As ICC prepares to vote on codes for tall wood buildings, opposition is still strong

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.

Learn how MG2’s Sustainable Materials Evaluation System helps clients, prospects, and staff choose the most environmentally feasible materials for their building projects. Candon Murphy, LEED GA, Assoc. IIDA, Design Lab Manager and Materials & Sustainability Specialist with MG2, speaks with BD+C Executive Editor Rob Cassidy.

Esports Arenas | May 11, 2022

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Market Data | May 10, 2022

Hybrid work could result in 20% less demand for office space

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Standards | May 9, 2022

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Higher Education | May 5, 2022

To keep pace with demand, higher ed will have to add 45,000 beds by year-end

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Legislation | May 4, 2022

Washington is first state to mandate all-electric heat for new large buildings

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Planning for hospital campus access that works for people

This course defines the elements of hospital campus access that are essential to promoting the efficient, stress-free movement of patients, staff, family, and visitors. Campus access elements include signage and wayfinding, parking facilities, transportation demand management, shuttle buses, curb access, valet parking management, roadways, and pedestrian walkways.

Codes and Standards | May 3, 2022

American Institute of Steel Construction updates environmental product declarations

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Codes and Standards | May 2, 2022

Developer Hines, engineer MKA develop free embodied carbon reduction guide

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