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Structural loads in Florida
2

Structural loads in Florida

Structural loads in Florida

(OP)
Hi all

I have a question regarding the loads in Florida. This relates to a project that currently is in very early stagas.

First, what level of wind load applies? My quess is a hurricane load of approx 100-120 mph but what pressure does that result in.

Also, seismic loads. As I understand UBC there was no seismic loads in Florida but is that still valid?

Finally, I guess that IBC is the current code but is there any specific additions for Florida?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thomas

RE: Structural loads in Florida

2
Check out www.floridabuilding.org. You can view the entire Florida Building Code on line.
Wind speeds for Category II buildings vary from 120 mph to 180 mph depending upon where in the state your building is located.
Officially the Florida code is tied to IBC 09, however they put through some state amendments in the last go-around that implemented ASCE7-10 wind loadings which effectively makes Chapter 16 (Structural Design) an equivalent of IBC 12. Note that there are special provisions for Broward and Miami-Dade counties that are more severe.
As of the current edition, there is no requirement to design for snow load or seismic load.

RE: Structural loads in Florida

(OP)
Thank you, that was really helpful.

Thomas

RE: Structural loads in Florida

Rather than try to interpolate the maps, try http://windspeed.atcouncil.org/ for wind loads at an address.
There's a lot of extra details, especially in the High Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ), as ajh1 says.
Another little surprise is they are very rigorous about the Energy Chapter. There's a special proprietory energy program that they require on every building. It's not a structural issue, excpt there's a lot of questions on doors, windows and insulation that need to be answered.
In the larger counties and towns, the plan reviewers are very smart. Expect them to challenge your design. Make sure you have budget for this phase. In Miami, Plan Review is extremely tough, with multiple layers of experts, all dissecting the project.

RE: Structural loads in Florida

Agree with the above...also, check each county as they often have wind maps that apply specifically to that county. It helps you with a more exacting determination of wind loads for your project.

RE: Structural loads in Florida

At one point Florida had a county by county set of maps that identified the wind contours right down to the street level for the boundary. At my last check the maps were still consistent with the older code, i.e., ASCE 7-05 wind speeds rather than ASCE 7-10 wind speeds, so aren't as helpful at the moment. Historically the state has not permitted interpolation between wind contours, once you go across one you instantly jump 10 mph. From the draft for their new code due out mid-year it appears they will begin to accept interpolation. We'll have to wait until we see the published version to be sure.

RE: Structural loads in Florida

ajh1...you are correct about the county maps...older code versions. I still use them because of the forensic work I do. They are useful for remediations/renovations/additions, but as you noted, not so much for new stuff.

The Florida Building Code still needs a bit of work!

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