The 2018 Code Conforming Wood Design (CCWD), a joint publication of the American Wood Council (AWC) and the International Code Council, is now available as a free download. The publication concisely summarizes the most important provisions related to the use of wood and wood products as they appear in the 2018 International Building Code (IBC).

Among the 2018 IBC code changes mentioned in the 2018 CCWD are:

  • Alternatives for protecting attics in buildings using an NFPA 13R automatic sprinkler system. This code change has specific application to construction designed in accordance with IBC Sections 510.2 and 510.4, based on the height of the roof above the lowest level of required fire department vehicle access.
  • Provisions for a fire-watch during non-working hours when construction exceeds 40’ in height above the lowest adjacent grade, if required by the fire code official. The International Fire Code contains additional fire watch provisions.
  • Updated references to AWC’s 2018 National Design Specification® for Wood Construction and 2018 Wood Frame Construction Manual.

“The complexity and scope of the IBC makes it difficult for designers to know about all of the code provisions that affect the use of wood products in construction,” said AWC Vice President of Codes & Regulations Kenneth Bland. “CCWD consolidates and provides additional explanation for many of those provisions to make wood building compliance with the IBC as simple as possible. Most notable is the presentation of expanded tables which provide the maximum allowable building size for eight common occupancy groups.”

“The main goal of Code Conforming Wood Design (CCWD) is to compile the occupancy and height and area provisions of the IBC for wood structures into one easy to use publication,” said Code Council Executive Vice President and Director of Business Development Mark Johnson. “We are pleased to partner with the American Wood Council to share this valuable information to aid in the safe and sustainable construction of wood buildings.”

A free eCourse (BCD430) providing an overview of the 2018 CCWD is available on the AWC website. AWC is an ICC Preferred Provider and continuing education units are provided for free.

The 2018 CCWD, along with 2015, 2012 and 2009 versions, can be downloaded for free here: http://www.awc.org/codes-standards/buildingcodes/ccwd.