There are many applications for fire-retardant-treated wood (FRTW) in the International Building Code (IBC). The 2015 IBC defines FRTW in Chapter 2 as “Wood products that, when impregnated with chemicals by a pressure process or other means during manufacture, exhibit reduced surface-burning characteristics and resist propagation of fire.” Section 2303.2 sets the performance requirements for FRTW,…
In the ICC code change cycle for the 2018 edition of the International Building Code (IBC), a clarification was approved for Section 2303.2.2. The intent of the code change is explained below by showing the change as originally proposed (S262-16) and the final approved change as modified by the committee. Summary of Change to 2303.2.2…
Full Question: What is the background behind footnote “m” of IBC 2012 table 721.1 (2) which states: “m For studs with a slenderness ratio, le/d, greater than 33, the design stress shall be reduced to 78 percent of allowable F′c. For studs with a slenderness ratio, le/d, not exceeding 33, the design stress shall be reduced to 78 percent…
Among the changes approved in the current code change cycle was G109-18, which will, for the first time, allow concealed spaces in traditional Type IV heavy timber buildings. The concealed spaces must be protected with one or more of the following three alternatives: the building is sprinklered throughout and sprinkler protection is provided in the…
The 2021 International Building Code will require a Site Safety Director, employed by the building owner, to conduct and document daily construction fire safety inspections. This is only one of several new requirements approved in F263-18 and F264-18 for buildings under construction. According to the new requirements, the fire official is authorized to issue a stop work…
Footnote “c” of IBC Table 601 permits heavy timber for roof construction in all construction types except Type I-A when the required fire resistance is one hour or less. But what if a roof member is also part of the primary structural frame of the building, which is governed by a separate row of Table 601? A…
Code provisions on this point have flip-flopped in recent years. The 2012 IBC limited projections to no less than 2 feet from the property line if the fire separation distance (FSD, usually the distance from the exterior wall to the property line) was less than 5 feet, or no less than 40 inches to the…
Attic fires can be a significant hazard in residential mid-rise structures. The 2018 IBC has provisions for increased attic protection based on the height of the building. For wood construction, when the roof assembly exceeds 55 feet above the lowest level of required fire department vehicle access, the attic must be protected by sprinklers or alternative protection…
Section 704.2 of the 2018 International Building Code (IBC) was revised from its origin which began in the legacy building codes and was primarily intended to address steel construction. In earlier editions of the IBC, omission of fireproofing on portions of steel columns or beams behind ceiling or wall membranes of fire-resistance-rated assemblies was permitted….