91ÊÓƵ

The International Code Council is on track to approve a series of code changes that could help spread the use of mass timber in high-rises.

Unofficial voting results on proposed code changes were released this week and, according to the Construction Specifier, all 14 involving tall mass timber passed. The proposals would create three new types of allowable mass-timber construction, set new fire-safety regulations, and redefine allowable heights and number of allowable stories for mass-timber buildings. The changes are expected to be incorporated into the 2021 International Building Code.

The three new types of construction are: Type IV-A, which would allow mass-timber buildings up to 18 stories with gypsum wallboard on all mass-timber elements; Type IV-B, which would allow buildings up to 12 stories with limited area of exposed mass-timber walls and ceilings; and Type IV-C, which would allow buildings up to nine stories with all exposed mass-timber elements designed with at least two hours of fire resistance.

The 2021 code development cycle will continue throughout 2019, with additional structural requirements for mass-timber buildings to be considered. Final approval is expected to come in October. Release of the 2021 International Building Code is expected by late 2020 and will include a full set of codes.