Spring is upon us. Construction is ramping up nationwide. And, as we get ready to spend more time in our favorite outdoor spaces and decks, we must ensure they are safe for gatherings with family and friends.
Just in time for the nicer weather, and the influx of construction workers, the American Wood Council (AWC) has released a Spanish translation of the Prescriptive Residential Wood Deck Construction Guide: Design for Code Acceptance (DCA) 6 – 2015 IRC Version.
DCA 6 was specifically developed to promote good, code-compliant deck design and construction for safe outdoor structures. AWC began offering a version in Spanish in 2012 to allow those involved in the U.S. design and construction community for whom English is a second language easy access to good deck design, which is so important to safety. Now the 2015 version of DCA 6 is available in Spanish as well.
Unfortunately, deck collapses are not an uncommon occurrence in the United States. Most deck failures occur during summer, and it becomes even more important that builders and homeowners take the time to check that older structures are compliant with today’s building codes.
The DCA 6 guide provides a prescriptive method for designing code-complying residential wood decks. In addition to beam and joist span tables, DCA 6 contains construction details for posts, footings, guards, decking, and connections to assist individuals with submitting a safe and code-compliant deck project. Included is a typical plan-view drawing of a deck, where post size and spacing, beam dimensions, joist size and span, and other detailed information can be indicated to facilitate submission of plan review documents.
AWC wants everyone to enjoy their outdoor spaces and fully take advantage of the season; therefore, it is vitally important to ensure that both minimum material requirements and prescriptive limits are taken into consideration. DCA 6 offers guidance on what is required under the IRC for a safe pre-engineered solution for deck construction. Additional provisions in DCA 6 that are not included in the IRC are considered good practice recommendations. And now in Spanish as well!
The free guide can be downloaded in English or Spanish at: https://www.awc.org/codes-standards/publications/dca6