Notice to Building Departments and Officials

HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

When the AAF Guide was initially published in 2003, it had not yet been implemented into the Florida Building Code.  It was then utilized as a “Master File” engineering document with “Letters of Authorization” and registered users placed upon a look-up list on this page.  The use of these letters was then a prerequisite for the use of the document.

However, since the publication is now a code approved prescriptive document, per Florida Building Code, Building, 2010, Sec 2002.4.1; FBCR, 2007, Sec 301.2.1.1.1, these letters are no longer issued, nor is it necessary for anyone to be registered with the AAF to use the guide. While the AAF still encourages users to register with us, the registered user list is maintained solely for the purpose of providing updated information to current guide users as a convenience. Neither Florida Law nor the building code nor the AAF requires users to be registered. The AAF Guide is no longer “Master File” engineering, but is a prescriptive document that has been adopted by the Florida Building Commission.

The AAF offers training in the use of the Guide but the training is not a prerequisite to use.

In accordance with the building code, there are no additional or supplemental requirements.  The AAF Guide does not fall under FS 489.113(9)b, but it does however fall under FS 489.113(9)c.

Provided the contractor is following the Guide without modification or deviation, failure to accept the AAF Guide is a violation of the code.

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APPLICABLE FLORIDA STATUTE

FS 489.113 (9) Qualifications for practice; restrictions.—

(c) Notwithstanding anything in this chapter or any other provision of law, a licensed engineer or architect is not required for the preparation or use of any design guide adopted by the Florida Building Commission as part of the building code pursuant to s. 553.73.

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CURRENTLY APPLICABLE FLORIDA BUILDING CODE PROVISIONS

2010 FBC {BUILDING} 2002.4.1

The following design guides shall be accepted as conforming to accepted engineering practices:

AAF Guide to Aluminum Construction in High Wind Areas.

2010 FBC {RESIDENTIAL} R301.2.1.1.1 Design –

The following design guide shall be accepted as conforming to accepted engineering practices: AAF Guide to Aluminum Construction in High-Wind Areas.

2010 FBC {BUILDING} 1622.1.2

Design shall be based on such loads applied horizontally inward and outward to the walls with a shape factor of 1.3 and applied vertically upward and downward on the roof with a shape factor of 0.7.

Exception: Screen enclosures shall be permitted to be designed in accordance with the AAF Guide to Aluminum Construction in High Wind Areas. Construction documents based on the AAF Guide to Aluminum Construction in High Wind Areas shall be prepared and signed and sealed by an Florida registered architect or engineer.

FBCB 1609.1.1 Determination of wind loads.

Wind loads on every building or structure shall be determined in accordance with Chapters 26 through 30 of ASCE 7 or the provisions of the alternate all heights method in Section 1609.6. Wind shall be assumed to come from any horizontal direction and wind pressures shall be assumed to act normal to the surface considered.

Exceptions:

1. Subject to the limitations of Section 1609.1.1.1, the provisions of ICC 600 shall be permitted for applicable Group R-2 and R-3 buildings.
2. Subject to the limitations of Section 1609.1.1.1, 1609.1.4, and 1609.3, provisions of ANSI/AF&PA WFCM, Wood Frame Construction Manual for One- and Two-Family Dwellings shall be permitted for applicable wood frame buildings of Group R-3 occupancy where Vasd, determined in accordance with Section 1609.3.1 is150 mph or less.
3. Subject to the limitations of Section 1609.1.1.1, residential structures using the provisions of AISI S230.
4. Designs using NAAMM FP 1001. Specification for Design Loads of Metal Flagpoles.
5. Designs using TIA-222 for antenna-supporting structures and antennas shall be permitted for communication tower and steel antenna support structures.
6. Wind tunnel tests in accordance with Chapter 31 of ASCE 7.
7. Designs using AASHTO LTS-4 Structural Specifications for Highway Signs, Luminaries, and Traffic Signals.
8. Wind loads for screened enclosures shall be determined in accordance with Section 2002.4.

FBCB 2002.4.1 The following design guides shall be accepted as conforming to accepted engineering practices:

AAF Guide to Aluminum Construction in High Wind Areas.

FBCR R301.2.1.1.1 Design.

The following design guide shall be accepted as conforming to accepted engineering practices: AAF Guide to Aluminum Construction in High-Wind Areas. Vinyl and acrylic panels shall be removable. Removable panels shall be identified as removable by a decal. The identification decal shall essentially state: “Removable panel SHALL be removed when wind speeds exceed 75 mph (34 m/s).” Decals shall be placed such that the decal is visible when the panel is installed.

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