The new National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 5000 Building Construction and Safety Code and NFPA 101 Life Safety Code have Allowances for larger and taller mass timber buildings.
“The addition of tall mass timber provisions to NFPA 5000 and NFPA 101 ensures compatibility with the International Building Code, thereby furthering the market opportunity for tall mass timber buildings,” said American Wood Council (AWC) Vice President of Codes & Regulations Kenneth Bland, P.E., in a news release. “NFPA’s recognition of tall mass timber furthers the availability of a low-embodied carbon alternative compared to traditional building materials.”
The new code is the result of a three-year process to review mass timber. Several NFPA Technical Committees with responsibility for building construction provisions developed new tall mass timber provisions.
The new provisions are intended to eliminate conflicts that can occur when compliance with both the IBC and NFPA 101 is required. The updated NFPA codes are expected to be available later this year.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Feb 22, 2017
Plans for WELL Building Standard include linkage with other green building standards
The planned updated version will be customizable for any building type.
Codes and Standards | Feb 21, 2017
Aging building code inspectors and government belt-tightening could cause crisis
Inspectors are edging toward retirement with no understudies in place.
Codes and Standards | Feb 20, 2017
AISI publishes three new cold-formed steel framing research reports
Seismic simulation, roof trusses, steel-to-steel and sheathing-to-steel connections are examined in the reports.
Codes and Standards | Feb 17, 2017
New energy design guide for metal building systems now available
The second edition incorporates more recent IECC and ASHRAE standards.
Codes and Standards | Feb 14, 2017
Paper outlines how BREEAM credits can be used for WELL standard compliance
The paper provides guidance on how to streamline pursuit of dual certification.
Codes and Standards | Feb 14, 2017
Evidence mounts on health, productivity benefits of sustainable work spaces
High-performance green buildings are linked to better job performance.
Codes and Standards | Feb 13, 2017
Calif. commission approves ‘emergency’ balcony code changes
The changes apply to multifamily, hotels, state-owned buildings, and public schools.
Codes and Standards | Feb 9, 2017
Google-initiated program aims to get construction industry to use healthier building materials
Portico platform features a database of products ranked on how they disclose ingredients.
Codes and Standards | Feb 7, 2017
Newer structural standards mitigating earthquake impacts in Oklahoma
Buildings constructed in the last two decades are largely holding up to increased seismic activity.
Codes and Standards | Feb 6, 2017
New York State offers $36 million for energy efficiency on commercial buildings
Programs will provide money for both owners and renters.