TABLE OF CONTENTS Nestor R. Iwankiw, Ph.D., P.E.
Senior Engineer
Hughes Associates, Inc.
Chicago, Illinois
Building designs generally are controlled by local or state building codes. In addition, designs must satisfy owner requirements and specifications. For buildings on sites not covered by building codes, or for conditions not included in building codes or owner specifications, designers must use their own judgment in selecting design criteria. This chapter has been prepared to aid in understanding current codes and to provide information that will be useful to the designer. It summarizes the requirements of model building codes, particularly regarding wind loads, seismic loads, and fire protection. (See also Chap. 8.)
A building code is a legal ordinance enacted by public bodies, such as city councils, regional planning commissions, states, or federal agencies, establishing regulations governing building design and construction. Building codes are enacted to protect public health, safety, and welfare.
A building code presents minimum requirements to protect the public from harm. It does not necessarily indicate the most efficient or most economical practice.
Building codes specify design techniques in accordance with generally accepted theory. They present rules and procedures that represent generally accepted engineering practices and present knowledge for common conditions.
A building code is a consensus document that relies on information contained in other recognized codes or standard specifications, e.g., national model building codes promulgated by building officials associations and the standards of the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), the...
