Applying the International Residential Code (IRC)

With a focus on wood construction, this course on the IRC addresses floor, wall and roof assemblies, common footing and foundation issues, glazing, lighting, egress and fire safety requirements and how to recognize alternate acceptable methods vs. problems requiring modification in residential construction. Examples selecting floor, roof and wall systems are covered as a group and individually for one- and two-story residential structures.

• Building Inspectors
• Plan Reviewers
• Building Officials
• Engineers
• Architects
• Builders
• Specialty Contractors

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, students will be better able to:

• Understand fundamental structural provisions of the 2021 IRC.
• Address foundation, floor, wall and roof assembly issues.
• Identify acceptable alternate methods of code compliance.

• Address wind loads on wall and roof assemblies.

• Determine required simplified wall bracing.

• Apply concepts in fire-resistance, means of egress, emergency escape and rescue, safety glazing and other building safety provisions.

Day One

 Welcome and Introduction                                                                                          

Loads and Load Paths  

• Loads
  • Live
  • Dead
  • Wind
  • Seismic
  • Snow
• Load Paths
  • Gravity
  • Lateral
  • Incomplete Load Path

Foundations

• Materials
• Footings
• Anchorage
• Stem walls and slabs
• Concrete foundation walls
• Wood foundation walls
• Moisture protection
• Ventilation

Framing Materials

• Framing
• Grade stamps
• Trusses
• Decay
• Alternative materials

Floors and Walls

• Floors
  • Framing
  • Openings
  • Connections
  • Bearing
  • Draftstopping
  • Walls
• Framing
• Headers
• Simplified wall bracing
• Connections
• Energy
• Wall covering

 Roof-Ceiling Assemblies and Roof Coverings

• Roofs
• Ceiling joists
• Rafters
• Bracing and uplift
• Connections
• Sheathing
• Roof Coverings
  • Underlayment
  • Ice barrier
  • Asphalt shingles
  • Other roof cladding
  • Ventilation

Day Two

Examples

• Two-story Residential Example
  • Building description and loads
  • Roof framing and sheathing
  • Wall framing and bracing (115 mph, Exp B, SDC B)
• Single story Residential Example
  • Building description and loads
  • Determine roof framing and sheathing
  • Determine wall framing and bracing (115 mph, Exp B, SDC B)

Decks

• Footing and post
• Ledger
• Beams and joists
• Decking material

Fire Resistance

• Walls
  • Exterior walls
  • Townhouses
  • Two-family dwellings
• Penetrations and assemblies
  • Penetrations of rated assemblies
  • Unrated membrane fire resistance
  • Dwelling / Garage separation
  • Enclosures under stairs
  • Fire protection of floors
  • Draft-stopping and fire-blocking
  • Other fire resistance provisions

 Fire Protection

• Sprinklers
• Smoke alarms
• CO alarms

Glazing                                                                                                                                        

• Doors
• Walls
• Wet Areas
• Stairs

Emergency Escape and Rescue                                                                                                

• Above grade
• Below grade
• Existing buildings

Means of Egress                                                                                                                         

• Doors
• Landings
• Stairs and Ramps
• Handrails and Guardrails

Other Health and Safety Features

• Fall protection
• Lighting and ventilation
• Ceiling heights
• Solar panels
• Swimming pools

Sandra Hyde

Sandra Hyde, P.E. is the Managing Director of Product Development with the International Code Council (ICC) where, as part of the Product Development team, she develops technical resource materials in support of the structural provisions of the International Codes. Her role also includes review and technical editing of publications authored by ICC and engineering associations, and the presentation of technical seminars on the IRC and IBC structural provisions. Prior to joining ICC in 2010, Sandra worked in manufacturing and research engineered wood products. She is a Registered Civil Engineer in Idaho and California.