Using Virtual Reality for Site Safety

The session will give an overview of how virtual reality is being integrated into architecture, engineering, and construction to facilitate project communication and create safer spaces. We will discuss the state of virtual reality as an industry, show how to create a navigable, fully immersive VR environment from a 3D model, and discuss ways that code officials, inspectors, and contractors can use virtual walkthroughs to facilitate both worksite and structural safety.
Presenter: Hari Demirev – IrisVR ▲TOP

Fundamentally Improving the Citizen & Contractor Experience with Mobile Technologies

Delivering vital services to citizens in a timely and efficient manner is a major challenge for government offices. Long queues for building services are unwieldy, inefficient, and frustrating for citizens, contractors, and administrative staff. Dr. Alex Bäcker will explore new technologies that revolutionize the delivery of citizen and contractor services—such as building safety, permits, and planning—to significantly reduce wait times, boost staff productivity, and improve overall satisfaction.
Presenter: Dr. Alex Bäcker – Qless ▲TOP

Certification Update—Do you know PRONTO? Anticipating the Assessment Center?

Join us for an update on the changes ICC Certification and Testing has made in 2017, and what’s yet to come in 2018. Also included will be a demonstration of ICC’s new online proctored testing solution, PRONTO.
Presenter: Michelle Porter – ICC ▲TOP

The Importance of ICC 500 Standards to the Shelter Industry and the Consumer

The ICC 500 standards for above and below ground residential tornado shelters will be reviewed with examples given of how one manufacturer implemented them into the design of a pre-fabricated unit. Examples of how non-compliant or inferior shelters are a risk to the consumer will also be related.
Presenter: Alli Cravens – Granger Plastics ▲TOP

Current Research Activities at IBHS

This presentation will focus on current research on hailstone characteristics (field collected information and laboratory research); Collaboration of IBHS Research Center with roofing industry and product manufacturers and overview of roofing underlayment’s (application and standards). Attendees will learn about the most up-to-date research on hailstone activities and characteristics in the U.S.; on-going efforts to collaborate with roofing industry to improve roofing products and assemblies and a general overview of different types of underlayment’s, their role as secondary barrier against water intrusion and significance of their testing standards.
Presenter: Si Farvardin – IBHS ▲TOP

Approving and Selecting Building Products with Confidence — What To Look for in Evaluation Reports

The ICC Evaluation Services will help code officials and design professionals better understand the process that goes into developing building product evaluation reports and building product listings. Understanding the evaluation process for IBC and IRC compliance helps improve the overall construction process, and provides confidence when specifying or approving a building product for installation on today’s construction projects
Presenter: William Gould – ICC-ES ▲TOP

Understanding ASTM E84 Test Reports

Many code sections require testing materials for flame spread and smoke to ASTM E84, the Steiner Tunnel Test. A code official can expect to routinely receive ASTM E84 test reports from organizations to demonstrate compliance with the code. Unfortunately, this test method has been associated with many deceptive practices over the years, and it can be difficult to determine if a test was performed appropriately for the specific product and application intended, especially when the test reports are very old. This session will provide an overview of the test method itself, with emphasis on specimen details and variations required for specific applications. We will then discuss common misapplications and inappropriate procedures which are commonly used by manufacturers to falsely present the appearance of compliance. Finally, an overview will be provided of ASTM E2989, Standard Guide for Assessment of Continued Applicability of Fire Test Reports Used in Building Regulation, a valuable tool to assist code officials in evaluating fire test reports, especially older fire tests.
Presenter: Tim Earl – GBH International ▲TOP

First Timers / Companions Orientation

First Time attendees are encouraged to attend the First Timers’ Orientation. We’ll be detailing important events in the Conference schedule and you will have a chance to ask questions and meet others who are new to the Conference “scene”.

All Companions are encouraged to attend the Companions Orientation. You will receive important details regarding your schedules, meeting locations and tour information.
Presenter: Karla Higgs – ICC ▲TOP

New Requirements for Protecting Pallet Storage

The 2018 International Fire Code contains two new sections that address the storage of pallets. One section addresses the storage of idle pallets and the second addresses the storage of pallets at manufacturing and recycling facilities. The session will identify when each section is to be used and the general basis for the requirements in each section.

The requirements for the storage of pallets at manufacturing and recycling facilities involve a risk management approach and best operating practices. The session will delve into the basis for those requirements and focus on what documents the fire official should be expecting to be provided. A case study involving successful implementation of the proposed strategy will be presented to highlight the successful loss experience that can result from the new requirements.
Presenter: William E. Koffel, P.E. – Koffel Associates ▲TOP

Introduction to Mass Timber in Tall Wood Structures

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) has been in use worldwide for over 15 years, but most notably in Europe. Building with CLT has increased in popularity for many reasons including: just-in-time fabrication and job site delivery, speed and efficiency in construction, reduced job site noise and on-site labor force, substitution of high embodied materials with a renewable resource that sequesters carbon, and creating a living or work space that has the aesthetics of exposed wood.

The recent introduction of CLT in the 2015 National Design Specification® for Wood Construction (NDS®) and the 2015 International Building Code has opened up an exciting new chapter in wood construction. The use of CLT alone or in combination with other mass timber elements, such as glued-laminated timber (GLT), nail-laminated timber (NLT), or structural composite lumber (SCL), is becoming more common in buildings complying with the current code. There is also an effort underway by the International Code Council (ICC) to potentially recognize the use of mass timber elements in taller construction through the work of the ICC Tall Wood Ad Hoc Committee. This presentation will provide an introduction to CLT/mass timber design elements including relevant design standards and code references. Examples of various mass timber buildings around the world will be provided and current fire testing.
Presenter: John Catlett – AWC ▲TOP

Floodplain Design, Construction, and Impacts on Flood Insurance

Session will describe floods, floodplains and the potential hazards to buildings; explain the differences between wet flood proofing and dry flood proofing techniques and acceptable applications, describe the role flood openings play in creating resilient structures in the FEMA flood zone, review point of use stored dry floodproofing barriers and their effectiveness. The course also clarifies the ASCE 24 design standards, codes, and regulations as they relate to sustaining foundations in flood hazard areas. Additionally it analyzes the role of building compliance in lowering flood insurance rates and what mitigation solutions are available to existing structures.
Presenter: Tom Little – Smart Vent ▲TOP

Fire-Retardant-Treated Wood and the International Building Code

This session is a discussion of fire-retardant-treated wood technical characteristics and building code related applications. Emphasis is placed on the testing and labeling required by the International Building Code. The building code, as with many products, regulates the use of wood in construction. Two broad categories separate materials: combustible and noncombustible. Codes limit the applications of combustible materials on the basis of fire and life safety. The question is then, are there options available to using wood in lieu of non-combustible materials. This session will help answer those questions.
Presenter: Dave Bueche – Hoover Treated Wood Products ▲TOP

Experience the Improved ICC Online Digital Library

Learn how to make ICC’s Online Digital Library work for you in the office and on the job site, and how to make your interactions with the code books more engaging. You’ll learn how to use the free (publicACCESS) listings which allow access to digital building codes and supplemental materials from anywhere, and the subscription (premiumACCESS) platform which offers additional interactive features including adding notes directly into the code, exporting reports of your classified content, concurrent access and more.
Presenter: Daniel Janousek – ICC ▲TOP

Code Change Proposal Submission with cdpACCESS

Come see the first demonstration of the improved cdpACCESS for the 2018 code cycle! You’ll get a complete walkthrough of the Code Change Proposal submission process, and a preview of what’s to come for 2018 Group A and beyond. If you’re already familiar with cdpACCESS, this will be a great refresher; if you’re new to the system, we’ll start from the ground up.
Presenter: Laurie J. Rich ▲TOP

Impact of Preservative Treated Wood changes on the Building Codes, Industry Standards & Evaluation Reports… What it means to you:

This course takes a detailed look at the major changes that recently occurred within the AWPA (American Wood Preservation Association), which is a Reference Standard to both the International Building Code (IBC) and the International Residential Code (IRC), and the impact these changes have with respect to the building codes and construction. Educates Plan Reviewers, Code Enforcement & Inspection Officials, along with Architects, Engineers and Contractors of critical changes to Preservative Treated Wood Products to help ensure treated wood structures are safely built and maintained.
Presenter: Robert K. Wangel – Koopers ▲TOP

Aerial Technology to Disrupt and Alter Building and Construction

Learn from Aerial Technology (Drone) experts on how Aerial Data Gathering, Processing and Collaboration is disrupting Building & Construction! Definition of Disruption: Uber ~ Taxi, Amazon ~ Retail. Learn about the Six Essentials to success: Mobile Flight Teams Requirements, Program Management, Legal/Regulatory/Public Relations, Collaborative Information Systems & Processing, Mission Type Definitions & Return on Investment (ROI), Sensor, Airframe & Equipment Requirements. Learn how this technology integrates to current GIS, BIM, CAD technologies to maximize capabilities over the lifecycle of projects and how to fund and determine value deploying the technology. Learn how this technology supports office and mobily deployed teams to collaborate and how to source providers to meet your requirements. Know When and Where you should deploy this technology, and on what kind of jobs? Know how to estimate Return on Investment (ROI) for this technology.
Presenter: Robert Rocque – Aerialone ▲TOP

Building Envelope/Curtain Wall Requirements in the IBC

This presentation covers a basic introduction the IBC Chapter 14 (Exterior Walls) requirements for weather protection of the exterior building envelope. The attendees will gain an understanding of key IBC requirements and the related performance testing standards and methods available for ensuring code compliance of curtain walls, windows, doors and storefronts.
Presenter: Bruce Johnson – UL ▲TOP

Collaboration in Virtual Reality to Create Better, Safer Spaces

The session will give an overview of how virtual reality (VR) is being integrated into architecture, engineering and construction to facilitate project communication, design, and coordination, with a special emphasis on worksite safety concerns. We’ll show how to convert your 3D models into a virtual reality experience and present best practices for using the technology during any project phase, including tips for leading a multi-user VR walkthrough.
Presenter: Hari Demirev – IrisVR ▲TOP

How to Start a High School Technical Training Program at Your Local Technical High School or College

See, hear and understand how easily a code official or business can start and mentor the next generation workforce. The presentation will provide participants an avenue to initiate a community outreach program that will benefit their trade or business and establish a relationship with the youth in their community. The ICC’s High School Technical Training Program has awakened school counselors and instructors to the careers associated with code knowledge, you can make a difference in your community.
Presenter: Jim Ellwood – ICC ▲TOP

Virtual World of Glass

Attendees will discover how glass is manufactured as well as the different types of glass used in the manufacturing of windows and doors to meet ICC building codes. Diagrams and videos will depict exactly what makes up the ingredients of glass as well as how it is manufactured, treated and strengthened today. Anyone who deals in the inspection, design, or construction industry where glass requirements are being used will gain valuable information about the glass options available to be used, and the process to manufacture those different types of glass.
Presenter: Patrick Jameson – PGT University ▲TOP

Aerial Technology To Disrupt Code Officials World

Learn from Aerial Technology (Drone) experts on how Aerial Data Gathering, Processing and Collaboration is disrupting Government and Code Enforcement! Disruption (Uber ~ Taxi, Amazon ~ Retail), Learn about the Six Essentials of Success: Mobile Flight Teams Requirements, Program Management, Legal/Regulatory/Public Relations, Collaborative Information Systems & Processing, Mission Type Definitions & Return on Investment (ROI), Sensor, Airframe & Equipment Requirements. Learn how this technology relates to federal, state and local laws. Considering FOIA for every data file gathered! Learn why the data is so essential and how to collaborate to minimize cost and maximize effect. Learn how this technology integrates to GIS, BIM, CAD technologies to maximize capabilities in the office and when mobily deployed. Know how to fund and determine value deploying the technology. See the many amazing use cases in Code Enforcement to justify a solution: Solid Waste, Public Health, Permitting, Inspection, Animal Control, Public Safety, and many more.
Presenter: Robert Rocque – Aerialone ▲TOP

Mission Impossible: Remote Building Inspection

With the pending retirement of half the building inspectors within the next 10 years, solutions are needed that allow code officials to accomplish their work more efficiently. This session presents the findings of research that explored live-streaming remote building inspections. The findings show that code officials can accomplish more inspections per day while training new code officials.
Presenters: Kevin Miller – BYU and George Williams ▲TOP

Trends, Analysis, and Studies of Building Code Enforcement Efforts across the Nation

Attendees will gain a better understanding of national trends in building code enforcement, department financing, staffing, workload, and be able to compare their own departments to the national trends to discover how they are progressing compared to their peers.
Presenter: Dale K. Thomure, CBO, CFM – ISO ▲TOP

Overcoming Code Hurdling Barriers to Innovative Energy-Efficient Construction

The Building America Solution Center is the U.S. Department of Energy’s web tool to help builders voluntarily construct, renovate, and sell more efficient, comfortable, durable, and healthy homes. The Solution Center provides builders, contractors, code officials, and homeowners with best practice guidance for home construction and renovation based on research conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Building America program and research teams. One of the most difficult challenges faced by Building America Teams and partners involves industry codes and standards that prevent or slow the approval process for new technologies and techniques that are unfamiliar to industry and code officials.

One of the key tools used to accomplish this task is the preparation of “Code Compliance Briefs,” published within a free web-based tool called the Building America Solution Center (BASC). The briefs are tailored specifically to provide code-related references, plan review, inspection guidance, and technical verification information. Two emerging issues will be treated as case studies within the presentation. The first draws on ongoing coordination with UL to identify acceptable materials to meet air leakage requirements for common walls in multifamily buildings. The second will focus on the newly code-approved use of vapor diffusion ports in residential attics.
Presenter: Pam Cole - PNNL ▲TOP