Mass timber requirements added to Heights & Areas Calculator
By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor
The American Wood Council (AWC), International Code Council, and WoodWorks have released an updated version of the free app that calculates maximum allowable heights and areas for buildings of various occupancy classifications and types of construction.
The Heights & Areas Calculator is based on the provisions in the 2021 and earlier editions of the International Building Code (IBC), which includes Type-IV mass timber construction types. The app now also includes the heights and areas specific to the 2019 California Building Code, including mass timber types of construction.
Users can input the proposed building height and area for any occupancy, and the app shows allowable types of construction that are permitted. The basic version of the calculator limits building input to a single occupancy and equal floor areas for the entire building. An advanced option permits multiple occupancies and different floor areas.
The Heights & Areas Calculator is available on Android, iOS and Windows devices as well as directly on the AWC website.