Code-conforming wood design guide available

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.

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