Oregon recently became the first state to approve the use of science-based building code requirements for tall mass timber buildings.
Under Oregon’s statewide alternate method (SAM), developers can receive early technical consideration and approval on tall mass timber structures. The Administrator of the State Building Codes Division issued SAM No. 18-01, which provides a prescriptive path for utilization of the code requirements developed by the International Code Council (ICC) Tall Wood Building Ad Hoc Committee over the past two years.
The requirements also received a favorable recommendation during the April 2018 ICC Code Action Hearings—the first step of the process to include them in the 2021 International Codes.
“Mass timber is a new category of wood products that will revolutionize how America builds, and we’ve seen interest in it continue to grow over the last several years,” said American Wood Council President & CEO Robert Glowinski in a news release. “This action by the Codes Division Administrator helps code officials in Oregon by making provisions consistent throughout the state.”
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Mar 21, 2019
New York City contractors adding 5% to 10% to construction costs due to trade war
Tariffs on steel, aluminum, and other materials swell budgets.
Codes and Standards | Mar 20, 2019
Codes organizations to develop new guidelines on shipping containers as building components
Intl. Code Council and Modular Building Institute combine forces.
Codes and Standards | Mar 19, 2019
Plan for transformation of Lower Manhattan streetscapes unveiled
Pedestrian-friendly “Slow Streets” pilot starts on Earth Day 2019.
Codes and Standards | Mar 15, 2019
Newly developed building materials could have big impact on sustainability
Transparent wood, self-cooling walls, bricks that filter air pollutants among the technological breakthroughs.
Codes and Standards | Mar 14, 2019
U.S. and Canada differ on how to evaluate field performance of windows, curtain walls
Variations include laboratory test method for determining rate of air leakage.
Codes and Standards | Mar 13, 2019
Climate change can’t be stabilized without addressing urban sprawl
Even if power goes green, transportation will still be a major emissions source.
Codes and Standards | Mar 12, 2019
Virginia county hones new rainwater harvesting standard
Developer prompts new rules to use rainwater for heating and air conditioning.
Codes and Standards | Mar 8, 2019
Portland delays requirement for posted warnings on unreinforced brick and stone buildings
Regulation would mandate signs warning that buildings could be unsafe during earthquakes.
Codes and Standards | Mar 7, 2019
California will allow flame retardant-free building insulation
State also repeals business furniture flammability standard.
Codes and Standards | Mar 6, 2019
Sixty six construction companies cited for wage theft violations in Massachusetts
Penalties total $2.7 million.
