Issue: DS2013 – 053 by Jared Cejka of Pella Windows & Doors.  The Petitioner requests clarification with regard to the appropriate approach for comparing the design pressure for his product to that of the building.

 QUESTION #1:  Since the window has a design pressure that has been tested and is based on allowable/nominal wind loads, and this product is being installed in a structure with pressures determined in accordance with ASCE/SEI 7-10 based on strength design loads; is the correct course of action to multiply the building’s strength design loads by 0.6 as indicated by 1609.1.5 to allow for appropriate design pressure comparison to the window’s design pressure?

 

QUESTION #2:  Is the intent of table R301.2(2) meant to be interpreted as listing strength based design pressures based on ultimate wind speeds, thus requiring a conversion using the 0.6 multiplier as indicated in sections R612.5 and R301.2.1.7 to allow for a proper comparison to the allowable pressures that the window has been tested to?

 

Background:

Situation #1:

Pella Corporation is a manufacturer of windows and doors, and distributes Florida Approved products through retail locations in the state of Florida.  The scenario in which the Declaratory Statement is sought involves a customer of one of Pella’s distributors.  The contractor has purchased a Florida Approved Single-Hung window; and as with all of Pella’s products, this window has a design pressure that has been tested to and is based on allowable/nominal design loads.  As indicated by ASCE/SEI 7-10, the testing requirements for fenestration products based on allowable stress design loads has not changed.  However, the calculations used to determine a home’s design pressures now results in pressures based on strength design loads; thus, a conversion must be made to the home’s pressures in order to properly compare the product to the structure.  According to Building Code Section 1609.1.5, this section states that since the product has been tested for wind load resistance based on allowable or nominal wind loads; the design loads for the structure that are determined in accordance with ASCE/SEI 7-10 and are based on strength design loads must by multiplied by a factor of 0.6 for appropriate product to structure comparison. 

2010 Florida Building Code, Building

Section 1609.1.5 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.

 

Situation #2:

The contractor has a Florida Approved Pella single-hung window that has a design pressure based on allowable stress design.  This window is being installed in a residential home opening that has a design pressure that has been determined in accordance with ASCE/SEI 7-10; the pressure is based on strength design loads.  Utilizing the table from the Residential Code Section R301.2.2 for this opening, and following the rows/columns for design wind speed, wall zone, and effective wind area; you are provided with a design pressure that is based on an ultimate design wind load. 

Florida Building Code, Residential

TABLE R301.2 (2) COMPONENT AND CLADDING LOADS FOR A BUILDING WITH A MEAN

 ROOF HEIGHT OF 30 FEET LOCATED IN EXPOSURE B (See attached)

R301.2.1.7 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 of the Florida Building Code, Building are permitted to be multiplied by 0.6 for the purposes of the wind load resistance testing.

R612.5 Performance.

Exterior windows and doors shall be designed to resist the design wind loads specified in Table R301.2 (2) adjusted for height and exposure per Table R301.2 (3). For testing required in Sections R612.6, R612.7, and R612.8, design pressures determined from Table R301.2(2) or ASCE 7 are permitted to be multiplied by 0.6.

Staff Recommendation:

QUESTION #1:  Since the window has a design pressure that has been tested and is based on allowable/nominal wind loads, and this product is being installed in a structure with pressures determined in accordance with ASCE/SEI 7-10 based on strength design loads; is the correct course of action to multiply the building’s strength design loads by 0.6 as indicated by 1609.1.5 to allow for appropriate design pressure comparison to the window’s design pressure?

 

Answer: “Yes”.  According to Section 1609.1.5 of the 2010 Florida Building Code, Building, design pressure determined using ASCE 7 – 10 is permitted to be multiplied by .6 for the purpose of comparing the design pressure for the product in question to that of the building.

 

QUESTION #2:  Is the intent of table R301.2(2) meant to be interpreted as listing strength based design pressures based on ultimate wind speeds, thus requiring a conversion using the 0.6 multiplier as indicated in sections R612.5 and R301.2.1.7 to allow for a proper comparison to the allowable pressures that the window has been tested to?

 

Answer: “Yes”.  According to both R301.2.1.7 and R612.5 of the 2010 Florida Building Code, Residential, the design pressure determined from Table R301.2(2) is permitted to be multiplied by .6 for the purpose of comparing the design pressure for the product in question to that of the building.