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The unofficial voting results on code change proposals considered in 2018 have been released by the International Code Council (ICC). It includes passage of the entire package of 14 tall mass timber code change proposals.
The proposals create three new types of construction and set fire-safety requirements, and allowable heights, areas, and number of stories for tall mass timber buildings. Official results are expected to be announced later this year. The new provisions will be included in the 2021 International Building Code (IBC).
“Mass timber has been capturing the imagination of architects and developers, and the ICC result means they can now turn sketches into reality,” said American Wood Council (AWC) president Robert Glowinski. “ICC’s rigorous study, testing and voting process now recognizes a strong, low-carbon alternative to traditional tall building materials used by the building and construction industry.”
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 with limited area of exposed mass timber walls and ceilings allowed; and
- Type IV-C: maximum nine stories with all exposed mass timber designed for a 2-hour fire resistance.
ICC’s code development cycle continues through this year. Additional structural requirements for tall mass timber buildings will be considered, with final approval expected to occur in late October. The 2021 IBC would be released in late 2020, along with the full set of 2021 I-codes.
