Wood and Code Groups Guide Mass-Timber Code Compliance
Building codes, since 2015, have permitted larger and taller mass timber construction.
Photo Courtesy Freres Lumber
The American Wood Council and International Code Council have released a joint publication, Mass Timber Buildings and the IBC, which gives an overview of code changes regarding mass timber construction. These changes, which started with the ICC’s 2015 International Building Code, allow taller and larger-area timber buildings and recognize cross-laminated timber as a building material.
The publication also reviews the code’s reorganization of heavy timber provisions in the 2018 IBC and significant changes for tall mass timber construction in the 2021 code and the International Fire Code (IFC).
In addition, this fall, the two groups are planning two full-day courses on mass timber buildings and the building code. The course will cover provisions in the 2015/2018 International Building Code and the 2021 IBC and 2021 IFC.
Changes to the codes are based on fire and life-safety performance testing and the anticipated increase in demand for taller mass timber structures.
The publication is available for purchase through the ICC’s store. Those interested in the fall course can register through the ICC’s Learning Center.
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