January 6th, 2020
by Tara Lukasik

Happy New Year from the International Code Council. Please enjoy this retrospective of the most popular Building Safety Journal stories of 2019.

 

The IECC: What will the future bring?

The International Energy Conservation Code — founded on broad-based principles that make possible the use of new materials and new energy-efficient designs — plays a critical role in promoting safer and more resilient buildings. Read more

Code Council voting members elect 2019–2020 board officers, directors

Voting members of the International Code Council welcomed a new slate of officers and directors to its 2019–2020 board of directors during the Annual Business Meeting on Oct. 21, 2019, at the ICC Annual Conference in Las Vegas, Nev. The International Code Council Board of Directors sets the strategic direction for the association and acts as the voice of the membership. Read more

Through the roof: Occupied roofs in the 2018 International Building Code

The Code Council’s Kimberly Paarlberg explains how the 2018 International Building Code has greatly expanded its coverage of occupied roofs. Read more

California town on the rebound after devastating wildfire

In the 10 months since nearly being destroyed by California’s deadliest wildfire, the Sierra Nevada foothill town of Paradise, Calif., is slowly coming back to life. Read more

Elephants and inspiration

Structural engineer Ed Quesenberry shares the challenges of designing a zoo structure project to withstand abuse from elephants standing 14 feet tall and weighing 14,000 pounds. Read more

Building Safety Month goes to the dogs

The canine connection between code professionals, their furry friends and building safety figured prominently during this year’s Building Safety Month in two resourceful Western state communities — Code Council member jurisdictions the city of Florence, Ore., and the city of Phoenix, Ariz. Read more

Introducing ACI 318-19: Building code requirements for structural concrete

ACI 318 includes the requirements for design and construction of structural concrete that are necessary to ensure public health and safety. The latest round of changes concentrates heavily on responding to developments in materials, structural systems and seismic design. Read more

Big takeaways from the Committee Action Hearings

Here are some of the biggest takeaways from the 2019 Committee Action Hearings. Read more

Emerging Leaders Profile: Kyley Flynn

Building inspector Kyley Flynn shares her story of entering the code profession, learning from Jay Elbettar, and her desire to become a Master Code Professional and serve on the ICC Board of Directors. Read more

CodeNotes: Installation of air admittance valves

In the latest CodeNotes, PMG Resources Senior Director Lee Clifton discusses the benefits of using air admittance valves to significantly reduce the construction costs for drainage systems. Read more

Emerging Leaders Profile: Elizabeth Arrington

Residential building inspection supervisor Elizabeth Arrington discusses her introduction to construction as a hobby and how the building industry is challenging stereotypes and welcoming young professionals from different walks of life. Read more

Emerging Leaders Profile: Russell Murphy

The Code Council’s Board Shadow Program enables seasoned code professionals and emerging industry leaders to facilitate a feedback loop of challenge, solution, development and learning. Read more

Rainwater systems: Learning from the past

Lee Clifton, senior director of PMG Resources, discusses how we can learn a lot about rainwater systems from the past as we search for answers in the future. Read more

Building safety professionals — the quiet heroes

If the public realized the countless thousands of lives saved by our building safety professionals, they would surely honor them with the highest respect. Read more

The practicality of the I-joist as a ceiling joist

Building Inspector Paul DeBaggis, CBO, offers his perspective on why engineers and manufacturers frown on I-joists as ceiling joists. Read more

Building inspectors tour a jewel made with wood

The Code Council’s Stephen Jones joined fellow code professionals and architects in a special tour of T3 Atlanta, a seven-story, 205,000 square foot mass timber building under construction in midtown Atlanta. Read more

Chicago City Council approves major building code modernization

Based on the International Codes, the building code modernization will enable safer, more affordable, sustainable and innovative construction. Read more

CodeNotes: Solar water heating systems

The latest CodeNotes provides a description of the most common solar water heating systems used for residential and small commercial applications. Read more

ICC releases repurposed shipping containers guideline

The guideline provides an in-depth, technical overview for how to design, review and approve intermodal shipping containers as a building element. Read more

ICC joins off-site construction revolution

As use of off-site construction grows, the Code Council partners with industry leader to develop new standards. Read more

Celebrating women in construction

This year, Women in Construction Week (March 3–9, 2019) highlights women as a vital component of the construction industry. This week is a time for the industry as a whole to raise awareness of the opportunities available for women in the construction industry — female engineers, architects, project leaders, tradeswomen, contractors and more — and emphasize their growing role. Read more

Common firestop code violations

The best way to keep smoke and toxic gases from spreading throughout a building is through containment, of which one element is firestopping. Read more

Escaping the risk of escape rooms

Do popular “escape rooms” violate building safety codes and standards? Read more

The system solution: Fire-rated glazing systems in modern design

Today’s fire-rated glazing systems are proving they can satisfy some of the most rigorous building code requirements while advancing modern design. Read more

Significant changes to the 2018 International Codes

New changes address exit sign location, fire-protection-rated doors, labeling and water well construction. Read more

About the Author
Tara Lukasik
Tara Lukasik is the periodicals editor for the International Code Council, working out of the Western Regional Office in Southern California. Starting with the International Conference of Building Officials as the managing editor of its Building Standards Magazine, she has more than 25 years of experience in writing and editing feature content and advancing digital newsletters and magazines from conception to completion. She is currently putting her experience to good use managing the Code Council's Building Safety Journal and its BSJ Weekly newsletter, which connects construction professionals with the Code Council community and the latest industry news and resources. A California native, she enjoys volunteering in her local community and exploring the Golden State with her husband and two spoiled dachshunds. Follow her on Twitter @ICCTLukasik