Job tab

Much of this data will be automatically populated based on the Site information provided.
The Measurement system by default is “Imperial”, which is standard for continental U.S. measurements.

Building code

Building codes are intended to provide for the safe use of buildings and structures under "normal" conditions. The code describes exactly how each part of the building should be loaded and designed. These loads are based on Snow load, Wind Speed, Seismic Coefficient (earthquake), Collateral load and Exposure. These loads will be applied in various "Design Combination" to determine the most critical loading. From these combinations all member sizes and spacing will be determined.

IQS determines the building code based on the job site's zip code. The most common building code is IBC.

For a more detailed explanation of building codes see topic Building Codes Explained.

Wind speed

As wind blows it places pressure and suction on the building surfaced. The exact pressure/load is based not only on the formulas and tables contained in the specific building code chosen, but also the size and shape of your building. By entering the Wind Speed, IQS designs the optimum structural member sizes and their spacing.

Wind exposure

The characteristics of ground surface irregularities (natural topography and vegetation as well as constructed features) for the site at which the building is to be constructed.

Exposure A: Large city centers with at least 50% of the buildings having a height in excess of 70 feet.

Exposure B: Urban and suburban areas, wooded areas, or other terrain with numerous closely spaced obstructions having the size of single-family dwellings or larger.

Exposure C: Open terrain with scattered obstructions.

Exposure D: Flat, unobstructed areas exposed to wind flowing over open water (excluding shorelines in hurricane prone regions) for a distance of at least 1 mile.

Seismic coefficient

This is the influence of earthquake activity on your steel building. The higher this number the more influence seismic has or the greater the seismic loading. Some building codes such as the Uniform Building Code (UBC) or the California Building Code (CBC) also use seismic zone. These also influence seismic design; Zone 0 having the least influence and Zone 4 having the greatest.

Seismic zone / site classification

The seismic zone/site classification is a gauge of your soil's capacity to transmit activity from the lower soil to the upper surface. Usually this data is provided by a local Geotechnical Engineer or the Local Project Engineer. If site soil conditions are not identified to establish the site class, IBC allows you to use site class "D". Zone/Site Classification as follows:

Soil description:

- A = Hard Rock

- B = Rock

- C = Very dense soil and hard rock

- D = Stiff Soil

- E = Soft Soil

- F = Weak Soil

"E" and "F" are unique soil conditions and require special design considerations, which may result in increased engineering design and/or foundation cost.  Contact a local Professional Engineer for foundation requirements and soil testing.

Engineering package

You should determine if your building requires certified/stamped drawings and/or design calculations from a registered structural engineer licensed in your state. Please contact your local building official for this information prior to ordering a building.

Load reduction allowed

Determine the correct roof live load, if your local code stipulates that load reduction is not allowed un-check the "Load Reduction Allowed" checkbox.

Foundation plans

Check this if you are required to have Engineer Stamped plans to satisfy your local permit office, or if you prefer to build your foundation according to specified plans.

Notes to customer

A place to input Additional Notes about the job is available here.