Software references IBC not IRC 1

[woodman1967]

Hello all,

I have a software and code question. I am working with a company that provides manufactured housing to the US market. They use a software package that references the IBC 2018, NDS 2018 and the ASCE 7-16.
Since we build single family homes our third party inspector has requested that the software references the IRC 2015 (the area of the States we ship to still uses the 2015 version of the IRC...and it references the ASCE 7-10).

Is there a concern here? The software does not have an option to reference any version of the IRC.

 

[phamENG]

No concern with the IBC/IRC question. Just point the inspector to this section of IRC 2015:

The ASCE difference COULD be a problem. 7-16 updated the wind maps and some areas actually have lower design wind speeds. A lot of software has the option to use the older codes - any chance the manufacturer can play with that? If not, you may need to provide proof that the input is based on 7-10 requirements. The output should the same - I'm not aware of any substantial changes in the calculation procedures that would change the outcome. I'm still using 7-10, though, so I'd verify that with some of the ASCE literature that summarizes changes.

 

[woodman1967]

Thanks,

That's what I thought about the IRC/IBC concern. Thanks for the reference to back up the concern.

We will look at the ASCE 7-10 vs ASCE 7-16 issue and see if it affects us.

Thanks Again.

 

[phamENG]

My pleasure. Glad to help.

 

[r13]

Check with the inspector to see which specification his work is followed upon. Looking if the spec includes the phrase "... or the latest codes/standards."

 

[phamENG]

retired - not sure I understand what you mean. Residential building inspectors (whether employees of the municipality or third party inspectors working in their stead) inspect to the building code as defined by local law, and only pay attention to project specifications if they are intended to hold the building to a higher standard. I'm not aware of any jurisdiction that has a provision on the books to automatically adopt a model code when it is released, so the "latest codes/standards" wouldn't apply - just what has been adopted by the local city council, county board, or state legislature (as may be applicable to the locality).

woodman already said that their building code is based on the 2015 IRC which references 7-10. Not sure what else there is to look for? Maybe I'm missing your intent.

 

[r13]

No. You didn't miss anything, if the inspection is to satisfy the local authority.

 

[r13]

The other way around is, instead of asking the software company to update/list the code reference, can you manually calculate the wind load per ASCE7-10, and clearly indicate the code reference on your drawing/design, provided there is no contradiction/major change on design procedures between 7-10 and 7-16.