The 2018 Code Conforming Wood Design (CCWD), a joint publication of the American Wood Council (AWC) and the International Code Council, is now available.
The free download summarizes key provisions related to the use of wood and wood products as they appear in the 2018 International Building Code (IBC). The publication compiles the occupancy and height and area provisions of the IBC for wood structures into one publication.
“The complexity and scope of the IBC makes it difficult for designers to know about all of the code provisions that affect the use of wood products in construction,” said Kenneth Bland, AWC vice president of codes & regulations, in a news release. “CCWD consolidates and provides additional explanation for many of those provisions to make wood building compliance with the IBC as simple as possible.”
Among the 2018 IBC code changes mentioned in the 2018 CCWD:
· Alternatives for protecting attics in buildings using an NFPA 13R automatic sprinkler system. This has specific application to construction designed in accordance with IBC Sections 510.2 and 510.4, based on the height of the roof above the lowest level of required fire department vehicle access.
· Provisions for a fire-watch during non-working hours when construction exceeds 40 feet in height above the lowest adjacent grade, if required by the fire code official. The International Fire Code contains additional fire watch provisions.
· Updated references to AWC’s 2018 National Design Specification for Wood Construction and 2018 Wood Frame Construction Manual.
Related Stories
K-12 Schools | Apr 18, 2023
ASHRAE offers indoor air quality guide for schools
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has released a guide for educators, administrators, and school districts on indoor air quality. The guide can be used as a tool to discuss options to improve indoor air quality based on existing HVAC equipment, regional objectives, and available funding.
Smart Buildings | Apr 7, 2023
Carnegie Mellon University's research on advanced building sensors provokes heated controversy
A research project to test next-generation building sensors at Carnegie Mellon University provoked intense debate over the privacy implications of widespread deployment of the devices in a new 90,000-sf building. The light-switch-size devices, capable of measuring 12 types of data including motion and sound, were mounted in more than 300 locations throughout the building.
Affordable Housing | Apr 7, 2023
Florida’s affordable housing law expected to fuel multifamily residential projects
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis recently signed into law affordable housing legislation that includes $711 million for housing programs and tax breaks for developers. The new law will supersede local governments’ zoning, density, and height requirements.
Energy Efficiency | Apr 7, 2023
Department of Energy makes $1 billion available for states, local governments to upgrade building codes
The U.S. Department of Energy is offering funding to help state and local governments upgrade their building codes to boost energy efficiency. The funding will support improved building codes that reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency, according to DOE.
Resiliency | Apr 4, 2023
New bill would limit housing sprawl in fire- and flood-prone areas of California
A new bill in the California Assembly would limit housing sprawl in fire- and flood-prone areas across the state. For the last several decades, new housing has spread to more remote areas of the Golden State.
Sustainability | Apr 4, 2023
ASHRAE releases Building Performance Standards Guide
Building Performance Standards (BPS): A Technical Resource Guide was created to provide a technical basis for policymakers, building owners, practitioners and other stakeholders interested in developing and implementing a BPS policy. The publication is the first in a series of seven guidebooks by ASHRAE on building decarbonization.
Multifamily Housing | Mar 24, 2023
Washington state House passes bill banning single-family zoning
The Washington state House of Representatives recently passed a bill that would legalize duplexes or fourplexes in almost every neighborhood of every city in the state.
Multifamily Housing | Mar 24, 2023
Momentum building for green retrofits in New York City co-ops, condos
Many New York City co-op and condo boards had been resistant to the idea of approving green retrofits and energy-efficiency upgrades, but that reluctance might be in retreat.
Legislation | Mar 24, 2023
New York lawmakers set sights on unsafe lithium-ion batteries used in electric bikes and scooters
Lawmakers in New York City and statewide have moved to quell the growing number of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries used in electric bikes and scooters.
Codes and Standards | Mar 24, 2023
Changes to ICC building codes development process aimed at more in-depth vetting of proposals
The changes will take effect in 2024-2026 for the development of the 2027 International Codes (I-Codes). They will move the development process to an integrated and continuous three-year cycle.
