Document provides guidance for mass timber construction
By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor
The American Wood Council (AWC) and International Code Council have released a joint publication, Mass Timber Buildings and the IBC.
The document provides an overview of requirements for mass timber construction as found in the 2015, 2018, and 2021 International Building Code (IBC). It highlights historic changes beginning with the 2015 International Building Code, that allow for construction of mass timber buildings with taller heights and areas than was permitted for buildings of wood construction types (Types III, IV, and V) prior to the 2015 IBC.
The publication reviews the 2015 IBC recognition of cross-laminated timber (CLT) and the reorganization of heavy timber provisions in the 2018 IBC. It also reviews the significant changes in the 2021 IBC and International Fire Code (IFC) for tall mass timber construction.
“Given the anticipated demand across the country for taller mass timber buildings, this publication provides the building safety community with comprehensive explanations of the new regulations,” said AWC vice president of codes & regulations, Kenneth Bland.