Wood Balcony Analysis
Wood Balcony Analysis
(OP)
Hello,
I'm working on a project that involves the analysis of existing wood balconies. There were some flashing issues that lead to water entering the residences, so the balconies have to be removed, flashed, then re-installed. I'm a bit confused as to what the design loads should be. The balconies are for condominiums and they are single level balconies (no stairs). The American Forest and Paper Association has construction guide for residential wood decks and says that it references the 2009 International Residential Code, but the design loads used in the tables call for a 40psf live load compared to 60psf from ASCE 7-05.
I have no experience with the International Residential Code, nor do I have access to it. Does anybody have any experience or knowledge as to what the appropriate design loading is for residential wood balconies?
Thank you.
I'm working on a project that involves the analysis of existing wood balconies. There were some flashing issues that lead to water entering the residences, so the balconies have to be removed, flashed, then re-installed. I'm a bit confused as to what the design loads should be. The balconies are for condominiums and they are single level balconies (no stairs). The American Forest and Paper Association has construction guide for residential wood decks and says that it references the 2009 International Residential Code, but the design loads used in the tables call for a 40psf live load compared to 60psf from ASCE 7-05.
I have no experience with the International Residential Code, nor do I have access to it. Does anybody have any experience or knowledge as to what the appropriate design loading is for residential wood balconies?
Thank you.






RE: Wood Balcony Analysis
RE: Wood Balcony Analysis
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
RE: Wood Balcony Analysis
Thanks.
RE: Wood Balcony Analysis
http://publicecodes.cyberregs.com/icod/irc/2009/in...
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MAP
RE: Wood Balcony Analysis
You’re pretty short on the actual details here; deck size, framing direction, actual framing and details, the outer support system. Imagine the difference btwn. three stories of decks, all supported on the same two continuous posts to a found., vs. different length posts supporting each individual deck. You know this, we can’t see it from here. The flashing and counter flashing and ledger attachment details are every bit as important as the exact LL, and are also big contributors to deck problems and failures. So, meeting code and doing a really good design involves a lot more than just the live load.
RE: Wood Balcony Analysis
RE: Wood Balcony Analysis
Since the balconies are already built, I will be checking them with compliance with ASCE 7-05. Thus I will be using a 60psf live load rather than the 40psf noted in the AF&PA design guide. However, I will do a check to see if they also work for 100psf. Humans are unpredictable, so that seems like a pretty good idea.
RE: Wood Balcony Analysis
Garth Dreger PE - AZ Phoenix area
As EOR's we should take the responsibility to design our structures to support the components we allow in our design per that industry standards.
RE: Wood Balcony Analysis
RE: Wood Balcony Analysis
RE: Wood Balcony Analysis
"We shape our buildings, thereafter they shape us." -WSC
RE: Wood Balcony Analysis
1 Apartments (see residential)
5 Balconies (exterior) and decks - Same as occupancy served
12 Dwellings (see residential)
21 Hotels (see residential)
27 Residential
All other areas - 40 psf
Hotels and multifamily dwellings private rooms - 40 psf
Public rooms - 100 psf
Garth Dreger PE - AZ Phoenix area
As EOR's we should take the responsibility to design our structures to support the components we allow in our design per that industry standards.