Building Official Approval of Alternative Materials, Designs & Methods of Construction

Column

Building Official Approval of Alternative Materials, Designs & Methods of Construction

  • There is often confusion in the marketplace about what criteria must be met to accept a new product and approve it for use in the intended application.
  • The IBC and IRC require products not approved within the code to be “at least the equivalent of that prescribed in this code in quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability and safety.”
  • Manufacturers of products that do not have span tables or design values listed inside the IRC and/or IBC must provide design values for their products through independent testing.
  • Building officials should follow the checklist provided her to determine if a new product complies with the code.