December Newsletter: Stay Connected with ES!
A message from our CEO
As we approach the end of another impactful year at
Engineering Solutions, I wanted to take a moment to extend my sincere appreciation and gratitude to you, our dedicated employees, valued contractors, and esteemed clients. Each one of you plays an integral role in our success, and it’s important to pause and celebrate the journey we’ve undertaken together.
To our Exceptional Team of Employees: Your dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to excellence have been the driving force behind our achievements. Whether you’re on-site or working remotely, your hard work and passion for what you do are truly appreciated.
To our Valued Contractors: Your partnership is instrumental in the seamless execution of our projects. Your skills and professionalism enhance the quality of our services, and we’re grateful for the collaborative spirit that defines our working relationship.
To our Esteemed Clients: Thank you for entrusting Engineering Solutions with your structural
engineering needs. Your confidence in our capabilities motivates us to continuously raise the bar
and deliver exceptional results.
As we reflect on the year’s endeavors, let’s not forget to celebrate the small wins—the
milestones that may seem modest but are significant steps forward for our team. Each success,
big or small, contributes to the collective achievements of Engineering Solutions. Together, we
have created a culture of excellence that sets us apart in the industry. May this holiday season
be filled with joy, warmth, and well-deserved rest for you and your families. Here’s to the
successes of the past and the promising opportunities that lie ahead in the coming year.
Warm Regards,
Trent Vogelgesang, President & CEO
Project Spotlight
The Exchange Lofts
The Exchange Lofts is a 6-story residential building located in the heart of downtown Fort
Lauderdale, FL. ES was proud to be the Engineer of Record on a concrete restoration of the
elevated ground floor slab, which exhibited numerous instances of concrete spalling and
cracking. ES also performed the threshold inspections, operating within a confined crawlspace to
access and inspect the repairs.
News & Resources
Florida Building Code (FBC)
As we approach the end of the year, we are coming upon an FBC change starting January 1, 2024, and are excited to share important updates.
This edition is a culmination of the 7th Edition (2020) FBC and the proposed Supplements based on improved levels of standards per the Florida Building Commission. This Code Change impacts all architects and engineers who rely on the FBC to stay in code compliance and provide the highest levels of safety. Key highlights of the Florida Building Code 8th Edition (2023) for Buildings include:
1. Change Of Occupancy: Will now apply where the FBC requires a greater degree of safety, accessibility, structural strength, fire protection, means of egress, ventilation or sanitation than exists in the current building
2. Rooftop Structures Underlayment: Types and installation for all roof coverings have been revised to be consistent with areas outside the HVHZ in Section 1507.1.1. Section 1504.2.1.4 Underlayment testing Added, Section 1507.1.1 Underlayment Changes (lapping and minimum width changes). Section 1518.3 Self-adhering membrane required to be applied over mechanically attached anchor sheet – Deleted
3. Exterior Walls & Features Added Sections: 454.1.9.9 Swim-up bars. 1405.14.2 Accessories, 1405.14.2.1 Starter strip, & 1405.14.2.2 Utility trim
4. Means of Egress: Thresholds changed to Section 1010.1.6 Thresholds Exception 2 has been revised to specifically permit thresholds at exterior doors of dwelling units or sleeping to be at the height necessary to comply with the water resistance requirements of Section 1709.5.
5. Structural Design: Updated to correlate with ASCE 7-22
a. Ultimate design wind speeds have been updated to correlate with ASCE 7-22. Wind speeds are unchanged for most of Florida except for the panhandle area where wind speeds have increased slightly in some areas.
b. Section 1609.5 & 1620.7 Tornado loads – Added
Key highlights of the Florida Building Code 8th Edition (2023) for Residential include:
1. Rooftop Assembly: Section R905.1.1.1 – Underlayment for asphalt, metal, mineral surfaced, slate and slate-type roof coverings. – Changes Section R908.1.1 – 25 percent rule –now applies to a roof replacement and roof re-cover.
2. Building Planning Sections Added: Section R311.7 – Stairways -Added Section R322.1.6 – Change in Protection of mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems Section R703.11.1.4 – Starter strip – Added Section R703.11.1.5 – Utility trim – Added Section R704.3 – Aluminum fascia – Added Section R704.4 – Corners on hip roofs (aluminum fascia) – Added Section R704.5 – Corners on gable roofs (aluminum fascia) – Added
3. Basic Wind Speed Map: Similar to FBC above
4. Special Appliances, Equipment, and Systems: M1905 Residential Permanently Installed Standby Generators – Added
As your trusted engineering partner, Engineering Solutions is committed to supporting you in seamlessly transitioning to and implementing the Florida Building Code 8th Edition. We understand the impact that these updates can have on your projects, and our team is ready to provide the expertise and guidance needed to navigate these changes effectively. References 1. Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (2023) 2. ASCE 7-22 Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and other Structures