Education

This presentation will demonstrate how U.S. codes and standards regulate the use of combustible building products in commercial buildings for safe and effective use. Examples of approved assemblies in a variety of exterior walls for different construction configurations will be provided. There will also be a focus on how fire safety can be maintained throughout the design process and construction phases using code compliance options like engineering judgments for certain deviations from tested wall assemblies. Adequate time will be allowed for an interactive discussion of current industry resources and topics of interest to the audience.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the building code fire safety requirements for cladding
• Clarify fire safety compliance options approved for IBC 2024
• Review global building cladding fire incidents
• Describe fire testing and its significance to fire safety of buildings
• Discuss elements of engineering analyses as a compliance method

Course Accreditation:

AIA CES: 1 LU|HSW | Provider Number: 10009360 | Course Number: 0001

ICC Preferred Provider: 1 Contact Hour (0.10 CEU) | Course Number : 36197

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This article explores the key updates in the 2024 edition of the International Building Code® (IBC®). It highlights new provisions for foam plastics, combustible exterior wall assemblies, and roof assemblies with foam plastic insulation. Participants will understand when NFPA 285 flame propagation testing is necessary and the three methods to meet these standards. The article also discusses new requirements for Insulated Metal Panel (IMP) systems and metal-faced veneers with combustible adhesives. Additionally, it outlines the revised roles and responsibilities of building officials as detailed in Chapter 1 of the IBC. This course is crucial for design professionals and Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) to ensure fire safety and code compliance in modern buildings.

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Ensuring safety in the buildings we use daily is a common goal for manufacturers, industry groups, architects, designers, and homeowners. This course reviews key chapters in the International Building Code® that include essential exterior wall fire provisions and analyzes common features of global fire incidents. It also explains the NFPA 285 fire test and the new Annex B in the 2023 edition of NFPA 285. Lastly, the course covers code compliance pathways for exterior walls that the IBC® requires to be tested and comply with NFPA 285.

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With limited exceptions, the International Building Code® (IBC®) requires testing and compliance with NFPA 285 for exterior wall assemblies of buildings of Types I, II, III, and IV construction containing foam plastic insulation. This course examines three methods for demonstrating that an exterior wall assembly design complies with NFPA 285, including engineering analysis. The course also discusses how and where to locate NFPA 285 information for each compliance method.

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The International Building Code (IBC) includes various fire safety provisions for foam plastic insulation and foam plastic insulating sheathing. These requirements involve several fire performance tests for the insulation materials and the assemblies where they are used, such as steel-framed exterior walls. The specific testing scope is determined by project details, assembly configuration, and the location of the foam plastic within the assembly. This course aims to help attendees understand the different fire performance testing requirements, what prompts and influences them, and where to find the relevant provisions in the IBC.

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