IBC - Overview
(Last updated to IBC 2021)
Sitting down and reading the International Building Code front to back is not an effective way to understand the code. The building code is a web of information that is designed to be understood as it applies to the project you are working on. When you reach a branch of the code that doesn’t apply to your project you stop and move on to other elements that do apply. Because of this, understanding the building code is best done first from a broad perspective and then working your way into the details that apply to your work. Getting familiar with the overall layout of chapters and headings will help you navigate the code much better than trying to read completely through every section.
CHAPTER 1 | Scope & Administration
Outlines the types of projects to which this code applies. This includes the rules by which the code works and how it is administered. The rules about who gets to interpret the code and has final say on things is outlined here as well, such as defining the duties and powers of the Building Official in section 104.
CHAPTER 2 | Definitions
Provides definitions for most of the major terms used throughout the code. Checking here for the meanings of words in the code will greatly help in understanding the intention of the code. Chapter 2 should be one you reference often.
CHAPTER 3 | Occupancy Classification and Use
CHAPTER 4 | Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and Use
CHAPTER 5 | General Building Heights and Areas
CHAPTER 6 | Types of Construction
Chapters 3 through 6 are used to understand the parameters and requirements for fire and life safety of the project you are designing. You will bounce back and forth between these chapters and the tables in them to understand what is allowed given the size and shape of the building you are trying to create. You can help your client understand the ramifications and work through any changes to the building that are desired to fit within certain parameters by understanding these chapters and how they work.
CHAPTER 7 | Fire and Smoke Protection
Defines the requirements for fire and smoke separation elements (such as wall and floor assemblies) within your building, as well as the requirements for an element to be a fire or smoke separation element.
CHAPTER 8 | Interior Finishes
This chapter is mostly there for product manufacturers to know what requirements their finishes have to meet in order to be used in a project. We might reference some of the requirements of this section in our specifications, especially if we are writing a performance based spec. It is good to familiarize yourself with the general contents of this chapter.
CHAPTER 9 | Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems
Outlines the requirements for systems that get installed in a building for fire protection and life safety. Typically whether you have to have these systems in your building are outlined in other parts of the code; this is just the requirements for them if they are in your building.
CHAPTER 10 | Means of Egress
Outlines the rules for designing a building with an appropriate means of egress system. This chapter is where you will determine the number of occupants throughout your building and how to provide safe passage for them to get out of a building in an emergency.
CHAPTER 11 | Accessibility
To understand accessibility, start with the assumption that everything is required to be accessible. This chapter then outlines the rules and exceptions for where accessible design standards may not apply and how to provide an acceptably accessible building. While this chapter largely points out the scope of where accessibility standards must be applied it is the ICC A117.1 that is the design standard that outlines the requirements for spaces that are required to be accessible.
Keep in mind that this building code is the state’s requirement for accessibility but that any building that is constructed in the United States must also follow the federal government’s requirements for accessibility outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Also that for housing projects, the fair housing act requirements also apply under federal law.
CHAPTER 12 | Interior Environment
Deals with requirements of the interior environment. Familiarize yourself with the general provision of this code as there are many design elements that are affected by these including min dimensions for spaces, minimum lighting levels, sound transmission requirements, and toilet fixture requirements among others.
CHAPTER 13 | Energy Efficiency
CHAPTER 14 | Exterior Walls
CHAPTER 15 | Roof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures
Chapters 13 through 15 outline the rules for the performance of the building envelope including weather protection, Water Resistive Barrier, and any requirements for specific types of finish materials that are allowed. Essential chapters to reference if you are designing exterior envelope assemblies.
CHAPTER 16 | Structural Design
CHAPTER 17 | Special Inspections and Tests
If we were designing a building prescriptively chapters 16 through 18 would be the chapters to reference but since we don’t usually do that just let the structural engineer worry about these chapters. We should be aware of any special inspections and tests that are required for design build designated items in our design and note them on the cover page as well as reference any noted on structural drawings.
CHAPTER 18 | Soils and Foundations
While much of this chapter has to do with geotechnical discoveries and structural bearing design there are also elements that effect the building envelope such as, damp proofing, waterproofing and Subsoil Drainage Systems that need to be coordinated between civil and architectural drawings, being informed by geotechnical discoveries and recommendations.
CHAPTER 19 | Concrete
CHAPTER 20 | Aluminum
CHAPTER 21 | Masonry
CHAPTER 22 | Steel
CHAPTER 23 | Wood
CHAPTER 24 | Glass and Glazing
CHAPTER 25 | Gypsum Board, Gypsum Panel Products and Plaster
CHAPTER 26 | Plastic
When designing with any of the materials outlined in chapters 19 through 26 becoming familiar with the code requirements of these elements will aid you in ensuring quality and performance outcomes from the systems installed in your building. These chapters will often be referenced while writing specifications of these materials or are for use by manufacturers who are using them in their products.
CHAPTER 27 | Electrical
CHAPTER 28 | Mechanical Systems
CHAPTER 29 | Plumbing Systems
While these systems are often designed by engineers we hire, if we want the placement of these elements to work with the design of the building, being aware of some of the major requirements and planning for them in the design are important to consider. Section 2902 Minimum Plumbing Facilities is an area that we are directly responsible for in the layout of a project.
CHAPTER 30 | Elevators and Conveying Systems
Obviously a chapter that should be referenced when designing an elevator or other conveying system for a project.
CHAPTER 31 | Special Construction
Always check this chapter on your project to be sure there are not any elements (such as awnings or canopies, or swimming pools) that require special consideration of code requirements.
CHAPTER 32 | Encroachments into the Public Right-of-Way
Defines the rules for allowable building encroachments into the public right of way both above and below grade. This does not override Zoning requirements or definitions of the AHJ but only defines what is allowed from a life safety standpoint.
CHAPTER 33 | Safeguards During Construction
This chapter is basically written for the contractors
CHAPTER 35 | Referenced Standards
Chapter 35 lists all of the referenced standards and the current version of said standards that are applicable to the current building code. This is for example the only place that lists the version of ICC A117.1 that is to be used.