Be sure to visit this year’s Parade of Homes on April 15-16 & 21-22. FDS engineered two of the homes presented by Phil Kean Designs. We have also worked on other projects for many of the builders featured in the parade. For more information on the Parade of Homes, follow the link: www.paradeofhomesorlando.com
As you know the new code will be in effect starting March 15, 2012 and below is a quick break down of the revisions FDS will be required to make to all plans to satisfy the new version of the code from a structural stand point. Please note that with this new code change that different County Building Departments might have their own interpretation of the code and require additional or different info on the plans. FDS will work with each client to satisfy all requirements as required.
Structural Break Down:
1. Update Structural Cover Sheet
a. Indicate all the latest codes and reference material
b. Update min loads
c. Update min design criteria
2. Updated ASCE7-10 with new wind speed maps require updates to the Pressure charts and general notes
3. Per the new NDS 2012 SYP will have a reduction in bending values (effective June 1st but since we are going thru the plans now for code updates we will update the plans for this as well) , which will require further review of all 2×4 SYP bearing walls and stud packs. At this time only 2×4 values have been revised, but other SYP sizes will be reviewed later on in the year. Additional review along with coordination will be required to select the best option for each client due to the load conditions moving forward, these options are:
Bearing Walls: SYP #1, SPF studs at 8” o.c., LSL studs
Stud Packs: SYP #1, Parallam or SYP Posts
We have also contacted Simpson and USP to see if any connector values would be affected by this revision, and per our conversations with them no such reduction is required. We would like your input from a cost stand point which lumber
4. Gas appliance project revision – raised pedestal
5. Details will be updated based upon new notes and requirements
6. All wood decks are to be connected using screws or bolts, nails are not allowed
Code Revisions Building Designer to verify:
1. Min tread depths have been increased, thus all stairs are to be reviewed along with landings
2. Min handrail heights have been increased
3. Spiral stairway requirements have been revised
4. Revision of Habitable attics and requirements along with story heights
5. Attic access definitions
http://realestate.yahoo.com/promo/whats-hot-and-not-in-home-styles-this-year.html
FDS Engineering Associates would like to welcome Mark Thomas to our engineering management staff. Mark brings with him 25 years of structural consulting experience. He has a strong background in commercial project development including experience in Mid–Rise Concrete Flat Plate, Structural Pre-cast Concrete, Concrete Pan-Joist, Tilt-up Concrete, Hollow Core, AAC Pre-cast Panels, Concrete Masonry Units, Metal Building, Steel, Composite Steel, Heavy Timber, and Wood.
Mark has background in many project types such as; Church, Community Colleges, Convention Centers, Correctional Facilities, Healthcare, Hospitality/Hotel/Condo, Industrial, Manufacturing, Medical Office Buildings, Office Buildings, Parking Garage, Private Schools, Public Schools, Public/Municipal Facilities, Recreational, University Expansions, Air Traffic Control Towers and Custom Residential.
Flagship projects include; *Omni Champion Gate Tower and Convention Center, Capital Plaza Tower, University of Central Florida Engineering and Business Administration Buildings, Spring Lake Towers, Heathrow Office Buildings Complex, Valencia Community College, Indian River Community College, Orange Lake Resort Towers, Allen University dormitory, Las Vegas Police Department, and Embassy Suites, Home2, Holiday Inn Express flags.
Throughout Mark’s career he has provided innovative solutions to structural engineered projects with organized project design management and the constant development of various CAD design techniques. He sets the standards that will provide our clients quality control, efficiency and attention-to-detail. Welcome Aboard Mark!
*Previous projects experience not with FDS.
The Meat House has just opened for business in Winter Park, FL. Bringing back the art of the Butcher, The Meat House sells fine meats, poultry, seafood, and an assortment of other specialty items. The design of the store was done by Craig Kosuta and Associates of Winter Park, and engineered by FDS Engineering Associates. For more information on The Meat House, click here.
The FDS Newsletter November edition has just been released. This month’s feature is about doing simple home checks using the biannual Daylight Savings Time changes as reminders. To view click here or scan the QR code below with your smartphone.
The FDS Newsletter for October has just been released. The feature article is A Home for A Hero about the great work being done by those in our community for a wounded Army veteran. To read the article click here or scan the QR code below.
The FDS Newsletter September edition has just been released. This month’s focus is on building maintenance. To view click here or scan the QR code below with your smartphone.
Next month’s newsletter will feature an article on the FBC 2010 Wind Code Changes.
Full Article as featured on the September FDS Newsletter
By Carl Brown, P.E.
Much has been said about what each of us can do to protect our Residential and Commercial property. One thing that many people overlook or often times delay repairing are regular building maintenance issues. Here are two items that are well worth taking the time to check up on.
Roof drains: A simple check of your commercial roof drains and gutter systems could mean the difference between spending a couple hundred dollars to do a fix early, or a few thousand to repair a building after a roof collapse.
Wall and Floor Cracks: This is one issue FDS has seen on many site visits. Often it is someone looking to purchase a home and wants to know if there is potential for future damage caused by water seeping through these ugly cracks. Regular checks of your exterior wall system is a smart idea for a home owner and home seller.
FDS recommends that you thoroughly inspect your property on a semi annual basis. If you like we can provide structural inspections for these items to help put your mind at ease as to if there is a more important underlying structural concern. Contact us to find out more about our many structural design services.
FDS has just released our newsletter for August. This month’s edition showcased the recent Aurora Awards and the SEBC Conference. View our newsletter here Award Winning
Next Month will feature an article on The Importance of Regular Building Maintenance.
