Issue: DCA10-DEC-182 by Jeffrey C. Friant, PE and Jeff Bedard, Sunesta Products, LLC.

The Petitioner is requesting clarification to Section 3105.4.1 with regard to the intent of the Florida Building Code, Building, concerning framing design of retractable awnings and durability during inclement weather and high wind velocity events. Specifically, the Petitioner provides for the following questions:

1. Question: Since the Sunesta retractable awning is installed in the retracted position and while in this position, without any removal or repositioning, this product will withstand wind speeds far in excess of 75 mph, how does 3105.4 apply?

2. Question: If the owner follows the instructions of the Owner’s manual, the awning would be stowed prior to the wind reaching 39mjp, let alone 75mjp; wouldn’t this exclude retractable awnings from “…removal or repositioning of parts, or the whole, during periods of 75 mph wind velocity?

3. Question: Is the word “during” the operative word?

4. Question: Since the owner will have been notified, by contract, that damage to the awning due to their negligence is not covered by warranty, would it not be legally binding that any collateral property damage caused by the awning not retracted especially in a tropical storm “watch” or “warning”, be considered owner negligence?

Background:

Description of projects:

Retractable awnings consist of fabric supported by an aluminum and steel frame that can be extended and retracted easily, within seconds, by pressing a button. Fabric is rolled onto a tube that is attached to a frame structure that is attached to a building structure using engineer tested and certified brackets and fasteners. Spring-loaded arms project the front bar during the process of unrolling the fabric.

This particular project indicates a retractable awning of 35’ wide x 11’6” projection to be placed on the first floor of a condominium in the city of Fort Lauderdale.

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2007 Florida Building Code, Building:

Chapter 2 Definitions

AWNING. Any rigid or movable (retractable) roof-like structure, cantilevered, or otherwise entirely supported from a building. An awning is comprised of a lightweight rigid or removable skeleton structure over which an approved cover is attached.

CANOPY. Any fixed roof-like structure, not movable like an awning, and which is cantilevered in whole or in part self-supporting, but having no side walls or curtains other than valances not more than 18 inches (457 mm) deep. Lean-to canopies, fixed umbrellas and similar structures are included in this classification. Structures having side walls or valances more than 18 inches (457 mm) deep shall be classified as a tent as set forth herein.

Chapter 31 Special Construction

Section 3105.1 Fabric awnings and fabric-covered frames. Fabric awnings and fabric-covered frames shall comply with the provisions of Section 3105 as applicable.

Section 3105.4 Design.

3105.4.1 Design of the framing members shall not be based on removal or repositioning of parts, or the whole, during periods of 75 mph wind velocity.

3105.4.2 Design of the structural framing members shall be based on rational analysis, using the applicable wind loads of Chapter 16 as shown below:

3105.4.2.1 The wind design loads for any fabric or membrane-covered structure designed with a quick removal or breakaway membrane or fabric at wind velocities of 75 mph, shall be based on the following criteria:

1. Minimum wind velocity of 3-second wind gust 90 mph

2. Importance factor based on low hazard to human life of 0.77.

3. Exposure Category B for or C as defined in Chapter 16.

3105.4.2.2 The wind design loads for any fabric or membrane covered structure designed with a permanent or nonremovable fabric or membrane, shall be based on the following criteria:

1. Minimum wind velocity as required in Chapter 16.

2. Importance factor based on low hazard to human life of 0.77.

3. Exposure Category B or C as defined in Chapter 16.

3105.4.3 The fabric portions of awnings fabric covered frames shall be securely laced, tied or otherwise fastened to the frame; no rafter or front bar will be permitted in pockets; and in no case shall a rolling curtain be caused to operate over a canopy frame.

3105.4.4 The horizontal projection of cantilevered portions shall not be greater than two times the height, except where the building construction does not permit a proper installation; in which case, variance may be permitted by the building official, based on special design and construction.

Section 3105.5 Rigid awnings and canopy shutters.

3105.5.1 Loads. Rigid awnings and canopy shutters shall be designed to resist the loads set forth in Chapter 16 of this Code except that structures or parts thereof which are intended to be removed or repositioned during periods of high wind velocity shall be designed in their open or extended position to design pressures based on a basic wind speed of minimum 90 mph, 3-second wind gust with applicable shape factors and to resist not less than 10 psf (478 Pa) roof live load.

3105.5.2 Where such structure is intended to be folded or otherwise repositioned to close an opening when the building is unattended or act as a storm shutter, the design in the closed position shall also comply with Chapter 16 and shall be impact resistant in accordance with Section 1609.1.4.

3105.5.3 Structures designed to be readily removed or repositioned during periods of high wind velocity shall be posted with a legible and readily visible decal or painted instructions to the owner or tenant to remove or reposition the structure or part thereof during such periods of time as are designated by the U.S. Weather Bureau as being a hurricane warning or alert.

Staff Recommendation:

Question #1: Since the Sunesta retractable awning is installed in the retracted position and while in this position, without any removal or repositioning, this product will withstand wind speeds far in excess of 75 mph, how does 3105.4 apply?

Answer: Design of the product in question “retractable awning” is subject to the design criteria of Section 3105.4.2.2 of the FBC, Building. These design criteria would apply to the product in question in both extended and retractable position.

Question#2: If the owner follows the instructions of the Owner’s manual, the awning would be stowed prior to the wind reaching 39 mph, let alone 75mph; wouldn’t this exclude retractable awnings from “…removal or repositioning of parts, or the whole, during periods of 75 mph wind velocity?

Answer: Answer is not possible. Owner’s manual is not part of the FBC.

Question #3: Is the word “during” the operative word?

Answer #3: Answer is not possible since the question is not clear.

Question #4: Since the owner will have been notified, by contract, that damage to the awning due to their negligence is not covered by warranty, would it not be legally binding that any collateral property damage caused by the awning not retracted especially in a tropical storm “watch” or “warning”, be considered owner negligence?

Answer #4: Answer is not possible. The subject matter is outside the scope of the of the Florida Building Code.