This course provides a focused review of the 2021 IBC updates, offering insights into key fire and life safety requirements and major changes from previous editions. Participants will explore code applications across occupancy classifications, sprinkler systems, construction types, and means of egress. Practical strategies for facilitating code compliance, reducing project revisions, and ensuring public health and safety will be emphasized throughout.

• Understand major updates in the 2021 IBC and their implications for fire and life safety design.
• Confidently apply essential code requirements to optimize building compliance and reduce costly revisions.
• Analyze structural components and systems to ensure safety and adherence to regulatory standards.

• Engineers, architects, and building professionals involved in planning, designing, reviewing, or inspecting buildings for code compliance.
• Specialists in fire and life safety, structural engineering, and code compliance working to ensure safe and effective building operations.
• Professionals seeking to streamline code compliance, reduce costly revisions, and enhance public safety in building projects.

Day One

Welcome and Introduction                                            

Code Application                                    

• Scope and intent
• Alternate methods and materials
• Existing buildings

 Occupancy Classification                        

• Use and Occupancy
• Occupancy Groups
• Mixed occupancies

 Automatic Sprinkler Systems                    

• Fire areas
• Sprinkler requirements
• Sprinkler tradeoffs 

Types of Construction                                               

• Classification
• Building element protection 

Allowable Building Size                               

• Allowable building height
• Mezzanines
• Allowable building area
• Mixed occupancies
• Unlimited area buildings
• Podium buildings

Day Two

 Location on Lot                                                         

• Exterior wall ratings
• Buildings on the same lot
• Openings in exterior walls

 Fire and Smoke Resistance                                         

• Fire-resistance ratings
• Fire-rated walls
• Horizontal assemblies
• Penetrations
• Opening protectives
• Fire and smoke dampers

 Fire Protection Systems                                          

• Standpipe systems
• Fire alarm systems

 Interior Finishes                                           

• Wall and ceiling finishes
• Floor finishes

 Means of Egress                                

• General egress components
• Occupant load determination
• Egress capacity and width
• Doors and stairways
• Exit signs
• Handrails and guardrails
• Number and location of exits
• Corridors
• Horizontal exits
• Interior exit stairways
• Exterior exit stairways
• Exit discharge

Appendices                            

• A: Effective use and application of the IBC
• B: Special detailed occupancy requirements
• C: Safety glazing
• D: Key changes in the 2018 IBC
• E: Key changes in the 2021 IBC

"This course gives a very good overview of a lot of major aspects of the code without diving too deep into each part. The time allotted per topic feels right. I also enjoy the interactive aspect as well as the friendly banter... This is an excellent course for both young professionals as well as seasoned professionals. The course hits important code chapters and sections that everyone should know/understand."
–Josh, Burns & McDonnell, Kansas City, MO

"Doug and Mark did a great job making this course informative, yet still interesting and not boring. The students asked many questions, in which Doug & Mark interacted with the class great.:
—Alexis, River Valley Architects, Eau Claire, Wisconsin

"Very informative & great refresher on how to navigate IBC. The select 2018 changes were also easy-to-follow & insightful...Material & handouts were easy-to-follow. Douglas was engaging & kept things interesting. Overall, great course!"
—Neha, Burnham Nationwide, Chicago, Illinois

"Doug is an amazing presenter, great charisma, makes time for questions. The guy is a machine!! 2 days presenting without a miss, unreal!"
—Kyle, HGA Architects and Engineers, Port Washington, Wisconsin

"Doug is extremely well versed in the code. I especially enjoyed the history of sections of the code or reasons why the committee made a certain decision."
—Sean, CBRE Heery, Burlington, Massachusetts

Douglas Thornburg

Doug Thornburg, AIA, CBO, has been actively involved in building code administration and training for the last 45 years. Most recently he served as the Vice-President and Technical Director of Products and Services for the International Code Council (ICC) where he began employment in 2004. Previously, he was in private practice as a code consultant and educator on building codes for nine years, spent ten years with the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO), and began his career with the City of Wichita, Kansas as a building inspector. A graduate of Kansas State University and a registered architect, Doug has authored a variety of code-related support publications, including the IBC Illustrated Handbook and the Significant Changes to the International Building Code.

George Mann

George Mann spent his 30-year code enforcement career with the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction Division of Building Code Enforcement in service to the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Over his 30-year career, George was a plan examiner, promoted to Technical Advisor in 1990, then to Assistant Director in 2005 during which time he trained and supervised the plan review and field inspection staff, and finally Deputy Commissioner / Chief Building Official in 2008 till his retirement. In 1985 took on additional responsibilities serving as the Departments educational developer and instructor, providing training on the use and application of building codes. Nationally, George served on the Building General Committee of the National Certification Program for Construction Code Inspectors (NCPCCI) from 1992 to 2012, the International Code Council’s Education Committee from 2004 to 2010 and NFPA 5000 Building Code Development Committee from 2002 to 2006. George retired from the Department in 2012 but continues to provide educational services to the International Code Council, Kentucky AIA, Code Administrators Association of Kentucky.