CHAPTER 16

STRUCTURAL DESIGN

1607.11.2.4 Fabric awnings and fabric canopies.
Awnings and canopies shall be designed for a uniform live load of 5 psf (0.240 kN/m2)
as well as for snow loads and wind loads as specified in Sections 1608 and 1609.

(add Figure 1608.2, North Carolina Ground Snow Loads)

(add Figure 1609, North Carolina Basic Wind Speeds, from 2002 NC Code)





WIND-BORNE DEBRIS REGION. Areas within 1500 feet of the mean high water
mark of the Atlantic Ocean.

1612.1 General.
Within flood hazard areas as established in Section 1612.3, all new construction of
buildings, structures and portions of buildings and structures, including substantial
improvements and restoration of substantial damage to buildings and structures, shall be
designed and constructed to resist the effects of flood hazards and flood loads. For
construction in coastal high hazard areas and ocean high hazard areas see Section 1624.

[EB] 1614.3 Alterations.
Alterations are permitted to be made to any structure without requiring the structure to
comply with Sections 1613 through 1623 provided the following conditions are met:
1. The alterations do not create a structural irregularity as defined in Section 1616.5 or
make an existing structural irregularity more severe.
2. Alterations that increase the seismic force in any existing structural element by more
than 5 percent or decrease the design strength of any existing structural element to resist
seismic forces by more than 5 percent shall not be permitted unless the entire seismic
force-resisting system is determined to conform to Sections 1613 through 1623 for a new
structure.
3. The alterations do not result in the creation of an unsafe condition.

(replace Figures 1615(1&3) with NEHRP 2003 Figures 3.3(01&02))

1616.6.2 Alternative structural design criteria for simple bearing wall or building
frame systems.
Simple bearing wall and building frame systems and their components meeting the
qualifications of the 2003 NEHRP Recommended Provisions for Seismic Regulations for
New Buildings and Other Structures (FEMA 450), Alternative Simplified Chapter 4 shall
be permitted to be designed as an alternate to Section 1616.6.

1621.1.4 ASCE 7, Section 9.6.2.6. Modify ASCE 7, Section 9.6.2.6, to add the
following exception as follows:
Exception: Ceilings in buildings with an Ip equal to 1.0 located in Seismic Design
Category C and less than three stories in height.

(the following Section 1624 is brought forward from the 2002 NC Code)

SECTION 1624
COASTAL HIGH HAZARD AREAS
AND
OCEAN HIGH HAZARD AREAS

Construction in coastal high hazard areas and ocean high hazard areas
shall comply with ASCE-24 and Table 1624.
Table 1624 CORROSION RESISTANCE (Applies Only to
Structures Located in Coastal High Hazard Areas and Ocean
Hazard Areas)
Exposure Level OPEN VENTED/ENCLOSED CONDITIONED

(exterior, porches, underhouse) (attic, floor trusses,enclosed (heated/cooled living areas)
Nails, staples, screws Hot dipped galvanized Hot dipped galvanized ......
Nuts, bolts, washers, tie rods Hot dipped galvanized Hot dipped galvanized ......
Steel connection plates & straps
(3/16 minimum thickness)
Hot dipped galvanized after
fabrication
Hot dipped galvanized
......
Sheet metal connectors, wind
anchors, joists, hangers, steel
joists and beams
Stainless steel or hot dipped
galvanized after fabrication
Hot dipped galvanized after plate
fabrication
Hot dipped galvanized
Truss plates Stainless steel or hot dipped
galvanized after fabrication
Hot dipped galvanized after
fabrication or stainless steel within
6-0 of a gable louver or soffit
vent. Otherwise in accordance
with TPI 1-95 of the Truss Plate
Institute
Standard galvanized


CHAPTER 17
STRUCTURAL TESTS AND SPECIAL INSPECTIONS

1704.1 General.
Where application is made for construction as described in this section, the building
official, at the officials discretion (unless excepted below), may require the owner to
employ one or more special inspectors to provide inspections during construction on the
types of work listed under Section 1704. The special inspector shall be a qualified person
who shall demonstrate competence, to the satisfaction of the building official, for
inspection of the particular type of construction or operation requiring special inspection.
These inspections are in addition to the inspections specified in the North Carolina
Administrative Code.
Exceptions:
1. Special inspections are not required for work of a minor nature or as warranted by
conditions in the jurisdiction as approved by the building official.
2. Special inspections are not required for buildings and other structures with importance
factors as defined in Table 1604.5 of I or II.
3. Special inspections are not required for buildings and other structures with seismic
design categories of A or B.
4. Special inspections are not required for buildings or other structures with a seismic
design category of C and building importance factor of III.
CHAPTER 18
SOILS AND FOUNDATIONS

1801.3 Definitions.
The following words and terms shall, for the purposes of this chapter and as stated
elsewhere in this code, have the meanings shown herein. Refer to Chapter 2 for general
definitions
HARD WEATHERED ROCK - Broken and partially weathered rock of sufficient
hardness to refuse soil sampling tools; normally has Standard Penetration resistance
(ASTM D 1586) in excess of 50 blows per inch.
SOFT WEATHERED ROCK - Broken and partially weathered rock with Standard
Penetration resistance (ASTM D 1586) between 50 blows per six inches and 50 blows per
inch.
HARD RESIDUAL SILT/DENSE SAND - Mechanically undisturbed rock that has
been chemically weathered to such state or condition that it can be drilled with soil
boring tools but yet retains the texture and structure of the parent material; normally has
Standard Penetration resistance (ASTM D 1586) in excess of 50 blows per foot.
RESIDUAL SILT/SAND - Extensively weathered residual soil material retaining the
general structural pattern of the parent rock. Breaks down to cohesionless, silt/sand sized
particles with slight remolding; medium to low values of Standard Penetration resistance,
frequently micaceous.

1802.1 General.
Foundation and soils investigations shall be conducted in conformance with Sections
1802.2 through 1802.6. Where required by the building official, the classification and
investigation of the soil shall be made by a registered design professional engineer.

1802.6 Reports.
The soil classification and design load-bearing capacity shall be shown on the
construction document. Where required by the building official, a written report of the
investigation prepared by a professional engineer shall be submitted that includes, but
need not be limited to, the following information:
1. A plot showing the location of test borings and/or excavations.
2. A complete record of the soil samples.
3. A record of the soil profile.
4. Elevation of the water table, if encountered.
5. Recommendations for foundation type and design criteria, including but not limited to:
bearing capacity of natural or compacted soil; provisions to mitigate the effects of
expansive soils; mitigation of the effects of liquefaction, differential settlement and
varying soil strength; and the effects of adjacent loads.
6. Expected total and differential settlement.
7. Pile and pier foundation information in accordance with Section 1808.2.2.
8. Special design and construction provisions for footings or foundations founded on
expansive soils, as necessary.
9. Compacted fill material properties and testing in accordance with Section 1803.5.

1803.5 Compacted fill material.
Where footings will bear on compacted fill material, the compacted fill shall comply with
the provisions of an approved report, which shall contain the following:
1. Specifications for the preparation of the site prior to placement of compacted fill
material.
2. Specifications for the preparation of the site prior to placement of compacted fill
material.. Specifications for material to be used as compacted fill.
3. Test method to be used to determine the maximum dry density and optimum moisture
content of the material to be used as compacted fill.
4. Maximum allowable thickness of each lift of compacted fill material.
5. Field test method for determining the in-place dry density of the compacted fill.
6. Minimum acceptable in-place dry density expressed as a percentage of the maximum
dry density determined in accordance with Item 3.
7. Number and frequency of field tests required to determine compliance with Item 6.
Exception: Compacted fill material less than 12 inches (305 mm) in depth need not
comply with an approved report, provided it has been compacted to a minimum of 90 95
percent Modified Standard Proctor in accordance with ASTM D 1557 698. The
compaction shall be verified by a qualified inspector approved by the building official.

1804.2 Presumptive bearing pressures.
Presumptive bearing pressures may be used, not exceeding the values shown in Table
1804.2, provided that all of the following criteria are satisfied.
1. Presumptive bearing pressures are acceptable only for lightly loaded structures where
column loads are less than 50 kips per column and wall loads do not exceed
3.0 kips per linear foot.
2. Finished grades, including cut or fill operations, do not differ from the natural grades
by more than 5 feet.
3. Sufficient histories of favorable foundation performance are available from adjoining
sites for similar loading conditions.

TABLE 1804.2(1)
ALLOWABLE FOUNDATION AND LATERAL PRESSURE
(delete the column labeled ALLOWABLE FOUNDATION PRESSURE)

TABLE 1804.2(2) PRESUMPTIVE BEARING CAPACITIES
(insert Table 1804.2 from 2002 NC Code)

1805.4.1 Design.
Footings shall be so designed that the allowable bearing capacity of the soil is not
exceeded, and that differential settlement is minimized. The minimum width of footings
shall be 12 16 inches (305 406 mm).
Footings in areas with expansive soils shall be designed in accordance with the
provisions of Section 1805.8. Minimum width of turned down slabs shall be 12 inches
(305 mm) unless engineering analysis is provided.

TABLE 1805.4.2
FOOTINGS SUPPORTING WALLS OF LIGHT-FRAME CONSTRUCTION
(change 12 to 16 in the first row and 15 to 16 in the second row)

1805.4.6 Wood foundations.
Wood foundations are permitted only for buildings of Type V construction. Wood
foundation systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with AFPA Technical
Report No. 7. Lumber and plywood shall be treated in accordance with AWPA C22 and
shall be identified in accordance with Section 2303.1.8.1. In addition to the requirements
of AFPA Technical Report No. 7 the following are required:
1. The minimum thickness of the stone layer under the footing shall be 12 inches.
2. For design purposes, the maximum allowable soil bearing pressure shall be 2000
pounds per square foot and the lateral loads from the soil shall be based on a minimum
equivalent-fluid weight of 40 pounds per cubic foot for sandy soils and 50 pounds per
cubic foot for clayey soils or as determined by a Professional Engineer who is
experienced in soils engineering.
3. Adequate anchorage shall be provided to transfer all wind and soil pressures into
supporting soil.
4. Foundation shall not be used for basements when the basement sump pit does not
freely drain by gravity to grade or a storm sewer. Sump pumps are not permitted.
5. Design shall be performed by a Professional Engineer whose seal shall be affixed to all
foundation drawings.
6. Materials, fabrication and installation shall be inspected and a certificate of compliance
furnished by either a Professional Engineer or by an independent third party inspection
agency approved by the North Carolina Building Code Council for this type of service.

1806.2 Retaining systems.
Retaining systems providing a cumulative vertical relief greater than five feet in height
within a horizontal distance of 50 feet or less. including retaining walls or mechanically
stabilized earth walls, shall be designed and constructed under the responsible charge of
the registered professional engineer. Retaining systems shall meet the requirements of
Section 1610. Testing and inspection reports shall comply with Section 1704.1.2 and
shall verify:
1. Foundation support system is adequate for the intended site conditions;
2. Measurement of the quality of construction materials for conformance with
specifications;
3. Determination of similarity of actual soil conditions to those anticipated in design and;
4. Examination of backfill materials and any drainage systems for compliance with plans
and specifications.

1807.1 Where required.
Walls or portions thereof that retain earth and enclose interior spaces and floors below
grade shall be waterproofed and dampproofed in accordance with this section, with the
exception of those spaces containing groups other than residential and institutional where
such omission is not detrimental to the building or occupancy.
Ventilation for crawl spaces shall comply with Section 1203.4.

1807.4.2 Foundation drain.
A drain shall be placed around the perimeter of a foundation that consists of gravel or
crushed stone containing not more than 10 percent material that passes through a No. 4
(4.75 mm) sieve. The drain shall extend a minimum of 12 inches (305 mm) beyond the
outside edge of the footing. The thickness shall be such that the bottom of the drain is not
higher than the bottom of the base under the floor, and that the top of the drain is not less
than 6 inches (152 mm) above the top of the footing. Where a drain tile or perforated pipe
is used, the invert of the pipe or tile shall not be higher than the floor elevation. The pipe
or tile shall be placed on not less than 2 inches (51 mm) of gravel or crushed stone
complying with Section 1806.7.1, and shall be covered with not less than 6 inches (152
mm) of the same material. The gravel or crushed stone drain shall be wrapped with an
approved geotextile fabric.

1808.2.8.3 Load tests.
Where design compressive loads per pier or pile are greater than those permitted by
Section 1808.2.10, or where the design load for any pier or pile foundation is in doubt,
control test piers or piles shall be tested in accordance with ASTM D 1143 or ASTM D
4945. At least one pier or pile shall be test loaded in each area of uniform subsoil
conditions. Where required by the building official, additional piers or piles shall be load
tested where necessary to establish the safe design capacity.
The resulting allowable loads shall not be more than one-half of the ultimate load
capacity of the test pier or pile as assessed by one of the published methods listed in
Section 1808.2.8.3.1 with consideration for the test type, duration and subsoil. The
ultimate load capacity shall be determined by a registered design professional engineer,
but shall be no greater than two times the test load that produces a settlement of 0.3
inches (7.6 mm). In subsequent installation of the balance of foundation piles, all piles
shall be deemed to have a supporting capacity equal to the control pile where such piles
are of the same type, size and relative length as the test pile; are installed using the same
or comparable methods and equipment as the test pile; are installed in similar subsoil
conditions as the test pile; and, for driven piles, where the rate of penetration (e.g., net
displacement per blow) of such piles is equal to or less than that of the test pile through a
comparable driving distance.

1808.2.5 Stability.
Piers or piles shall be braced to provide lateral stability in all directions. Three or more
piles connected by a rigid cap shall be considered braced, provided that the piles are
located in radial directions from the centroid of the group not less than 60 degrees (1 rad)
apart. A two-pile group in a rigid cap shall be considered to be braced along the axis
connecting the two piles. Methods used to brace piers or piles shall be subject to the
approval of the building official.
Piles supporting walls shall be driven alternately in lines spaced at least 1 foot (305 mm)
apart and located symmetrically under the center of gravity of the wall load carried,
unless effective measures are taken to provide for eccentricity and lateral forces, or the
wall piles are adequately braced to provide for lateral stability. A single row of piles
without lateral bracing is permitted for one- and two-family dwellings and lightweight
construction not exceeding two stories or 35 feet (10 668 mm) in height, provided the
centers of the piles are located within the width of the foundation wall.

1808.2.17 Protection of pile materials.
Where boring records or site conditions indicate possible deleterious action on pier or
pile materials because of soil constituents, changing water levels or other factors, the pier
or pile materials shall be adequately protected by materials, methods or processes
approved by the building official. Protective materials shall be applied to the piles so as
not to be rendered ineffective by driving. The effectiveness of such protective measures
for the particular purpose shall have been thoroughly established by satisfactory service
records or other evidence that demonstrates effectiveness of such protective measures.

1810.1.1 Materials.
Concrete shall have a 28-day specified compressive strength (f'c) of not less than 2,500
3,000 psi (17.24 20.69 MPa). Where concrete is placed through a funnel hopper at the top
of the pile, the concrete mix shall be designed and proportioned so as to produce a
cohesive workable mix having a slump of not less than 4 inches (102 mm) and not more
than 6 inches (152 mm). Where concrete is to be pumped, the mix design including
slump shall be adjusted to produce a pumpable concrete.

1810.3.2 Dimensions.
The pile length shall not exceed 30 times the average diameter. The minimum diameter
shall be 12 inches (305 mm).
Exception: The length of the pile is permitted to exceed 30 times the diameter, provided
that the design and installation of the pile foundation are under the direct supervision of a
registered design professional engineer knowledgeable in the field of soil mechanics and
pile foundations. The registered design professional engineer shall certify to the building
official that the piles were installed in compliance with the approved construction
documents.

1810.3.6 Pile test.
A pile load test shall be performed if 400 psi shaft stress is exceeded. Pile load test shall
be in accordance with 1808.2.8.3.

1810.3.7 Quality control.
For piles having a shaft stress exceeding 400 psi, the following quality control procedures
shall be met:
1. Calibration of pile installation equipment is requiredto accurately measure grout
volumes and pressure prior to test pile installation. This calibration shall be expressed in
cubic feet per pump stroke.
2. Document the amount of grout injected into the testpile by recording the number of
pump strokes per linear foot or number of pump strokes per 5 linear foot section.
3. Subject the installation procedures to a static load test in accordance with ASTM D
1143.
4. If the load test is successful, insure that each production pile is installed using the same
procedure that installed the successful test pile.
5. A professional engineer registered in North Carolina shall certify to the Code
Enforcement Official and Structural Engineer of Record that all pilings were installed in
accordance with the approved design and tested installation procedure. The engineer shall
be prepared to submit upon request a report showing the following minimum
information:
(a) Pile Identification
(b) Pile Length
(c) Date
(d) Rate of Auger Withdrawal (grouting time)
(e) Grout volume in cubic feet per linear foot or cubic feet per 5 foot section.

1812.3 Materials.
Concrete shall have a 28-day specified compressive strength (f'c) of not less than 2,500
3,000 psi (17.24 20.69 MPa). Where concrete is placed through a funnel hopper at the top
of the pier, the concrete mix shall be designed and proportioned so as to produce a
cohesive workable mix having a slump of not less than 4 inches (102 mm) and not more
than 6 inches (152 mm). Where concrete is to be pumped, the mix design including
slump shall be adjusted to produce a pumpable concrete.

CHAPTER 19
CONCRETE

There are no proposed blue pages for this Chapter.

(errata to Table 1907.5.2.1)
CHAPTER 20
ALUMINUM

There are no proposed blue pages for this Chapter.

CHAPTER 21
MASONRY

2107.2.3 ACI 530/ASCE 5/TMS 402, Section 2.1.10.6.1.1, lap splices.
Modify Section 2.1.10.6.1.1 as follows: The minimum length of lap splices for
reinforcing bars in tension or compression, lld, shall be:

Id =0.002dbfs (Equation 21-2)
For SI: Id =0.29dbfs

but not less than 12 inches (305 mm). In no case shall the length of the lapped splice be
less than 40 bar diameters.

where:
db =Diameter of reinforcement, inches (mm).
fs =Computed stress in reinforcement due to design loads, psi (MPa).

In regions of moment where the design tensile stresses in the reinforcement are greater
than 80 percent of the allowable steel tension stress Fs, the lap length of splices shall be
increased not less than 50 percent of the minimum required length. Other equivalent
means of stress transfer to accomplish the same 50 percent increase shall be permitted.

2108.5 ACI 530/ASCE 5/TMS 402, Section 3.2.3.3.
Modify Section 3.2.3.3 as follows: The required development length of reinforcement
shall be determined by Eg. (3-13), but shall not be less than 12 in. (305mm) and need not
be greater than 72 d
b
.

2109.1.1 Limitations.
Empirical masonry design shall not be utilized for any of the following conditions:
1. The design or construction of masonry in buildings assigned to Seismic Design
Category D, E or F as specified in Section 1616, and the design of the seismic force-
resisting system for buildings assigned to Seismic Design Category B or C.
2. The design or construction of masonry structures located in areas where the 3-second-
gust wind speed from Figure 1609 exceeds 110 mph (177 km/hr). Tables 2109.4(a) and
2109.4(b) may be used in wind speeds up to 130 mph.
3. Buildings more than 35 feet (10 668 mm) in height which have masonry wall lateral-
force-resisting systems.
In buildings that exceed one or more of the above limitations, masonry shall be designed
in accordance with the engineered design provisions of Section 2107 or 2108, or the
foundation wall provisions of Section 1805.5.

TABLE 2109.4.1 INTERIOR WALL LATERAL SUPPORT REQUIREMENTS
(delete Exterior, 18 under Nonbearing walls)

(insert Tables 2109.1(a&b) below from the 2002NC Code, renumbered as Tables
2109.4(a&b))

TABLE 2109.1a-H/t LATERAL SUPPORT RATIOS FOR UNREINFORCED EXTERIOR
MASONRY WALLS
1,2,4,5
Other than Enclosed Buildings3

Design Wind Speed, mph

Wall Construction 90 100 110 120 130
Solid Mas. Units 19 17 14 13 11
Hollow concrete Mas.

Units or Mas. Bonded

Hollow Walls 14 12 10 9 8
Cavity walls The H/t ratio shall be 0.70 of the H/t ratio for single

Identical wyths wyth walls. The t value shall be the sum of the


nominal thickness of the individual wyths.

Cavity walls The wall shall be designed based on ACI-530 or the

with wyths of different H/t ratio may be 0.70 of the H/t ratio of a single

types or size masonry wyth hollow wall. The value shall be the sum of


the nominal thickness of the individual wyths.


1. H = clear height or length between lateral supports. t = nominal wall thickness.
2. All masonry units shall be laid in Type M, S or N mortar. Where Type N mortar is used and the wall spans in the vertical direction, the
ratios shall be reduced by 10%.
3. Design based on partially enclosed building.
4. These values are based on using masonry cement mortar. If noniar-entrained portland cement/lime mortar is used, the values in the
table may be increased by 1.2.
5. Larger H/t ratios may be used if the design is done in accordance with ACI-530.

TABLE 2109.1b-H/t LATERAL SUPPORT RATIOS FOR UNREINFORCED EXTERIOR
MASONRY WALLS
1,2,4,5
Other than Enclosed Buildings3

Design Wind Speed, mph

Wall Construction 90 100 110 120 130
Solid Mas. Units 23 20 16 15 13
Hollow concrete Mas.

Units or Mas. Bonded

Hollow Walls 16 14 11 10 9
Cavity walls The H/t ratio shall be 0.70 of the H/t ratio for single

Identical wyths wyth walls. The t value shall be the sum of the


nominal thickness of the individual wyths.

Cavity walls The wall shall be designed based on ACI-530 or the

with wyths of different H/t ratio may be 0.70 of the H/t ratio of a single

types or size masonry wyth hollow wall. The value shall be the sum of


the nominal thickness of the individual wyths.


1. H = clear height or length between lateral supports. t = nominal wall thickness.
2. All masonry units shall be laid in Type M, S or N mortar. Where Type N mortar is used and the wall spans in the vertical direction, the
ratios shall be reduced by 10%.
3. Enclosed buildings are building in which the openings in any wall do not exceed the sum of the percentages of openings in the remaining
walls and roof surfaces by 5% . Buildings in which the 5% limit is exceeded by one wall may still be considered enclosed if the percentage
of openings in no other wall exceeds 20%.
4. These values are based on using masonry cement mortar. If noniar-entrained portland cement/lime mortar is used,the values in the table
may be increased by 1.2.
5. Larger H/t ratios may be used if the design is done in accordance with ACI-530.p


CHAPTER 21
MASONRY

2107.2.3 ACI 530/ASCE 5/TMS 402, Section 2.1.10.6.1.1, lap splices.
Modify Section 2.1.10.6.1.1 as follows: The minimum length of lap splices for
reinforcing bars in tension or compression, lld, shall be:

Id =0.002dbfs (Equation 21-2)
For SI: Id =0.29dbfs

but not less than 12 inches (305 mm). In no case shall the length of the lapped splice be
less than 40 bar diameters.

where:
db =Diameter of reinforcement, inches (mm).
fs =Computed stress in reinforcement due to design loads, psi (MPa).

In regions of moment where the design tensile stresses in the reinforcement are greater
than 80 percent of the allowable steel tension stress Fs, the lap length of splices shall be
increased not less than 50 percent of the minimum required length. Other equivalent
means of stress transfer to accomplish the same 50 percent increase shall be permitted.

2108.5 ACI 530/ASCE 5/TMS 402, Section 3.2.3.3.
Modify Section 3.2.3.3 as follows: The required development length of reinforcement
shall be determined by Eg. (3-13), but shall not be less than 12 in. (305mm) and need not
be greater than 72 d
b
.

2109.1.1 Limitations.
Empirical masonry design shall not be utilized for any of the following conditions:
1. The design or construction of masonry in buildings assigned to Seismic Design
Category D, E or F as specified in Section 1616, and the design of the seismic force-
resisting system for buildings assigned to Seismic Design Category B or C.
2. The design or construction of masonry structures located in areas where the 3-second-
gust wind speed from Figure 1609 exceeds 110 mph (177 km/hr). Tables 2109.4(a) and
2109.4(b) may be used in wind speeds up to 130 mph.
3. Buildings more than 35 feet (10 668 mm) in height which have masonry wall lateral-
force-resisting systems.
In buildings that exceed one or more of the above limitations, masonry shall be designed
in accordance with the engineered design provisions of Section 2107 or 2108, or the
foundation wall provisions of Section 1805.5.

TABLE 2109.4.1 INTERIOR WALL LATERAL SUPPORT REQUIREMENTS
(delete Exterior, 18 under Nonbearing walls)

(insert Tables 2109.1(a&b) below from the 2002NC Code, renumbered as Tables
2109.4(a&b))

TABLE 2109.1a-H/t LATERAL SUPPORT RATIOS FOR UNREINFORCED EXTERIOR
MASONRY WALLS
1,2,4,5
Other than Enclosed Buildings3

Design Wind Speed, mph

Wall Construction 90 100 110 120 130
Solid Mas. Units 19 17 14 13 11
Hollow concrete Mas.

Units or Mas. Bonded

Hollow Walls 14 12 10 9 8
Cavity walls The H/t ratio shall be 0.70 of the H/t ratio for single

Identical wyths wyth walls. The t value shall be the sum of the


nominal thickness of the individual wyths.

Cavity walls The wall shall be designed based on ACI-530 or the

with wyths of different H/t ratio may be 0.70 of the H/t ratio of a single

types or size masonry wyth hollow wall. The value shall be the sum of


the nominal thickness of the individual wyths.


1. H = clear height or length between lateral supports. t = nominal wall thickness.
2. All masonry units shall be laid in Type M, S or N mortar. Where Type N mortar is used and the wall spans in the vertical direction, the
ratios shall be reduced by 10%.
3. Design based on partially enclosed building.
4. These values are based on using masonry cement mortar. If noniar-entrained portland cement/lime mortar is used, the values in the
table may be increased by 1.2.
5. Larger H/t ratios may be used if the design is done in accordance with ACI-530.

TABLE 2109.1b-H/t LATERAL SUPPORT RATIOS FOR UNREINFORCED EXTERIOR
MASONRY WALLS
1,2,4,5
Other than Enclosed Buildings3

Design Wind Speed, mph

Wall Construction 90 100 110 120 130
Solid Mas. Units 23 20 16 15 13
Hollow concrete Mas.

Units or Mas. Bonded

Hollow Walls 16 14 11 10 9
Cavity walls The H/t ratio shall be 0.70 of the H/t ratio for single

Identical wyths wyth walls. The t value shall be the sum of the


nominal thickness of the individual wyths.

Cavity walls The wall shall be designed based on ACI-530 or the

with wyths of different H/t ratio may be 0.70 of the H/t ratio of a single

types or size masonry wyth hollow wall. The value shall be the sum of


the nominal thickness of the individual wyths.


1. H = clear height or length between lateral supports. t = nominal wall thickness.
2. All masonry units shall be laid in Type M, S or N mortar. Where Type N mortar is used and the wall spans in the vertical direction, the
ratios shall be reduced by 10%.
3. Enclosed buildings are building in which the openings in any wall do not exceed the sum of the percentages of openings in the remaining
walls and roof surfaces by 5% . Buildings in which the 5% limit is exceeded by one wall may still be considered enclosed if the percentage
of openings in no other wall exceeds 20%.
4. These values are based on using masonry cement mortar. If noniar-entrained portland cement/lime mortar is used,the values in the table
may be increased by 1.2.
5. Larger H/t ratios may be used if the design is done in accordance with ACI-530.p


There are no proposed blue pages for this Chapter.

There are no proposed blue pages for this Chapter.

CHAPTER 23
WOOD

2301.1 Scope.
The provisions of this chapter shall govern the materials, design, construction, and
quality of wood members and their fasteners. Refer to Chapter 7 for fireblocking,
draftstopping and fire resistance requirements.
2301.1.1 Minimum lumber grades.
The minimum grade of lumber used for light frame construction shall be;
1. For joists and rafter; Those obtained in AF&PA Design Values for J oists and Rafters.
2. For loadbearing studs: No. 3 grade, Standard Grade or Stud Grade, Utility Grade may
be used to support roof and ceiling loads only.
3. For nonloadbearing studs; Utility Grade.
4. For wall top plates; Utility Grade.
2301.1.2 Moisture content.
All lumber shall have a maximum moisture content of 19% at time of grading.

2301.2.1 Allowable stress design (ASD).
Design using allowable stress design methods shall resist the applicable load
combinations of Chapter 16 in accordance with the provisions of Section 2304, 2305 and
2306.

2303.1 General.
Structural lumber, end-jointed lumber, prefabricated I-joists, structural glued-laminated
timber, wood structural panels, fiberboard sheathing (when used structurally), hardboard
siding (when used structurally), particleboard, preservative-treated wood, fire-retardant-
treated wood, hardwood, plywood, trusses and joist hangers shall conform to the
applicable provisions of this section.
(errata, strikethrough comma between hardwood and plywood)

2303.7 Shrinkage.
Deleted.

2303.8 Construction practices.
2303.8.1 Preparation of building site and removal of debris.
2303.8.1.1 All building sites shall be graded so as to provide drainage under all portions
of the building not occupied by basements.
2303.8.1.2 The foundation and the area encompassed therein shall have all vegetation,
stumps, roots and foreign material removed and the fill material shall be free of
vegetation and foreign material. The fill shall be compacted to assure adequate support of
the foundation.
2303.8.1.3 After all work is completed, loose wood and debris shall be completely
removed. Wood shall not be stored in contact with the ground under any building.

2304.10.3 Roof framing.
Every roof girder and at least every alternate roof beam shall be anchored to its
supporting member; and every monitor and every sawtooth construction shall be
anchored to the main roof construction. Such anchors shall consist of steel or iron bolts
be of sufficient strength to resist vertical uplift of the roof.

2304.10.5 Roof decks.
Where supported by a wall, roof decks shall be anchored to walls to resist uplift forces
determined in accordance with Chapter 16. Such anchors shall consist of steel or iron
bolts be of sufficient strength to resist vertical uplift of the roof.

2308.2.1 Basic wind speed greater than 100 mph (3-second gust).
Where the basic wind speed exceeds 100 mph (3-second gust), the provisions of either
the AF&PA Wood Frame Construction Manual for One- and Two-Family Dwellings
(WFCM), or the SBCCI Standard for Hurricane-Resistant Residential Construction
(SSTD 10), are permitted to be used. When using SSTD 10-99, convert 3-second design
wind to fastest mile design wind using Table 1609.3.1.

(errata to Table 2308.10.3(1) to change note b to note a)

There are no proposed blue pages for this Chapter.

CHAPTER 25
GYPSUM BOARD AND PLASTER

(insert TABLE 2508.2 ALLOWABLE NONBEARING PARTITION HEIGHTS
from the 2002 NC Code below)

Table 2508.2
Allowable Nonbearing Partition Heights
Based on Wallboard and No. 25 Gage Studs
Acting as a Composite Section1, 2

Stud Facing Stud Depth (in.)
Spacing Each
(in) Side 1-5/8 2-1/2 3-1/4 3-5/8 4 6

16 1/2-one ply 110 148 1710 195 208 1810
24 1/2-one ply 100 135 160 173 185 178
24 1/2-two ply 124 1510 183 195 208 190

1. The tabulated stud heights are based on 0.0179 uncoated thickness (25 ga) steel
studs manufactured in compliance with ASTM C 754 for installation of screw-type steel
framing members to receive gypsum boards.
2. Gypsum board product must be 1/2 minimum thickness and may be applied
vertically or horizontally.

2513.8 Pneumatically Placed Portland Cement Plaster.
2513.8.1 Mixture.
Pneumatically placed portland cement plaster shall be a mixture of portland cement and
aggregate conveyed by air through a pipe or flexible tube, and deposited by air pressure
in its final position.
2513.8.2 Rebound material.
Rebound material may be screened and reused as aggregate in an amount not greater than
25% of the total sand in any batch.
2513.8.3 Ratios.
Pneumatically placed portland cement plaster shall consist of a mixture of one part
cement to not more than five parts of aggregate. Plasticity agents may be used as
specified elsewhere in this chapter. Except when applied to concrete or masonry, such
plaster shall be applied in not less than two coats to a minimum total thickness of 7/8 inch
(22.2 mm).
2603.9 Special Requirements for Foam Plastic in Buildings of Type 2, Type 3, Type
4 or Type 5 Construction.
2603.9.1 General.
This section shall apply to both treated and untreated foam plastic.
2603.9.2 Foundation walls.
All foam plastic shall be a minimum of 8 above grade.
Exception:
Foam plastic less than 8 above or in contact with grade shall be installed in accordance
with 2603.9.3.
2603.9.3. Chemical treatment.
When foam plastic is in contact with the ground, the soil area shall be chemically treated
in accordance with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
rules and regulations.
CHAPTER 27
ELECTRICAL EMERGENCY AND STANDBY POWER

2701.2 DEFINITIONS.
ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT ROOMS.
See Chapter 10.

2702.2.5 Accessible means of egress elevators. Deleted.

2702.2.9 Hazardous materials.
Emergency or standby power shall be provided in occupancies with hazardous materials
in accordance with Section 414.5.4 414.5.

2702.2.10 Highly toxic and toxic materials.
Emergency power shall be provided for occupancies with highly toxic or toxic materials
in accordance with the International Fire Code, Section 414.5.

2702.2.11 Organic peroxides.
Standby power shall be provided for occupancies with silane gas in accordance with the
International Fire Code, Section 414.5.

2702.2.12 Pyrophoric materials.
Emergency power shall be provided for occupancies with silane gas in accordance with
the International Fire Code, Section 414.5.

2702.2.19 Smokeproof enclosures.
Standby power shall be provided for smokeproof enclosures as required by Section
909.20.6.2.

There are no proposed blue pages for this Chapter.

CHAPTER 29
PLUMBING SYSTEMS

(the Table and text will be coordinated with the NC Plumbing Code)
CHAPTER 30
ELEVATORS AND CONVEYING SYSTEMS

3001.3 Accessibility.
Passenger elevators required to be accessible by Chapter 11 shall conform to ICC A117.1
the North Carolina Accessibility Code.

3002.8 Pits.
For dampproofing and waterproofing requirements refer to Section 1807.

3006.5 Shunt trip.
Where elevator hoistways or elevator machine rooms containing elevator control
equipment are protected with automatic sprinklers, a means installed in accordance with
NFPA72, Section 3-8.15, Elevator Shutdown, shall be provided to disconnect
automatically the main line power supply to the affected elevator upon and prior to the
application of water. This means shall not be self-resetting. The activation of sprinklers
outside the hoistway or machine room shall not disconnect the main line power supply.
CHAPTER 31
SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION

3105.1 General.
Awnings or canopies shall comply with the requirements of this section and other
applicable sections of this code. For awnings or canopies that encroach into public right-
of-ways refer to Chapter 32.

3105.5 Permanent canopies.
Permanent canopies are permitted to extend over adjacent open spaces provided:
1. The canopy and its supports shall be of noncombustible material, fire retardant-treated
wood, Type IV construction, or of 1-hour fire resistance rated construction.

Exception: Any textile covering for the canopy shall be flame resistant as determined by
tests conducted in accordance with NFPA 701 after both accelerated water leaching and
accelerating weathering.
2. Any canopy covering, other than textiles, shall have a flame spread index not greater
than 25 when tested in accordance with ASTM E 84 in the form intended for use.
3. The canopy shall have at least one long side open.
4. The maximum horizontal width of the canopy shall not exceed 15 feet (4572 mm).
5. The fire resistance of exterior walls shall not be reduced.

3107.1 General.
Signs shall be designed, constructed and maintained in accordance with this code. Signs
shall comply with the provisions of Appendix H.

SECTION 3108
RADIO, TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND TELEVISION TOWERS

3108.6 Foundations.
Footings and foundations shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the
provisions of Chapter 18.

CHAPTER 32
ENCROACHMENTS INTO THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY

3202.5 Space under public property.
3202.5.1 Space under sidewalk.
Where space under the sidewalk is used for any purpose, a special permit shall be
required.
3202.5.2 Sidewalk Lights.
When glass is set in the sidewalk to provide light for spaces underneath, the glass shall be
supported by metal or reinforced concrete frames and such glass shall be not less than 1/2
inch (12.7 mm) thick. Where such glass is over 12 sq. in. (7742 mm
2
), it shall have wire
mesh embedded in the glass. All portions of sidewalk lights shall be of not less strength
than required for the load specified.

3202.6 Sidewalk or Street Obstruction.
Public property shall be maintained clear of any and all obstructions, including among
others, posts, columns, display of wares or merchandise and sidewalk signs.

CHAPTER 33
SAFEGUARDS DURING CONSTRUCTION

(there are no proposed NC amendments to this Chapter)
CHAPTER 34
EXISTING STRUCTURES

3407.1 Historic buildings.
The provisions of this code relating to the construction, repair, alteration, addition,
restoration and movement of structures, and change of occupancy shall not be mandatory
for historic buildings where such buildings are judged by the building official to not
constitute a distinct life safety hazard. See the North Carolina Accessibility Code.

SECTION 3408
ACCESSIBILITY FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS
Deleted. See the North Carolina Accessibility Code.
CHAPTER 35
REFERENCED STANDARDS

NFPA
NFPA 13 - 02
NFPA 13D 02
NFPA 13R - 02
CHAPTER 36
PIERS, BULKHEADS AND WATERWAY STRUCTURES

(this Chapter is a reprint from the 2002 NC Code)