Calculating loads with removable panels
Vernon Leslie
The Building Officials Association of Florida (BOAF) issued an opinion regarding whether load calculations can be reduced if removable panels are employed. Essentially, they conclude that they cannot. The opinion was based upon the fact that §2002.4 of FBC doesn’t provide for a specific reduction. Loads are based upon projected area irregardless of the presence of screen. The interpretation is located at: http://www.boaf.net/pdf/I-List/5681.pdf .
Vern
(561) 249-4930 fax
Michael Sonsini
Removable panels are not for everyone, but if a particular customer wants a bonus protector then maybe removable panels is an answer. I hope this answers the controversy if there is one.
Are you still in this "God awful" business? I am surprised since business is at its worse position for success since the history of the industry's beginning in the 50's. I suppose there are other company's that are flourishing, but I doubt it. Screen Builders is holding its own in the competitive world, but it's not fun following the stupid unthought out pricing. Thank God we have a large supply of prepaid inventory at our disposal. After 21 years in business ownership, we finally made a good decision for stocking up with lots of inventory.
Not that anyone cares of my future business forecast, I predict we will have 3 years of sluggish slow or barely no business. There's no sign of a positive change since the government is promoting farmers growing energy crops and pushing the food cost to a point the average American can't afford their week's food inventory for basic living. It is a terrible national plan. It's going to kill our spirit for success at our dinner tables.
High ascending unaffordable oil cost is not feasible for the future of any country especially the USA.
There's a lot of unemployed craftsmen and educated people that are caught without a job or future. There are many worker's businesses affected with layoffs or even their past employer closing the business with no intention of reorganizing.
The strong will survive! I can't believe that cliche is here haunting all of us. Only two years ago we had so much business and most owners and workers with a full pocket book of $$$. It's over!
Good Luck!
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Vern
(561) 249-4930 fax
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Vernon Leslie
Mike,
The posting was not directed to any particular individual or company. I didn’t petition for the interpretation, but I absolutely concur with it. The 2006 revision of §2002.4 eliminated any potential for reducing analytical loads even if the structure is devoid of screen. Previously, the code provided that “the table pressure multiplied by the projected frontal area of the screen enclosure is the total drag force”. This afforded an allowance for removable panels. Consumers and contractors are suffering the consequences of this ill-conceived revision.
The Florida building code is inundated with allowances for alternative methods, e.g. manual shutters circumvent the requirement for hurricane resistant windows and doors, and removable windows accomplish the same for unoccupied areas while reducing loads. It is unreasonable to not offer a similar allowance for removable screen. Unequivocally, occupied spaces are more important that a screen enclosure.
Contractors are in for a surprise this October when all roof members will need to be able to support a 300lb load. This includes corner jacks and lateral bracing. The supposed rational for this load is to ensure that the members can support the weight of a worker. No one should be walking on these braces and it is another is a series senseless requirements.
This industry is in turmoil because of the massive failures of enclosures built after recent hurricanes. Consumers have justifiably lost faith in our products and we have done little to restore it. It is easy to cast aspersions at Jude, Randy, and Steve, but they have done more to improve standards than everyone else combined. Unfortunately, their work has been undermined by self-serving individuals that claim to be industry leaders and representatives. They have made it excessively easy to obtain substandard engineering. This is the weak link in our industry that continues to be exploited by unscrupulous contractors to the detriment of consumers and reputable contractors. It is also the prime source of the “stupid unthought out pricing” you referred to.
The days of halve as many for twice as much are gone. The next hurricane may be the final blow and inventories will be converted to scrap because there is no market for them.
Vern