Tall Mass Timber Code Proposals Approved at ICC Public Comments Hearings

Posted By: Sydni Dobson (deleted) SLMA News,

From the American Wood Council:

Oct 24, 2018

LEESBURG, VA. - American Wood Council's (AWC) Vice President of Codes & Regulations Kenneth Bland, P.E., issued the following statement regarding the approval of the 14 tall mass timber code change proposals during the International Code Council (ICC) public comment hearings today in Richmond, Va. The proposals will now be subject to ICC's online voting, which is scheduled to begin in November. The final outcome of the tall mass timber code change proposals is expected in December.
 
The proposals create three new types of construction: Types IV-A, IV-B and IV-C.
 
"ICC's Ad hoc Committee on Tall Wood Buildings studied mass timber construction for two years prior to introducing these code change proposals, including conducting numerous fire performance tests. The result of that rigorous process is that each of the new proposed construction types has had its fire and life safety performance confirmed, resulting in a robust building performance.
 
"Other nations have already seen the benefits of tall wood construction - from the low carbon footprint, ease of construction and reduced construction time. The tremendous support of tall mass timber construction seen at the ICC public comment hearings, and the positive outcome, is one more important step toward advancement of tall wood in the United States."