News
Los Angeles Meeting Produces Results
Twenty two items were considered by the ICC-ES Evaluation Committee at its meeting in Los Angeles on June 5-7. Of the 19 items approved, seven were new criteria and the remainder were revisions to existing criteria.
Highlights of Actions Taken by the Evaluation Committee June 5-7, 2007
Lateral-force-resisting Elements: Over the three-day meeting, the subject of seismic design parameters for undefined seismic-force-resisting systems was discussed in several acceptance criteria. Even though AC322, the Proposed Acceptance Criteria for Cold-formed Steel Lateral-force-resisting Elements, is still in development and there is a significant ongoing effort from many members of industry, the effect of this proposed criteria is being felt by many other product groups, including sandwich panels (AC04), concrete wall systems (AC15) and prefabricated wood shear walls (AC130), among others. For recognition under the 2006 International Codes, ICC-ES is requiring that seismic design parameters must be identified in the evaluation report. The method to do so still has not been established, but AC322, when completed, will establish criteria for others to follow. ICC-ES hopes to have a proposal on AC322, and possibly AC130, for Evaluation Committee consideration for the October 2007 meeting in Birmingham.
Helical Foundation Systems and Devices (AC358): An ad-hoc group of manufacturers, with ICC-ES staff participation, concluded an extensive cooperative effort with the approval of this criteria. The criteria provides methods to establish the allowable load and deformation capacities of helical foundation systems and devices used to resist axial compression, axial tension or lateral loads.
Plastic- and Glass-glazed Skylights (AC16 and AC17): Revisions to both acceptance criteria were approved. The criteria clarify code requirements that will allow for evaluation of plastic- and glass-glazed skylights under the 2006 International Codes. The requirements have changed significantly from the 2000 codes to the 2003 codes and then again in the 2006 codes. Manufacturers in this category have had a difficult time keeping up with the changes. These criteria will help them move forward to complete a current evaluation report.
Cold-formed Steel Framing Members—Interior Nonload-bearing Wall Assemblies (AC86): Revisions to the criteria were approved that establish an empirical method of determining limiting wall heights based on stiffness and strength characteristics of interior nonload-bearing wall assemblies, and provide an alternative to the sheathing-braced design referenced in the building codes for cold-formed steel stud wall assemblies resisting transverse loads. Individual report holders, members of academia and representatives of industry associations participated in the development of these requirements over a two-year period. The effort resulted in criteria that is much clearer as to intent and methodology.
Field-constructed Fireplace Systems Using Prefabricated Blocks (AC375): This new criteria addresses requirements for proprietary site-assembled fireplace systems, and is notable for establishing a methodology for qualifying fireplace assemblies in Seismic Design Categories D, E and F. The criteria relies on the ICC-ES Acceptance Criteria for Seismic Qualification by Shake-table Testing of Nonstructural Components and Systems (AC156), which is a referenced document in ASCE 7.
Cementitious Exterior Wall Coatings (AC11): The Evaluation Committee heard testimony regarding placement of water-resistive barriers in these systems and concluded that a drainage plane must be provided. Since good construction practice dictates that the water-resistive barrier must be installed behind the foam plastic insulation, report applicants need to identify a method to provide a drainage plane in front of the barrier and to provide testing to demonstrate the water-drainage efficiency of the system. The industry association is committed to working with staff to develop an industry solution to this issue.
