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
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
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
Thomas
RE: Structural loads in Florida
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
RE: Structural loads in Florida
RE: Structural loads in Florida
The Florida Building Code still needs a bit of work!