Ching Francis D. K. - Building Codes Illustrated: a guide to understanding the 2015 international building code

Fifth Edition

A Guide to Understanding the
2015 International Building Code

FRANCIS D. K. CHING / STEVEN R. WINKEL, FAIA

Cover Design: Wiley
Cover Illustration: Francis D.K. Ching

This book is printed on acid-free paper.

Copyright 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved

Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey
Published simultaneously in Canada

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Ching, Frank, 1943

Building codes illustrated : a guide to understanding the 2015 international building code / Francis Ching, Steven Winkel. -- Fifth edition.
Includes index.
ISBN 978-1-119-15092-3; ISBN 978-1-119-15094-7 (ebk); ISBN 978-1-119-15095-4 (ebk)

The book contains the authors' analyses and illustrations of the intent and potential interpretations of the 2015 International Building Code (IBC). The illustrations and examples are general in nature and not intended to apply to any specific project without a detailed analysis of the unique nature of the project. As with any code document, the IBC is subject to interpretation by the Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for their application to a specific project. Designers should consult the local Building Official early in project design if there are questions or concerns about the meaning or application of code sections in relation to specific design projects.

The interpretations and illustrations in the book are those of the authors. The authors do not represent that the illustrations, analyses, or interpretations in this book are definitive. They are not intended to take the place of detailed code analyses of a project, the exercise of professional judgment by the reader, or interpretive application of the code to any project by permitting authorities. While this publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information regarding the subject matter covered, it is sold with the understanding that neither the publisher nor the authors are engaged in rendering professional services. If professional advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought.

The authors and John Wiley & Sons would like to thank Doug Thornburg and Jay Woodward of the International Code Council for their thorough review of the manuscript. Their review does not reflect in any way the official position of the International Code Council. Any errors in the interpretations or illustrations in the book are solely those of the authors and are in no way the responsibility of the International Code Council.

We would also like to thank David Collins, FAIA, of The Preview Group, Inc., for his insightful review. The book was made clearer and our interpretations were improved by his comments and suggestions.

The International Code Council (ICC), a membership association dedicated to building safety, fire prevention and energy efficiency, develops the codes and standards used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools. The mission of ICC is to provide the highest quality codes, standards, products and services for all concerned with the safety and performance of the built environment. Most United States cities, counties and states choose the International Codes, building safety codes developed by the International Code Council. The International Codes also serve as the basis for construction of federal properties around the world, and as a reference for many nations outside the United States. The Code Council is also dedicated to innovation and sustainability and Code Council subsidiary, ICC Evaluation Service, issues Evaluation Reports for innovative products and reports of Sustainable Attributes Verification and Evaluation (SAVE).

Headquarters: 500 New Jersey Avenue, NW, 6th Floor, Washington, DC 20001-2070
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1-888-422-7233

www.iccsafe.org

The primary purpose of this book is to familiarize code users with the 2015 International Building Code (IBC). It is intended as an instructional text on how the Code was developed and how it is organized, as well as a primer on how to use the Code. It is intended to be a companion to the IBC, not a substitute for it. This book must be read in concert with the IBC.

Many designers feel intimidated by building codes. They can seem daunting and complex at first glance. It is important to know that they are a product of years of accretion and evolution. Sections start simply and are modified, and new material is added to address additional concerns or to address interpretation issues from previous code editions. The complexity of a building code often comes from this layering of new information upon old without regard to overall continuity. It is important to keep in mind that there is no single author of the building code. Each section has a different author. Building codes are living documents, constantly under review and modification. It is vital to an understanding of codes to keep in mind that they are a human institution, written by ordinary people with specific issues in mind or specific agendas they wish to advance.