Essential Code Compliance in Light Wood Frame Construction

Three building features - height, area, and number of stories - will often determine the fire resistive construction requirements of building elements in light wood frame construction. This presentation introduces common types of framing and scoping requirements associated with using wood in combustible construction in Types III and V structures. These requirements are summarized in the 2018 Code Conforming Wood Design (CCWD) which will also be discussed. Additionally, one of the methods for determining fire resistance per section 703.3 in the International Building Code is fire-resistant designs documented in approved sources. The American Wood Council's Design for Code Acceptance No. 3 Fire-Resistance-Rated Wood-Frame Wall and Floor/Ceiling Assemblies (DCA-3) is commonly used as an approved source to specify rated wood-frame assemblies.