Tall mass timber code changes receive final approval

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.”