The below is an overview of the building code (and in particular IBC).
What is IBC?
IBC is a comprehensive set of laws and regulations. Like any building code, it is a set of laws and regulations related to building safety – loads, materials, design provisions, fire rating, etc. – and its purpose is to establish minimum acceptable requirements to preserve public health, safety, and welfare in the built environment. Lastly, the Building Code is a legal document.
Code History
The first building codes can be traced back to early 1800 BC. The Babylonian emperor Hammurabi enforced what was known as the Code of Hammurabi. This code was very strict and stated that, “If a builder build a house for someone, and does not construct it properly, and the house which he built fall in and kill its owner, then that builder shall be put to death.” Building codes have evolved over time to protect the safety of building occupants without the threat of death.
Building codes were first seen in the United States in the early 1700’s AD. George Washington and Thomas Jefferson encouraged the development of building regulations to provide minimum standards to ensure health and safety of our citizens. In the early 1900’s insurance companies lobbied for further development of building codes to reduce properly loss payouts caused by inadequate construction standards and improperly built structures. During this time period, local code enforcement officials developed most of the building codes with the assistance of the building industry.
In 1915, the Building Officials and Code Administration (BOCA) was established. This organization developed what is now known as the BOCA National Building Code (BOCA/NBC), which is/was mainly used in the Northeastern United States.
In 1927, the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO) was established. This organization developed what is now known as the Uniform Building Code (UBC), which is/was mainly used in the Midwest and Western United States.
In 1940, the Southern Building Code Congress International (SBCCI) was founded. This organization developed what is now known as the Standard Building Code (SBC), which is/was mainly used in the Southern United States.
Over the years each of these codes (BOCA/NBC, UBC, & SBC) were revised and updated. Many of the codes were duplications of one another or very similar in nature. In order to avoid duplication and to consolidate the development process BOCA, ICBO, and SBCCI formed the International Code Council (ICC). The purpose of the ICC was to develop codes without regional limitations. In 1994 they began to develop what would become the International Building Code (IBC).
In 1997, the first edition of the IBC was published. There were still many flaws and it was not widely accepted. In 2000, the first comprehensive and coordinated set of the IBC was published. All three organizations (BOCA, ICBO, & SBCCI) agreed to adopt the IBC and cease development of their respective individual codes. The IBC supercedes the BOCA/NBC, UBC, & SBC codes and states & local governments began to adopt the new consolidated code.
A little more on how the code is received/perceived:
- Different States had different building code requirements
- Confusing for designers, builders, manufacturers, and administrators
- 1994 – International Code Council (ICC) was established to develop one single code for the US
- ICC founded by BOCA, SBCCI, ICBO
IBC references other accepted building standards
- ASCE 7-05 - ASCE Standard: Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and other Structures ANSI/ASCE 7-05
- ACI 318 – Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary ACI 318-08/ACI 318R-08
- AISC 13th ed. Specifications for the Design, Fabrication, and Erection of Structural Steel Buildings
- Steel Joist Institute Specifications
- National Design Specifications for Wood Structures
- ASCE 530/TMS 402/ASCE 5 – Masonry Code
- And many others
- Ch.1 – Scope and Administration
- Ch. 2 – Definitions
- Ch. 3 – Use and Occupancy Classification
- Ch. 4 – Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy
- Ch. 5 – General Building Heights and Areas
- Ch. 6 – Types of Construction
- Ch. 7 – Fire and Smoke Protection Features
- Ch. 8 – Interior Finishes
- Ch. 9 – Fire Protection Systems
- Ch. 10 – Means of Egress
- Ch. 11 – Accessibility
- Ch. 12 – Interior Environment
- Ch. 13 – Energy Efficiency
- Ch. 14 – Exterior Walls
- Ch. 15 – Roof Assemblies and Rooftop
- Ch. 16 – Structural Design
- Ch. 17 – Structural Tests and Special Inspections
- Ch. 18 – Soils and Foundations
- Ch. 19 – Concrete
- Ch. 20 – Aluminum
- Ch. 21 – Masonry
- Ch. 22 - Steel
- Ch. 23 – Wood
- Ch. 24 – Glass and Glazing
- Ch. 25 – Gypsum Board and Plaster
- Ch. 26 – Plastic
- Ch. 27 – Electrical
- Ch. 28 – Mechanical Systems
- Ch. 29 – Plumbing Systems
- Ch. 30 – Elevators and Conveying Systems
- Ch. 31 – Special Construction
- Ch. 32 – Encroachments into the Public Right of Way
- Ch. 33 – Safeguards During Construction
- Ch. 34 – Existing Structures
- Ch. 35 – Referenced Standards
- Appendices
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