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Recommended Specifications Overall Description Commercial shade canopies are permanent fabric architectural structure of various sizes designed to protect people, products, and materials from hail, the hot sun and ultraviolet radiation. The structure consists of an anchored integrated steel and cable frame in a variety of forms and a durable canopy top made of a treated polyethylene material knitted into a porous mesh fabric. The completed structure will meet all local and state building codes. Engineering AmeriShade structures are designed to meet or exceed the requirements defined in the 1997 Uniform Building Code and the International Building Code 2000.as well as local codes that may apply. "Wet sealed" construction drawings, including plans, elevations and details indicating dimensions, anchorage, fasteners, connections, drainages, and finishes are prepared by an independent structural engineer, registered in the State of the project site, with a minimum of ten (10) years experience in the design and construction of tension fabric and shade structures. Design Loads AmeriShade structures are designed and constructed to meet or exceed ASCE 7 Wind Loads as well as customer and local building codes. Our standard warranty includes the following specifications: • Live Load up to 60 psf • Uplift up to 70 psf • Wind load 145 mph • Dead load actual• Snow load as requiredThe use of steel cables sewn into cloth intersections, for extra reinforcement between steel structural members, and around the perimeter reduces movement of the fabric during windy days that is distracting and unattractive. Steel Structures & Framework Anchor System AmeriShade structures are anchored in reinforced, poured concrete footings with a minimum depth of six (6) feet. Reinforcing steel meets the 60,000 psi ASTM-A42 standard and is placed in accordance with the ACI Detailing Manuals. All concrete is installed by licensed contractors and in strict compliance with ACI 318-05. Standard specifications include minimum 3000 psi @ 28 days. Steel Components The steel components in an AmeriShade structure are selected based upon engineering specifications suitable to meet code and customer requirements. Steel less than 7 gauge thickness is manufactured per ASTM-A500 standards with yield strengths in excess of 40,000 psi. Carbon steel columns when used are ASTM A-53, Grade B unless noted. Hardware & Cable AmeriShade canopies uses multiple individual cables to attach the canopy to the steel structure, including independent cables to provide extra strength for snow and wind loads, and cables sewn into each seam to provide extra uplift stability. Heavy duty galvanized thimbles, copper swage sleeves, and steel plates with pre-punched holes welded to the steel frame are used at each connection point. All thimbles are hot dipped galvanized to provide greater protection against wear and fraying. Our heavy duty thimbles and sleeves meet the performance requirements of Federal Specification FF-T-276b Type III. All steel plates and other connections are manufactured to comply with ASTM-A36. Our galvanized Aircraft Cable is made in accordance with Federal Specification RR-W-410D, meeting the dimensional and strength requirements of MIL-W-83420D. We use 3/8 inch nominal diameter perimeter cables, 5/16 inch seam cables, and ¼ inch support cables. Each cable is 7 strand, 19 wires per strand with a minimum nominal tensile strength of 14,400 pounds; 9,800 pounds and 7.000 pounds respectively. The canopy material is connected to the structure at multiple points to ensure structural integrity; we do not use a single perimeter cable around the structure looped under a protruding stud to attach the canopy top to the frame. Connections The steel frame is fabricated in the shop and on site. All metal to metal connections are welded by certified welders with a minimum experience of five (5) years following procedures in compliance with the latest edition of the American Welding Society. Coating All steel components are cleaned with a degreasing agent to remove surface oil and grease, primed to ensure maximum adhesion of the final coating, and coated with Imron® 3.5 HGT High Gloss Polyurethane enamel. The coating has outstanding gloss and color retention; excellent resistance to chemicals, salt water, and abrasion; and is applied by brush, roller, or spray. Canopy Material Fabric AmeriShade canopies utilize a Rachel-knitted, high-density polyethylene fabric with specially formulated additives to improve ultraviolet protection, color fastness, and longevity. The material comes in variety of colors with a ten (10) year, no-tear, no-run, mildew-resistant manufacturer's warranty and provides a minimum of 83% shade cover and 85 % UV blockage. The material is proven to withstand the wide temperature variations in the United States (-25°C to 80°C). The material meets or exceeds the flammability standards of NFPA 701, ASTM E84, and the California Fire Marshall. Thread AmeriShade uses GoreTM Tenara® Sewing Thread exclusively in the manufacture and construction of the shade and cable tension fabric structures. The thread, with a manufacturer's warranty of 15 year, is 100% expanded polytetrafluroethylene (PTFE) that is completely resistant to UV sunlight and is unaffected by cleaning chemicals, saltwater, temperature extremes, or acid rain. It is non-flammable, will not rot or mold, and its colors will not fade. Sewing Specifications for Cloth to Cloth Connections AmeriShade employees utilize "flat fell" seams exclusively to connect sections of fabric. Recognized as the strongest seam to connect separate pieces of materials, a flat fell seam is strong, weather tight, with all of the edges concealed. AmeriShade inserts aircraft cable between the seam for additional attachment points of the top to the frame. Construction On-site Tensioning of Canopy Using a portable machine especially adapted for sewing polyethylene fabric, AmeriShade manually tensions its canopy to the underlying structural frame on-site. This ensures the proper tautness to maximize appearance and compliance with the engineering requirements for a cable tension structure. Extended Weather Protection An AmeriShade structure includes a single unbroken top, regardless of the length of the area to be covered. The industry practice of coupling small modules of standard designs results in significant gaps in protection between canopies. The gaps between canopies are exaggerated when canopies are constructed to appear level or "stepped down" in a multiple unit project. Conformance to Site Contours AmeriShade canopies are designed to conform to ground slope and site conditions, ensuring a uniform look through out the installation.
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