As The International Code Council prepares for a vote on new code provisions that would allow wood-framed structures up to 18 stories high, concerns and opposition are still strong.
For instance, the Portland Cement Association (PCA) sponsored an online survey resulting in 75% of respondents saying they did not believe raising the allowable height of wood buildings was prudent. Their reasons included concerns over the strength and maintainability of wood, the danger of fire, and vulnerability to disasters.
Some members of the ICC's Ad Hoc Committee on Tall Wood Buildings shared some of those concerns. Proponents of wood-framed high rises point to research indicating that charring of heavy timber allows wood structures to maintain up to 90% of their strength during a fire.
Oregon recently became the first state to enact codes for high-rise, wood-framed buildings. The ICC will hold a public comment hearing on the issue after its annual conference in October. Later, online voting on the new code provision will be held over two weeks.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | May 7, 2018
Plan advances in Los Angeles for Climate Emergency Mobilization Department
Would oversee efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the city.
Codes and Standards | May 3, 2018
Data collection, machine learning boost building efficiency
Sensors, software algorithms squeeze out waste.
Codes and Standards | May 2, 2018
Energy Department releases Updated EnergyPlus and OpenStudio building energy modeling tools
The tools can now accept input in epJSON format.
Codes and Standards | May 1, 2018
ASHRAE publishes new energy simulation-aided design standard
Requires building energy modeling during schematic design.
Codes and Standards | Apr 30, 2018
CALGreen projects pre-approved for streamlined LEED v4 requirements
Reduces need to run additional energy models.
Codes and Standards | Apr 26, 2018
New standard supports community resilience
ASTM International guidance supports cost-effective ways to withstand and recover from disasters.
Codes and Standards | Apr 25, 2018
Lessons learned from decades of Superfund cleanups guide contaminated land reuse
Sites repurposed for residential, commercial use, and solar energy generation.
Codes and Standards | Apr 24, 2018
Vibrant downtown core the key for urban multifamily development
Nighttime activity makes the difference.
Codes and Standards | Apr 19, 2018
ILFI launches new Zero Carbon Certification
Offers greater flexibility around project fuel types and offsetting renewables.
Codes and Standards | Apr 18, 2018
New Green Globe pilot program launched
Precursor to revised Green Globes Assessment Protocol for Commercial Buildings.