The International Code Council (ICC) has approved all 14 of the tall mass timber code change proposals.
The proposals create three new types of construction (Types IV-A, IV-B and IV-C), which set fire safety requirements, and allowable heights, areas, and number of stories for tall mass timber buildings. The new provisions will be included in the 2021 International Building Code (IBC).
The three new types of construction that will be included in the 2021 IBC are:
· Type IV-A – Maximum 18 stories, with gypsum wallboard on all mass timber elements.
· Type IV-B – Maximum 12 stories, limited-area of exposed mass timber walls and ceilings allowed.
· Type IV-C – Maximum 9 stories, all exposed mass timber designed for a 2-hour fire resistance.
“The addition of tall mass timber to the International Building Code provides a comprehensive set of safety standards for these new types of construction,” said American Wood Council Vice President of Codes & Regulations Kenneth Bland, P.E., in a news release. “This vote caps off several years of scientific research and testing, and verifies that mass timber meets the robust performance standards called for by our nation’s building codes.”
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Nov 14, 2018
Obsolete safety standards may have been used in cleanup of former naval shipyard
San Francisco redevelopment site work may have been racked by fraud.
Codes and Standards | Nov 13, 2018
New York City’s new construction safety requirements are delayed
Some contractors say they weren’t ready for ‘massive initiative’.
Codes and Standards | Nov 9, 2018
Cities have multiple strategies to reduce parking requirements
Each community has to find its own mix of solutions.
Codes and Standards | Nov 8, 2018
Denver replaces green roof mandate with cool roof option
Less costly light-colored roofs can cut project costs by about 1.5%.
Codes and Standards | Nov 7, 2018
New report addresses sound transmission of wood-framed assemblies
AWC document provides empirical sound transmission model.
Codes and Standards | Nov 6, 2018
AIA releases 13 new and updated contract documents
Includes new Contractor-Subcontractor Master Agreement.
Codes and Standards | Nov 2, 2018
New Milwaukee Bucks home called world’s first bird-friendly sports arena
Design will make bird collisions less likely.
Codes and Standards | Nov 1, 2018
Several barriers holding back widespread construction of zero energy buildings
Code improvements and voluntary programs could add momentum.
Codes and Standards | Oct 31, 2018
Boston’s new flood protection plan centers on new parks
Initiative would add 67 acres of public open space.
Codes and Standards | Oct 30, 2018
San Francisco plans tougher seismic building codes
Recommendations include addressing geotechnical issues like those faced by Millennium Tower.