Applying the International Residential Code (IRC)

Code compliance is one of the more challenging aspects of the design, construction, and operation of a building. For commercial buildings, learn the essential life safety requirements of the IBC, and how to assure code compliance on your projects. And for residential structures, learn about floor, wall and roof assemblies, common footing and foundation issues, glazing, lighting, egress and fire safety requirements. Be ready for your state’s adoption and enforcement of the 2021 editions of the IBC and IRC, with highlighted updates and differences from the UDC.

• These courses will benefit new users of the IBC and IRC, as well as experienced professionals interested in updates on code changes, including: 

  • Plan reviewers and code officials
  • Architects and structural engineers 
  • Consultants and project managers 
  • Building facility owner representatives 
  • Construction managers and 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 including wind loads and simplified wall bracing
• Apply concepts in fire-resistance, means of egress, emergency escape and rescue, safety glazing, and other provisions
• Identify acceptable alternate methods of code compliance

Course Outline

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

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.

Cash Olszowy

Owned and operated his own small
construction company from 1987 - 1999. He then joined
Lexington, Kentucky’s Division of Building Inspection in
1997 as a Residential Inspector and worked there until
retiring as the Director of Code Enforcement for Lexington
in October 2023.