Basic Building Codes Question

[SDNewbie]

I'm trying to get a better understanding of different building codes and when they are used. I started to write down a list of all the codes that apply to me locally and came up with the following. Basically, which codes supersede the others?

For example: Municipal code, CBC, Title 24, ASCE, ACI, etc.

 

[dcarr82775]

The Code adopted by the local authority (i.e. building department) typically trumps others. In the States most adopt the IBC and may make some changes to it. The IBC references all the various other documents as a minimum requirement.

 

[Bagman2524]

Codes are all written by private organizations. They have no force of law unless adopted in whole or in part by a governmental entitity, whether it be federal, state or local. OHSA is federal law and therefore applies everywhere in the USA. IBC is the most common building code adopted by local/state governments. See link for where IBC has been adopted.

http://www.iccsafe.org/gr/Pages/adoptions.aspx

 

[briancpotter]

In the US, typically a state takes a model code (currently some flavor of the IBC), make amendments to it, and adopts it as the state building code. This model code, in turn, will incorporate other codes by reference - for instance, the IBC incorporates the AISC Steel Code, the ASCE 7 minimum design loads, the ACI 318 concrete code, the NDS wood code, and a host of others. Occasionally the IBC will mandate certain adjustments be made to sections of the codes it references.

In all these cases, the highest level code supersedes any code adopted by reference. For instance, the state amendments will supersede anything in the IBC. Changes mandated by the IBC will supersede the codes it incorporates, etc.



Brian C Potter, PE

http://simplesupports.wordpress.com

 

[concretemasonry]

The bottom line is that the codes adopted in the locality or those that must be complied with must be adopted legally. Zoning and use are separate and may be localized, but a locality may add different requirements as long as they have a proven basis or are more rigid than the minimum model codes.

The code writing frequently comes from groups that consist of different individuals with varying backgrounds. Usually, a locality adopts a model code (IBC, IRC are the most common) that puts in to effect legally and can amend, but not reduce the minimum standards.

IRC, and IBC codes are written by those organizations connected with or are members of the ICCC. The codes are put into "code language" that can be enforceable. The codes also adopt and accept many items/standards

There are many other groups that write appropriate standards relation to appropriate products, testing and procedures, practices that are open to the public. These are usually comprised of an assortment of people with different interests.

I have been a member of ASTM for 20 years, and it took me 10 years to be a voting member on several committees. The reason for the time is because the committees are what is called a balanced "consensus" group consisting or manufacturers, users, and interested parties (little old ladies, professors, etc.). It is a one member per vote and no voting corporate members, but corporations are members to support the organization. It is not cheap and can be time-consuming to participate in standards considering the time, travel, hotels (2 multi-day meetings annually plus other communications) and other expenses necessary to be active, since if you do not participate, you could be dropped as a voting member. Obviously, nothing happens immediately, but it provides a well based, verifiable basis for codes.

I was lucky to start working for a concrete block manufacturer and I was required to be involved in any local or national organization association/group dealing with my area of engineering (structural/civil) despite the time involved, dues and travel/housing costs.

Dick


Engineer and international traveler interested in construction techniques, problems and proper design.

 

[SDNewbie]

Thanks everyone for the posts, quite informative. I have a job interview with a local building department in two weeks. Would you please give me any tips or things to read up in preperation for the interview? It's going to be an entry level position within the structural section. Mostly residential/commercial building reviews.

Thanks!

 

[Bagman2524]

IBC chapter 16 covers structural. You might want to all familiarize yourself with Occupancy types and Building Classifications which are in chapters 3 & 4.