Lesson 1Interpreting code changes: reading code change documents, errata, and amendment adoption schedulesThis part covers reading IBC and standard change papers, following errata and additions, understanding state and local changes, and including adoption timelines in project plans, quality checks, and design ideas for better compliance.
Finding ICC code change and errata papersReading law and agency adoption wordsFollowing state and local change setsChecking effect of changes on current projectsUpdating office templates and calculation toolsLesson 2Identifying the primary building code: International Building Code (IBC) — locating edition, understanding adoption by state/local jurisdictionsThis part shows how to find the main IBC version for a project, follow state and local adoptions, and confirm which additions, related standards, and start dates apply to a 4–6 story reinforced concrete building in practical settings.
Finding adopted IBC versions by areaChecking start dates and grace timesLinking IBC with fire and energy codesConfirming related standards in Chapter 35Recording code basis on drawings and specsLesson 3Concrete design standard: ACI 318 — editions, strength and serviceability requirements, material specificationsThis part explains how ACI 318 controls concrete design, covering suitable versions, strength and usability rules, material needs, detailing guidelines, and linking with IBC and ASCE 7 for mid-height reinforced concrete buildings.
Finding the ACI 318 version linked by IBCStrength design, load factors, and phi factorsUsability: deflection and crack controlMaterial specs for concrete and reinforcing steelDetailing beams, slabs, columns, and wallsLesson 4Code compliance workflow: how codes affect permit submittals, calculations, drawings, and inspectionsThis part shows a practical workflow connecting codes to permits, calculations, drawings, and checks, including code review stories, design lists, submission links, and answers to plan review notes for mid-height concrete buildings.
Preparing a project code review summaryLinking code checks into structural designCoordinating architectural and structural submissionsAnswering plan review and correction noticesSupporting special checks and field changesLesson 5Wind design standards and resources: ASCE 7 wind provisions, ASCE/SEI 7 maps, ASCE RP guides for wind, FEMA wind-resilient guidanceThis part details wind design for mid-height concrete buildings using ASCE 7, including wind speed maps, exposure types, importance factors, MWFRS and part pressures, and FEMA tips for better wind strength.
Choosing basic wind speed and risk typeFinding exposure and land factorsMWFRS and part and covering pressuresSpecial wind areas and local wind studiesUsing FEMA tips for wind strengthLesson 6Local amendments and state codes: finding state or city amendments (California, Washington, Florida examples) and how to reconcile conflictsThis part explains finding and using state and local changes, with examples from California, Washington, and Florida, and ways to solve clashes between main IBC, state codes, and city rules.
Finding state building code and change textsUsing California, Washington, and Florida examplesSolving clashes between IBC and state codesHandling stricter local shake or wind rulesRecording change use in project recordsLesson 7Seismic design standards and guidelines: ASCE 7 seismic provisions, ASCE/SEI 41 (Seismic Evaluation and Retrofit) where applicableThis part handles seismic design using ASCE 7 and, if needed, ASCE 41, including seismic risk measures, site type, response curves, system choice, detailing needs, and retrofit thoughts for old buildings.
Finding Ss, S1, and site type measuresBuilding design response curves from ASCE 7Choosing seismic force-resisting systemsDetailing flexible concrete parts per ACI 318Overview of ASCE 41 review and retrofit levelsLesson 8References and update sources: official code bodies (ICC, ASCE, ACI), code update cycles and how to track them onlineThis part names key groups that publish structural codes and standards, explains update times for ICC, ASCE, and ACI papers, and shows how to watch online sources, news letters, and groups for coming changes.
Roles of ICC, ASCE, ACI, and state groupsUnderstanding usual code and standard timesUsing online doors, news letters, and alertsWatching group work and public votesKeeping an internal office reference libraryLesson 9Structural loading standard: ASCE 7 — editions, seismic vs wind provisions, maps and load calculationsThis part focuses on ASCE 7 structural loading, explaining versions, load mixes, gravity, wind, and seismic rules, use of maps and tables, and practical calculation steps for 4–6 story reinforced concrete buildings.
Choosing the main ASCE 7 versionDead, live, roof, and snow load findingLoad mixes for strength and usabilityUsing wind and seismic maps and measuresRecording load paths and calculation summaries
