REVIEW OF THE CODE DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS FOR TALL MASS TIMBER BUILDINGS IN THE US

Abstract

The 2021 International Building Code (IBC) is the current edition of the predominant model building code adopted for use in the United States. For the first time in the history of US model code development, the 2021 IBC recognizes tall mass timber buildings. With the addition of three new types of construction, US designers can design tall mass timber structures up to 18 stories in height. These provisions are the culmination of a nearly five-year effort by stakeholders participating in the code development process. A brief history of this effort is presented in this paper, including the formation of the International Code Council's (ICC) Tall Wood Ad Hoc Committee. Four (4) work groups, namely, Definitions and Standards, Fire, Structural, and Codes were convened to formulate science-based code change language that led to the current provisions. Analysis of the fire testing completed in support of the code changes is presented and a brief discussion of current research and testing, as well as proposed code changes for future editions of the IBC is also discussed.