Introduction to Building Codes

© 2010 Project Lead The Way, Inc.Civil Engineering and Architecture

Engineering Failures

2007 Minneapolis Bridge Collapse

US History of Building Codes

Fires in the 1800s prompted insurance companies to demand building codes for structures

The Great Chicago Fire of 1871

Building Officials and Code Administration (BOCA)

• The first major model-code group

• Founded in 1915

• Located in Country Club Hills, Illinois

• Codes were adopted predominantly in the north central and northeastern states

International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO)

• Formed in 1922

• Located in Whittier, CA

• First edition of the Uniform Building Code published in 1927

• Adopted by states west of the Mississippi River

Southern Building Code Conference

• Headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama

• Founded in 1940

• Published the Southern Building Code

• Widely accepted in the southeast

International Code Council (ICC)

• Uniform system of codes was necessary

• Representatives from each of the code organizations formed the ICC in 1994

• First edition of the International Building Code published in 2000

ICC Codes

• International Residential Code (IRC)

• International Building Code (IBC)

• International Mechanical Code

• International Plumbing Code

• International Energy Conservation Code

• ICC Electrical Code

• Others

International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings (IRC)

• Addresses design and construction of one- and two-family dwellings and townhomes

• Local municipalities can adopt the IRC but may publish modifications

• Modifications and specifications are generally published on the Internet for all to reference

International Residential Code• IRC applies to homes consisting of

three stories, or less, above grade• Covers conventional residential construction• Covers all home components and systems

• Structural systems• Thermal insulation• Mechanical systems• Plumbing systems• Electrical systems• Fuel gas systems• Fireplaces and chimneys

International Residential CodeChapter 3 – Building Planning

Habitable Space: A space in a building for living, sleeping, eating, or cooking.

Bathrooms, toilet rooms, closets, halls, storage or utility spaces, and similar areas are not considered habitable space.

International Residential CodeChapter 3 – Building Planning

• Section R303 – Light, Ventilation, and Heating

• Section R304 – Minimum Room Areas

• Section R310 – Emergency Escape and Rescue Openings

• Section R311 – Means of Egress