The IBC is a comprehensive set of regulations for building design and construction, serving as the foundation for the complete Family of International Codes. It's an essential tool for preserving public health and safety in the built environment.

The IBC is used by architects, engineers, contractors, building officials, and other professionals involved in commercial, industrial, and residential construction projects.

Key updates include the adoption of ASCE 7-16, new provisions for storm shelters, changes to special inspection requirements, and updates to conventional construction requirements in Chapter 23.

The IBC is revised on a three-year cycle through ICC's consensus code development process, involving hundreds of building and safety experts from across North America.

The IBC covers various aspects of building design and construction, including structural design, fire protection, accessibility, energy efficiency, and special structures and occupancies.

The 2018 IBC incorporates updated wind speed maps and seismic design maps from ASCE 7-16, enhancing provisions for wind and seismic resistance in building design.

Table 1607.1 now specifies that deck and balcony live loads should be 1.5 times that of the occupancy served.

Chapter 16 now includes a new section dealing with tsunami loads, based on the provisions in ASCE 7-16.

Section 1604.11 specifies that loads and load combinations on storm shelters shall be determined in accordance with ICC 500. It also clarifies risk categories for different types of shelters.

The code now requires "joint connection type" instead of "metal connector plate type" on truss design drawings, acknowledging that not all trusses use metal connector plates.

The 2018 IBC includes several updates to special inspection requirements, including clarifications on the inspection of fabricated items and exceptions for certain structural steel elements.

The code incorporates enhanced energy efficiency standards to promote sustainable construction practices and reduce energy consumption in buildings.

The IBC is in use or adopted in all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and several U.S. territories.

You can follow the ICC's code development process, participate in code development hearings, and access resources on the ICC website for information on upcoming versions and changes.

The 2018 IBC incorporates updated accessibility provisions, aligning with the 2017 ICC A117.1 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities standard. It includes enhanced requirements for accessible routes, parking spaces, and building features to ensure inclusive design.

The 2018 IBC includes updates to fire sprinkler requirements, smoke control systems, and fire alarm provisions. It also introduces new requirements for mass timber construction and its fire resistance ratings.

The 2018 IBC introduces provisions for tall wood buildings, including new Type IV construction types (IV-A, IV-B, and IV-C) that allow for taller and larger mass timber buildings.

The 2018 IBC includes updates to exit access travel distance, common path of egress travel, and emergency escape and rescue opening requirements. It also clarifies provisions for exit discharge and exit passageways.

The code provides updated guidance on how to classify and separate mixed occupancies, including clarifications on when to apply the most restrictive provisions.

The 2018 IBC includes updates to elevator lobbies, hoistway opening protection, and firefighter emergency operation requirements. It also addresses occupant evacuation elevators in more detail.

While not explicitly a "green" code, the 2018 IBC incorporates provisions that support resilience and sustainability, such as enhanced structural design requirements, energy efficiency measures, and provisions for alternative materials and methods.

The 2018 IBC clarifies and expands special inspection requirements, including updates to fabricator approval processes, structural observations, and special inspections for seismic resistance.

hile the IBC primarily focuses on new construction, it includes provisions for existing buildings in Chapter 34. However, for comprehensive existing building regulations, users are directed to the International Existing Building Code (IEBC).

The ICC offers various resources including code commentaries, study companions, training programs, and certification exams to help professionals understand and apply the 2018 IBC effectively.

The code includes updated provisions for the storage, use, and handling of hazardous materials, including revised quantity limitations and enhanced safety requirements.

The 2018 IBC includes updates to roof assembly and rooftop structure requirements, including provisions for solar photovoltaic panels and vegetative roofs.

The code includes provisions for alternative materials, design, and methods of construction, allowing for innovation while ensuring that such alternatives meet the intent of the code for safety and performance.