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Structural engineering insights.

Field notes from the practice: coastal design, assessments, permitting and code, written by the engineers who seal the work.

Flood Elevation Certificate: What It Is, Who Signs It

Flood Elevation Certificate: What It Is, Who Signs It

Judian Duran, PE
Published on: 15/09/2026

A flood elevation certificate is FEMA Form FF-206-FY-22-152, and only 3 professions can sign it. See who, plus how your flood zone changes what you build.

Post-Storm & Coastal
Wind Load Requirements in Florida: A Tampa Bay Guide

Wind Load Requirements in Florida: A Tampa Bay Guide

Judian Duran, PE
Published on: 14/09/2026

Wind load requirements in Florida run on the 8th Edition (2023) code and ASCE 7-22. Pinellas designs to 145 mph for Risk Category II. Here is the framework.

Post-Storm & Coastal
Seawall Engineer: 6 Warning Signs Your Wall Is Failing

Seawall Engineer: 6 Warning Signs Your Wall Is Failing

Judian Duran, PE
Published on: 10/09/2026

Cracked caps, leaning panels, sinkholes behind the wall: Florida's building code sets no seawall design criteria. Know when to call a seawall engineer.

Post-Storm & Coastal
Change of Use Building Requirements in Tampa

Change of Use Building Requirements in Tampa

Judian Duran, PE
Published on: 09/09/2026

Change of use building requirements in Tampa hinge on load: Florida code forces a fix where any element's stress rises over 5 percent. See what changes.

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