The International Building Codes

Transcription

1 The International Building Codes wanda Edwards, PE RCI, Inc Sunday Drive, Ste. 204, Raleigh, NC Phone: Fax: t h R C I I n t e R n a t I o n a l C o n v e n t I o n a n d t R a d e S h o w M a R C h , e d w a R d S 7 9

2 Abstract This seminar will focus on the International Code, code submittal procedures and deadlines, and the code development process. Significant changes in the 2012 International Building Code affecting the building envelope will be reviewed. With final action hearings complete for the 2015 edition of the International Building Code, this seminar will highlight significant changes that will appear in the 2015 IBC. Code proposals that were denied during the last code cycle but are likely to be resubmitted in the next code cycle will be discussed. Speaker Wanda Edwards, PE RCI, Inc. - Raleigh, NC WANDA edwards joined rci in July, after having served as director of code development for the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety. previously, Ms. edwards served as deputy commissioner for the engineering Division of the North Carolina Department of Insurance. In 2004, she was a Fulbright Scholar to University of the West Indies, Trinidad and Tobago, where she developed a training and certification program for building inspectors in the country. She has owned a residential construction, design, and development company; performed structural defect inspections for a national home warranty corporation; and taught community college courses on construction and building codes. edwards earned bachelor s degrees in civil engineering and architecture from North Carolina State University. She is a licensed professional engineer; a member of ASTM D08, e06, and e60 committees; and serves on the ICC structural committee. 8 0 e d w a R d S 2 8 t h R C I I n t e R n a t I o n a l C o n v e n t I o n a n d t R a d e S h o w M a R C h ,

3 The International Building Codes INTRODUCTION Building codes have a long history, dating back to around 2000 BC with the Code of Hammurabi. loosely translated, if someone builds a house for another person, the builder must be paid; if the house falls down and kills the occupant, the builder must be killed; if a wall falls down, the builder must fix it at his own expense. The Code of Hammurabi represents the beginnings of requiring safety in the built environment. In more recent times, codes began to be developed early in the 20th century. one such code known as the National Building Code was developed by the Fire Underwriters Association around later, three code organizations emerged in the United States. These three code organizations were developed regionally, with Building officials and Code Administrators International, Inc. (BoCA) codes being used mainly in the Northeast, International Conference of Building officials (ICBo) codes used predominantly in the West, and Southern Building Code Congress International (SBCCI) codes used throughout the Southeast. HISTORY OF THE INTERNATIONAL CODE COUNCIL With time, the need for a national, uniform set of codes emerged. So, in 1994, the three code organizations began the consolidation process to form the International Codes Council (ICC), with the first edition of the International Codes published in As stated in the 2012 International Building Code, The purpose of [the] code is to establish the minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety, and general welfare through structural strength, means of egress facilities, stability, sanitation, adequate light and ventilation, energy conservation, and safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment and to provide safety to firefighters and emergency responders during emergency operations. Codes provide one set of requirements that allow designers and contractors the ability to standardize designs and construction, and manufacturers to utilize economies of scale, rather than products produced to meet regional codes; this ultimately saves the consumer money. With code development at the national level, the organization may draw upon the collective knowledge of the country and the many experts who participate in the process. The International Codes are consensus documents, are the most commonly adopted building code in the country, and have been widely adopted by jurisdictions throughout the U.S., as well as internationally. PUBLICATIONS ICC develops and publishes a comprehensive set of codes used to construct and maintain the built environment. The codes include: International Building Code International energy Conservation Code International existing Building Code International Fire Code International Fuel Gas Code International Green Construction Code International Mechanical Code ICC performance Code International plumbing Code International private Sewage Disposal Code International property Maintenance Code International residential Code International Swimming pool and Spa Code International Wildland Urban Interface Code International Zoning Code The International Codes are published every three years, with the current edition being the 2012 edition. Work is under way for the creation and publication of the 2015 edition. Adoption of codes at the state and local level can lag years behind the publication of the International Codes while jurisdictions review, amend, and adopt the codes. For example, the State of Connecticut s code is based upon the 2003 International Codes; Georgia s code, the 2006 International Codes; Florida s code, the 2009 Codes; and Maryland, the 2012 Codes. Many states do not adopt a statewide code, and it is left up to local government to adopt and enforce a building code. National Fire Protection Association The National Fire protection Association (NFpA) is another major code organization, which was founded in the United States in NFpA creates many fire and electrical standards most notably NFpA 13, NFpA 101, and NFpA 70. NFpA 13 is the Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, NFpA 101 is the Life Safety Code, and NFpA 70 is the Electrical Code, all widely used throughout the U.S. In 2003, NFpA released NFpA 5000, a building code entitled Building and Construction Safety Code. Similar to the IBC in scope and content, this code has been adopted by only a few jurisdictions. INTERNATIONAL CODE DEVELOPMENT Due to recent changes in the code development process, code change proposals may be submitted every three years (previously every 18 months). The codes have been divided into three tracks, with each track being developed in successive years. The tracks are as shown in Table 1. Some codes have portions heard during other tracks; for example, the structural provisions of the International existing Building Code are heard by the structural committee that meets during Track A hearings. Further information about hearings and deadlines can be found at ICC s webpage at and in Appendix A. Anyone may submit proposed changes 2 8 t h R C I I n t e R n a t I o n a l C o n v e n t I o n a n d t R a d e S h o w M a R C h , e d w a R d S 8 1

4 Track A 2012/2015 Track B Track C International Building Code International Residential Code International Green Construction Code International Mechanical Code International Plumbing Code International Energy Conservation Code International Existing Building Code International Fuel Gas Code International Fire Code International Private Sewage Disposal Code International Performance Code International Property Maintenance Code International Wildland-Urban Interface Code International Zoning Code International Swimming Pool and Spa Code Table 1 International Code tracks. to codes on the form included in Appendix B. The deadlines for proposals are shown on the schedule in Appendix A. Code proposals are more successful if submitted by a group rather than by an individual, as it demonstrates consensus amongst the group. rci members are encouraged to submit proposals or suggestions for code changes to the author for consideration as submittals by rci, Inc. As shown in the diagram, code proposals are received and published and code development hearings are held at which testimony is heard by committees of experts. The committees vote on each proposal to approve, disapprove, or approve as modified. The committees are composed of various groups of stakeholders. The membership categories are General, who are consumers and regulators; producers, who are contractors, manufacturers, materials associations, and standards development organizations; and Users, who are designers, owners, and product certifiers. At least one-third of each of committee s members are regulators. Anyone may apply for membership, with appointments made by the ICC Board of Directors. Following the hearings, the results are posted and public comments are received and published. The last step in the process is the final action hearing, where the governmental-voting membership of ICC makes the final decisions about code proposals. Both the code development hearings and the final action hearings are webcast live through ICC s webpage, allowing individuals to view and listen to the testimony remotely. rci staff will attend the hearings and provide testimony. plans will be developed to keep members informed of proposals and to solicit feedback about the proposals to develop rci s position and deliver testimony at the hearings. rci testimony will be valuable to members of ICC, as members represent a nonbiased, professional assessment without an economic interest in the outcome of the proposals. For a number of years, the ICC has been considering ways for individuals to participate in the code process without the expense of travel and time away from the office. Currently, ICC plans to develop and launch the Code Development Governmental Consensus process (cdp ACCeSS) by the beginning of the 2015 code development cycle, which will lead to publication of the 2018 edition of the I-codes. The goal of cdp ACCeSS is to allow a flexible voting window to increase participation of members and stakeholders and to give participants time to review testimony, to formulate opinions on proposals, to become informed voters, and to have the ability to vote at the Final Action Hearings or to remotely vote, with the last recorded vote being a participant s final recorded vote. Voters will be given two weeks to cast a final vote after the conclusion of the Final Action Hearings. While initial reactions are positive, concerns about security, transparency, and fraud must be addressed. MAJOR CODE CHANGES AFFECTING THE BUILDING ENVELOPE IN THE 2012 IBC The following discussions about the codes are restricted to changes affecting the building envelope and are not a full summary of the code changes in the 2012 IBC. Vertical Continuity Section 706.6, Vertical Continuity, states that firewalls shall extend from the foundation to a termination point at least 30 in. above both adjacent roofs. An exception has been added that buildings with a sloped roof shall meet the requirements of Section That section states, Where a firewall serves as an interior wall for a building, and the roof on one side or both sides of the firewall slopes toward the firewall at a slope greater than two units vertical in 12 units horizontal (2:12), the firewall shall extend to a height equal to the height of the roof located 4 feet (1219 mm) from the fire wall plus 30 inches (762 mm). In no case shall the extension of the fire wall be less than 30 inches (762 mm). Firewalls are required to extend above the roof surface to minimize the spread of a fire to the roof. For sloped roofs, it is necessary to extend the parapet more than 30 in. to reduce the spread of fire on the roof. This exception applies to roofs with slopes greater than 2:12. Table 2 shows roof slopes and corresponding parapet heights required by the new provision. As can be seen from the table, each unit increase in slope requires a minimum 4-in. increase in parapet wall height. Attic Spaces Section , titled Attic Spaces, has been amended to allow the reduction of ventilation area to 1/300, provided 50% and not more than 80% is provided by ventila- Roof slope (adjacent to parapet) 3:12 4:12 6:12 Parapet height required 42 in. 46 in. 54 in. Table 2 Parapet height requirements. 8 2 e d w a R d S 2 8 t h R C I I n t e R n a t I o n a l C o n v e n t I o n a n d t R a d e S h o w M a R C h ,

5 tors that are located in the upper portion of the attic. An exception has been added to allow the reduction of ventilation area to 1/300 when a Class-I or Class-II vapor barrier is installed on the warm-in-winter side of the ceiling, which will reduce the movement of moisture into the attic space and allow the reduction of ventilation required. The code also allows the deletion of ventilation if the building official determines it is not necessary due to atmospheric or climatic conditions. These changes were added to the code to clarify what the required ventilation rate is, to provide guidance when there is not 3 ft. of vertical rise in the attic space, and to limit the amount of ventilation that can be provided in the upper portion of the attic when the ventilation area is being reduced. Polypropylene Siding Code sections and have been added to deal with polypropylene siding. Most significantly, fire spread index requirements and fire separation distances have been specified. The use of the siding is also limited by wind speed and exposure category, must be 10 ft. from another building when this siding is used, and must be certified and labeled in accordance with ASTM D7254, Standard Specification for Polypropylene Siding. Anchored Masonry Veneer Section , Anchored Masonry Veneer, has been revised to delete the requirement that anchored masonry veneer conform to the requirements of Section of TMS 402/ACI 530/ASCe 5. Shake table testing performed on anchored masonry veneers shows that the anchored masonry veneer walls, subjected to a maximum considered earthquake (MCe) corresponding to Seismic Design Category D, performed no better with wire reinforcement than without wire reinforcement. The deletion of the wire reinforcement requirement will aid in reducing corrosion in the veneer. Roof Drainage Systems roof drainage systems are covered in Section of the IBC. This section has been revised to provide clarity that the design and installation of roof drainage systems are to be done in accordance with the International plumbing Code, Sections 1106 and Roof Underlayment roof Covering Underlayment in High Wind Areas, Section , has been revised to include more stringent requirements for underlayment attachment in areas where the nominal wind speed (Vasd) is 120 mph or greater. Changes include the use of ASTM D226 Type II, ASTM D4869 Type IV, or ASTM D6757 underlayment; overlap requirements; cap nail shank gauge and penetration requirements; and an exception to the requirements for underlayments complying with ASTM D1970. Rooftop Gardens The requirements for rooftop gardens and landscaped roofs have been revised in Section to require that the installations comply with the Fire Code where there are several restrictions about rooftop gardens and landscaped roofs. Section states, The structural frame and roof construction supporting the load imposed upon the roof by the roof gardens or landscaped roofs shall comply with the requirements of Table 601, Fire resistance requirements for Building elements. PV Systems Definitions, material standards, attachment, fire classification, and wind resistance requirements for photovoltaic (pv) systems and pv modules have been added to chapter 15. pv systems that are attached or adhered to the roof, including shingles, are required to be labeled with their fire classification. pv modules/shingles must be listed and labeled in accordance with Ul 1703, must be tested in accordance with ASTM D3161, must comply with the appropriate design wind speed required by the code, and the packaging must be labeled. rooftop pv systems shall have the same fire classification as is required for the roof assembly. pv panels and modules shall be in accordance with the International Fire Code. Rooftop Structures Section 1509, rooftop Structures, has been reorganized and amended to provide more clarity about requirements for rooftop structures. A new section has been added to the chapter for mechanical equipment that is not covered by a roof and separates penthouse requirements in its own section. Another new section has been added to require a maximum flame spread rating of 25 for combustible materials used to construct screens and must be tested in accordance with NFpA 285. Ice Barrier Membranes There are certain instances when the code requires that the existing roof covering be removed down to the deck before a new covering is installed. An exception was added to Section to allow ice barrier membranes (e.g., self-adhering modified bitumen) to remain in place when removing existing layers of roof coverings, and a new ice barrier membrane may be installed over the existing ice barrier. ASCE 7 In 2012, the IBC transitioned to the 2010 edition of ASCe 7. Some of the significant changes to the standard include: removal of the occupancy factor for wind reinstating the use of exposure D revised load factors for wind allowable stress design (ASD) and load and resistance factor design (lfrd) load combinations rci has posted online a technical advisory that provides more information about the changes to ASCe 7. Masonry Structures Chapter 21, Masonry Structures, has been revised to require masonry designed by the direct method to be done in accordance with the new TMS , to provide simpler design solutions for structures. Water-Resistive Barriers The code provisions for water-resistive barriers for stucco applications, Section , have been revised to provide guidance on how the water-resistive barriers are to be installed. either a two-ply or a two-layer system can be used. With the two-ply system, both layers are installed and lapped, with the exterior layer being integrated into the flashing. With the twolayer system, each layer is installed in a ship-lapped fashion, and the interior layer is integrated into the flashing. Susceptible Bays A definition for susceptible bay has been added to Section 202, Definitions. A susceptible bay is defined as a roof or portion of a roof where the slope is less than ¼ in. per ft.; or where water is impounded in whole or in part, the primary drain sys- 2 8 t h R C I I n t e R n a t I o n a l C o n v e n t I o n a n d t R a d e S h o w M a R C h , e d w a R d S 8 3

6 tem is blocked, and the secondary system is functional. Sections and require that susceptible bays be evaluated in accordance with ASCe 7. Skylights Dome-shaped skylight requirements have been changed in Section to allow the slope of the skylight to be determined using the width of the skylight instead of the span, with a minimum of 3 in. of slope being provided to assure that the skylights will shed any embers and not ignite. SIGNIFICANT CODE PROPOSALS AFFECTING BUILDING ENVELOPE APPROVED FOR THE 2015 IBC The following discussions about the codes are restricted to proposals affecting the building envelope, and are not a full summary of the code changes in the 2015 IBC. Vegetative Roofs The National roofing Contractors Association (NrCA) submitted a proposal to include a definition of vegetative roofs in the code. The code proposal was approved and will define vegetative roofs as an assembly of interacting components designed to waterproof and normally insulate a building s top surface that includes, by design, vegetation and related landscape elements. Roof Replacement and Drainage NrCA also submitted a proposal to allow exemption from the secondary drain and scupper requirements of the code when recovering or replacing an existing roof, if positive drainage is provided. A public comment was submitted and approved to alter the proposal as follows: recovering or replacing an existing roof covering shall not be required to meet the requirement for secondary (emergency overflow) drains or scuppers in Section for roofs that provide for positive roof drainage. For the purposes of this exception, existing secondary drainage or scupper systems required in accordance with this code shall not be removed unless they are replaced by secondary drains or scuppers designed and installed in accordance with Section The intent of the original proposal was to avoid requiring the installation of secondary drains and scuppers when reroofing or replacing an existing roof. However, with the language as submitted in the original proposal, it would allow the removal of existing secondary drains. The public comment was approved, making it clear that secondary drainage systems could not be removed with reroofing or replacing an existing roof, unless a code-compliant system was installed. Roof Re-cover vs. Roof Replacement The Asphalt roofing Manufacturers Association submitted a proposal to modify the roof re-cover vs. roof replacement section of the code (1510.3). The new proposal clarifies that a roof replacement requires removal of all existing layers down to the deck. The proposal also specifies when a new roof cover may be installed over an existing roof covering (re-cover). A re-cover is permitted when (1) the new roof cover is installed per manufacturers installation instructions; (2) a new roof system transmits loads to the building s structure and does not rely on the existing roof system or covering for support; (3) metal panel, metal shingle, or concrete and clay tile roof coverings are installed over existing wood shake roofs; and (4) a new protective coating is applied over an SpF system. A roof re-cover is not permitted (1) when existing roof and/ or cover are water soaked or deteriorated; (2) where the existing roof covering is slate, clay, cement, or asbestos-cement tile; and (3) where the roof has two or more applications of any kind. PV Loads The National Council of Structural engineers Association submitted an extensive code proposal specifying the loads for pv panels/modules. The code provision specifies a 20-psf uniform live load, and unless each photovoltaic (pv) panel/module is clearly and permanently marked, Do not walk on this surface not intended for maintenance access or pedestrian traffic, and appropriate maintenance access paths are provided, a nonconcurrent 300-pound concentrated load as set forth in Table shall also be applied. The individual solar pv panels/modules shall be designed to withstand the roof/pv live load, in combination with other applicable loads. If the panels are designed to be installed over and supported by a roof, the supports of the roof shall be designed to accommodate the full dead load, the roof/pv live load, and other applicable loads. pv panels/modules that are independent elements and don t have access underneath and are restricted to keep the public away are not required to accommodate a roof/pv live load. If the panels/modules are designed to be the roof, span to structural supports, and have accessible space underneath, then the panels and supporting structure shall support the roof/pv live load. Ballasted pv systems are not required to be rigidly attached to the roof or the supporting structure. Ballasted nonpenetrating systems may be installed only on roofs with slopes of 1 in. per ft. or less. The ballasted nonpenetrating systems shall be designed to resist sliding and uplift. Composite Steel Floor Deck Slabs The Steel Deck Institute s proposal to allow the use of SDI-C-2011, Standard for Composite Steel Floor Deck Slabs, for design and construction of composite slabs constructed of steel and concrete was approved. Gables A revised definition of gables was approved to define gables as the triangular portion of the wall beneath the end of a dual-slope, pitched, or mono-slope roof or portion thereof and above the top plates of the story or level of the ceiling below. Water-Resistive Barriers previously, the code required that waterresistive barriers installed over wood-based sheathing must be equivalent to two layers of Grade-D paper. The Grade-D paper requirement has been changed to read a water-resistive barrier complying with ASTM e2556, Type I. The code also exempted stucco with barriers that had a water resistance equal to or greater than 60- minute, Grade-D paper that is separated by a drainage space or a non-water-absorbing layer. The 60-minute, Grade-D paper has been deleted and now requires a barrier complying with ASTM e2556, Type II. Ventilation An exception to the ventilation requirements of the IBC was added to allow the reduction of the net-free ventilation area to 1/300 when a Class I or Class II vapor retarder is added to the warm-in-winter side of the ceiling in climate zones 6, 7, and e d w a R d S 2 8 t h R C I I n t e R n a t I o n a l C o n v e n t I o n a n d t R a d e S h o w M a R C h ,

7 Another exception was also added to allow at least 40% and not more than 50% of the required venting area is provided by ventilators to be located in the upper portion of the attic or rafter space. The upper ventilators must be located no more than 3 ft. below the ridge of the highest point of the space. The distance is measured vertically. The remainder of the ventilation is to be provided by eave or cornice vents. Roof Drainage There were several changes to the International plumbing Code that affect roof design and drainage requirements. First, Section , roof Design, which addresses ponding, has been changed to add a requirement that the maximum possible depth of water on the roof must include the height of the water above the secondary roof drainage means to achieve the required flow rate of the secondary drains to accommodate the design rainfall. Next, Section , on roof Drain Flow rate, states the flow rate based on the head of water above the roof drain shall be used to size the storm drainage system, and the flow rate used shall be based on the maximum anticipated ponding at the roof drain. recently, the American Society of plumbing engineers Foundation completed a research project on flow rates through drains. Below is an excerpt from the reason statement submitted with some code proposals resulting from the research report: The ASpe research Foundation completed a research project on the flow rates through roof drains. What was uncovered was the fact that storm drainage systems have been improperly designed since the code requirements inception. The code requirements date back to the original National plumbing Code recommendations from the National Bureau of Standards published in The current code assumes that the water will gradually flow to a roof drain and flow into the piping, never to exceed the amount of flow permitted in the drain. What is occurring is the rainwater flows at different rates, depending on the pitch of the roof. The more ponding of water at the roof drain, the greater the quantity of flow through the roof drain. The research discovered that for smaller roof drains, the roof drain often allowed a much greater quantity of water to flow in the drain than is permitted by pipe sizing. The end result is the storm drain becomes a pressurized piping system. There are many occurrences of pipe failures resulting from storm drainage piping blowing apart inside the building. This can be attributed to improper sizing of the storm drainage system. either a smaller roof drain was required, or a larger storm drain pipe. By changing the method of sizing, the flow through the roof drain is finally considered when sizing the piping system. This is no different than sizing a sanitary drainage system whereby the system is sized based on the flow rate from a given fixture drain. There is no need to indicate roof areas, since the slope and shape of the roof will impact the sizing of the storm drainage system. An engineer will have to evaluate the amount of ponding around the roof drain during a 100-year storm of onehour duration. once the ponding is known, the drain can be selected based on the flow rate of that particular drain. The piping is then sized based on the flow through the roof drain. The sizing for all of the tables was taken from the ASpe Sizing Tables Application. Schedule 40 pvc was used for the pipe sizes, with the exception of 5 inch. Cast iron was used to develop the 5-inch numbers. The flow rates are maximum flows using one-third full for the stacks and full flow for the horizontal drains. one-third-full stacks [were] identified by the National Bureau of Standards as a flow amount that will assure open channel flow in the piping system. Gutter sizing was also taken from the ASpe Sizing Table Application. Based upon the report, an extensive proposal was submitted and approved to revise the requirements for storm drainpipe sizing, vertical leader sizing, horizontal and gutter sizing. New tables have been added to the International plumbing Code in Section DENIED PROPOSALS AFFECTING BUILDING ENVELOPE FOR GROUP A even though proposals are denied, they are often revised, refined, negotiated with stakeholders, and resubmitted in subsequent code cycles. It is worthwhile to review some of the proposals that are most likely to reappear in the next code development cycle. SprI introduced a number of standards for inclusion in the code that were unsuccessful. First, ANSI/SprI WD-1 is entitled Wind Design Standard for Roof Assemblies. This standard provides a prescriptive method for corner and perimeter enhancement, which is accomplished by increasing the number of fasteners or the spacing of adhesive ribbons, depending on the roof assembly. The standard allows for the use of one base assembly with increased perimeter and corner attachment, rather than requiring tested assemblies in each area. The 2006 IBC contained a new provision in Section that prohibited the use of stone or gravel on roofs in hurricane-prone regions. Further restrictions were provided based upon mean roof height and exposure category for areas outside of hurricaneprone regions. This provision was submitted in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, where it was observed that buildings in New orleans had window breakage due to aggregate blow-off from adjoining buildings. During the following code cycles, proposals came forward from a coalition that included the Federal emergency Management Agency (FeMA) and the Single ply roofing Industry (SprI) that would allow the use of gravel in hurricane-prone regions if parapets were utilized. The height of the parapets was related to the wind speed. Major opposition to the proposal has been expressed from the National Council of Structural engineers Associations, and consequently, it was denied. rp-14, Wind Design for Vegetative Roofs, is another standard introduced by SprI. This standard is very similar to the Design Standard for Ballasted Systems (rp 4) and also includes the requirement for special inspections. The proposal was denied at the Code Action Hearings, and the proposal was withdrawn by SprI at the Final Action Hearings. The committee reason for disapproval was the standard did not address all variations of vegetative roofs, and the 2 8 t h R C I I n t e R n a t I o n a l C o n v e n t I o n a n d t R a d e S h o w M a R C h , e d w a R d S 8 5

8 standard is not based on current wind load requirements. ANSI/SprI GD-1, Structural Design Standard for Gutter Systems Use With Low-Slope Roofs, was also introduced and was denied for the same reasons as rp-14. The last proposal submitted by SprI was for approval of rp-4, Wind Design Standard for Ballasted Single-Ply Roofing Systems. rp-4 requires special inspections for compliance with rp-4. The standard is based upon the 2005 version of ASCe 7. CODE ACTION COMMITTEES During the last code cycle, ICC created Code Action Committees (CACs) to encourage participation and discussion surrounding the code development process. There are four committees that have been created to address all 15 volumes of the codes. The four committees are: Building Code Action Committee (BCAC) Fire Code Action Committee (FCAC) plumbing, Mechanical, and Fuel Gas Code Action Committee (pmgcac) Sustainability, energy, & Highperformance Building Code Action Committee (SeHpCAC) Table 3 indicates the responsibilities of each code action committee. The committees meet approximately three times per year and communicate via phone conference in the intervening time. Individuals may submit proposals to the committee for review, and the committee may generate its own proposals. The CACs have been successful with code changes and help to provide a forum for consensus before arriving at the code hearings, as well Committee Name as opportunities for input from the stakeholders. The SeHpBCAC is reviewing a proposal to make the definition of repair consistent with the IBC, to define repair as the reconstruction or renewal of any part of an existing building for the purpose of its maintenance. Included in the proposal is a new chapter on existing Buildings that incorporates some of the provisions and requirements of the IeBC on defining alterations, additions, repairs, and change of occupancy. Also proposed by the SeHpCAC is a proposal to add to the IeCC a definition of roof covering replacement as an alteration consisting of the removal of the existing roof covering and installation of a new roof covering. The proposal would also bring requirements into the IeCC from the IgCC to require low-slope roofs with insulation entirely above the deck to meet the IeCC s insulation provisions when the roof covering is removed and replaced. An exception is allowed for instances where the thickness of the insulation cannot be provided due to existing roof conditions, HVAC equipment, low door or glazing heights, parapet wall heights, or proper flashing heights. During past code cycles, the Department of energy (Doe) has requested that the energy code be revised to reduce energy consumption by 30% by the completion of the 2012 codes. Those changes were accomplished, but not without hard-fought battles on several issues. one of the hard battles was the requirement to increase r-values for walls with continuous insulation, thus eliminating the possibility of providing all the insulation in the wall cavity, as well as no possibility to provide trade-offs with Primary Responsibility Building Code Action Committee (BCAC) IBC Chapters 1-6, 10-13, 15-25, IEBC IPMC IRC Chapters 1-10 IZC Fire Code Action Committee (FCAC) IBC Chapters 7, 8, 9, 14, and 26 IFC, ICC Performance Code, IWUIC Plumbing, Mechanical, and Fuel Gas Code Action Committee (PMGCAC) Sustainability, Energy, & High-Performance Building Code Action Committee (SEHPCAC) Table 3 Code Action Committee Responsibilities. IFGC, IMC, IPC, IPSDC IRC Chapters ISPSC IECC, IgCC IRC Chapter 11 more efficient equipment, for example, to achieve the same energy consumption. The Doe was opposed to wall cavity insulation because of thermal bridging with larger stud sizes, and trade-offs because the equipment could be changed or altered after installation, but the building envelope would probably not be altered during the life of the building. The SepHCAC is planning to propose that all climate zones have the ability to provide cavity insulation to meet the requirements of the IeCC. The BCAC has been considering a proposal that would delete Chapter 34, existing Buildings, from the IBC. Currently, the information in Chapter 34 is contained in two locations (both the IBC and the IeBC) and must be correlated. It is felt that the information should appear in one location only. Many jurisdictions do not adopt the IeBC and rely on Chapter 34 of the IBC to address existing buildings. If Chapter 34 is deleted and jurisdictions do not adopt the IeBC, there will be no mechanism for jurisdictions to place any requirements on existing buildings. ICC is moving toward deleting language from the various standards and only referencing or amending them in the code. ASCe 7 and ACI 318 are two examples of standards that are referenced in the codes, with portions of those standards being reprinted in the codes in the past. The reprinted portions of the standards are being deleted and referred to in the codes. This strategy is for the same reason as deletion of Chapter 34 from the IBC: It is too cumbersome and subject to error to maintain provisions from standards in the code instead of referencing the user to the standard. There are some instances where the ICC has amended the requirements contained within some standards, and those provisions are maintained in the code. CONCLUSION Before beginning any project, check with your local jurisdiction for local code requirements. While some states adopt one code that is mandatory throughout the state, many states do not adopt codes; and it is left up to the jurisdiction to decide whether to adopt a code, which code to adopt, and whether to write amendments to the code. Building codes and code requirements are becoming more 8 6 e d w a R d S 2 8 t h R C I I n t e R n a t I o n a l C o n v e n t I o n a n d t R a d e S h o w M a R C h ,

9 and more complex as new materials and construction techniques are being developed in an effort to hold down construction costs and to address emerging green construction practices, and the increased demand for energy conservation contributes to the complexity of the codes. Architects and engineers are challenged to stay abreast of the content of the code and the standards referenced within the body of the code. ICC produces a number of reference documents, webinars, and educational courses that assist in interpretation and application of the code. Those documents may be found in the Store, education, and Certification sections on the ICC website. rci members are encouraged to participate in all phases of the code development process and to contact rci staff with comments or code proposals. 2 8 t h R C I I n t e R n a t I o n a l C o n v e n t I o n a n d t R a d e S h o w M a R C h , e d w a R d S 8 7

10 APPENDIX A 88 edwards 28th RCI InteRnatIonal ConventIon and trade Show MaRCh 14-19, 2013

11 APPENDIX B 28th RCI InteRnatIonal ConventIon and trade Show MaRCh 14-19, 2013 edwards 89

12 APPENDIX B continued 90 edwards 28th RCI InteRnatIonal ConventIon and trade Show MaRCh 14-19, 2013

13 APPENDIX B continued 28th RCI InteRnatIonal ConventIon and trade Show MaRCh 14-19, 2013 edwards 91

14 APPENDIX B continued 92 edwards 28th RCI InteRnatIonal ConventIon and trade Show MaRCh 14-19, 2013