Tall Wood Buildings in the 2021 IBC - Up to 18 Stories of Mass Timber -

A Summary of the tall wood provisions in the 2021 International Building Code, documenting the background, technical research, and resulting code changes that enabled tall mass timber construction. Based on information first published in SEAOC 2018 Conference Proceedings, covers the ICC Tall Wood Building Ad Hoc Committee's work developing 17 code changes that led to three new construction types (IV-A, IV-B, IV-C) allowing up to 18 stories of mass timber construction. Addresses performance-based approach to establishing new size allowances, fire testing validation, structural fire-resistance calculations, connection protection requirements, and updates to CLT product standards. Provides technical foundation for understanding the rational basis behind tall mass timber code provisions.