Codes Corner
	Excerpts from some of ICC's most beneficial code publications and resources

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CODE UPDATE | Significant Changes to the 2012 International Building Code
(The information below is excerpted from the Significant Changes to the 2012 International Codes series.)
Secondary water supplies must now be designed to operate automatically. Any high-rise building constructed in accordance with the International Fire Code and International Building Code requires a secondary water supply when it is located on property classified as a Seismic Design Category (SDC) C, D, E or F. Because an earthquake can break underground water pipes, Section 903.3.5.2 requires high-rise buildings within the indicated SDCs to have a secondary water supply, sized to provide the hydraulic demand of the building's automatic sprinkler system, including hose streams, for a minimum flow duration of 30 minutes. Click to continue reading more on this update to the 2012 IBC Significant Changes.
	The Significant Changes to the 2012 International Codes series is designed to assist code officials, architects, engineers and other construction professionals transitioning from the 2009 to the 2012 editions of the International Codes. Authored by ICC code experts, the series offers a comprehensive yet practical analysis of hundreds of the most critical changes. Each color publication contains: revised code text; a summary of each change listed; in-depth change analysis; and a detailed photo, illustration or table for each change to deepen understanding. Coverage reflects provisions with special significance, including new and innovative design ideas and technologies, modern materials and methods of construction, and current approaches to safety and stability.
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CODE BASICS | Residential, Based on the 2012 International Residential Code

(The information below is excerpted from the 2012 Building Code Basics series.)

The code endeavors to improve stair safety and prevent injuries from falls by limiting the slope of the stair and providing for minimum tread size, clearances, uniformity, and graspable handrails. The minimum 10-inch treads and maximum 7.75-inch risers determine the maximum steepness of the stairway, but just as important in stair safety is the uniformity of those treads and risers for the full flight of the stair. As a person walks a stair, he or she anticipates that the next step will be the same as the previous one. Variations that are not visually apparent may break the user's rhythm or otherwise cause a misstep and fall. Click to continue reading more on this excerpt from the Building Code Basics: Residential, Based on the 2012 IRC.

The Building Code Basics series explains requirements using non-code language. Technically accurate and easy to understand, these are the perfect resources for builders, owners, students, plan reviewers, inspectors and permit technicians. Each book contains: 150-plus color diagrams and photos that help readers visualize correct code application; numerous real-world examples; content that pulls together related information from various code sections into one convenient location; and a glossary of code and construction terms to clarify key terminology.

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CODE HANDBOOK | 2012 International Building Code Handbook
(The information below is excerpted from the 2012 International Building Code Handbook.)
Prior to the early 1980s, building codes did not provide for atriums, and, moreover, atriums were prohibited because of the requirements for protection of vertical openings. They were, however, permitted on an individual basis, usually under the provisions in the administrative sections of the code permitting alternative designs and alternative methods of construction. Click to continue reading more on this excerpt from the 2012 International Building Code Handbook.
	The 2012 International Building Code Handbook is a comprehensive, full-color guide to the entire 2012 International Building Code (IBC). Authored by ICC code experts and published by McGraw-Hill to assist code officials, architects and engineers in understanding the code, this publication covers both structural and fire- and life-safety provisions. This time-saving resource makes it easy to understand and apply complex IBC requirements and achieve compliance.

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