distance. Hex nuts,
washered wing-nuts, or bolts used to attach the wood structural panels to the
anchors shall be minimum 1/4 -inch (6.4 mm) hardware and shall be installed
with or have integral washers with a minimum 1-inch (25 mm) outside
diameter.
iii. Vibration-resistant alternative attachments designed to resist the component and
cladding loads determined in accordance with provisions of ASCE 7 shall be
permitted.
2. Glazing in Risk Category I buildings, including greenhouses that are occupied for
growing plants on a production or research basis, without public access shall be
permitted to be unprotected.
3. Glazing in Risk Category II, III or IV buildings located over 60 feet (18 288 mm)
above the ground and over 30 feet (9144 mm) above aggregate surface roofs
located within 1,500 feet (458 m) of the building shall be permitted to be
unprotected.

Table 1609.1.2 Wind-Borne Debris Protection Fastening Schedule for Wood Structural
Panels. Reserved.

1609.1.2.1 Louvers.

Louvers protecting intake and exhaust ventilation ducts not assumed to be open that are located
within 30 feet (9144 mm) of grade shall meet the requirements of AMCA 540 or shall be

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 Chapter 16 Building Structural Design, Florida Building Code – Building, 6th Ed. (2017)

protected by an impact-resistant cover complying with the large missile test of ASTM E1996 or
an approved impact-resistance standard. Louvers required to be open for life safety purposes
such as providing a breathable atmosphere shall meet the requirements of AMCA 540.

1609.1.2.2. Application of ASTM E1996.

The text of Section 6.2.2 of ASTM E1996 shall be substituted as follows:

1. 6.2.2 Unless otherwise specified, select the wind zone based on the strength design wind
speed, Vult, as follows:
2. 6.2.2.1 Wind Zone 1—130 mph ≤ ultimate design wind speed, Vult < 140 mph.
3. 6.2.2.2 Wind Zone 2—140 mph ≤ ultimate design wind speed, Vult < 150 mph at greater
than one mile (1.6 km) from the coastline. The coastline shall be measured from the mean
high water mark.
4. 6.2.2.3 Wind Zone 3—150 mph (58 m/s) ≤ ultimate design wind speed, Vult≤ 170 mph (63
m/s), or 140 mph (54 m/s) ≤ ultimate design wind speed, Vult ≤ 170 mph (63 m/s) and
within one mile (1.6 km) of the coastline. The coastline shall be measured from the mean
high water mark.
5. 6.2.2.4 Wind Zone 4— ultimate design wind speed, Vult >170 mph (63 m/s).

1609.1.2.3 Garage doors.

Garage door glazed opening protection for wind-borne debris shall meet the requirements of
an approved impact-resisting standard or ANSI/DASMA 115.

1609.1.2.4 Impact-resistant coverings.

1609.1.2.4.1

Impact-resistant coverings shall be tested at 1.5 times the design pressure (positive or negative)
expressed in pounds per square feet as determined by the Florida Building Code,
Building Section 1609 or ASCE 7, for which the specimen is to be tested. The design pressures,
as determined from ASCE 7, are permitted to be multiplied by 0.6.

1609.1.2.4.2 Impact-resistant coverings.

Impact resistant coverings shall be labeled in accordance with the provisions of Section 1709.9.

1609.1.3 Testing to allowable or nominal loads.

Where testing for wind load resistance is based on allowable or nominal wind loads, the design
wind loads determined in accordance with ASCE 7 or Section 1609 are permitted to be
multiplied by 0.6 for the purposes of the wind-load resistance testing.

1609.2 Definitions.

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For the purposes of Section 1609 and as used elsewhere in this code, the following terms are
defined in Chapter 2.

HURRICANE-PRONE REGIONS.

WIND-BORNE DEBRIS REGION.

WIND SPEED, Vult.

WIND SPEED, Vasd.

1609.3 Ultimate design wind speed.

The ultimate design wind speed, Vult, in mph, for the determination of the wind loads shall be
determined by Figures 1609.3(1), 1609.3(2) and 1609.3(3). The ultimate design wind speed, Vult,
for use in the design of Risk Category II buildings and structures shall be obtained from Figure
1609.3(1). The ultimate design wind speed, Vult, for use in the design of Risk Category III and IV
buildings and structures shall be obtained from Figure 1609.3(2). The ultimate design wind
speed, Vult, for use in the design of Risk Category I buildings and structures shall be obtained
from Figure 1609.3(3). The ultimate design wind speed, Vult, for the special wind regions
indicated near mountainous terrain and near gorges shall be in accordance with local jurisdiction
requirements. The ultimate design wind speeds, Vult, determined by the local jurisdiction shall be
in accordance with Section 26.5.1 of ASCE 7. The exact location of wind speed lines shall be
established by local ordinance using recognized physical landmarks such as major roads, canals,
rivers and lake shores wherever possible.

In non-hurricane-prone regions, when the ultimate design wind speed, Vult, is estimated from
regional climatic data, the ultimate design wind speed, Vult, shall be determined in accordance
with Section 26.5.3 of ASCE 7.

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FIGURE 1609.3(1)
ULTIMATE DESIGN WIND SPEEDS, VULT, FOR RISK CATEGORY II BUILDINGS AND
OTHER STRUCTURES

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FIGURE 1609.3(2)
ULTIMATE DESIGN WIND SPEEDS, VULT, FOR RISK CATEGORY III AND IV
BUILDINGS AND OTHER STRUCTURES

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FIGURE 1609.3(3)
ULTIMATE DESIGN WIND SPEEDS, VULT, FOR RISK CATEGORY I BUILDINGS AND
OTHER STRUCTURES

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1609.3.1 Wind speed conversion.

When required, the ultimate design wind speeds of Figures

1609.3(1), 1609.3(2) and 1609.3(3) shall be converted to nominal design wind speeds, Vasd,
using Table 1609.3.1 or Equation 16-33.

(Equation 16-33)

where:

Vasd = Nominal design wind speed applicable to methods specified in Exceptions 4 and 5
of Section 1609.1.1.

Vult = Ultimate design wind speeds determined from Figures

1609.3(1), 1609.3(2) or 1609.3(3).

TABLE 1609.3.1
WIND SPEED CONVERSIONSa, b, c
Vult 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 190 200
Vasd 78 85 93 101 108 116 124 132 139 147 155

For SI: 1 mile per hour = 0.44 m/s.

1. Linear interpolation is permitted.

2. Vasd = nominal design wind speed applicable to methods specified in Exceptions 1 through 5 of Section 1609.1.1.
3. Vult = ultimate design wind speeds determined from Figure 1609.3(1), 1609.3(2) or 1609.3(3).

1609.4 Exposure category.

For each wind direction considered, an exposure category that adequately reflects the
characteristics of ground surface irregularities shall be determined for the site at which the
building or structure is to be constructed. Account shall be taken of variations in ground surface
roughness that arise from natural topography and vegetation as well as from constructed features.

1609.4.1 Wind directions and sectors.

For each selected wind direction at which the wind loads are to be evaluated, the exposure of the
building or structure shall be determined for the two upwind sectors extending 45 degrees (0.79
rad) either side of the selected wind direction. The exposures in these two sectors shall be
determined in accordance with Sections 1609.4.2 and 1609.4.3 and the exposure resulting in the
highest wind loads shall be used to represent winds from that direction.

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1609.4.2 Surface roughness categories.

A ground surface roughness within each 45-degree (0.79 rad) sector shall be determined for a
distance upwind of the site as defined in Section 1609.4.3 from the categories defined below, for
the purpose of assigning an exposure category as defined in Section 1609.4.3.

1. Surface Roughness B. Urban and suburban areas, wooded areas or other terrain with
numerous closely spaced obstructions having the size of single-family dwellings or
larger.
2. Surface Roughness C. Open terrain with scattered obstructions having heights generally
less than 30 feet (9144 mm). This category includes flat open country, and grasslands.
3. Surface Roughness D. Flat, unobstructed areas and water surfaces. This category
includes smooth mud flats, salt flats and unbroken ice.

1609.4.3 Exposure categories.

An exposure category shall be determined in accordance with the following:

1. Exposure B. For buildings with a mean roof height of less than or equal to 30 feet (9144
mm), Exposure B shall apply where the ground surface roughness, as defined by Surface
Roughness B, prevails in the upwind direction for a distance of at least 1,500 feet (457
m). For buildings with a mean roof height greater than 30 feet (9144 mm), Exposure B
shall apply where Surface Roughness B prevails in the upwind direction for a distance of
at least 2,600 feet (792 m) or 20 times the height of the building, whichever is greater.
2. Exposure C. Exposure C shall apply for all cases where Exposure B or D does not apply.
3. Exposure D. Exposure D shall apply where the ground surface roughness, as defined by
Surface Roughness D, prevails in the upwind direction for a distance of at least 5,000 feet
(1524 m) or 20 times the height of the building, whichever is greater. Exposure D shall
also apply where the ground surface roughness immediately upwind of the site is B or C,
and the site is within a distance of 600 feet (183 m) or 20 times the building height,
whichever is greater, from an Exposure D condition as defined in the previous sentence.

1609.5 Roof systems.

Roof systems shall be designed and constructed in accordance with Sections

1609.5.1through 1609.5.3, as applicable.

1609.5.1 Roof deck.

The roof deck shall be designed to withstand the wind pressures determined in accordance
with ASCE 7.

1609.5.2 Roof coverings.

Roof coverings shall comply with Section 1609.5.1.

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Exception: Rigid tile roof coverings that are air permeable and installed over a roof deck
complying with Section 1609.5.1 are permitted to be designed in accordance with Section
1609.5.3.

Asphalt shingles installed over a roof deck complying with Section 1609.5.1 shall comply
with the wind-resistance requirements of Section 1504.1.1.

1609.5.3 Rigid tile.

Wind loads on rigid tile roof coverings shall be determined in accordance with the following
equation:

(Equation 16-34)

For SI:

where:

b = Exposed width, feet (mm) of the roof tile.

CL = Lift coefficient. The lift coefficient for concrete and clay tile shall be 0.2 or shall be
determined by test in accordance with Section 1504.2.1.

GCp = Roof pressure coefficient for each applicable roof zone determined from Chapter 30
of ASCE 7. Roof coefficients shall not be adjusted for internal pressure.

L = Length, feet (mm) of the roof tile.

La = Moment arm, feet (mm) from the axis of rotation to the point of uplift on the roof tile.
The point of uplift shall be taken at 0.76L from the head of the tile and the middle of the
exposed width. For roof tiles with nails or screws (with or without a tail clip), the axis of
rotation shall be taken as the head of the tile for direct deck application or as the top edge
of the batten for battened applications. For roof tiles fastened only by a nail or screw along
the side of the tile, the axis of rotation shall be determined by testing. For roof tiles installed
with battens and fastened only by a clip near the tail of the tile, the moment arm shall be
determined about the top edge of the batten with consideration given for the point of
rotation of the tiles based on straight bond or broken bond and the tile profile.

Ma = Aerodynamic uplift moment, feet-pounds (N-mm) acting to raise the tail of the tile.

qh = Wind velocity pressure, psf (kN/m2) determined from Section 27.3.2 of ASCE 7.

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Concrete and clay roof tiles complying with the following limitations shall be designed to
withstand the aerodynamic uplift moment as determined by this section.

1. The roof tiles shall be either loose laid on battens, mechanically fastened, mortar set or
adhesive set.
2. The roof tiles shall be installed on solid sheathing that has been designed as components
and cladding.
3. An underlayment shall be installed in accordance with Chapter 15.
4. The tile shall be single lapped interlocking with a minimum head lap of not less than 2
inches (51 mm).
5. The length of the tile shall be between 1.0 and 1.75 feet (305 mm and 533 mm).
6. The exposed width of the tile shall be between 0.67 and 1.25 feet (204 mm and 381 mm).
7. The maximum thickness of the tail of the tile shall not exceed 1.3 inches (33 mm).
8. Roof tiles using mortar set or adhesive set systems shall have at least two-thirds of the
tile’s area free of mortar or adhesive contact.

1609.6 Alternate all-heights method.

The alternate wind design provisions in this section are simplifications of the ASCE 7
Directional Procedure.

1609.6.1 Scope.

As an alternative to ASCE 7 Chapters 27 and 30, the following provisions are permitted to be
used to determine the wind effects on regularly shaped buildings, or other structures that are
regularly shaped, that meet all of the following conditions:

1. The building or other structure is less than or equal to 75 feet (22 860 mm) in height with
a height-to-least-width ratio of 4 or less, or the building or other structure has a
fundamental frequency greater than or equal to 1 hertz.
2. The building or other structure is not sensitive to dynamic effects.
3. The building or other structure is not located on a site for which channeling effects or
buffeting in the wake of upwind obstructions warrant special consideration.
4. The building shall meet the requirements of a simple diaphragm building as defined
in ASCE 7 Section 26.2, where wind loads are only transmitted to the main windforce-
resisting system (MWFRS) at the diaphragms.
5. For open buildings, multispan gable roofs, stepped roofs, sawtooth roofs, domed roofs,
roofs with slopes greater than 45 degrees (0.79 rad), solid free-standing walls and solid
signs, and rooftop equipment, apply ASCE 7provisions.

1609.6.1.1 Modifications.

The following modifications shall be made to certain subsections in ASCE 7: in Section

1609.6.2, symbols and notations that are specific to this section are used in conjunction with the
symbols and notations in ASCE 7 Section 26.3.

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 Chapter 16 Building Structural Design, Florida Building Code – Building, 6th Ed. (2017)

1609.6.2 Symbols and notations.

Coefficients and variables used in the alternative all-heights method equations are as follows:

Cnet = Net-pressure coefficient based on Kd [(G) (Cp) - (GCpi)], in accordance

with Table 1609.6.2.
G = Gust effect factor for rigid structures in accordance with ASCE 7 Section
26.9.1.
Kd = Wind directionality factor in accordance with ASCE 7 Table 26-6.
Pnet = Design wind pressure to be used in determination of wind loads on buildings
or other structures or their components and cladding, in psf (kN/m2).
TABLE 1609.6.2
NET PRESSURE COEFFICIENTS, Cneta, b
STRUCTURE OR
DESCRIPTION Cnet FACTOR
PART THEREOF
Enclosed Partially enclosed
+ Internal - Internal + Internal - Internal
Walls: pressure pressure pressure pressure
Windward wall 0.43 0.73 0.11 1.05
Leeward wall -0.51 -0.21 -0.83 0.11
Sidewall -0.66 -0.35 -0.97 -0.04
Parapet Windward 1.28 1.28
wall Leeward -0.85 -0.85
Roofs: Enclosed Partially enclosed
Wind perpendicular + Internal - Internal + Internal - Internal
to ridge pressure pressure pressure pressure
Leeward roof or flat
1. Main wind force- -0.66 -0.35 -0.97 -0.04
roof
resisting frames and
systems Windward roof slopes:
Condition
Slope < -1.09 -0.79 -1.41 -0.47
1
2:12
(10°) Condition
-0.28 0.02 -0.60 0.34
2
Condition
Slope = -0.73 -0.42 -1.04 -0.11
1
4:12
(18°) Condition
-0.05 0.25 -0.37 0.57
2
Condition
Slope = -0.58 -0.28 -0.90 0.04
1
5:12
(23°) Condition
0.03 0.34 -0.29 0.65
2
Slope = Condition -0.47 -0.16 -0.78 0.15

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6:12 1
(27°) Condition
0.06 0.37 -0.25 0.68
2
Condition
Slope = -0.37 -0.06 -0.68 0.25
1
7:12
(30°) Condition
0.07 0.37 -0.25 0.69
2
Condition
Slope = -0.27 0.04 -0.58 0.35
1
9:12
(37°) Condition
0.14 0.44 -0.18 0.76
2
Slope = 12:12 (45°) 0.14 0.44 -0.18 0.76
Wind parallel to ridge
-1.09 -0.79 -1.41 -0.47
and flat roofs
Nonbuilding Structures: Chimneys, Tanks and Similar
Structures:
h/D
1 7 25
Square (Wind normal to face) 0.99 1.07 1.53
Square (Wind on diagonal) 0.77 0.84 1.15
Hexagonal or octagonal 0.81 0.97 1.13
Round 0.65 0.81 0.97
Open signs and lattice
Ratio of solid to gross area
frameworks
< 0.1 0.1 to 0.29 0.3 to 0.7
Flat 1.45 1.30 1.16
Round 0.87 0.94 1.08
Partially
Roof elements and slopes Enclosed
enclosed
Gable of hipped configurations (Zone 1)
Flat < Slope < 6:12 (27°) See ASCE 7Figure
30.4-2B Zone 1

2. Components and 10 square feet or less 0.58 0.89

cladding not in areas Positive 100 square feet or
0.41 0.72
of discontinuity— more
roofs and overhangs 10 square feet or less -1.00 -1.32
Negative 100 square feet or
-0.92 -1.23
more
Overhang: Flat < Slope < 6:12 (27°) See ASCE 7 Figure 30.4-2A
Zone 1
Negative 10 square feet or less -1.45

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100 square feet or

-1.36
more
500 square feet or
-0.94
more
6:12 (27°) < Slope < 12:12 (45°) See ASCE 7 Figure 30.4-2C Zone
1
10 square feet or less 0.92 1.23
Positive 100 square feet or
0.83 1.15
more
10 square feet or less -1.00 -1.32
Negative 100 square feet or
-0.83 -1.15
more
Partially
Monosloped configurations (Zone 1) Enclosed
enclosed
Flat < Slope < 7:12 (30°) See ASCE 7 Figure 30.4-5B Zone 1
10 square feet or less 0.49 0.81
Positive 100 square feet or
0.41 0.72
more
10 square feet or less -1.26 -1.57
Negative 100 square feet or
-1.09 -1.40
more
Partially
Tall flat-topped roofs h > 60 feet Enclosed
enclosed
Flat < Slope < 2:12 (10°) (Zone 1) See ASCE 7 Figure 30.8-1 Zone
1
10 square feet or less -1.34 -1.66
Negative 500 square feet or
-0.92 -1.23
more

Gable or hipped configurations at ridges, eaves and rakes (Zone 2)

Flat < Slope < 6:12 (27°) See ASCE 7 Figure 30.4-2B Zone 2
10 square feet or less 0.58 0.89
Positive 100 square feet or
0.41 0.72
more
3. Components and
cladding in areas of 10 square feet or less -1.68 -2.00
discontinuity—roof Negative 100 square feet or
sand overhangs -1.17 -1.49
more
Overhang for Slope Flat < Slope < 6:12 (27°) See ASCE 7Figure
30.4-2B Zone 2
10 square feet or less -1.87
Negative 100 square feet or
-1.87
more

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6:12 (27°) < Slope < 12:12 (45°) Figure Partially

Enclosed
30.4-2C enclosed
10 square feet or less 0.92 1.23
Positive 100 square feet or
0.83 1.15
more
10 square feet or less -1.17 -1.49
Negative 100 square feet or
-1.00 -1.32
more
Overhang for 6:12 (27°) < Slope < 12:12 (45°) See ASCE 7Figure
30.4-2C Zone 2
10 square feet or less -1.70
Negative 500 square feet or
-1.53
more
Monosloped configurations at ridges, eaves and rakes (Zone 2)
Flat < Slope < 7:12 (30°) See ASCE 7 Figure 30.4-5B Zone 2
10 square feet or less 0.49 0.81
Positive 100 square feet or
0.41 0.72
more
10 square feet or less -1.51 -1.83
Negative 100 square feet or
-1.43 -1.74
more
Partially
Tall flat topped roofs h > 60 feet Enclosed
enclosed
Flat < Slope < 2:12 (10°) (Zone 2) See ASCE 7Figure
30.8-1 Zone 2
10 square feet or less -2.11 -2.42
Negative 500 square feet or
-1.51 -1.83
more
Gable or hipped configurations at corners (Zone 3) See ASCE
7 Figure 30.4-2B Zone 3
Partially
Flat < Slope < 6:12 (27°) Enclosed
enclosed
10 square feet or less 0.58 0.89
Positive 100 square feet or
0.41 0.72
more
10 square feet or less -2.53 -2.85
Negative 100 square feet or
-1.85 -2.17
more
Overhang for Slope Flat < Slope < 6:12 (27°) See ASCE 7Figure
30.4-2B Zone 3
Negative 10 square feet or less -3.15

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100 square feet or

-2.13
more
6:12 (27°) < 12:12 (45°) See ASCE 7 Figure 30.4-2C Zone 3
10 square feet or less 0.92 1.23
Positive 100 square feet or
0.83 1.15
more
10 square feet or less -1.17 -1.49
Negative 100 square feet or
-1.00 -1.32
more
Overhang for 6:12 (27°) < Slope < 12:12 Partially
Enclosed
(45°) enclosed
10 square feet or less -1.70
Negative 100 square feet or
-1.53
more
Monosloped Configurations at corners (Zone 3) See ASCE 7Figure
30.4-5B Zone 3
Flat < Slope < 7:12 (30°)
10 square feet or less 0.49 0.81
Positive 100 square feet or
0.41 0.72
more
10 square feet or less -2.62 -2.93
Negative 100 square feet or
-1.85 -2.17
more
Partially
Tall flat topped roofs h > 60 feet Enclosed
enclosed
Flat < Slope < 2:12 (10°) (Zone 3) See ASCE 7 Figure 30.8-1 Zone
3
10 square feet or less -2.87 -3.19
Negative 500 square feet or
-2.11 -2.42
more
Wall Elements: h ≤ 60 feet (Zone 4) ASCE Partially
Enclosed
7 Figure 30.4-1 enclosed
10 square feet or less 1.00 1.32
Positive 500 square feet or
4. Components and 0.75 1.06
more
cladding not in areas
10 square feet or less -1.09 -1.40
of discontinuity—
walls and parapets Negative 500 square feet or
-0.83 -1.15
more
Wall Elements: h > 60 feet (Zone 4) See ASCE 7 Figure 30.6-1
Zone 4
Positive 20 square feet or less 0.92 1.23

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500 square feet or

0.66 0.98
more
20 square feet or less -0.92 -1.23
Negative 500 square feet or
-0.75 -1.06
more
Parapet Walls
Positive 2.87 3.19
Negative -1.68 -2.00
Wall elements: h ≤ 60 feet (Zone 5) ASCE Partially
Enclosed
7 Figure 30.4-1 enclosed
10 square feet or less 1.00 1.32
Positive 500 square feet or
0.75 1.06
more
10 square feet or less -1.34 -1.66
Negative 500 square feet or
-0.83 -1.15
more
5. Components and Wall elements: h > 60 feet (Zone 5) See ASCE 7 Figure 30.6-1
cladding in areas of Zone 4
discontinuity—walls
Positive 20 square feet or less 0.92 1.23
and parapets
500 square feet or
0.66 0.98
more
20 square feet or less -1.68 -2.00
Negative 500 square feet or
-1.00 -1.32
more
Parapet walls
Positive 3.64 3.95
Negative -2.45 -2.76

For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 square foot = 0.0929m2, 1 degree = 0.0175 rad.

a. Linear interpolation between values in the table is permitted.

b. Some Cnet values have been grouped together. Less conservative results may be obtained by applying ASCE 7 provisions.

1609.6.3 Design equations.

When using the alternative all-heights method, the MWFRS, and components and cladding of
every structure shall be designed to resist the effects of wind pressures on the building envelope
in accordance with Equation 16-35.

(Equation 16-35)

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Design wind forces for the MWFRS shall be not less than 16 psf (0.77 kN/m2) multiplied by
the area of the structure projected on a plane normal to the assumed wind direction (see ASCE
7 Section 27.4.7 for criteria). Design net wind pressure for components and cladding shall be not
less than 16 psf (0.77 kN/m2) acting in either direction normal to the surface.

1609.6.4 Design procedure.

The MWFRS and the components and cladding of every building or other structure shall be
designed for the pressures calculated using Equation 16-35.

1609.6.4.1 Main windforce-resisting systems.

The MWFRS shall be investigated for the torsional effects identified in ASCE 7Figure 27.4-8.

1609.6.4.2 Determination of Kz and Kzt.

Velocity pressure exposure coefficient, Kz, shall be determined in accordance with ASCE
7 Section 27.3.1 and the topographic factor, Kzt, shall be determined in accordance with ASCE
7 Section 26.8.

1. 1.For the windward side of a structure, Kzt and Kz shall be based on height z.
2. 2.For leeward and sidewalls, and for windward and leeward roofs, Kzt and Kz shall be
based on mean roof height h.

1609.6.4.3 Determination of net pressure coefficients, Cnet.

For the design of the MWFRS and for components and cladding, the sum of the internal and
external net pressure shall be based on the net pressure coefficient, Cnet.

1. 1.The pressure coefficient, Cnet, for walls and roofs shall be determined from Table
1609.6.2.
2. 2.Where Cnet has more than one value, the more severe wind load condition shall be used
for design.

1609.6.4.4 Application of wind pressures.

When using the alternative all-heights method, wind pressures shall be applied simultaneously
on, and in a direction normal to, all building envelope wall and roof surfaces.

1609.6.4.4.1 Components and cladding.

Wind pressure for each component or cladding element is applied as follows using Cnet values
based on the effective wind area, A, contained within the zones in areas of discontinuity of width
and/or length “a,” “2a” or “4a” at: corners of roofs and walls; edge strips for ridges, rakes and
eaves; or field areas on walls or roofs as indicated in figures in tables in ASCE 7 as referenced
in Table 1609.6.2 in accordance with the following:

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1. Calculated pressures at local discontinuities acting over specific edge strips or corner
boundary areas.
2. Include “field” (Zone 1, 2 or 4, as applicable) pressures applied to areas beyond the
boundaries of the areas of discontinuity.
3. Where applicable, the calculated pressures at discontinuities (Zone 2 or 3) shall be
combined with design pressures that apply specifically on rakes or eave overhangs.

1609.7 Garage doors and rolling doors.

Pressures from Table 1609.7(1) for wind loading actions on garage doors and rolling doors for
buildings designed as enclosed shall be permitted.

TABLE 1609.7(1)
NOMINAL (ASD) GARAGE DOOR AND ROLLING DOOR WIND LOADS FOR A
BUILDING WITH A MEAN ROOF HEIGHT OF 30 FEET LOCATED IN EXPOSURE B
(PSF) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 mile per hour = 1.609 km/h, 1 psf = 47.88 N/m2.

Nominal Design Wind Speed (Vasd) converted from Ultimate Design Wind Speed per Section 1609.3.1

1. For door sizes or wind speeds between those given above the load may be interpolated, otherwise use the load associated with the
lower door size.
2. Table values shall be adjusted for height and exposure by multiplying by the adjustment coefficient in Table 1609.7(2)
3. Plus and minus signs signify pressures acting toward and away from the building surfaces.
4. Negative pressures assume door has 2 feet of width in building’s end zone.
5. Table values include the 0.6 load reduction factor.

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TABLE 1609.7(2)
ADJUSTMENT FACTOR FOR BUILDING HEIGHT AND EXPOSURE, (λ)
EXPOSURE
MEAN ROOF HEIGHT (feet)
B C D
15 1.00 1.21 1.47
20 1.00 1.29 1.55
25 1.00 1.35 1.61
30 1.00 1.40 1.66
35 1.05 1.45 1.70
40 1.09 1.49 1.74
45 1.12 1.53 1.78
50 1.16 1.56 1.81
55 1.19 1.59 1.84
60 1.22 1.62 1.87

1609.8 Rooftop equipment.

Sections 29.5 and 29.5.1 of ASCE 7 shall be modified as follows:

29.5 Design wind loads: Other structures. The design wind force for other structures
(chimneys, tanks, similar structures, open signs, lattice frameworks and trussed towers) whether
ground- or roof-mounted, shall be determined by the following equation:

(29.4-1)

where:

qz = velocity pressure evaluated at height z as defined in Section 29.3, of the centroid of

area Af;

G = gust-effect factor from Section 26.9;

Cf = force coefficients from Figures 29.5-1 through 29.5-3; and

Af = projected area normal to the wind except where Cf is specified for the actual surface
area, in square feet (m2).

29.5.1 Rooftop structures and equipment for buildings. The lateral force, Fh for rooftop
structures and equipment shall be determined as specified below.

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where:

GCr = 1.9 for rooftop structures and equipment with Af less than (0.1Bh). (GCr) shall be
permitted to be reduced linearly from 1.9 to 1.0 as the value of Af is increased from (0.1Bh)
to (Bh);

qh = velocity pressure evaluated at mean roof height of the building; and

Af = vertical projected area of the rooftop structure or equipment on a plane normal to the
direction of wind, in square feet (m2).

The vertical uplift force, Fv, on rooftop structures and equipment shall be determined from
Equation (29.5-3).

where:

(GCr) = 1.5 for rooftop structures and equipment with A r less than (0.1BL). (GCr) shall be
permitted to be reduced linearly from 1.5 to 1.0 as the value of Ar is increased from (0.1BL)
to (BL);

qh = velocity pressure evaluated at the mean roof height of the building; and

Ar = horizontal projected area of rooftop structure or equipment, in ft2 (m2).

SECTION 1610
SOIL LATERAL LOADS
1610.1 General.

Foundation walls and retaining walls shall be designed to resist lateral soil loads. Soil loads
specified in Table 1610.1 shall be used as the minimum design lateral soil loads unless
determined otherwise by a geotechnical investigation in accordance with Section 1803.
Foundation walls and other walls in which horizontal movement is restricted at the top shall be
designed for at-rest pressure. Retaining walls free to move and rotate at the top shall be permitted
to be designed for active pressure. Design lateral pressure from surcharge loads shall be added to
the lateral earth pressure load. Design lateral pressure shall be increased if soils at the site are
expansive. Foundation walls shall be designed to support the weight of the full hydrostatic
pressure of undrained backfill unless a drainage system is installed in accordance with Sections
1805.4.2 and 1805.4.3.

Exception: Foundation walls extending not more than 8 feet (2438 mm) below grade and
laterally supported at the top by flexible diaphragms shall be permitted to be designed for active
pressure.

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TABLE 1610.1
LATERAL SOIL LOAD
DESIGN LATERAL SOIL
LOADa(pound per square foot
DESCRIPTION OF UNIFIED per foot of depth)
BACKFILL MATERIALc SOILCLASSIFICATION
Active At-rest
pressure pressure
Well-graded, clean
gravels; gravel-sand GW 30 60
mixes
Poorly graded clean
gravels; gravel-sand GP 30 60
mixes
Silty gravels, poorly
graded gravel-sand GM 40 60
mixes
Clayey gravels, poorly
graded gravel-and-clay GC 45 60
mixes
Well-graded, clean
sands; gravelly sand SW 30 60
mixes
Poorly graded clean
sands; sand-gravel SP 30 60
mixes
Silty sands, poorly
SM 45 60
graded sand-silt mixes
Sand-silt clay mix with
SM-SC 45 100
plastic fines
Clayey sands, poorly
SC 60 100
graded sand-clay mixes
Inorganic silts and
ML 45 100
clayey silts
Mixture of inorganic silt
ML-CL 60 100
and clay
Inorganic clays of low to
CL 60 100
medium plasticity
Organic silts and silt
OL Note b Note b
clays, low plasticity
Inorganic clayey silts,
MH Note b Note b
elastic silts
Inorganic clays of high
CH Note b Note b
plasticity
Organic clays and silty
OH Note b Note b
clays

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For SI: 1 pound per square foot per foot of depth = 0.157 kPa/m, 1 foot = 304.8 mm.

1. Design lateral soil loads are given for moist conditions for the specified soils at their optimum densities. Actual field conditions shall
govern. Submerged or saturated soil pressures shall include the weight of the buoyant soil plus the hydrostatic loads.
2. Unsuitable as backfill material.
3. The definition and classification of soil materials shall be in accordance with ASTM D2487.

SECTION 1611
RAIN LOADS
1611.1 Design rain loads.

Each portion of a roof shall be designed to sustain the load of rainwater that will accumulate on it
if the primary drainage system for that portion is blocked plus the uniform load caused by water
that rises above the inlet of the secondary drainage system at its design flow. The design rainfall
shall be based on the 100-year hourly rainfall rate indicated in Figure 1611.1 or on other rainfall
rates determined from approved local weather data.

(Equation 16-36)

For SI:

where:

dh = Additional depth of water on the undeflected roof above the inlet of secondary
drainage system at its design flow (i.e., the hydraulic head), in inches (mm).

ds = Depth of water on the undeflected roof up to the inlet of secondary drainage system
when the primary drainage system is blocked (i.e., the static head), in inches (mm).

R = Rain load on the undeflected roof, in psf (kN/m2). When the phrase “undeflected roof”
is used, deflections from loads (including dead loads) shall not be considered when
determining the amount of rain on the roof.

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[P] FIGURE 1611.1

100-YEAR, 1-HOUR RAINFALL (INCHES) WESTERN UNITED STATES
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.

Source: National Weather Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,

Washington, DC.

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[P] FIGURE 1611.1—continued

100-YEAR, 1-HOUR RAINFALL (INCHES) CENTRAL UNITED STATES
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.

Source: National Weather Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,

Washington, DC.

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[P] FIGURE 1611.1—continued

100-YEAR, 1-HOUR RAINFALL (INCHES) EASTERN UNITED STATES
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.

Source: National Weather Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,

Washington, DC.

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[P] FIGURE 1611.1—continued

100-YEAR, 1-HOUR RAINFALL (INCHES) ALASKA
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.

Source: National Weather Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,

Washington, DC.

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[P] FIGURE 1611.1—continued

100-YEAR, 1-HOUR RAINFALL (INCHES) HAWAII
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.

Source: National Weather Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,

Washington, DC.

1611.2 Ponding instability.

Susceptible bays of roofs shall be evaluated for ponding instability in accordance with Section
8.4 of ASCE 7.

1611.3 Controlled drainage.

Roofs equipped with hardware to control the rate of drainage shall be equipped with a secondary
drainage system at a higher elevation that limits accumulation of water on the roof above that

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elevation. Such roofs shall be designed to sustain the load of rainwater that will accumulate on
them to the elevation of the secondary drainage system plus the uniform load caused by water
that rises above the inlet of the secondary drainage system at its design flow determined
from Section 1611.1. Such roofs shall also be checked for ponding instability in accordance
with Section 1611.2.

SECTION 1612
FLOOD LOADS
1612.1 General.

Within flood hazard areas as established in Section 1612.3, all new construction of buildings,
structures and portions of buildings and structures, including substantial improvement and
restoration of substantial damage to buildings and structures, shall be designed and constructed
to resist the effects of flood hazards and flood loads. For buildings that are located in more than
one flood hazard area, the provisions associated with the most restrictive flood hazard area shall
apply.

TABLE 1612.1
CROSS REFERENCES DEFINING FLOOD-RESISTANT PROVISIONS OF THE
FLORIDA BUILDING CODE
Florida Building Code – Building
Section Section
Chapter Chapter
Administration Exterior Walls
1 14
102 Applicability 1403 Performance Requirements
105 Permits
Chapter
107 Construction Documents Structural Design
16
110 Inspections 1601 General
Certificates of Occupancy and
111 1603 Construction Documents
Completion
117 Variances in Flood Hazard Areas 1605 Load Combinations
1612 Flood Loads
Chapter
Definitions
2
Chapter
202 Definitions Soils and Foundations
18
Excavation, Grading and
1804
Fill
Chapter Special Detailed Requirements Based Dampproofing and
1805
4 on Use and Occupancy Waterproofing
449 Hospitals

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Chapter
450 Nursing Homes Electrical
27
Emergency and Standby
453 Educational Facilities 2702
Power Systems
Swimming Pools and Bathing
454
Places(Public And Private)
Chapter Elevators and Conveying
30 Systems
Chapter
Interior Finishes 3001 General
8
801 General
Chapter
Special Construction
31
Chapter
Interior Environment 3102 Membrane Structures
12
Coastal Construction
1203 Ventilation 3109
Control Line

Florida Building Code – Residential

Section Section
Chapter Chapter
Definitions Boilers and Water Heaters
2 20
202 Definitions M2001 Boilers

Chapter Chapter Special Piping and Storage

Building Planning
3 22 Systems
R301 Design Criteria M2201 Oil Tanks
R309 Garages and Carports
Chapter
R322 Flood-Resistant Construction Fuel Gas
24
G2404
General
(301)
Chapter
Foundations
4
Chapter General Plumbing
R401 General
26 Requirements
R404 Foundation and Retaining Walls P2601 General
R408 Under-Floor Space
Chapter
Plumbing Fixtures
27
Chapter General Mechanical System
P2705 Installation
13 Requirements
M1301 General

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Chapter
Sanitary Drainage
30
Chapter
Heating and Cooling Equipment P3001 General
14
M1401 General
Chapter
Vents
31
Chapter
Duct Systems P3101 Vent Systems
16
M1601 Duct Construction
Chapter Chapter
Combustion Air Private Swimming Pools
17 45
M1701 General R4501 General

Florida Building Code – Existing Building

Section Section
Chapter
Definitions Chapter 7 Alterations – Level I
2
202 Definitions 701 General

Chapter Chapter
Compliance Methods Additions
3 11
301.1 General 1103 Structural

Chapter Chapter
Prescriptive Compliance Method Historic Buildings
4 12
402 Additions 1201 General
403 Alterations
Chapter Relocated or Moved
404 Repairs
13 Buildings
1302 Requirements
Chapter
Repairs
6
Chapter Performance Compliance
601 General
14 Methods
606 Structural 1401 General

Florida Building Code – Mechanical

Section Section
Chapter
General Regulations Chapter 6 Duct Systems
3
M301 General M602 Plenums
Duct Construction and
M603
Installation

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Chapter
Ventilation
4
Chapter
M401 General Hydronic Piping
12
M1206 Piping Installation
Chapter
Exhaust Systems
5
Chapter Fuel Oil Piping and
M501 General
13 Storage
Fuel Oil System
M1305
Installation

Florida Building Code – Plumbing

Section
Chapter
General Regulations
3
P309 Flood Hazard Resistance

Florida Building Code – Fuel Gas

Section
Chapter
General Regulations
3
FG301 General

1612.1.1 Cross references.

See Table 1612.1.

1612.2 Definitions.

The following terms are defined in Chapter 2:

BASE FLOOD.

BASE FLOOD ELEVATION.

BASEMENT.

COASTAL A ZONE.

COASTAL HIGH HAZARD AREA.

DESIGN FLOOD.

DESIGN FLOOD ELEVATION.

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DRY FLOODPROOFING.

EXISTING STRUCTURE.

FLOOD or FLOODING.

FLOOD DAMAGE-RESISTANT MATERIALS.

FLOOD HAZARD AREA.

FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP (FIRM).

FLOOD INSURANCE STUDY.

FLOODWAY.

LOWEST FLOOR.

SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREA.

START OF CONSTRUCTION.

SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE.

SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT.

1612.3 Establishment of flood hazard areas.

To establish flood hazard areas, the applicable governing authority shall, by local floodplain
management ordinance, adopt a flood hazard map and supporting data. The flood hazard map
shall include, at a minimum, areas of special flood hazard as identified by the Federal
Emergency Management Agency.

1612.3.1 Design flood elevations.

Where design flood elevations are not included in the flood hazard areas established in Section
1612.3, or where floodways are not designated, the building official is authorized to require the
applicant to:

1. Obtain and reasonably utilize any design flood elevation and floodway data available
from a federal, state or other source; or
2. Determine the design flood elevation and/or floodway in accordance with accepted
hydrologic and hydraulic engineering practices used to define special flood hazard areas.
Determinations shall be undertaken by a registered design professional who shall
document that the technical methods used reflect currently accepted engineering practice.

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1612.3.2 Determination of impacts.

In riverine flood hazard areas where design flood elevations are specified but floodways have
not been designated, the applicant shall provide a floodway analysis that demonstrates that the
proposed work will not increase the design flood elevation more than 1 foot (305 mm) at any
point within the jurisdiction of the applicable governing authority.

1612.4 Design and construction.

The design and construction of buildings and structures located in flood hazard areas, including
coastal high hazard areas and Coastal A Zones, shall be in accordance with Chapter 5 of ASCE
7 and with ASCE 24.

1612.4.1 Modification of ASCE 24.

Table 6-1 and Section 6.2.1 in ASCE 24 shall be modified as follows:

1. The title of Table 6.1 shall be “Minimum Elevation of Floodproofing, Relative to Base
Flood Elevation (BFE) or Design Flood Elevation (DFE), in Coastal A Zones and in
Other Flood Hazard Areas that are not High Risk Flood Hazard Areas.”
2. Section 6.2.1 shall be modified to permit dry floodproofing in Coastal A Zones, as
follows: “Dry floodproofing of nonresidential structures and nonresidential areas of
mixed-use structures shall not be allowed unless such structures are located outside of
High Risk Flood Hazard areas and Coastal High Hazard Areas. Dry floodproofing shall
be permitted in Coastal A Zones provided wave loads and the potential for erosion and
local scour are accounted for in the design. Dry floodproofing of residential structures or
residential areas of mixed-use structures shall not be permitted.”

1612.5 Flood hazard documentation.

The following documentation shall be prepared and sealed by a registered design

professional and submitted to the building official:

1. For construction in flood hazard areas other than coastal high hazard areas or coastal A
zones:
1.1.The elevation of the lowest floor, including the basement, as required by the lowest
floor elevation inspection in Section 110.3, Building, 1.1 and for the final inspection
in Section 110.3, Building, 5.1.
1.2.For fully enclosed areas below the design flood elevation where provisions to allow
for the automatic entry and exit of floodwaters do not meet the minimum requirements in
Section 2.7.2.1 of ASCE 24, construction documents shall include a statement that the
design will provide for equalization of hydrostatic flood forces in accordance with
Section 2.7.2.2 of ASCE 24.
1.3.For dry floodproofed nonresidential buildings, construction documents shall include a
statement that the dry floodproofing is designed in accordance with ASCE 24.
2. For construction in coastal high hazard areas and coastal A zones:

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2.1.The elevation of the bottom of the lowest horizontal structural member as required by
the lowest floor elevation inspection in Section 110.3, Building, 1.1 and for the final
inspection in Section 110.3, Building, 5.1.
2.2.Construction documents shall include a statement that the building is designed in
accordance with ASCE 24, including that the pile or column foundation and building or
structure to be attached thereto is designed to be anchored to resist flotation, collapse and
lateral movement due to the effects of wind and flood loads acting simultaneously on all
building components, and other load requirements of Chapter 16.
2.3.For breakaway walls designed to have a resistance of more than 20 psf (0.96 kN/m 2)
determined using allowable stress design, construction documents shall include a
statement that the breakaway wall is designed in accordance with ASCE 24.

SECTION 1613
EARTHQUAKE LOADS - DOES NOT APPLY TO FLORIDA
1613.1 Scope.

Every structure, and portion thereof, including nonstructural components that are permanently
attached to structures and their supports and attachments, shall be designed and constructed to
resist the effects of earthquake motions in accordance with ASCE 7, excluding Chapter 14 and
Appendix 11A. The seismic design category for a structure is permitted to be determined in
accordance with Section 1613 or ASCE 7.

Exceptions:

1. Detached one- and two-family dwellings, assigned to Seismic Design Category A, B or

C, or located where the mapped short-period spectral response acceleration, SS, is less
than 0.4 g.
2. The seismic force-resisting system of wood-frame buildings that conform to the
provisions of Section 2308 are not required to be analyzed as specified in this section.
3. Agricultural storage structures intended only for incidental human occupancy.
4. Structures that require special consideration of their response characteristics and
environment that are not addressed by this code or ASCE 7 and for which other
regulations provide seismic criteria, such as vehicular bridges, electrical transmission
towers, hydraulic structures, buried utility lines and their appurtenances and nuclear
reactors.

1613.2 Definitions.

The following terms are defined in Chapter 2:

DESIGN EARTHQUAKE GROUND MOTION.

ORTHOGONAL.

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RISK-TARGETED MAXIMUM CONSIDERED EARTHQUAKE (MCER) GROUND

MOTION RESPONSE ACCELERATIONS.

SEISMIC DESIGN CATEGORY.

SEISMIC FORCE-RESISTING SYSTEM.

SITE CLASS.

SITE COEFFICIENTS.

1613.3 Seismic ground motion values.

Seismic ground motion values shall be determined in accordance with this section.

1613.3.1 Mapped acceleration parameters.

The parameters SS and S1 shall be determined from the 0.2 and 1-second spectral response
accelerations shown on Figures 1613.3.1(1) through 1613.3.1(8). Where S1is less than or equal to
0.04 and SS is less than or equal to 0.15, the structure is permitted to be assigned Seismic Design
Category A.

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FIGURE 1613.3.1(1)
RISK-TARGETED MAXIMUM CONSIDERED EARTHQUAKE (MCER) GROUND
MOTION RESPONSE ACCELERATIONS FOR THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED
STATES OF 0.2-SECOND SPECTRAL RESPONSE ACCELERATION (5% OF
CRITICAL DAMPING), SITE CLASS B

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FIGURE 1613.3.1(2)
RISK-TARGETED MAXIMUM CONSIDERED EARTHQUAKE (MCER) GROUND
MOTION RESPONSE ACCELERATIONS FOR THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED
STATES OF 1-SECOND SPECTRAL RESPONSE ACCELERATION (5% OF
CRITICAL DAMPING), SITE CLASS B

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FIGURE 1613.3.1(3)
RISK-TARGETED MAXIMUM CONSIDERED EARTHQUAKE (MCER) GROUND
MOTION RESPONSE ACCELERATIONS FOR HAWAII OF 0.2- AND 1-SECOND
SPECTRAL RESPONSE ACCELERATION (5% OF CRITICAL DAMPING), SITE
CLASS B

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FIGURE 1613.3.1(4)
RISK-TARGETED MAXIMUM CONSIDERED EARTHQUAKE (MCER) GROUND
MOTION RESPONSE ACCELERATIONS FOR ALASKA OF 0.2-SECOND SPECTRAL
RESPONSE ACCELERATION (5% OF CRITICAL DAMPING), SITE CLASS B

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FIGURE 1613.3.1(5)
RISK-TARGETED MAXIMUM CONSIDERED EARTHQUAKE (MCER) GROUND
MOTION RESPONSE ACCELERATIONS FOR ALASKA OF 1.0-SECOND SPECTRAL
RESPONSE ACCELERATION (5% OF CRITICAL DAMPING), SITE CLASS B

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FIGURE 1613.3.1(6)
RISK-TARGETED MAXIMUM CONSIDERED EARTHQUAKE (MCER) GROUND
MOTION RESPONSE ACCELERATIONS FOR PUERTO RICO AND THE UNITED
STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS OF 0.2- AND 1-SECOND SPECTRAL RESPONSE
ACCELERATION (5% OF CRITICAL DAMPING), SITE CLASS B

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FIGURE 1613.3.1(7)
RISK-TARGETED MAXIMUM CONSIDERED EARTHQUAKE (MCER) GROUND
MOTION RESPONSE ACCELERATIONS FOR GUAM AND THE NORTHERN
MARIANA ISLANDS OF 0.2- AND 1-SECOND SPECTRAL RESPONSE
ACCELERATION (5% OF CRITICAL DAMPING), SITE CLASS B

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FIGURE 1613.3.1(8)
RISK-TARGETED MAXIMUM CONSIDERED EARTHQUAKE (MCER) GROUND
MOTION RESPONSE ACCELERATIONS FOR AMERICAN SAMOA OF 0.2- AND 1-
SECOND SPECTRAL RESPONSE ACCELERATION (5% OF CRITICAL DAMPING),
SITE CLASS B

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1613.3.2 Site class definitions.

Based on the site soil properties, the site shall be classified as Site Class A, B, C, D, E or F in
accordance with Chapter 20 of ASCE 7.

Where the soil properties are not known in sufficient detail to determine the site class, Site
Class D shall be used unless the building official or geotechnical data determines Site Class E or
F soils are present at the site.

1613.3.3 Site coefficients and adjusted maximum considered earthquake spectral

response acceleration parameters.

The maximum considered earthquake spectral response acceleration for short periods, SMS, and at
1-second period, SM1, adjusted for site class effects shall be determined by Equations 16-
37 and 16-38, respectively:

(Equation 16-37)

(Equation 16-38)

where:

Fa = Site coefficient defined in Table 1613.3.3(1).

Fv = Site coefficient defined in Table 1613.3.3(2).

SS = The mapped spectral accelerations for short periods as determined in Section 1613.3.1.

S1 = The mapped spectral accelerations for a 1-second period as determined in Section

1613.3.1.

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TABLE 1613.3.3(1)
VALUES OF SITE COEFFICIENT Faa
MAPPED SPECTRAL RESPONSE ACCELERATION AT SHORT
SITE PERIOD
CLASS
Ss ≤ 0.25 Ss = 0.50 Ss = 0.75 Ss = 1.00 Ss ≥ 1.25
A 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8
B 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
C 1.2 1.2 1.1 1.0 1.0
D 1.6 1.4 1.2 1.1 1.0
E 2.5 1.7 1.2 0.9 0.9
F Note b Note b Note b Note b Note b
1. Use straight-line interpolation for intermediate values of mapped spectral response acceleration at short period, Ss.
2. Values shall be determined in accordance with Section 11.4.7 of ASCE 7.

TABLE 1613.3.3(2)
VALUES OF SITE COEFFICIENT FV a
MAPPED SPECTRAL RESPONSE ACCELERATION AT 1-SECOND
SITE PERIOD
CLASS
S1 ≤ 0.1 S1 = 0.2 S1 = 0.3 S1 = 0.4 S1 ≥ 0.5
A 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8
B 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
C 1.7 1.6 1.5 1.4 1.3
D 2.4 2.0 1.8 1.6 1.5
E 3.5 3.2 2.8 2.4 2.4
F Note b Note b Note b Note b Note b
1. Use straight-line interpolation for intermediate values of mapped spectral response acceleration at 1-second period, S1.
2. Values shall be determined in accordance with Section 11.4.7 of ASCE 7.

1613.3.4 Design spectral response acceleration parameters.

Five-percent damped design spectral response acceleration at short periods, SDS, and at 1-second
period, SD1, shall be determined from Equations 16-39 and 16-40, respectively:

(Equation 16-39)

(Equation 16-40)

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where:

SMS = The maximum considered earthquake spectral response accelerations for short period
as determined in Section 1613.3.3.

SM1 = The maximum considered earthquake spectral response accelerations for 1-second
period as determined in Section 1613.3.3.

1613.3.5 Determination of seismic design category.

Structures classified as Risk Category I, II or III that are located where the mapped spectral
response acceleration parameter at 1-second period, S1, is greater than or equal to 0.75 shall be
assigned to Seismic Design Category E. Structures classified as Risk Category IV that are located
where the mapped spectral response acceleration parameter at 1-second period, S1, is greater than
or equal to 0.75 shall be assigned to Seismic Design Category F. All other structures shall be
assigned to a seismic design category based on their risk category and the design spectral
response acceleration parameters, SDS and SD1, determined in accordance with Section 1613.3.4 or
the site-specific procedures of ASCE 7. Each building and structure shall be assigned to the more
severe seismic design category in accordance with Table 1613.3.5(1) or 1613.3.5(2), irrespective
of the fundamental period of vibration of the structure, T.

TABLE 1613.3.5(1)
SEISMIC DESIGN CATEGORY BASED ON SHORT-PERIOD (0.2 second)
RESPONSE ACCELERATION
RISK CATEGORY
VALUE OF SDS
I or II III IV
SDS < 0.167g A A A
0.167g ≤ SDS < 0.33g B B C
0.33g ≤ SDS < 0.50g C C D
0.50g ≤ SDS D D D

TABLE 1613.3.5(2)
SEISMIC DESIGN CATEGORY BASED ON 1-SECOND PERIOD RESPONSE
ACCELERATION
RISK CATEGORY
VALUE OF SD1
I or II III IV
SD1 < 0.067g A A A
0.067g ≤ SD1 < 0.133g B B C
0.133g ≤ SD1 < 0.20g C C D
0.20g ≤ SD1 D D D

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1613.3.5.1 Alternative seismic design category determination.

Where S1 is less than 0.75, the seismic design category is permitted to be determined from Table
1613.3.5(1) alone when all of the following apply:

1. 1.In each of the two orthogonal directions, the approximate fundamental period of the
structure, Ta, in each of the two orthogonal directions determined in accordance with Section
12.8.2.1 of ASCE 7, is less than 0.8 Ts determined in accordance with Section 11.4.5
of ASCE 7.
2. 2.In each of the two orthogonal directions, the fundamental period of the structure used to
calculate the story drift is less than Ts.
3. 3.Equation 12.8-2 of ASCE 7 is used to determine the seismic response coefficient, Cs.
4. 4.The diaphragms are rigid or are permitted to be idealized as rigid in accordance with
Section 12.3.1 of ASCE 7 or, for diaphragms permitted to be idealized as flexible in
accordance with Section 12.3.1 of ASCE 7, the distances between vertical elements of the
seismic force-resisting system do not exceed 40 feet (12 192 mm).

1613.3.5.2 Simplified design procedure.

Where the alternate simplified design procedure of ASCE 7 is used, the seismic design
category shall be determined in accordance with ASCE 7.

1613.4 Alternatives to ASCE 7.

The provisions of Section 1613.4 shall be permitted as alternatives to the relevant provisions
of ASCE 7.

1613.4.1 Additional seismic force-resisting systems for seismically isolated structures.

Add the following exception to the end of Section 17.5.4.2 of ASCE 7:

Exception: For isolated structures designed in accordance with this standard, the structural
system limitations including structural height limits, in Table 12.2-1 for ordinary steel
concentrically braced frames (OCBFs) as defined in Chapter 11and ordinary moment frames
(OMFs) as defined in Chapter 11 are permitted to be taken as 160 feet (48 768 mm) for
structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F, provided that the following conditions
are satisfied:

1. 1.The value of RI as defined in Chapter 17 is taken as 1.

2. 2.For OMFs and OCBFs, design is in accordance with AISC 341.

1613.5 Amendments to ASCE 7.

The provisions of Section 1613.5 shall be permitted as an amendment to the relevant provisions
of ASCE 7.

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1613.5.1 Transfer of anchorage forces into diaphragm.

Modify ASCE 7 Section 12.11.2.2.1 as follows:

12.11.2.2.1 Transfer of anchorage forces into diaphragm. Diaphragms shall be provided with
continuous ties or struts between diaphragm chords to distribute these anchorage forces into the
diaphragms. Diaphragm connections shall be positive, mechanical or welded. Added chords are
permitted to be used to form subdiaphragms to transmit the anchorage forces to the main
continuous cross-ties. The maximum length-to-width ratio of a wood, wood structural panel or
untopped steel deck sheathed structural subdiaphragm that serves as part of the continuous tie
system shall be 2.5 to 1. Connections and anchorages capable of resisting the prescribed forces
shall be provided between the diaphragm and the attached components. Connections shall extend
into the diaphragm a sufficient distance to develop the force transferred into the diaphragm.

1613.6 Ballasted photovoltaic panel systems.

Ballasted, roof-mounted photovoltaic panel systems need not be rigidly attached to the roof or
supporting structure. Ballasted non-penetrating systems shall be designed and installed only on
roofs with slopes not more than one unit vertical in 12 units horizontal. Ballasted nonpenetrating
systems shall be designed to resist sliding and uplift resulting from lateral and vertical forces as
required by Section 1605, using a coefficient of friction determined by acceptable engineering
principles. In structures assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F, ballasted
nonpenetrating systems shall be designed to accommodate seismic displacement determined by
nonlinear response-history analysis or shake-table testing, using input motions consistent
with ASCE 7 lateral and vertical seismic forces for nonstructural components on roofs.

SECTION 1614
ATMOSPHERIC ICE LOADS
1614.1 General.

Ice-sensitive structures shall be designed for atmospheric ice loads in accordance with Chapter
10 of ASCE 7.

SECTION 1615
STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY
1615.1 General.

High-rise buildings that are assigned to Risk Category III or IV shall comply with the
requirements of this section. Frame structures shall comply with the requirements of Section
1615.3. Bearing wall structures shall comply with the requirements of Section 1615.4.

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1615.2 Definitions.

The following words and terms are defined in Chapter 2:

BEARING WALL STRUCTURE.

FRAME STRUCTURE.

1615.3 Frame structures.

Frame structures shall comply with the requirements of this section.

1615.3.1 Concrete frame structures.

Frame structures constructed primarily of reinforced or prestressed concrete, either cast-in-place

or precast, or a combination of these, shall conform to the requirements of Section 4.10 of ACI
318. Where ACI 318 requires that nonprestressed reinforcing or prestressing steel pass through
the region bounded by the longitudinal column reinforcement, that reinforcing or prestressing
steel shall have a minimum nominal tensile strength equal to two-thirds of the required one-way
vertical strength of the connection of the floor or roof system to the column in each direction of
beam or slab reinforcement passing through the column.

Exception: Where concrete slabs with continuous reinforcement having an area not less than
0.0015 times the concrete area in each of two orthogonal directions are present and are either
monolithic with or equivalently bonded to beams, girders or columns, the longitudinal
reinforcing or prestressing steel passing through the column reinforcement shall have a nominal
tensile strength of one-third of the required one-way vertical strength of the connection of the
floor or roof system to the column in each direction of beam or slab reinforcement passing
through the column.

1615.3.2 Structural steel, open web steel joist or joist girder, or composite steel and
concrete frame structures.

Frame structures constructed with a structural steel frame or a frame composed of open web steel
joists, joist girders with or without other structural steel elements or a frame composed of
composite steel or composite steel joists and reinforced concrete elements shall conform to the
requirements of this section.

1615.3.2.1 Columns.

Each column splice shall have the minimum design strength in tension to transfer the design
dead and live load tributary to the column between the splice and the splice or base immediately
below.

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1615.3.2.2 Beams.

End connections of all beams and girders shall have a minimum nominal axial tensile strength
equal to the required vertical shear strength for allowable stress design (ASD) or two-thirds of
the required shear strength for load and resistance factor design (LRFD) but not less than 10
kips (45 kN). For the purpose of this section, the shear force and the axial tensile force need not
be considered to act simultaneously.

Exception: Where beams, girders, open web joist and joist girders support a concrete slab or
concrete slab on metal deck that is attached to the beam or girder with not less than 3/8-inch-
diameter (9.5 mm) headed shear studs, at a spacing of not more than 12 inches (305 mm) on
center, averaged over the length of the member, or other attachment having equivalent shear
strength, and the slab contains continuous distributed reinforcement in each of two orthogonal
directions with an area not less than 0.0015 times the concrete area, the nominal axial tension
strength of the end connection shall be permitted to be taken as half the required vertical shear
strength for ASD or one-third of the required shear strength for LRFD, but not less than 10 kips
(45 kN).

1615.4 Bearing wall structures.

Bearing wall structures shall have vertical ties in all load-bearing walls and longitudinal ties,
transverse ties and perimeter ties at each floor level in accordance with this section and as shown
in Figure 1615.4.

FIGURE 1615.4

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LONGITUDINAL, PERIMETER, TRANSVERSE AND VERTICAL TIES

1615.4.1 Concrete wall structures.

Precast bearing wall structures constructed solely of reinforced or prestressed concrete, or

combinations of these shall conform to the requirements of Sections 16.2.4 and 16.2.5 of ACI
318.

1615.4.2 Other bearing wall structures.

Ties in bearing wall structures other than those covered in Section 1615.4.1 shall conform to this
section.

1615.4.2.1 Longitudinal ties.

Longitudinal ties shall consist of continuous reinforcement in slabs; continuous or spliced decks
or sheathing; continuous or spliced members framing to, within or across walls; or connections
of continuous framing members to walls. Longitudinal ties shall extend across interior load-
bearing walls and shall connect to exterior load-bearing walls and shall be spaced at not greater
than 10 feet (3038 mm) on center. Ties shall have a minimum nominal tensile strength, TT, given
by Equation 16-41. For ASD the minimum nominal tensile strength shall be permitted to be
taken as 1.5 times the allowable tensile stress times the area of the tie.

(Equation 16-41)

where:

L = The span of the horizontal element in the direction of the tie, between bearing walls,
feet (m).

w = The weight per unit area of the floor or roof in the span being tied to or across the wall,
psf (N/m2).

S = The spacing between ties, feet (m).

αT = A coefficient with a value of 1,500 pounds per foot (2.25 kN/m) for masonry bearing
wall structures and a value of 375 pounds per foot (0.6 kN/m) for structures with bearing
walls of cold-formed steel light-frame construction.

1615.4.2.2 Transverse ties.

Transverse ties shall consist of continuous reinforcement in slabs; continuous or spliced decks or
sheathing; continuous or spliced members framing to, within or across walls; or connections of
continuous framing members to walls. Transverse ties shall be placed no farther apart than the

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spacing of load-bearing walls. Transverse ties shall have minimum nominal tensile strength TT,
given by Equation 16-41. For ASD the minimum nominal tensile strength shall be permitted to
be taken as 1.5 times the allowable tensile stress times the area of the tie.

1615.4.2.3 Perimeter ties.

Perimeter ties shall consist of continuous reinforcement in slabs; continuous or spliced decks or
sheathing; continuous or spliced members framing to, within or across walls; or connections of
continuous framing members to walls. Ties around the perimeter of each floor and roof shall be
located within 4 feet (1219 mm) of the edge and shall provide a nominal strength in tension not
less than Tp, given by Equation 16-42. For ASD the minimum nominal tensile strength shall be
permitted to be taken as 1.5 times the allowable tensile stress times the area of the tie.

(Equation 16-42)

For SI:

where:

w = As defined in Section 1615.4.2.1.

βT = A coefficient with a value of 16,000 pounds (7200 kN) for structures with masonry
bearing walls and a value of 4,000 pounds (1300 kN) for structures with bearing walls of
cold-formed steel light-frame construction.

1615.4.2.4 Vertical ties.

Vertical ties shall consist of continuous or spliced reinforcing, continuous or spliced members,
wall sheathing or other engineered systems. Vertical tension ties shall be provided in bearing
walls and shall be continuous over the height of the building. The minimum nominal tensile
strength for vertical ties within a bearing wall shall be equal to the weight of the wall within
that story plus the weight of the diaphragm tributary to the wall in the story below. No fewer
than two ties shall be provided for each wall. The strength of each tie need not exceed 3,000
pounds per foot (450 kN/m) of wall tributary to the tie for walls of masonry construction or 750
pounds per foot (140 kN/m) of wall tributary to the tie for walls of cold-formed steel light-frame
construction.

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SECTION 1616
HIGH-VELOCITY HURRICANE ZONES—
GENERAL, DEFLECTION, VOLUME CHANGES
AND MINIMUMLOADS
1616.1 General design requirements.

1616.1.1

Any system, method of design or method of construction shall admit of a rational analysis in
accordance with well-established principles of mechanics and sound engineering practices.

1616.1.2

Buildings, structures and all parts thereof shall be designed and constructed to be of sufficient
strength to support the estimated or actual imposed dead, live, wind, and any other loads, both
during construction and after completion of the structure, without exceeding the allowable
materials stresses specified by this code.

1616.1.3

Reserved.

1616.1.4

Reserved.

1616.1.5

Reserved.

1616.1.6

Floor and roof systems shall be designed and constructed to transfer horizontal forces to such
parts of the structural frame as are designed to carry these forces to the foundation. Where roofs
or floors are constructed of individual prefabricated units and the transfer of forces to the
building frame and foundation is totally or partially dependent on such units, the units and their
attachments shall be capable of resisting applied loads in both vertical and both horizontal
directions. Where roofs or floors are constructed of individual prefabricated units and the transfer
of forces to the building frame and foundation is wholly independent of such units, the units and
their attachments shall be capable of resisting applied loads normal to the surface, in and out.

1616.2 General design for specific occupancies and structures.

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1616.2.1 Fences.

Fences not exceeding 6 feet (1829 mm) in height from grade may be designed for 75 mph (33
m/s) fastest mile wind speed or 115 mph (40 m/s) 3-second gust.

1616.2.1.1 Wood fences.

Wood fence design shall be as specified by Section 2328.

1616.2.2 Sway forces in stadiums.

1. 1.The sway force applied to seats in stadiums, grandstands, bleachers and reviewing
stands shall be not less than 24 pounds per lineal foot (350 N/m), applied perpendicularly
and along the seats.
2. 2.Sway forces shall be applied simultaneously with gravity loads.
3. 3.Sway forces need not be applied simultaneously with other lateral forces.

1616.3 Deflection.

1616.3.1 Allowable deflections.

The deflection of any structural member or component when subjected to live, wind and other
superimposed loads set forth herein shall not exceed the following:

1. Roof and ceiling or components supporting plaster L/360

2. Roof members or components not supporting plaster under L/240
3. Structural metal roof panels of cold-formed steel construction L/180
4. Floor members or components L/360
5. Vertical members and wall members or components consisting of or
supporting material that hardens in place, is brittle or lacks resistance to
cracking caused by bending strains L/360
6. Vertical members and wall members or components not required to meet
the conditions of Section 1616.3, Item 4 L/180
7. Roof and vertical members, wall members and panels of carports,
canopies, marquees, the roof projection is greater than 12 feet (3.7 m) in the
direction of the span, for free-standing roofs and roofs supported by existing
structures. Existing structures supporting such roofs shall be capable of
supporting the additional loading L/180
8. For Group R3 occupancies only, roof and vertical members, wall members
and panels of carports, canopies, marquees, patio covers, utility sheds and
similar minor structures not to be considered living areas, where the roof
projection is 12 feet (3.7 m) or less in the direction of the span and for free-
standing roofs and roofs supported by existing structures L/80
9. Members supporting screens only L/80
10. Storm shutters and fold-down awnings, which in the closed position shall L/30

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provide a minimum clear separation from the glass of 1 inch (25 mm) but not
to exceed 2 inches (51 mm) when the shutter or awning is at its maximum
point of permissible deflection
11. Roofs and exterior walls of utility sheds having maximum dimensions of
10 feet (3 m) length, 10 feet (3 m) width, and 7 feet (2.1 m) height L/80
12. Roofs and exterior walls of storage buildings larger than utility sheds L/180

1616.4 Volume change.

In the design of any building, structure or portion thereof, consideration shall be given to the
relief of stresses caused by expansion, contraction and other volume changes.

1616.5 Live loads.

Live loads for balconies and decks shall be designed in accordance with ASCE 7.

1616.6 Concentrated loads.

Reserved.

SECTION 1617
HIGH-VELOCITY HURRICANE ZONES—
ROOF DRAINAGE
RESERVED

SECTION 1618
HIGH-VELOCITY HURRICANE ZONES—
SPECIAL LOAD CONSIDERATIONS
1618.1 Floors.

Reserved.

1618.2 Below grade structures.

Reserved.

1618.3 Helistops/heliports.

Reserved.

1618.4 Safeguards.

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Reserved.

1618.4.6 Railing.

1618.4.6.1 Reserved.

1618.4.6.2 Reserved.

1618.4.6.3

Laminated glazing will be permitted as an equal alternate to pickets, if tested by an accredited

laboratory to satisfy the resistance requirements of this code for wind, live and kinetic energy
impact loading conditions. The kinetic energy impact loading shall comply with ANSI
Z97.1 using a 400 foot-pound (542 N) energy impact. The safety requirements of the impact test
shall be judged to have been satisfactorily met if breakage does not occur or numerous cracks
and fissures occur but no shear or opening through which a 3-inch (76 mm) diameter sphere may
freely pass. The glass panel shall remain within the supporting frame.

1618.4.6.4

If the posts that support the top rail of exterior railings are substituted with glass, the assembly
shall be tested to TAS 201, where the impacted glass continues to support the top rail and all
applicable loads after impact.

1618.5 Vehicle safeguard barriers.

Reserved.

1618.6 Special requirements for cable safeguard barriers.

Reserved.

1618.7 Ornamental projections.

Reserved.

1618.8 Interior wall and partitions.

Reserved.

1618.9 Load combination.

Reserved.

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SECTION 1619
HIGH VELOCITY HURRICANE ZONES—
LIVE LOAD REDUCTIONS
RESERVED

SECTION 1620
HIGH-VELOCITY HURRICANE ZONES—
WIND LOADS
1620.1

Buildings and structures, and every portion thereof, shall be designed and constructed to meet the
requirements of Chapters 26 through 31 of ASCE 7.

Exception: Exposed mechanical equipment or appliances fastened to a roof or installed on the

ground in compliance with the code using rated stands, platforms, curbs, slabs, walls, or other
means are deemed to comply with the wind resistance requirements of the 2007 Florida Building
Code, as amended. Further support or enclosure of such mechanical equipment or appliances is
not required by a state or local official having authority to enforce the Florida Building Code.

1620.2

Wind velocity (3-second gust) used in structural calculations shall be as follows:

Miami-Dade County

 Risk Category I Buildings and Structures: 165 mph

 Risk Category II Buildings and Structures: 175 mph
 Risk Category III and IV Buildings and Structures: 186 mph

Broward County

 Risk Category I Buildings and Structures: 156 mph

 Risk Category II Buildings and Structures: 170 mph
 Risk Category III and IV Buildings and Structures: 180 mph

1620.3

All buildings and structures shall be considered to be in Exposure Category C, unless Exposure
Category D applies, as defined in Section 26.7 of ASCE 7.

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1620.4

For wind force calculations, roof live loads shall not be considered to act simultaneously with the
wind load.

1620.5

Utility sheds shall be designed for a wind load of not less than 15 psf (718 Pa).

1620.6 Rooftop equipment and structures.

Sections 29.5 and 29.5.1 of ASCE 7 shall be modified as follows:

 29.5 Design wind loads: other structures

The design wind force for other structures (chimneys, tanks, similar structures, open signs,
lattice frameworks and trussed towers) whether ground or roof mounted, shall be determined
by the following equation:

(29.4-1)

where:

qz = velocity pressure evaluated at height z as defined in Section 29.3, of the centroid

of area Af;

G = gust-effect factor from Section 26.9;

Cf = force coefficients from Figures 29.5-1 through 29.5-3; and

Af = projected area normal to the wind except where Cf is specified for the actual
surface area, in square feet (m2).

 29.5.1 Rooftop structures and equipment for buildings.

The lateral force, Fh for rooftop structures and equipment shall be determined as specified
below.

where:

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GCr = 1.9 for rooftop structures and equipment with Af less than (0.1Bh). (GCr) shall
be permitted to be reduced linearly from 1.9 to 1.0 as the value of Af is increased
from (0.1Bh) to (Bh);

qh = velocity pressure evaluated at mean roof height of the building; and

Af = vertical projected area of the rooftop structure or equipment on a plane normal

to the direction of wind, in square feet (m2).

The vertical uplift force, Fv, on rooftop structures and equipment shall be determined
from Equation (29.5-3).

where:

GCr = 1.5 for rooftop structures and equipment with Ar less than (0.1BL). (GCr) shall
be permitted to be reduced linearly from 1.5 to 1.0 as the value of Ar is increased
from (0.1BL) to (BL);

qh = velocity pressure evaluated at the mean roof height of the building; and

Ar = horizontal projected area of rooftop structure or equipment, in square feet (m2).

Exception: Exposed mechanical equipment or appliances fastened to a roof or installed

on the ground in compliance with the code using rated stands, platforms, curbs, slabs,
walls, or other means are deemed to comply with the wind-resistance requirements of the
2007 Florida Building Code, as amended. Further support or enclosure of such
mechanical equipment or appliances is not required by a state or local official having
authority to enforce the Florida Building Code.

SECTION 1621
HIGH-VELOCITY HURRICANE ZONES—
OVERTURNING MOMENT AND UPLIFT
1621.1

Computations for overturning moment and uplift shall be based on ASCE 7.

1621.2

Overturning and uplift stability of any building, structure or part thereof taken as a whole shall
be provided and shall be satisfied by conforming to the load combination requirements of ASCE
7.

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SECTION 1622
HIGH-VELOCITY HURRICANE ZONES—
SCREEN ENCLOSURES
1622.1 Screen enclosures.

1622.1.1

The wind loads on screen surfaces shall be in accordance with ASCE 7 based on the ratio of
solid to gross area.

1622.1.2

Design shall be based on such loads applied horizontally inward and outward to the walls with a
shape factor of 1.3 and applied vertically upward and downward on the roof with a shape factor
of 0.7.

Exception: Screen enclosures shall be permitted to be designed in accordance with the AAF
Guide to Aluminum Construction in High Wind Areas. Construction documents based on
the AAF Guide to Aluminum Construction in High Wind Areas shall be prepared and signed and
sealed by a Florida registered architect or engineer.

1622.2 Windbreakers.

1622.2.1

Vinyl and acrylic glazed panels shall be removable. Removable panels shall be identified as
removable by a decal. The identification decal shall essentially state “Removable panel SHALL
be removed when wind speeds exceed 75 mph (34 m/s).” Decals shall be placed such that the
decal is visible when the panel is installed.

1622.2.2

Permanent frame shall be designed in accordance with Sections 1620 and 1622.1.2.

SECTION 1623
HIGH-VELOCITY HURRICANE ZONES—
LIVE LOADS POSTED AND OCCUPANCY PERMITS
RESERVED

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SECTION 1624
HIGH-VELOCITY HURRICANE ZONES—
FOUNDATION DESIGN
RESERVED

SECTION 1625
HIGH-VELOCITY HURRICANE ZONES—
LOAD TESTS
1625.1 Application.

Whenever there is insufficient evidence of compliance with the provisions of this code or
evidence that any material or any construction does not conform to the requirements of this code,
or in order to substantiate claims for alternate materials or methods of construction, the building
official may require testing by an approved agency, at the expense of the owner or his agent, as
proof of compliance. Testing methods shall be as specified by this code for the specific material.

1625.2 Testing method.

Such testing shall follow a nationally recognized standard test, or when there is no standard test
procedure for the material or assembly in question, the building official shall require the material
or assembly under dead plus live load shall deflect not more than as set forth in Section 1616.3,
and that the material or assembly shall sustain dead load plus twice the live load for a period of
24 hours, with a recovery of at least 80 percent or a 100-percent recovery after one-half test load.

1625.3 Alternate test methods.

When elements, assemblies or details of structural members are such that their load-carrying
capacity, deformation under load, or deflection cannot be calculated by rational analysis, their
structural performance shall be established by test in accordance with test procedures as
approved by the building official based on consideration of all probable conditions of loading.

1625.4 Fatigue load testing.

Where cladding assemblies (including cladding and connections) or roofing framing assemblies
(including portions of roof structure and connections) are such that their load-carrying capacity
or deformation under load cannot be calculated by rational analysis, the assemblies may be tested
to resist the fatigue loading sequence given by Table 1625.4.

Assemblies shall be tested with no resultant failure or distress and shall have a recovery of at
least 90 percent over maximum deflection.

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Any cladding assembly not incorporated into the Florida Building Code, Building after
successfully completing the impact test outlined in Section 1626, shall be subject to fatigue
loading testing and shall obtain product approval by the building official.

TABLE 1625.4
FATIGUE LOADING SEQUENCE
RANGE OF TEST NUMBER OF CYCLES1
0 to 0.5pmax2 600
0 to 0.6pmax 70
0 to 1.3pmax 1
1. Each cycle shall have minimum duration of 1 second and a maximum duration of 3 seconds and must be performed in a continuous
manner.
2. pmax = 0.6 × ultimate design load in accordance with ASCE7

SECTION 1626
HIGH-VELOCITY HURRICANE ZONES—
IMPACT TESTS FOR WIND-BORNE DEBRIS
TABLE 1626
CYCLIC WIND PRESSURE LOADING
INWARD ACTING PRESSURE OUTWARD ACTING PRESSURE
RANGE NUMBER OF CYCLES 1
RANGE NUMBER OF CYCLES1
0.2 PMAX to 0.5 PMAX2 3,500 0.3 PMAX to 1.0 PMAX 50
0.0 PMAX to 0.6 PMAX 300 0.5 PMAX to 0.8 PMAX 1,050
0.5 PMAX to 0.8 PMAX 600 0.0 PMAX to 0.6 PMAX 50
0.3 PMAX to 1.0 PMAX 100 0.2 PMAX to 0.5 PMAX 3,350

NOTES:

1. Each cycle shall have minimum duration of 1 second and a maximum duration of 3 seconds and must be performed in a continuous
manner 1.
2. pmax = 0.6 × ultimate design load in accordance with ASCE 7. The pressure spectrum shall be applied to each test specimen beginning
with inward acting pressures followed by the outward acting pressures in the order from the top of each column to the bottom of each
column.

1626.1

All parts or systems of a building or structure envelope such as, but not limited, to exterior walls,
roof, outside doors, skylights, glazing and glass block shall meet impact test criteria or be
protected with an external protection device that meets the impact test criteria. Test procedures to
determine resistance to wind-borne debris of wall cladding, outside doors, skylights, glazing,
glass block, shutters and any other external protection devices shall be performed in accordance
with this section.

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Exception: The following structures or portion of structures shall not be required to meet the
provisions of this section:

1. Roof assemblies for screen rooms, porches, canopies, etc., attached to a building that do
not breach the exterior wall or building envelope and have no enclosed sides other than
screen.
2. Soffits, soffit vents and ridge vents. Size and location of such vents shall be detailed by
the designer and shall not compromise the integrity of the diaphragm boundary.
3. Vents in a garage with four or fewer cars. Size and location of such vents shall be
detailed by the designer and shall not exceed the minimum required area by more than 25
percent.
4. Exterior wall or roof openings for wall- or roof-mounted HVAC equipment.
5. Openings for roof-mounted personnel access roof hatches.
6. Storage sheds that are not designed for human habitation and that have a floor area of 720
square feet (67 m2) or less are not required to comply with the mandatory windborne
debris impact standards of this code.
7. Louvers as long as they properly considered ASCE 7 in the design of the building.
8. Buildings and structures for marinas, cabanas, swimming pools, and greenhouses.
9. Exterior balconies or porches under existing roofs or decks enclosed with screen or
removable vinyl and acrylic panels complying with Section 1622.1 or 1622.2 shall not be
required to be protected and openings in the wall separating the unit from the balcony or
porch shall not be required to be protected unless required by other provisions of this
code.

1626.2 Large missile impact tests.

1626.2.1

This test shall be conducted on three test specimens in accordance with test protocols TAS
201 and TAS 203. This test shall be applicable to the construction units, assemblies and
materials to be used up to and including 30 feet (9.1 m) in height in any and all structures.

1626.2.2

The test specimens shall consist of the entire assembled unit, including frame and anchorage as
supplied by the manufacturer for installation in the building, or as set forth in a referenced
specification, if applicable. Fasteners used in mounting the test specimen shall be identical in
size and spacing to what is used in field installations.

1626.2.3

The large missile shall be comprised of a piece of timber having nominal dimensions of 2 inches
by 4 inches (51 mm by 102 m) weighing 9 pounds (4.1 kg).

1626.2.4

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The large missile shall impact the surface of each test specimen at a speed of 50 feet per second
(15.2 m/s); 80 feet per second (24.38 m/s) for Risk Category IV–Essential Facility buildings or
structures.

1626.2.5

Each test specimen shall receive two impacts except as noted in Sections
1626.2.5.1and 1626.2.5.2, the first within a 5-inch (127 mm) radius circle having its center on
the midpoint of the test specimen and the second within a 5-inch (127 mm) radius circle in a
corner having its center in a location 6 inches (152 mm) away from any supporting members.

1626.2.5.1

For window, glass block, fixed glass and skylight assemblies, both impacts shall be to glass or
other glazing infill. For test specimens with more than one light of glass, a single light closest to
the center of the assembly shall be selected and impacted twice in accordance with Section
1626.2.5. If a light of glass is sufficiently small to cause the 5-inch (127 mm) radius circle to
overlap, two separate lights shall be impacted one time each.

1626.2.5.1.1

For window, fixed glass and skylight assemblies comprised of different glass thickness, types of
glass or different types of glazing infill, each separate thickness or type shall be impacted twice
in accordance with Section 1626.2.5.

1626.2.5.2

For doors, wall cladding and external protection devices, both impacts shall be to the thinnest
section through the assembly. For doors, wall cladding and external protection devices with
horizontal and/or vertical bracing, both impacts shall be within a single area that is not reinforced
and shall be in accordance with Section 1626.2.5.

1626.2.5.2.1

For doors with glass, the glass shall be impacted twice and the thinnest section through the
assembly that is not glass shall be impacted twice in accordance with Section 1626.2.5.

1626.2.6

In the case of glazing, if the three test specimens that comprise a test successfully reject the two
missile impacts, they shall then be subjected to the cyclic pressure loading defined in Table
1626.

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1626.2.6.1

If external protection devices are employed to protect windows, fixed doors or skylights, they
must resist the large missile impacts specified in Sections 1626.2.3 and 1626.2.4 without
deformations which result in contact with the windows, fixed glass, glass block, and doors or
skylights they are intended to protect.

1626.2.6.2

If external protection devices are not designed to be airtight, following the large missile impact
test, they must resist an application of force corresponding to those listed in Table
1625.4 (fatigue load testing) without detaching from their mountings. The acting pressure cycles
shall be simulated with loads applied through a mechanical system attached to the shutter
specimen to apply uniformly around the shutter perimeter a force equal to the product of the
required pressure and the area of the shutter specimen.

1626.2.7

If air leakage through the test specimen is excessive, tape may be used to cover any cracks and
joints through which leakage is occurring. Tape shall not be used when there is a probability that
it may significantly restrict differential movement between adjoining members. It is also
permissible to cover both sides of the entire specimen and mounting panel with a single
thickness of polyethylene film no thicker than 0.050 mm (2 mils). The technique of application is
important in order that the full load is transferred to the specimen and that the membrane does
not prevent movement or failure of the specimen. Apply the film loosely with extra folds of
material at each corner and at all offsets and recesses. When the load is applied, there shall be no
fillet caused by tightness of plastic film.

1626.2.8

A particular system of construction shall be deemed to comply with this recommended practice if
three test specimens reject the two missile impacts without penetration and resist the cyclic
pressure loading with no crack forming longer than 5 inches (127 mm) and 1/16 inch (1.6 mm)
wide through which air can pass.

1626.2.9

If only one of the three test specimens in a test fails to meet the above listed criteria, one retest of
this system of construction (another test sequence with three specimens) shall be permitted.

1626.3 Small missile impact test.

1626.3.1

This test shall be conducted on three test specimens in accordance with test protocols TAS
201 and TAS 203. This test shall be applicable to the construction units, assemblies, and

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materials to be used above 30 feet (9.1 m) in height in any and all structures; Risk Category IV–
Essential Facility buildings or structures shall follow the large missile impact testing in Section
1626.2.4 at 50 feet per second (15.2 m/s).

1626.3.2

Each test specimen shall consist of the entire assembled unit, including frame and anchorage as
supplied by the manufacturer for installation in the building, or as set forth in a referenced
specification, if applicable. The fasteners used in mounting the test specimen shall be identical in
size and spacing to those to be used in field installations.

1626.3.3

The missiles shall consist of solid steel balls each having a mass of 2 grams (0.07 oz) (+/-5
percent) with a 5/16-inch (7.9 mm) nominal diameter.

1626.3.4

Each missile shall impact the surface of each test specimen at a speed of 130 feet per second (40
m/s).

1626.3.5

Each test specimen shall receive 30 small missile impacts except as noted in Sections
1626.3.5.1 and 1626.3.5.2 delivered in groups of 10 at a time: the first 10 distributed uniformly
over a 2 square foot (0.19 m2) area located at the center of the test specimen, the second 10
distributed uniformly over a 2 square foot area (0.19 m2) located at the center of the long
dimension of the specimen near the edge, and the third 10 distributed uniformly over a 2 square
foot (0.19 m2) area located at a corner of the specimen.

1626.3.5.1

For window and skylight assemblies, all impacts shall be to glass or other glazing infill. For test
specimens with more than one light of glass, a single light closest to the center of the assembly
shall be selected and impacted in accordance with Section 1626.3.5. If a light of glass is
sufficiently small to cause the 5-inch (127 mm) radius circles to overlap, separate lights may be
impacted; however, there must be a total of 30 impacts within the assembly.

1626.3.5.1.1

For window, fixed glass and skylight assemblies comprised of glass with different thickness,
types of glass or different types of glazing infill, each separate thickness or type shall be
impacted in accordance with Section 1626.3.5.

1626.3.5.2

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For doors, wall cladding and external protection devices, all impacts shall be to the thinnest
section through the assembly. For doors, wall cladding and external protection devices with
horizontal and/or vertical bracing, all impacts shall be within a single area that is not reinforced
and shall be impacted in accordance with Section 1626.3.5.

1626.3.5.2.1

For doors with glass, the glass shall be impacted in accordance with Section 1626.3.5 and the
thinnest section through the assembly that is not glass shall be impacted in accordance
with Section 1626.3.5.

1626.3.6

In the case of glazing, after completion of the small missile impacts, each test specimen shall
then be subjected to the cyclic pressure loading defined in Table 1626.

1626.3.6.1

If external protection devices are employed to protect windows, doors or skylights, they must
resist the small missile impacts specified in Sections 1626.3.3 and 1626.3.4 without deformations
that result in contact with the windows, glass, doors or skylights they are intended to protect.

1626.3.6.2

If external protection devices are not designed to be airtight, following the small missile impact
test, they must resist an application of force corresponding to those listed in Table
1625.4 (fatigue load testing) without detaching from their mountings. The acting pressure cycles
shall be simulated with loads applied through a mechanical system attached to the shutter
specimen to apply uniformly around the shutter perimeter a force equal to the product of the
required pressure and the area of the shutter specimen.

1626.3.7

If air leakage through the test specimen is excessive, tape may be used to cover any cracks and
joints through which leakage is occurring. Tape shall not be used when there is a probability that
it may significantly restrict differential movement between adjoining members. It is also
permissible to cover both sides of the entire specimen and mounting panel with a single
thickness of polyethylene film no thicker than 0.050 mm (2 mils). The technique of application is
important for the full load to be transferred to the specimen and to insure the membrane does not
prevent movement or failure of the specimen. Apply the film loosely with extra folds of material
at each corner and at all offsets and recesses. When the load is applied, there shall be no fillet
caused by tightness of plastic film.

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1626.3.8

A particular system of construction shall be deemed to comply with this test if three test
specimens reject the small missile impacts without penetration and resist the cyclic pressure
loading with no crack forming longer than 5 inches (127 mm) and 1/16inch (1.6 mm) in width
through which air can pass.

1626.3.9

If only one of the three test specimens in a test fails to meet the above listed criteria, one retest of
the system (another test sequence with three specimens) of construction shall be permitted.

1626.4 Construction assemblies deemed to comply with Section 1626.

1. Exterior concrete masonry walls of minimum nominal 8-inch (203 mm) thickness,
constructed in accordance with Chapter 21 (High-Velocity Hurricane Zones) of this
code.
2. Exterior frame walls or gable ends constructed in accordance with Chapters
22and 23 (High-Velocity Hurricane Zones) of this code, sheathed with a minimum 19/32-
inch (15 mm) CD exposure 1 plywood and clad with wire lath and stucco installed in
accordance with Chapter 25 of this code.
3. Exterior frame walls and roofs constructed in accordance with Chapter 22 (High-Velocity
Hurricane Zones) of this code sheathed with a minimum 24-gage rib-deck-type material
and clad with an approved wall finish.
4. Exterior reinforced concrete elements constructed of solid normal weight concrete (no
voids), designed in accordance with Chapter 19 (High-Velocity Hurricane Zones) of this
code and having a minimum 2 inches (51 mm) thickness.
5. Roof systems constructed in accordance with Chapter 22 or Chapter 23 (High-Velocity
Hurricane Zones) of this code, sheathed with a minimum 19/32-inch (15 mm) CD exposure
1 plywood or minimum nominal 1-inch (25 mm) wood decking and surfaced with an
approved roof system installed in accordance with Chapter 15 of this code.

All connectors shall be specified by the building designer of record for all loads except
impact.

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Part II

Excerpts from the Rules of the Florida Board of Professional Engineers

The following are responsibilities for Professional Engineers who design Structures under the Florida
Building Code as well as Rules of Responsibility Common to all Engineers and the Grounds for
Disciplinary Proceeding against engineers in violation of these rules. These requirements specific to
Professional Engineers are:

1. Requirement to take continuing education courses on the Florida Building Code. See Chapter
471.0195 F.S.

2. Grounds for Disciplinary Proceedings. See Chapter 61G15-19.001, F.A.C.

3. Rules of Responsibility Common to All Engineers. See Chapter 61G15-30, F.A.C.

4. Responsibility Rules of Professional Engineers Concerning the Design of Structures. See

Chapter 61G15-31, F.A.C.

471.0195 Florida Building Code training for engineers.

All licensees actively participating in the design of engineering works or systems in connection with
buildings, structures, or facilities and systems covered by the Florida Building Code shall take continuing
education courses and submit proof to the board, at such times and in such manner as established by the
board by rule, that the licensee has completed any specialized or advanced courses on any portion of the
Florida Building Code applicable to the licensee’s area of practice. The board shall record reported
continuing education courses on a system easily accessed by code enforcement jurisdictions for
evaluation when determining license status for purposes of processing design documents. Local
jurisdictions shall be responsible for notifying the board when design documents are submitted for
building construction permits by persons who are not in compliance with this section. The board shall
take appropriate action as provided by its rules when such noncompliance is determined to exist.
History.—s. 38, ch. 2000-356; s. 23, ch. 2002-299; s. 12, ch. 2009-195.

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CHAPTER 61G15-19
GROUNDS FOR DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS

61G15-19.001 Grounds for Disciplinary Proceedings

61G15-19.002 Payments of Fine
61G15-19.003 Purpose (Repealed)
61G15-19.004 Disciplinary Guidelines; Range of Penalties; Aggravating and Mitigating Circumstances
61G15-19.0051 Notice of Noncompliance
61G15-19.006 Mediation
61G15-19.0071 Citations
61G15-19.008 Confidentiality of Investigations

61G15-19.001 Grounds for Disciplinary Proceedings.

(1) Pursuant to Section 471.033(2), F.S., the Board, to the extent not otherwise set forth in Florida
Statutes, hereby specifies that the following acts or omissions are grounds for disciplinary proceedings
pursuant to Section 471.033(1), F.S.
(2) A professional engineer shall not advertise in a false, fraudulent, deceptive or misleading manner. As
used in Section 471.033(1)(f), F.S., the term “advertising goods or services in a manner which is
fraudulent, false, deceptive, or misleading in form or content” shall include without limitation a false,
fraudulent, misleading, or deceptive statement or claim which:
(a) Contains a material misrepresentation of facts;
(b) Omits to state any material fact necessary to make the statement in the light of all circumstances not
misleading;
(c) Is intended or is likely to create an unjustified expectation;
(d) States or implies that an engineer is a certified specialist in any area outside of his field of expertise;
(e) Contains a representation or implication that is likely to cause an ordinary prudent person to
misunderstand or be deceived or fails to contain reasonable warnings or disclaimers necessary to make a
representation or implication not deceptive;
(f) Falsifies or misrepresents the extent of his education, training or experience to any person or to the
public at large, tending to establish or imply qualification for selection for engineering employment,
advancement, or professional engagement. A professional engineer shall not misrepresent or exaggerate
his degree of responsibility in or for the subject matter of prior assignments;
(g) In any brochure or other presentation made to any person or to the public at large, incident to the
solicitation of an engineering employment, misrepresents pertinent facts concerning a professional
engineer’s employer, employees, associates, joint ventures, or his or their past accomplishments with the
intent and purpose of enhancing his qualifications and his works.
(3) A professional engineer, corporation or partnership shall not practice engineering under an assumed,
fictitious or corporate name that is misleading as to the identity, responsibility or status of those practicing
thereunder or is otherwise false, fraudulent, misleading or deceptive within the meaning of subsection
61G15-19.001(2), F.A.C. When an individual is practicing engineering as a sole proprietor under a
combination of his own given name, and terms such as “engineering,” “and associates” or “and
company,” then said person is practicing engineering under a fictitious name, and must obtain a certificate
of authorization pursuant to Section 471.023(2), F.S. The name of a corporation or partnership, if
otherwise authorized, may include the name or names of one or more deceased or retired members of the
firm, or of a predecessor firm in a continuing line of succession. An engineering firm may not offer
services to the public under a firm name which contains only the name of an individual not licensed as a
professional engineer, registered architect, land surveyor, landscape architect, or professional geologist, in
any state.

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(4) A professional engineer shall not be negligent in the practice of engineering. The term negligence set
forth in Section 471.033(1)(g), F.S., is herein defined as the failure by a professional engineer to utilize
due care in performing in an engineering capacity or failing to have due regard for acceptable standards of
engineering principles. Professional engineers shall approve and seal only those documents that conform
to acceptable engineering standards and safeguard the life, health, property and welfare of the public.
Failure to comply with the procedures set forth in the Responsibility Rules as adopted by the Board of
Professional Engineers shall be considered as non-compliance with this section unless the deviation or
departures therefrom are justified by the specific circumstances of the project in question and the sound
professional judgment of the professional engineer.
(5) A professional engineer shall not be incompetent to practice engineering. Incompetence in the practice
of engineering as set forth in Section 471.033(1)(g), F.S., shall mean the physical or mental incapacity or
inability of a professional engineer to perform the duties normally required of the professional engineer.
(6) A professional engineer shall not commit misconduct in the practice of engineering. Misconduct in the
practice of engineering as set forth in Section 471.033(1)(g), F.S., shall include, but not be limited to:
(a) Expressing an opinion publicly on an engineering subject without being informed as to the facts
relating thereto and being competent to form a sound opinion thereupon; (b) Being untruthful, deceptive,
or misleading in any professional report, statement, or testimony whether or not under oath or omitting
relevant and pertinent information from such report, statement or testimony when the result of such
omission would or reasonably could lead to a fallacious conclusion on the part of the client, employer or
the general public;
(c) Performing an engineering assignment when not qualified by training or experience in the practice
area involved;
1. All professional engineer asbestos consultants are subject to the provisions of Sections 469.001 ‒
459.014, F.S., Chapter 471, F.S., and Chapter 61G15-19, F.A.C., and shall be disciplined as provided
therein.
2. The approval of any professional engineer as a “special inspector” under the provisions of Chapter 553,
F.S., does not constitute acceptance by the Board that any such professional engineer is in fact qualified
by training or experience to perform the duties of a “special inspector” by virtue of training or experience.
Any such professional engineer must still be qualified by training or experience to perform such duties
and failure to be so qualified could result in discipline under this chapter or Chapter 471, F.S.;
(d) Affixing a signature or seal to any engineering plan of document in a subject matter over which a
professional engineer lacks competence because of inadequate training or experience;
(e) Offering directly or indirectly any bribe or commission or tendering any gift to obtain selection or
preferment for engineering employment with the exception of the payment of the usual commission for
securing salaried positions through licensed employment agencies;
(f) Becoming involved in a conflict of interest with an employer or client, without the knowledge and
approval of the client or employer, but if unavoidable a professional engineer shall immediately take the
following actions:
1. Disclose in writing to his employer or client the full circumstances as to a possible conflict of interest;
and,
2. Assure in writing that the conflict will in no manner influence the professional engineer’s judgment or
the quality of his services to his employer or client; and
3. Promptly inform his client or employer in writing of any business association, interest or circumstances
which may be influencing his judgment or the quality of his services to his client or employer;
(g) Soliciting or accepting financial or other valuable considerations from material or equipment suppliers
for specifying their products without the written consent to the engineer’s employer or client;
(h) Soliciting or accepting gratuities directly or indirectly from contractors, their agents or other parties
dealing with the professional engineer’s client or employer in connection with work for which the
professional engineer is responsible without the written consent of the engineer’s employer or client;

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(i) Use by a professional engineer of his engineering expertise and/or his professional engineering status
to commit a felony;
(j) Affixing his seal and/or signature to plans, specifications, drawings, or other documents required to be
sealed pursuant to Section 471.025(1), F.S., when such document has not been personally prepared by the
engineer or prepared under his responsible supervision, direction and control;
(k) A professional engineer shall not knowingly associate with or permit the use of his name or firm name
in a business venture by any person or firm which he knows or has reason to believe is engaging in
business or professional practices of a fraudulent or dishonest nature;
(l) If his engineering judgment is overruled by an unqualified lay authority with the results that the public
health and safety is threatened, failure by a professional engineer to inform his employer, responsible
supervision and the responsible public authority of the possible circumstances;
(m) If a professional engineer has knowledge or reason to believe that any person or firm is guilty of
violating any of the provisions of Chapter 471, F.S., or any of these rules of professional conduct, failure
to immediately present this information to FEMC;
(n) Violation of any law of the State of Florida directly regulating the practice of engineering;
(o) Failure on the part of any professional engineer or certificate holder to obey the terms of a final order
imposing discipline upon said professional engineer or certificate holder;
(p) Making any statement, criticism or argument on engineering matters which is inspired or paid for by
interested parties, unless the professional engineer specifically identifies the interested parties on whose
behalf he is speaking, and reveals any interest he or the interested parties have in such matters;
(q) Sealing and signing all documents for an entire engineering project, unless each design segment is
signed and sealed by the professional engineer in responsible charge of the preparation of that design
segment;
(r) Revealing facts, data or information obtained in a professional capacity without the prior consent of
the professional engineer’s client or employer except as authorized or required by law.
(s) Renewing or reactivating a license without completion of Continuing Education (CE) hours and
subject areas as required by Section 471.017, F.S., and Rule 61G15-22.001, F.A.C.
(7) A professional engineer who performs building code inspector or plans examiner duties in accordance
with Section 471.045, F.S., or Sections 468.603(6), (7), F.S., shall be subject to disciplinary action for
commission of the following:
(a) Violating or failing to comply with any provision of Chapter 471, F.S., or the rules of the Board of
Professional Engineers;
(b) Having been convicted of a crime in any jurisdiction which directly relates to the practice of building
code inspection or plans examination;
(c) Making or filing a false report or record, inducing another to file a false report or record, failing to file
a report or record required by state or local law, impeding or obstructing such filing, or inducing another
person to impede or obstruct such filing.
(8) A professional engineer shall not be negligent in the practice of engineering while performing duties
as a special inspector. Negligence is herein defined as the failure by a professional engineer to utilize due
care in performing in an engineering capacity or failing to have due regard for acceptable standards of
engineering and special inspection principles. Failure to comply with the procedures set forth in the
Responsibility Rules for Professional Engineers Providing Threshold Building Inspection, as adopted by
the Board of Professional Engineers, shall be considered non-compliance with this section unless the
deviation or departures therefrom are justified by the specific circumstances of the project in question and
the sound professional judgment of the engineer.

Rulemaking Authority 471.033(2) FS. Law Implemented 471.025(1), 471.033(1)(f), (g), (2) FS. History–
New 1-8-80, Amended 6-23-80, 3-23-81, 6-4-85, Formerly 21H-19.01, Amended 5-14-86, 4-23-87, 11-8-
88, 1-11-89, 7-3-90, 11-9-92, Formerly 21H-19.001, Amended 11-27-94, 5-20-02, 9-5-16.

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61G15-19.002 Payments of Fine.

All fines imposed by the Board for violations of Section 471.033, F.S., shall be paid within a period of
thirty (30) days from the date of the final order entered by the Board. This time limit may be modified by
the Board at its discretion in order to prevent undue hardship to the public.
Rulemaking Authority 455.227(2) FS. Law Implemented 455.227(2), 471.033(3)(c) FS. History–New 8-
19-80, Formerly 21H-19.02, 21H-19.002.

61G15-19.003 Purpose.
Rulemaking Authority 471.033(2) FS. Law Implemented 471.001, 471.033 FS. History–New 5-14-86,
Formerly 21H-19.003, Repealed 2-2-12.

61G15-19.004 Disciplinary Guidelines; Range of Penalties; Aggravating and Mitigating

Circumstances.
(1) The Board sets forth below a range of disciplinary guidelines from which disciplinary penalties will be
imposed upon practitioners (including holders of certificate of authorization) guilty of violating Chapter
471, F.S. The purpose of the disciplinary guidelines is to give notice to licensees of the range of penalties
which will normally be imposed upon violations of particular provisions of Chapter 471, F.S. The
disciplinary guidelines are based upon a single count violation of each provision listed. Multiple counts of
violations of the same provision of Chapter 471, F.S., or the rules promulgated thereto, or other unrelated
violations contained in the same administrative complaint will be grounds for enhancement of penalties.
All penalties at the upper range of the sanctions set forth in the guidelines, i.e., suspension, revocation,
etc., include lesser penalties, i.e., fine, probation or reprimand which may be included in the final penalty
at the Board’s discretion. All impositions of probation as a penalty shall include successful completion of
the Engineering Law and Rules Study Guide, completion of a Board-approved course in Engineering
Professionalism and Ethics, and an appearance before the Board at the option of the Board at the end of
the probationary period. Other terms may be imposed by the Board at its discretion.

(2) The following disciplinary guidelines shall be followed by the Board in imposing disciplinary
penalties upon licensees for violation of the below mentioned statutes and rules. For the purposes of this
rule, the descriptions of the violations are abbreviated and the full statute or rule cited should be consulted
to determine the prohibited conduct.

VIOLATION PENALTY RANGE

SECOND AND
FIRST VIOLATION SUBSEQUENT VIOLATIONS
(a) Violating any provision of Section 455.227(1),
471.025 or 471.031, F.S., or any other provision of Reprimand and $1,000.00 One (1) year suspension, two
Chapter 471, F.S., or rule of the Board or Department. fine, to One (1) year (2) years probation and
suspension, two (2) years $5,000.00 fine to Revocation .
(Sections 471.033(1)(a) and 455.227(1)(b), (q), F.S.) probation and $5,000 fine.

1. Failure to sign, seal or date documents. Reprimand to one (1) year Reprimand and one (1) year
probation. probation to Revocation.
(Section 471.025(1), F.S.)

2. Sealing any document after license has expired or Suspended license: Suspended license:
been revoked or suspended, or failure to surrender Revocation and $1,000.00 Revocation and $5,000.00
seal if the license has been revoked or suspended. fine. fine.

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(Section 471.025(2), F.S.)

Revoked license: Referral to Revoked license: Referral to

State’s Attorney’s office. State’s Attorney’s office.

3. Signing or sealing any document that depicts work

the licensee is not licensed to perform or which is
beyond his or her profession or specialty therein or
Reprimand, one (1) year
practicing or offering to practice beyond the scope Reprimand, $5,000.00 fine,
probation and $1,000.00
permitted by law or accepting and performing one (1) year suspension and
fine; to $5,000.00 fine, one
responsibilities the licensee is not competent to two (2) years probation to
(1) year suspension and two
perform. Revocation.
(2) years probation.

(Sections 471.025(3), 455.227(1)(o), F.S., paragraphs

61G15-19.001(6)(c), (d), F.A.C.)

4. Firm practicing without certificate of authorization. Reprimand, $1,000.00 fine Reprimand, one (1) year
to one (1) year suspension suspension and $5,000.00
(Section 471.023, F.S., and subsection 61G15- and $5,000.00 fine. fine to Revocation.
19.001(3), F.A.C.)

5. Practicing engineering without a license or using a

name or title tending to indicate that such person
$1,000.00 fine to $5,000.00 $5,000.00 fine and referral to
holds an active license as an engineer.
fine. State Attorney’s office.

(Sections 471.031(1)(a), (b), F.S.)

6. Presenting as his or her own the license of another. $5,000.00 fine and referral to
$1,000.00 fine to $5,000.00
State Attorney’s office.
fine.
(Section 471.031(1)(c), F.S.)

7. Giving false or forged evidence to the Board or

concealing information relative to violations of this
$1,000.00 fine to $5,000.00 Reprimand and $5,000.00
chapter.
fine and suspension. fine to Revocation.

(Sections 471.031(1)(d), (g), F.S.)

8. Employing unlicensed persons to practice

engineering or aiding, assisting, procuring, employing
$1,000.00 fine and
unlicensed practice or practice contrary to Chapter Reprimand and $5,000.00
reprimand; to $5,000.00 and
455 or 471, F.S. fine to Revocation.
suspension.

(Sections 471.031(1)(f), and 455.227(1)(j), F.S.)

9. Having been found liable for knowingly filing a false $1,000.00 fine and Reprimand and $5,000.00
complaint against another licensee. reprimand; to $5,000.00 per fine to Revocation.
count and suspension.
(Section 455.227(1)(g), F.S.)

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10. Failing to report a person in violation of Chapters

455, and 471, F.S., or the rules of the Board or the
Reprimand to $5,000.00 and Reprimand and $5,000.00
Department.
suspension for one (1) year. fine to Revocation.
(Section 455.227(1)(i), F.S.)

11. Failing to perform any statutory or legal obligation. Reprimand to one (1) year Reprimand and a $5,000.00
suspension and a $1,000.00 fine to Revocation,
(Section 455.227(1)(k), F.S.) fine.

12. Exercising influence on a client for financial gain. Reprimand to one (1) year Reprimand and $5,000.00
suspension and $5,000.00 fine to Revocation.
(Section 455.227(1)(n), F.S.) fine.

13. Improper delegation of professional $1,000.00 fine and Reprimand and $5,000.00
responsibilities. probation for one (1) year, to fine to Revocation.
suspension.
(Section 455.227(1)(p), F.S.)

14. Improperly interfering with an investigation or $1,000.00 fine and Reprimand and $5,000.00
inspection or disciplinary proceeding. probation for one (1) year; to fine to Revocation.
suspension.
(Section 455.227(1)(r), F.S.)

(b) Attempting to procure a license by bribery, One (1) year suspension Revocation and $5,000.00
fraudulent misrepresentation, or error of the Board or and $1,000.00 fine, to fine if licensed; if not licensed,
Department. Revocation if licensed; if not denial of license and referral
licensed, denial of license to State Attorney.
(Sections 471.033(1)(b) and 455.227(1)(h), F.S.) and referral to State
Attorney.

(c) Having a license to practice engineering acted Same penalty as imposed in Same penalty as imposed in
against or denied by another jurisdiction. other jurisdiction or as close other jurisdiction or as close
as possible to penalties set as possible to penalties set
(Sections 471.033(1)(c) and 455.227(1)(f), F.S.) forth in Florida Statutes. forth in Florida Statutes.

(d)1. Being convicted or found guilty of, or entering a Depending on the severity Depending on the severity of
plea of nolo contendere to a crime which relates to the of the crime, from the crime, from one (1) year
practice or ability to practice. Reprimand $1,000.00 fine, suspension with 2 years
and one (1) year probation, probation to Revocation.
(Sections 471.033(1)(d) and 455.227(1)(c), F.S.) to Revocation.

2. Conviction of crime related to building code Reprimand $1,000.00 fine, One (1) year suspension with
inspection or plans examination. and one (1) year probation. 2 years probation to
Revocation.
(paragraph 61G15-19.001(7)(a), F.A.C.)

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(e) Knowingly making or filing a false report or record, Reprimand and $1,000.00 One (1) year suspension, 2
failing to file a report or record required by law, fine to one (1) year years probation, and
impeding or obstructing such filing. suspension, two (2) years $1,000.00 fine, to Revocation
probation. and $5,000.00 fine.
(Sections 471.033(1)(e), 455.227(1)(l), F.S. and
paragraph 61G15-19.001(7)(c), F.A.C.)

(f) Fraudulent, false, deceptive or misleading Reprimand to one (1) year One (1) year probation and
advertising. probation and $5,000.00 $5,000.00 fine to Revocation.
fine,
(Sections 471.033(1)(f), F.S., and subsection 61G15-
19.001(2), F.A.C.)

(g) Fraud, deceit, negligence, incompetence or

misconduct.

(Sections 471.033(1)(g) and 455.227(1)(a), (m), F.S.)

1. Fraud or deceit Reprimand, two (2) years One (1) year suspension and
probation and $1,000 fine, $5,000.00 fine to Revocation.
to one (1) year supension
and $5,000.00 fine.

2.a. Negligence. Reprimand, two (2) years Two (2) years probation and
probation and $1,000 fine, $1,000.00 fine, to $5,000.00
(subsection 61G15-19.001(4), F.A.C.) to $5,000.00 fine, five (5) fine and Revocation.
year suspension and ten
(10) years probation.

b. Negligence in procedural requirements. Reprimand to two (2) years Two (2) years probation and
probation and $1,000.00 $1,000.00 fine, to $5,000.00
(subsections 61G15-30.003(2),(3) and (5), F.A.C.; fine. fine and Revocation.

Rules 61G15-30.005 and 61G15-30.006, F.A.C.)

c. As a special inspector. Reprimand, two (2) years Two (2) years probation and
probation and $1,000 fine, $1,000.00 fine, to $5,000.00
to $5,000.00 fine. fine and Revocation.

3. Incompetence. Two (2) year probation to Suspension until ability to

Suspension until ability to practice proved followed by
(subsection 61G15-19.001(5), F.A.C.) practice proved followed by two (2) year probation, to
two (2) year probation. Revocation.

4. Misconduct. Reprimand and $1,000.00 One (1) year suspension to

fine to one (1) year Revocation and $5,000.00
(subsection 61G15-19.001(6), F.A.C.) suspension. fine.

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a. Expressing an opinion publicly on an engineering Reprimand and $1,000.00 One (1) year suspension to
subject without being informed as to the facts and fine to one (1) year Revocation and $5,000.00
being competent to form a sound opinion. suspension. fine.

(paragraph 61G15-19.001(6)(a), F.A.C.)

b. Being untruthful, deceptive or misleading in any Reprimand and $1,000.00 One (1) year suspension to
professional report, statement or testimony or omitting fine to one (1) year Revocation and $5,000.00
relevant and pertinent information from such report, suspension. fine.
statement or testimony when the result or such
omission would or reasonably could lead to a
fallacious conclusion.

(paragraph 61G15-19.001(6)(b), F.A.C.)

c. Offering directly or indirectly any bribe or Reprimand, $5,000.00 fine Five (5) years suspension to
commission or tendering any gift to obtain selection or per count and suspension Revocation.
preferment for engineering employment other than the for five (5) years, to
payment of the usual commission for securing Revocation.
salaried positions through licensed employment
agencies.

(paragraph 61G15-19.001(6)(e), F.A.C.)

d. Soliciting or accepting gratuities without client Reprimand, one (1) year One (1) year suspension, two
knowledge. probation and $1,000 fine, (2) years probation and
to one (1) year suspension, $5,000.00 fine to Revocation.
(paragraphs 61G15-19.001(6)(g), (h), F.A.C.) two (2) years probation and
$5,000.00 fine.

e. Failure to preserve client’s confidence. Reprimand, one (1) year One (1) year suspension, two
probation and $1,000.00 (2) years probation and
(paragraph 61G15-19.001(6)(r), F.A.C.) fine, to one (1) year $5,000.00 fine to Revocation.
suspension, two (2) years
probation (if pecuniary
benefit accrues to engineer).

f. Professional judgment overruled by unqualified Reprimand, one (1) year One (1) year suspension, two
person. probation and $1,000.00 (2) years probation and
fine, to one (1) year $5,000.00 fine to Revocation.
(paragraph 61G15-19.001(6)(l), F.A.C.) suspension, two (2) years
probation and $5,000.00
fine.

g. Use of name/firm in fraudulent venture. Reprimand, one (1) year One (1) year suspension, two
probation and $1,000.00 (2) years probation and
(paragraph 61G15-19.001(6)(k), F.A.C.) fine, to $5,000.00 fine, one $5,000.00 fine to Revocation.
(1) year suspension and two
(2) years probation.

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h. Undisclosed conflict of interest. Reprimand, $1,000.00 fine One (1) year suspension, two
and two (2) years probation, (2) years probation and
(paragraphs 61G15-19.001(6)(f), (p), F.A.C.) to Revocation and $5,000.00 fine to Revocation.
$5,000.00 fine.

i. Renewing or reactivating a license without Reprimand, $1,000.00 fine, One (1) year suspension and
completion of continuing education hours. to suspension until licensee $1,000.00 fine to Revocation.
demonstrates compliance.
(paragraph 61G15-19.001(6)(s), F.A.C.)

(h) Violating any provision of Chapter 455, F.S. Depending on the severity Depending on the severity of
of the violation, Reprimand the violation, One (1) year
(Sections 471.033(1)(h) and 455.227(1)(q), F.S.) and $1,000.00 fine per suspension, two (2) years
count, to $5,000.00 fine and probation and $5,000.00 fine
revocation. to Revocation.

(i) Practicing on a revoked, suspended, inactive or

delinquent license.

(Sections 471.033(1)(i) and 471.031(1)(e), F.S.)

1. Delinquent license. Fine based on length of time

in practice while inactive;
$100.00/month or $1,000.00
maximum, renewal of
license or cease practice.

2. Inactive license. Fine based on length of time

in practice while inactive;
$100.00/month or $1,000.00
maximum, renewal of
license or cease practice.

3. Suspended license. Revocation and $1,000.00

fine.

4. Revoked license. Referral to State Attorney. Referral to State Attorney.

(j) Affixing or permitting to be affixed his or her seal, Reprimand, one (1) year One (1) year suspension, two
name, or digital signature to any documents that were probation and $1,000.00 (2) years probation and
not prepared by him or her or under his or her fine, to $5,000.00 fine, one $5,000.00 fine to Revocation.
responsible supervision, direction or control. (1) year suspension and two
(2) years probation.
(Section 471.033(1)(j), F.S., and paragraphs 61G15-
19.001(6)(j), (q), F.A.C.)

(k) Violating any order of the board or department. Depending on the severity Depending on the severity of

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(Sections 471.033(1)(k), 455.227(1)(q), F.S., and of the violation, from the violation, Suspension until
paragraph 61G15-19.001(6)(o), F.A.C.) Suspension until compliant compliant with the order of
with the order of the Board the Board and $1,000.00 fine,
and $1,000.00 fine, to to Revocation and $5,000.00
Revocation and $5,000.00 fine.
fine.

(l) Aiding, assisting, procuring, employing unlicensed $1,000.00 fine and Reprimand and $5,000.00
practice or practice contrary to Chapter 455 or 471, probation for one (1) year, to fine to Revocation.
F.S. $5,000.00 fine and
suspension.
(Section 455.227(1)(j), F.S.)

(m) Failing to report in writing a conviction or plea of Reprimand to $5,000.00 Six (6) month suspension to
nolo contendere, a crime in any jurisdiction. fine. $5,000.00 fine and
Revocation.
(Section 455.227(1)(t), F.S.)

(3) The board shall be entitled to deviate from the above-mentioned guidelines upon a showing of
aggravating or mitigating circumstances by clear and convincing evidence presented to the board prior to
the imposition of a final penalty. The fact that an Administrative Law Judge of the Division of
Administrative Hearings may or may not have been aware of the below mentioned aggravating or
mitigating circumstances prior to a recommendation of penalty in a Recommended Order shall not
obviate the duty of the board to consider aggravating and mitigating circumstances brought to its attention
prior to the issuance of a Final Order.

(a) Aggravating circumstances; circumstances which may justify deviating from the above set forth
disciplinary guidelines and cause the enhancement of a penalty beyond the maximum level of discipline
in the guidelines shall include but not be limited to the following:

1. History of previous violations of the practice act and the rules promulgated thereto.

2. In the case of negligence; of the magnitude and scope of the project and the damage inflicted upon the
general public by the licensee’s misfeasance.

3. Evidence of violation of professional practice acts in other jurisdictions wherein the licensee has been
disciplined by the appropriate regulatory authority.

4. Violation of the provision of the practice act wherein a letter of guidance as provided in Section
455.225(3), F.S., has previously been issued to the licensee.

(b) Mitigating circumstances; circumstances which may justify deviating from the above set forth
disciplinary guidelines and cause the lessening of a penalty beyond the minimum level of discipline in the
guidelines shall include but not be limited to the following:

1. In cases of negligence, the minor nature of the project in question and lack of danger to the public
health, safety and welfare resulting from the licensee’s misfeasance.

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2. Lack of previous disciplinary history in this or any other jurisdiction wherein the licensee practices his
profession.

3. Restitution of any damages suffered by the licensee’s client.

4. The licensee’s professional standing among his peers including continuing education.

5. Steps taken by the licensee or his firm to insure the non-occurrence of similar violations in the future.

Rulemaking Authority 455.227, 455.2273, 471.008, 471.031, 471.033 FS. Law Implemented 455.227,
455.2273, 455.2277, 471.031, 471.033 FS. History–New 1-7-87, Formerly 21H-19.004, Amended 11-27-
94, 5-22-01, 11-15-01, 5-20-02, 11-21-06, 2-21-10, 9-5-16.

61G15-19.0051 Notice of Noncompliance.

(1) As an alternative to investigation and prosecution, when a complaint is received, FEMC shall provide
a licensee with a notice of noncompliance for an initial offense for the following violations:
(a) Failure to date documents when affixing signature and seal.
(b) Practice with an inactive or delinquent license less than one month.
(c) Firm practicing without a current certificate of authorization less than one month.
(d) Failing to report a criminal conviction or plea of nolo contendere, regardless of adjudication, pursuant
to Section 455.227(1)(t), F.S., if the licensee self reports after 30 days from the date of
conviction or plea but within one (1) year after the date of the conviction or plea.
(2) A second offense shall result in issuance of a citation pursuant to Rule 61G15-19.0071, F.A.C.
Rulemaking Authority 455.225 FS. Law Implemented 455.224 FS. History–New 4-2-00, Amended 5-5-10,
8-26-13.

61G15-19.006 Mediation.
Pursuant to Section 455.2235, F.S., the Board designates the following areas as appropriate for mediation
for a first offense:
(1) Practice with an improper seal. (See Rule 61G15-23.001, F.A.C.).
(2) Failure to date documents when affixing signature and seal.
Rulemaking Authority 455.2235 FS. Law Implemented 455.2235 FS. History–New 2-20-95, Amended 10-
20-96, 4-2-00.

61G15-19.0071 Citations.
(1) As used in this rule, “citation” means an instrument which meets the requirements set forth in Section
455.224, F.S., and which is served upon a licensee or certificateholder for the purpose of assessing a
penalty in an amount established by this rule.
(2) In lieu of the disciplinary procedures contained in Section 455.225, F.S., FEMC is hereby authorized
to dispose of any violation designated herein by issuing a citation to the subject within six months after
the filing of the complaint that is the basis for the citation. If a violation for which a citation may be
issued is discovered during the course of an investigation for an unrelated violation, the citation must be
issued within 6 months from the discovery of the violation and filing of the uniform complaint form by
the investigator.
(3) The following violations with accompanying fines may be disposed of by citation:
(a) An engineer who has practiced or offered to practice engineering through a corporation, partnership,
or fictitious name which has not been duly certified. The fine shall be $100 for each month or fraction
thereof of said activity, up to a maximum of $5,000. (See Sections 455.227(1)(j), 471.023, and
471.033(1)(a), F.S.)

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(b) Practice with an inactive or delinquent license more than one month or if a Notice of Noncompliance
has previously been issued for the same offense. The fine shall be $100 for each month or fraction
thereof. (See Section 471.033(1)(i), F.S.)
(c) Firm practicing without a current certificate of authorization more than one month or if a Notice of
Noncompliance has previously been issued for the same offense. The fine shall be $100 for each month or
fraction thereof. (See Section 471.023, F.S.)
(d) Failure to notify the Board of a change in the principal officer of the corporation or partner in a
partnership who is the qualifying professional engineer for said corporation or partnership within one
month of such change. The fine shall be $500. (See Section 471.023(4), F.S.)
(e) Unlicensed practice of engineering. The fine shall be up to $250 for each month depending on the
severity of the infraction practice, up to a maximum of $5,000.00. (See Section 455.228(3)(a), F.S.)
(4) If the subject does not dispute the matter in the citation in writing within 30 days after the citation is
served by personal service or within 30 days after receipt by certified mail, the citation shall become a
final order of the Board of Professional Engineers. The subject has 30 days from the date the citation
becomes a final order to pay the fine and costs. Failure to pay the fine and costs within the prescribed
time period constitutes a violation of Section 471.033(1)(k), F.S., which will result in further disciplinary
action. All fines and costs are to be made payable to “Florida Engineers Management Corporation –
Citation.”
(5) Prior to issuance of the citation, the investigator must confirm that the violation has been corrected or
is in the process of being corrected.
(6) Once the citation becomes a final order, the citation and complaint become a public record pursuant to
Chapter 119, F.S., unless otherwise exempt from the provisions of Chapter 119, F.S. The citation and
complaint may be considered as aggravating circumstances in future disciplinary actions pursuant to Rule
61G15-19.004, F.A.C.
(7) Subsequent violation(s) of the same rule or statute shall require the procedure of Section 455.225,
F.S., to be followed. In addition, should the offense for which a citation could be issued occur in
conjunction with violations not described herein, then the procedures of Section 455.255, F.S., shall
apply.
Rulemaking Authority 455.224, 455.225, 455.228(3)(a) FS. Law Implemented 455.224, 455.227,
455.228(3)(a), 471.023, 471.033 FS. History–New 4-2-00, Amended 9-26-05, 8-26-13.

61G15-19.008 Confidentiality of Investigations.

The following violations have been deemed to involve the potential for substantial physical or financial
harm to the public:
Negligence, as defined in subsection 61G15-19.001(4), F.A.C., or misconduct, as defined in subsection
61G15-19.001(6), F.A.C., involving threshold buildings as defined in Section 553.71(7), F.S.
Rulemaking Authority 471.038(7) FS. Law Implemented 471.038(7) FS. History–New 5-20-02, Amended
6-5-12.

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CHAPTER 61G15-30
RESPONSIBILITY RULES COMMON TO ALL ENGINEERS
61G15-30.001 Purpose
61G15-30.002 Definitions Common to All Engineer’s Responsibility Rules
61G15-30.003 Minimum Requirements for Engineering Documents
61G15-30.004 Engineering Document Submittal to Public Agencies (Repealed)
61G15-30.005 Request for and Review of Delegated Engineering Documents
61G15-30.006 Delegated Engineer’s Responsibility
61G15-30.007 Prime Professional’s Responsibility
61G15-30.008 Use of Computer Software and Hardware
61G15-30.009 Retention of Engineering Documents
61G15-30.010 Energy Conservation Compliance

61G15-30.001 Purpose.
The Board has adopted these responsibility rules pursuant to Section 471.033(2), F.S., to safeguard the
life, health, property and welfare of the public by promoting proper conduct in the practice of engineering
and due care and regard for acceptable engineering principles and standards. The Board considers that
professional engineers may avoid disciplinary actions by observing the procedures set forth herein.
Failure to comply with these rules may be considered as noncompliance with subsection 61G15-
19.001(4), F.A.C., unless the deviation or departure therefrom is justified by the specific circumstances of
the project in question. Furthermore, these rules are intended to apply as general guidelines where no
contractual relationship exists between the parties addressed herein. These rules are not intended to take
precedence over contractual relationships developed between the parties addressed herein, so long as
those contractual relationships do not violate Chapter 471, F.S., or the stated purpose of these
responsibility rules. These responsibility rules shall apply to every person holding a certificate of
registration as a professional engineer, every certified engineer intern, and every holder of a certificate of
authorization, as appropriate. A professional engineer’s practices, education, training, experience,
qualifications, technical competence, conduct, and responsibilities in connection with his authorized
engineering practice, services, and creative work are subject to regulation solely by the Board of
professional engineers, the courts, and local jurisdictions.
Rulemaking Authority 471.033(2), 471.008 FS. Law Implemented 471.033(1) FS. History–New 1-26-93,
Formerly 21H-30.001, Amended 11-13-08.

61G15-30.002 Definitions Common to All Engineer’s Responsibility Rules.

(1) Engineer of Record. A Florida professional engineer who is in responsible charge for the preparation,
signing, dating, sealing and issuing of any engineering document(s) for any engineering service or
creative work.
(2) Prime Professional. A Florida professional engineer or a duly qualified engineering corporation or
partnership, who is engaged by the client to provide any planning, design, coordination, arrangement and
permitting for the project and for construction observations in connection with any engineering project,
service or creative work. The prime professional engineer may also be an engineer of record on the same
project.
(3) Delegated Engineer. A Florida professional engineer who undertakes a specialty service and provides
services or creative work (delegated engineering document) regarding a portion of the engineering
project. The delegated engineer is the engineer of record for that portion of the engineering project. A
delegated engineer usually falls into one of the following categories:
(a) An independent consultant.
(b) An employee or officer of an entity supplying components to a fabricator or contractor, so long as the
engineer acts as an independent consultant or through a duly qualified engineering corporation.
(c) An employee or officer of a fabricator or contractor, so long as the engineer acts as an independent
consultant or through a duly qualified engineering corporation.

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(4) Engineering Documents. Engineering documents are designs, plans, specifications, drawings, prints,
reports, or similar instruments of service in connection with engineering services or creative work that
have been prepared and issued by the professional engineer or under his responsible supervision, direction
or control.
(5) Delegated Engineering Documents. Delegated engineering documents are those engineering
documents that are prepared by a delegated engineer.
(6) Public Record. An engineering document is “filed for public record” when said document is presented
with the engineer of record's knowledge and consent to any federal, state, county, district, authority,
municipal or other governmental agency in connection with the transaction of official business with said
agency.
(7) “Engineering Documents Prepared for Public Record” are those documents filed for public record
with the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) to determine compliance with Codes and Standards and to
be used for execution of the project. These documents are required to be signed and sealed.
(8) Shop Drawings: Drawings depicting installation means and methods, catalog information on standard
products, prepared by a contractor, manufacturers, or professional engineers for incorporation into the
project which are prepared based on engineering direction contained in Engineering Documents. Shop
drawings do not require the signature, date and seal of a professional engineer.
(9) Record Documents: Documents that are a compiled representation of the constructed project. If the
engineer is relying on information provided by others not under the direct supervision and control of the
engineer, then the engineer shall not be required to sign, date and seal these Documents. If relying on
information by others, as a minimum, the following shall be included on the Documents:
(a) Statement that the documents are a compiled representation of the constructed project.
(b) Listing of the sources and basis of information used in the preparation of the Documents.
(c) Statement that the Documents are believed to be correct to the best of the engineer’s knowledge, and
that the accuracy of the information cannot be guaranteed.
Rulemaking Authority 471.033(2), 471.008 FS. Law Implemented 471.033(1), 471.023, 471.025 FS.
History–New 1-26-93, Formerly 21H-30.002, Amended 11-13-08.

61G15-30.003 Minimum Requirements for Engineering Documents.

(1) Engineering Documents are prepared in the course of performing engineering services. When
prepared for inclusion with an application for a general building permit, the Documents shall meet all
Engineer’s Responsibility Rules, set forth in Chapters 61G15-31, 61G15-32, 61G15-33, and 61G15-34,
F.A.C., and be of sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature and extent of the work proposed and
show in detail that the proposed work will conform to all applicable standards, codes, laws, ordinances,
rules and regulations in effect at the time the Documents are sealed, signed and dated, as determined by
the AHJ. The Documents shall include:
(a) Information that provides material specifications required for the safe operation of the system that is a
result of engineering calculations, knowledge and experience.
(b) If the Engineering Documents are intended to comply with requirements of any edition of federal,
state, municipal, or county standards, codes, ordinances, laws, or rules, other than those currently in
effect, the Engineering Documents must clearly state the edition and effective dates the Documents are
intended to conform to.
(c) Information, as determined by the Engineer of Record, needed for the safe and efficient operation of
the system.
(d) List engineering design criteria; reference project specific studies, reports, and delegated Engineering
Documents.
(e) Identify clearly elements of the design that vary from the governing standards and depict/identify the
alternate method used to ensure compliance with the stated purpose of these Responsibility Rules.

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(2) Engineers shall legibly indicate their name and business address on Engineering Documents.
Engineering Documents which are issued for preliminary or conceptual use shall clearly note the intended
purpose of such Documents.
(3) When elements of the project are shown on an Engineering Document only for information or
clarification and the Engineer does not intend to accept responsibility for the elements, the engineer shall
clearly note on the Documents the extent of his responsibility.
(4) Engineering Documents shall be legible and clearly define and delineate the work in the project. They
must also comply with the requirements of Chapter 61G15-23, F.A.C., Seals.
(5) Engineers shall clearly note on any preliminary Engineering Documents that such Documents are not
in final form, but are being transmitted to the AHJ to receive agency reviews, comments and
interpretations. The Documents may subsequently be revised by the engineer to reflect resolution of
issues with the AHJ prior to final action by the AHJ. Changes, revisions and modifications to a project
may prompt additional Document submittal for AHJ approval action on the same project. Rulemaking
Authority 471.033(2), 471.008 FS. Law Implemented 471.033(1)(g), 471.025(3) FS. History–New 1-26-
93, Formerly 21H-30.003, Amended 11-13-08, 12-11-16.

61G15-30.004 Engineering Document Submittal to Public Agencies.

Rulemaking Authority 471.033(2), 471.008 FS. Law Implemented 471.033(1)(g), 471.025 FS. History–
New 1-26-93, Formerly 21H-30.004, Repealed 2-11-08.

61G15-30.005 Delegation of Engineering Documents: Obligations of the Engineer of Record.

(1) An engineer of record who delegates a portion of his responsibility to a delegated engineer is
obligated to communicate in writing his engineering requirements to the delegated engineer.
(2) An engineer of record who delegates a portion of his design responsibility to a delegated engineer
shall require submission of delegated engineering documents prepared by the delegated engineer and shall
review those documents for compliance with his written engineering requirements and to confirm the
following:
(a) That the delegated engineering documents have been prepared by an engineer.
(b) That the delegated engineering documents of the delegated engineer conform with the intent of the
engineer of record and meet the written criteria.
(c) That the effect of the delegated engineer’s work on the overall project generally conforms with the
intent of the engineer of record.
Rulemaking Authority 471.033(2), 471.008 FS. Law Implemented 471.033(1)(g) FS. History–New 1-26-
93, Formerly 21H-30.005.

61G15-30.006 Delegation of Engineering Documents: Obligations of the Delegated Engineer of

Record.
(1) It is the delegated engineer’s responsibility to review the Engineer of Record’s written engineering
requirements and authorization for the delegated engineering document to determine the appropriate
scope of engineering.
(2) The delegated engineering document shall comply with the written engineering requirements received
from the engineer of record. They shall include the project identification and the criteria used as a basis
for its preparation. If a delegated engineer determines there are details, features or unanticipated project
limits which conflict with the written engineering requirements provided by the engineer of record, the
delegated engineer shall timely contact the engineer of record for resolution of conflicts.
(3) The delegated engineer shall forward the delegated engineering document to the engineer of record for
review. All final delegated engineering documents require the impressed seal and signature of the
delegated engineer and include:
(a) Drawings introducing engineering input such as defining the configuration and structural capacity of
structural components and/or their assembly into structural systems.
(b) Calculations.

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(c) Computer printouts which are an acceptable substitute for manual calculations provided they are
accompanied by sufficient design assumptions and identified input and output information to permit their
proper evaluation. Such information shall bear the impressed seal and signature of the delegated engineer
as an indication that said engineer has accepted responsibility for the results.
Rulemaking Authority 471.033(2), 471.008 FS. Law Implemented 471.033(1)(g) FS. History–New 1-26-
93, Formerly 21H-30.006.

61G15-30.007 Prime Professional’s Responsibility.

It is the responsibility of the prime professional engineer, where one exists, to retain and coordinate the
services of such other professionals as needed to complete the services contracted for the project.
Rulemaking Authority 471.033(2), 471.008 FS. Law Implemented 471.033(1)(g) FS. History–New 1-26-
93, Formerly 21H-30.007, Amended 11-13-08.

61G15-30.008 Use of Computer Software and Hardware.

The engineer shall be responsible for the results generated by any computer software and hardware that he
or she uses in providing engineering services.
Rulemaking Authority 471.033(2), 471.008 FS. Law Implemented 471.033(1)(g) FS. History–New 1-26-
93, Formerly 21H-30.008.

61G15-30.009 Retention of Engineering Documents.

At least one copy of all documents displaying the licensee’s signature, seal, which is legible to the reader,
date and all related calculations shall be retained by the licensee or the licensee’s employer for a
minimum of three years from the date the documents were sealed. These documents shall be maintained
in hardcopy or electronic format.
Rulemaking Authority 471.008, 471.033(2) FS. Law Implemented 471.033(1)(g), (j) FS. History–New 5-
9-04, Amended 11-13-08, 8-26-13.

61G15-30.010 Energy Conservation Compliance.

The engineer who prepares the compliance calculations, and certifies the accuracy thereof, shall verify
that the building construction documents conform to compliance calculations. Data used in calculations
shall be under the signature, date and seal of the responsible design professionals. The Engineer of Record
for energy conservation compliance calculations shall retain the signed, dated and sealed data as provided
for in Rule 61G15-30.009, F.A.C., Retention of Engineering Documents.
Rulemaking Authority 471.008, 471.033(2) FS. Law Implemented 471.033(1)(g), (j) FS History–New 11-
13-08.

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CHAPTER 61G15-31
RESPONSIBILITY RULES OF PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS CONCERNING THE DESIGN
OF STRUCTURES
61G15-31.001 General Responsibility
61G15-31.002 Definitions
61G15-31.003 Design of Structures Utilizing Prefabricated Wood Trusses
61G15-31.004 Design of Cast-in-Place Post-Tensioned Concrete Structural Systems
61G15-31.005 Design of Structures Utilizing Precast and Prestressed Concrete Components
61G15-31.006 Design of Structural Systems Utilizing Open Web Steel Joists and Joist Girders
61G15-31.007 Design of Pre-Engineered Structures
61G15-31.008 Design of Foundations
61G15-31.009 Design of Structural Steel Systems

61G15-31.001 General Responsibility.

The Engineer of Record is responsible for all structural aspects of the design of the structure including the
design of all of the structure’s systems and components. As noted herein the engineer of record may
delegate responsibility for the design of a system or component part of the structure to a delegated
engineer. In either case the structural engineering documents shall address, as a minimum, the items noted
in the following subsections covering specific structural systems or components. The Engineer of
Record’s structural engineering documents shall identify delegated systems and components. Both the
Engineer of Record for the structure and the delegated engineer, if utilized, shall comply with the
requirements of the general responsibility rules, Chapter 61G15-30, F.A.C., and with the requirements of
the more specific structural responsibility rules contained herein. The Engineer of Record for the
Structural System(s) shall provide design requirements in writing to the delegated engineer if one is used
and shall review the design documents of the delegated engineer for conformance with his written
instructions in accordance with Rule 61G15-30.005, F.A.C. When information collected from the
engineer or the engineer’s authorized representative from a site visit is part of the engineer’s deliverative
process, the engineer is responsible for the accuracy of such information.
Rulemaking Authority 471.033(2), 471.008 FS. Law Implemented 471.033(1)(g) FS. History–New 1-26-
93, Formerly21H-31.001, Amended 9-28-10.

61G15-31.002 Definitions.
(1) Engineer of Record. The Florida licensed professional engineer who develops the overall structural
design and the structural design criteria for the structure, and is responsible for the preparation of the
structural engineering documents.
(2) Structural Component. An individual structural member or element designed to be part of the structure
or structural system. This definition of component should not be confused with any other published
definitions.
(3) Structure. The entity to be built.
(4) Structural System. A portion of a structure comprising an assembly of structural components which
carry and transmit loads.
(5) Structural Engineering Documents. The structural drawings, specifications and other documents
setting forth the overall design and requirements for the construction, alteration, repair, removal,
demolition, arrangement and/or use of the structure, prepared by and signed and sealed by the engineer of
record for the structure. Structural engineering documents shall identify the project and specify design
criteria both for the overall structure and for structural components and structural systems. The drawings
shall identify the nature, magnitude and location of all design loads to be imposed on the structure. The
structural engineering documents shall provide construction requirements to indicate the nature and
character of the work and to describe, detail, label and define the structure's components, systems,
materials, assemblies, and equipment.

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(6) Structural Submittals. Submittals required by the structural engineering documents which do not
require the seal of a professional engineer, such as:
(a) Drawings prepared solely to serve as a guide for fabrication and installation and requiring no
engineering input such as reinforcing steel shop drawings, and structural steel, steel joist and joist girder
erection drawings.
(b) Catalog information on standard products not fabricated for a specific project.
(7) Structural Delegated Engineering Documents. Documents prepared by a delegated engineer to whom
the engineer of record for the structure has delegated responsibility for the design of a structural
component or system.
(8) Specialty Engineer. A licensed professional engineer, who is not the structural engineer of record, who
provides engineering criteria or designs necessary for the structure to be completed. The specialty
engineer may be a delegated engineer.
Rulemaking Authority 471.033(2), 471.008 FS. Law Implemented 471.033(1)(g), (j) FS. History–New 1-
26-93, Formerly 21H-31.002, Amended 10-19-97, 9-28-10.

61G15-31.003 Design of Structures Utilizing Prefabricated Wood Trusses.

(1) When a Structural Engineer of Record and a Delegated Engineer exist as may be determined by
applicable Florida law, the apportionment of responsibilities between the Structural Engineer of Record
and a Delegated Engineer shall be as set forth in Chapter 2 of ANSI/TPI 1-1995, wherein the Structural
Engineer of Record is the Building Designer and the Delegated Engineer is the Truss Designer as those
terms are defined in said standard.
(2) The Structural Engineer of Record shall provide design requirements in writing to the Delegated
Engineer and shall review the design documents of the delegated engineer for conformance to his written
instructions in accordance with Rule 61G15-30.005, F.A.C.
(3) For the purposes of this rule, the following definitions shall apply:
(a) “Truss System” shall mean an assemblage of trusses and truss girders, together with all bracing,
connections, and other structural elements and all spacing and locational criteria, that, in combination,
function to support the dead, live and wind loads applicable to the roof of a structure with respect to a
Truss System for the roof, and the floor of a structure with respect to a Truss System for the floor. A
Truss System does not include walls, foundations, or any other structural support systems.
(b) “Truss System Engineer” shall mean an engineer who designs a Truss System.
(c) “Truss Design Engineer” shall mean an engineer who designs individual trusses, but does not design a
Truss System.
(4) An engineer is a Truss System Engineer if he designs a Truss System. Each of the drawings in the
Truss System design package for the Truss System shall include a title block bearing the printed name,
address, and license number of the Truss System Engineer and the date of the drawing. The design
documentation prepared by the Truss System Engineer shall also include a truss placement plan for the
Truss System, showing the location and designation of each truss. Said design documentation for the
Truss System shall be signed and sealed by the Truss System Engineer. The cover or index sheet of the
Truss System design package may be signed and sealed in lieu of signing and sealing each individual
sheet, provided that the cover or index sheet contains the following information:
(a) The name, address and license number of the Structural Engineer of Record, if there is one, and the
name, address and license number of the Truss System Engineer.
(b) Identification of the project, by address or by lot number, block number, section or subdivision and
city or county.
(c) Identification of the applicable building code and chapter(s) that the Truss System design is intended
to meet, the engineering design criteria relied upon in designing the Truss System and the truss design
loading.
(d) Identification of any computer program used for engineering the Truss System.

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(e) An index of the attached Truss System design drawings. The naming and numbering system utilized
for the drawings shall be clear as to how many drawings there are in the set and the date and sequence
number of each of these drawings shall be included.
(5) An engineer is a Truss Design Engineer if he designs individual trusses, but does not design the Truss
System. Each of the drawings in the truss design package for individual trusses shall include a title block
bearing the printed name, address, and license number of the Truss Design Engineer and the date of the
drawing. The Truss Design documents prepared by the Truss Design Engineer shall be signed and sealed
by the Truss Design Engineer. The cover or index sheet of the truss design package may be signed and
sealed in lieu of signing and sealing each individual sheet, provided that the cover or index sheet contains
the following information:
(a) The name, address and license number of the Structural Engineer of Record, if there is one, and the
name, address, and license number of the Truss Design Engineer.
(b) Identification of the project, by address or by lot number, block number, section or subdivision and
city or county.
(c) Identification of the applicable building code and chapter(s) that the truss design is intended to meet,
the engineering design criteria relied upon in designing the trusses and the truss design loading.
(d) Identification of any computer program used for engineering the trusses.
(e) An index of the attached truss design drawings. The naming and numbering system utilized for the
drawings shall be clear as to how many drawings there are in the set and the date and sequence number of
each of these drawings.
Rulemaking Authority 471.008, 471.033(2) FS. Law Implemented 471.033(1)(g) FS. History–New 1-26-
93, Formerly 21H-31.003, Amended 6-16-99, 3-21-01, 4-30-03.

61G15-31.004 Design of Cast-in-Place Post-Tensioned Concrete Structural Systems.

(1) Structural engineering documents shall show the complete structural configuration and loading
requirements of the post-tensioned system including: member sizes, type of post-tensioning system,
location of all prestressing tendons (in plans and elevation), magnitude of all prestressing forces, and all
design assumptions. Structural engineering documents shall also show all required non post-tensioned
reinforcing steel including size, spacing, and lengths required for the post-tensioned system.
(2) If the engineer of record (EOR) elects to delegate the responsibility for preparation of calculations and
installation drawings to a delegated engineer for the post-tensioning system, the EOR shall require the
submission of installation drawings for review Calculations shall also be submitted by the delegated
engineer which show sufficient information to document that the number and size of tendons provided are
adequate to carry all loads shown on the structural engineering documents. The member dimensions and
tendon directions shall match those on the structural engineering documents, unless otherwise agreed to
with the EOR, via modified structural engineering documents. Installation drawings shall include the
following as a minimum: identification of all the structural elements designed by the delegated engineer,
all details of post-tensioned and non post-tensioned materials to be used including necessary accessories,
and instructions for construction. If the delegated engineer utilizes or requires any additional reinforcing
to maintain the member sizes shown on the structural engineering documents, the delegated engineer shall
inform the EOR. If any moments, shears or axial loads are required for the lateral force resisting system
the EOR shall provide them to the delegated engineer for inclusion in the preparation of the delegated
engineering documents. All forces imposed on the load supporting members from the post-tensioned
system shall be reported to the EOR. The installation drawings and calculations shall bear the seal, date,
and signature of the delegated engineer who prepared them and shall be reviewed by the EOR for the
structure.
(3) It is the responsibility of the EOR for the structure to review the post-tensioning system installation
drawings together with the shop drawings of all required reinforcing steel needed for a complete
structural design.

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(4) The effect of post-tensioning on other parts of the structure is the responsibility of the EOR
Rulemaking Authority 471.033(2), 471.008 FS. Law Implemented 471.033(1)(g), (j) FS. History–New 1-
26-93, Formerly 21H-31.004, Amended 9-28-10, 2-28-16.

61G15-31.005 Design of Structures Utilizing Precast and Prestressed Concrete Components.

(1) Structural engineering documents shall indicate the configuration of precast and prestressed
components and shall include details of supports, anchors and connections for those components.
(2) If the engineer of record elects to delegate responsibility for the design of precast or prestressed
concrete components, or structural systems utilizing those components, to a delegated engineer, the
engineer of record shall require structural delegated engineering documents for review. Structural
delegated engineering documents shall bear the impressed seal, date, and signature of the delegated
engineer and shall be reviewed by the Engineer of Record as an indication that the intent has been
understood and that the specified criteria have been used.
(3) Structural delegated engineering documents shall include component details, calculations, and
fabrications and erection drawings. All such submittals shall identify the specific project. The effect of
precast and prestressed concrete members on other parts of the building is the responsibility of the
engineer of record.
Rulemaking Authority 471.033(2), 471.008 FS. Law Implemented 471.033(1)(g) FS. History–New 1-26-
93, Formerly 21H-31.005, Amended 9-28-10.

61G15-31.006 Design of Structural Systems Utilizing Open Web Steel Joists and Joist Girders.
(1) The Engineer of Record shall indicate on the Structural Engineering Documents the steel joist and
joist girder designations as required in Section 2207 of the Florida Building Code, Building, 5th Edition
(2014), which is herein incorporated by reference, and shall indicate the appropriate standards for joist
and joist girder design, layout, end supports, anchorage, bridging requirements, etc., including
connections to walls. These documents shall indicate special requirements for concentrated loads, non-
uniform loads, openings, extended ends, and resistance to uplift loads. At the time of adoption, the
copyrighted incorporated material will be available for public inspection and examination, but may not be
copied, at the Department of State, Administrative Code and Register Section, Room 701, The Capitol,
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0250, and at the Office of Codes and Standards, 1940 North Monroe Street,
Room 90, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0772.
(2) The Engineer of Record is responsible for reviewing the steel joist and joist girder manufacturer’s
designs, as required in subsection (1), above, per the Engineer of Record’s specified joist and joist girder
designations and/or special loading diagrams, as set forth in Structural Engineering Documents. The
Engineer of Record may require the submission of the steel joist and joist girder design calculations as an
indication of compliance. When required to submit the steel joist and joist girder calculations, the
Engineer of Record shall require the steel joist and joist girder manufacturer to submit a cover letter along
with the steel joist and joist girder design calculations. The cover letter shall bear the seal and signature of
a Florida registered professional engineer responsible for design of the steel joist and joist girders.
Rulemaking Authority 471.033(2), 471.008 FS. Law Implemented 471.033(1)(g), (j) FS. History–New 1-
26-93, Formerly 21H-31.006, Amended 10-19-97, 1-4-16.

61G15-31.007 Design of Metal Building Systems.

(1) A metal building system is defined as an integrated set of components and assemblies that are
specifically designed to form a complete structural system. This typically includes primary framing
comprised of constant depth or web-tapered structural steel frames, secondary members that are cold-
formed steel or steel joists, a metal panel roof system and exterior wall cladding. These components and
assemblies are manufactured in a manner that permits plant and/or field inspection prior to assembly or
erection.
(2) Structural engineering documents prepared by the engineer of record shall reflect the design criteria
for the metal building system as required in subsection 61G15-31.002(5), F.A.C. They shall indicate all

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openings, concentrated loads and other special requirements. Foundation conditions assumed in the
design shall be indicated as well as the location and magnitude of building reactions on that foundation
under all design conditions.
(3) The engineer of record may delegate responsibility of the design of the metal building system to a
delegated engineer requiring submittal of structural delegated engineering documents.
(4) Structural delegated engineering documents shall identify the project and list loading and other design
criteria. Structural delegated engineering documents shall include erection drawings which indicate in
detail the construction of the structure used for the specific project. The structural delegated engineering
documents shall indicate all connection details, openings and other special details. They shall show the
magnitude and location of building reactions on the foundation under all design conditions. Calculations
shall be provided, if requested by the engineer of record, to prove the design is in compliance with the
written engineering requirements for the specific project. Structural delegated engineering documents
shall bear the signature, date, and impressed seal of the Florida licensed delegated engineer.
Rulemaking Authority 471.033(2), 471.008 FS. Law Implemented 471.033(1)(g) FS. History–New 1-26-
93, Formerly 21H-31.007, Amended 9-28-10.

61G15-31.008 Design of Foundations.

(1) The structural engineering documents shall designate the foundation capacity used as the basis of
design and shall include data indicating the nature of the foundation and sub-grade material.
(2) Site and sub-grade preparation requirements, necessary to provide the foundation capacity, shall be
specified in the structural engineering document(s).
(3) The foundation capacity and site preparation requirements shall be determined on the basis of
scientific analysis utilizing investigations, tests or studies conducted for or provided by the engineer of
record for the structure or by a licensed professional engineer, in accordance with code procedures.
(4) The engineer of record is responsible for the design of foundation components and shall take into
account anticipated loads and load paths along with the evaluation of any existing structural conditions.
(5) The engineer of record may delegate the design of certain components of the foundation, such as piles
and retaining walls, to a delegated engineer. Structural delegated engineering documents for these
components, signed, sealed and dated by the delegated licensed professional engineer, shall be submitted
to the engineer of record.
Rulemaking Authority 471.033(2), 471.008 FS. Law Implemented 471.033(1)(g) FS. History–New 1-26-
93, Formerly 21H-31.008, Amended 9-28-10.

61G15-31.009 Design of Structural Steel Systems.

(1) The engineer of record is responsible for all aspects of the structure’s design including the design of
components and connections.
(2) The engineer of record may detail all structural connections on the structural engineering documents
and require fabrication and erection in accordance with these details.
(3) Alternately, the engineer of record may specify criteria for the design of the structural connections and
identify the nature, magnitude, and location of all design loads to be supported by the connections in the
structural engineering documents. The engineer of record may then delegate design responsibility for the
selection or modification of the structural connections to a delegated engineer and require delegated
engineering documents, which the engineer of record may require to be signed, sealed and dated by the
delegated licensed professional engineer.
(4) The structural engineering documents may assign to the fabricator responsibility for implementing the
design as specified and for maintaining fabrication and erection tolerances and for ensuring the fit and
erectability of the structure.
(5) The fabricator shall forward fabrication and erection drawings for review by the engineer of record.
Rulemaking Authority 471.033(2), 471.008 FS. Law Implemented 471.033(1)(g) FS. History–New 1-26-
93, Formerly 21H-31.009, Amended 9-28-10.

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Part III
Course Exam

Chapter 16, Building Structural Design

1. Information related to wind loads shall be shown on the construction documents as follows:
a. Ultimate design wind speed
b. Risk category of structure
c. Applicable exposure category classification
d. All of the above

2. A risk category assigned to a building or structure is based on:

a. The net floor area of a building
b. The nature of the occupancy of the building
c. The total building occupant load
d. Surrounding topographic features

3. Anchorage of a building is required to resist

a. Uplift
b. Sliding forces
c. Wind Loads
d. Both A and B

4. Whenever there is reason to question the safety of the construction of a building for the intended
occupancy, an engineering analysis or load test, or both, may be required by:
a. The lender
b. The client
c. The permitting agency or agencies
d. The building official

5. Buildings and other structures that are intended to remain operational in the event of extreme
environmental loading from flood, wind, snow or earthquakes are known as:
a. Risk category III structures
b. Essential facilities
c. Buildings that represent a substantial hazard to human life in the event of failure
d. Designated emergency shelters

6. The load combinations to be investigated when designing a building or structure:

a. Depend on the design method being utilized
b. Are based on the nature of the occupancy
c. Are at the discretion of the designer
d. Are mandated by the building official

7. In the absence of definitive information, values for dead loads shall be:
a. The value published by the manufacturer of the material
b. Approved by the building official
c. Taken from ASCE 7
d. Taken from the Civil Engineers Handbook

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8. The uniform live loads used to design buildings and other structures shall be:
a. Those shown in table 1607.1
b. Determined by the design professional
c. The maximum loads expected by the intended use or occupancy
d. Approved by the building official

9. Provisions for partition weight shall be made whether or not partitions are shown on the construction
documents:
a. Unless the specified live load exceeds 80 PSF
b. Unless the specified concentrated load exceeds 2000 lbs.
c. Provided partition weights do not exceed 15 PSF
d. Unless partitions are fixed in place and not subject to change.

10. Offices in office buildings shall be designed for a minimum uniform distributed live load of ___ PSF:
a. 80
b. 100
c. 40
d. 50

11. Handrails and guards shall be designed to resist:

a. A minimum load of 20 lbs / ft.
b. A linear load of 50 lbs. / ft.
c. A concentrated load of 200 lbs.
d. Both B and C

12. The code permits uniform live loads to be reduced subject to certain limitation described in the code.
Which of the following statements are correct?
a. The methodology for both floor and roof loading reductions is similar
b. The methodology for floor and roof loading reduction differs and each is described in the code
c. Live loads may be reduced in passenger vehicle garages
d. Heavy live loads may be reduced.

13. The Miami-Dade County, Risk I, 3-second gust wind velocity used in structural calculations shall be:
a. 165 mph (1620.2)
b. 175 mph
c. 186 mph
d. Mandated by the building official

14. Wind loads on every building or structure shall be based on wind speeds:
a. Prevalent in the geographical area of the state in which the building or structure is located
b. Determined by the risk category of the building or structure
c. After considering the exposure category
d. All of the above

15. Glazed openings in buildings or structures located in wind borne debris regions shall be:
a. Located more than 30 feet above grade
b. Protected
c. Are not permitted
d. Are permitted in partially enclosed structures

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16. For a structure to be designed in Ft. Pierce, FL an ultimate design wind speed of 150 MPH is selected
from Figure 1609.3. The nominal design wind speed is:
a. 150 MPH
b. 124 MPH
c. 116 MPH
d. 108 MPH

17. The ultimate design wind speed for a risk category III building located in central Orange County, FL.
is:
a. 140 MPH
b. 145 MPH
c. 150 MPH
d. 130 MPH

18. Exposure categories are determined based on:

a. The characteristics of ground surface irregularities for the site at which the building or structure is
situated.
b. The risk category of the building or structure
c. The intensity of the wind speed
d. The wind direction being considered

19. Which of the following conditions must be met in order to utilize the alternate all-heights methods to
determine wind effects?
a. The building is less than or equal to 75 feet in height with a height-to-least-width ratio of 4 or less
b. The building shall meet the requirements of a simple diaphragm building
c. The building is an open building
d. Both A and B above

20. The net positive internal pressure coefficient for MWFRS of the windward wall of an enclosed
building is:
a. 0.43
b. 0.73
c. 1.28
d. 0.11

21. When using the alternative all-heights method, design wind forces for the MWFRS shall not be less
than ___ multiplied by the area of a structure projected on a plane normal to the assumed wind
direction.
a. 8 PSF
b. 16 PSF
c. There is no minimum
d. The value determined by the formula Pnet=0.00256V2 KZ Cnet Kzt

22. Foundation walls and retaining walls shall be designed to resist

a. The vertical loads from the superstructure
b. Lateral soil loads
c. Surcharge loads
d. B and C

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23. A foundation wall extending 6 feet below grade and laterally supported at the top is situated in an area
of well graded clean sand. If the exception is not considered, it should be designed to resist lateral soil
load of:
a. 60 PSF per foot of depth
b. 45 PSF per foot of depth
c. 30 PSF per foot of depth
d. 180 pounds per LF of wall

24. Each portion of a roof shall be designed to sustain the load of rainwater that will accumulate on it:
a. From a 100 year hourly rain event
b. If the primary drainage system for that portion is blocked
c. From the uniform load caused by water that rises above the inlet of the secondary drainage
system at its design flow
d. B plus C

25. The 100-year, 1-hour rainfall for Orange County, Florida is”
a. A rate determined from approved local weather data
b. Obtained by contacting the National Weather Service
c. Obtained by contacting the water management district
d. Approximately 4.5 inches

26. Who is responsible for establishing flood hazard areas?

a. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
b. Water Management Districts
c. Applicable governing authority
d. Licensed design professionals

27. Where design flood elevations are not included in the flood hazard area shown on the flood hazard
map, the applicant may be required to:
a. Design the building or structure to be anchored to resist flotation, collapse, or lateral movement
due to the effects of flood loads.
b. Obtain and utilize any design flood elevation and floodway data available from a federal, state or
local source.
c. Determine the design flood elevation and / or the floodway in accordance with accepted
hydrologic and hydraulic engineering practices used to define flood hazard areas.
d. Either B or C

28. Documentation required for construction in flood hazard areas other than coastal high hazard areas
includes:
a. The elevation of the lowest floor, including basement
b. A statement that the design will provide equalization of hydrostatic flood forces
c. A statement that the breakaway wall is designed in accordance with ASCE 24
d. A and B

29. In High Velocity Hurricane Zones computations for overturning moment and uplift shall be based on:
a. Florida Building Commission
b. ASCE 7 – (1621.1)
c. Florida Building Code
d. International Building Code

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30. Fences not exceeding 6 feet in height from grade may be designed for:
a. 75 mph fastest mile wind speed or 115 mph 3-second gust (1616.2.1)
b. 100 mph 3-second gust
c. Based on site soil properties
d. Not applicable to Florida Building Code

31. The allowable deflection of floor members when subjected to live, wind and other superimposed load
shall not exceed:
a. L/360 (1616.3.1)
b. L/240
c. L/80
d. L/180

32. Bearing wall structures shall have ___ ties in all load bearing walls.
a. Longitudinal
b. Transverse
c. Vertical
d. Perimeter

33. Ties around the perimeter of each floor and roof shall be located within ______feet of the edge.
a. 0.5
b. 1.0
c. 2.0
d. 4.0

34. In high velocity hurricane zones, floor and roof systems shall be designed and constructed to transfer
horizontal forces to such parts of the structural frame as are designed to carry the forces to:
a. The foundation
b. The bearing walls
c. The building columns
d. The building frame

35. The sway force applied to seats in stadiums, grandstands, bleachers, and reviewing stands shall be not
less than ____ lbs/l.f.
a. 12
b. 24
c. 36
d. Mandated by the building official

36. For a Risk Category II building located in Miami-Dade County the wind velocity to be used in
structural calculations is ___ MPH
a. 165 MPH
b. 170 MPH
c. 175 MPH
d. 186 MPH

37. Building Structures and parts thereof shall be designed in accordance with:
a. Strength design
b. Load and resistance factor design
c. Allowable stress design

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d. Any of the above methods

38. The maximum weight of the vehicles allowed into or on a garage or other structure shall be:
a. Determined by the design professional
b. Posted by the owner
c. Established by the building official
d. None of the above

39. Wind loads on every building or structure shall be determined in accordance with chapters 26-30 of
ASCE 7 or provisions of the alternate all-heights method in Section 1609.6 of the Florida Building
Code. There are ___ exceptions to this requirement:
a. 5
b. 6
c. 7
d. 8

40. The adjustment coefficient for a nominal garage door situated in exposure C and having a mean roof
height of 30 feet is ___.
a. 1.35
b. 1.66
c. 1.40
d. 1.49

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