Today’s construction industry is governed by a complex network of building codes and standards. In the U.S., the development cycle for new building codes spans three years, while the creation of new standards may take even longer. As a result, adoption and acceptance of innovative, cutting-edge building materials can be slow. Fortunately, the International Code Council (ICC) I-Codes include a pathway for recognizing alternative building products through product evaluation reports. While the code official must approve product evaluation reports, they can significantly accelerate the process of bringing new building materials to market. [For all images, See PDF or View in Full Issue.]
Previously addressed in Sections 104.11 and R104.11 of earlier editions of the International Building Code® (IBC) and International Residential Code® (IRC), the 2024 IBC and IRC now cover these provisions in Sections 104.2.3 and R104.2.2. These code provisions address alternative materials, designs, construction methods, and equipment. They also outline the approval authority, application process, and evaluation criteria—such as compliance with the intent of the code, equivalency in performance, required testing, reporting, and peer review. The administrative requirements create a framework for evaluating new building products and determining whether they meet code requirements and intent.
Building Codes and Standards – A Strong Foundation
U.S. building codes are developed by the International Code Council (ICC) and published as the I-Codes. The most widely used I-Code volumes are the IBC and IRC, which include performance-based and prescriptive requirements for the design and construction of buildings and one- and two-family dwellings, respectively. The most current editions of the IBC and IRC are 2024, but development of the 2027 editions is underway. Some jurisdictions and building departments have already adopted the 2024 I-Codes in some form, including the states of Colorado, Mississippi, Wyoming, the cities of Phoenix, Arizona, Reno and Las Vegas, Nevada, Austin and San Antonio, Texas, and the U.S. General Services Administration. More jurisdictions and building departments are expected to adopt the latest I-Codes as time moves on.
The I-Codes reference hundreds of standards developed by Standards Development Organizations (SDOs). The referenced standards provide detailed design provisions and testing methods specific to various building materials. Including standards by reference keeps the building codes from becoming unmanageably long. The IBC lists referenced standards in Chapter 35, and the IRC in Chapter 44.
Major SDOs include ASTM International (formerly the American Society for Testing and Materials), the American Wood Council (AWC), the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), the American Concrete Institute (ACI), the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), and the Truss Plate Institute (TPI). These organizations follow consensus-based processes to develop their standards. Once finalized and approved by committees, the standards may be adopted into the I-Codes through the code change process administered by ICC committees, including public review and comment. Building products may also be evaluated directly to code referenced standards and documented through listings rather than product evaluation reports.
Acceptance Criteria – Tools for Rigorous Evaluation
Before a product evaluation report can be issued, an ISO 17065-accredited certification body first develops Acceptance Criteria. Although not considered standards, criteria create a fair and consistent basis for product evaluation or a “level playing field.” Certification bodies involved in this process primarily include ICC Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) and IAPMO Uniform Evaluation Service (UES). Acceptance Criteria are developed by the certification body through a transparent process that involves input from the public, code officials, design professionals, and product manufacturers. A committee of code officials hears the criteria proposals and then votes for approval, disapproval, or further study. Future criteria proposals may be made for technical and administrative revisions such as updating referenced codes and standards. This collaborative effort is focused on establishing whether novel building materials are equivalent in quality, strength, effectiveness, durability, safety, and fire resistance to what is already referenced in codes and standards.
Some notable ICC-ES Acceptance Criteria related to wood construction include AC13 Joist Hangers and Similar Devices, AC116 Nails, AC155 Hold-downs (Tie-downs) Attached to Wood Members, AC233 Dowel-Type Threaded Fasteners Used in Wood, AC257 Corrosion-resistant Fasteners and Evaluation of Corrosion Effects on Wood Treatments, AC283 Metal Hinge Plate Connectors for Wood Trusses, and AC387 Metal Webs for Parallel Chord Wood Trusses, amongst others.
ICC-ES Acceptance Criteria include an Introduction, Purpose and Scope, Codes and Referenced Standards, Basic Information and Test Reports, Test Methods and Performance Requirements, Analysis Requirements, Quality Control, Evaluation Report Requirements, and optional Environmental Product Declarations.
Product Evaluation Reports – Solving the Need for Speed
Product evaluation reports offer an efficient and faster route for manufacturers to introduce innovative technologies into the construction market. Evaluation reports document compliance with codes, standards provisions, and Acceptance Criteria, offering assurance and peace of mind to code officials and builders alike. Evaluation reports are a mark of heavy investment made by manufacturers in research and development, engineering, manufacturing, and quality systems.
ICC-ES Evaluation Reports have a well-established structure that includes the Evaluation Scope, Product Uses, Product Description, Design and Installation, Conditions of Use, Evidence Submitted, Product Identification, and Technical Data including allowable load values, design strengths, figures, and details. Evaluation Reports may also include state and city code supplements referring to those building codes and specific requirements in the jurisdiction.
MiTek product evaluation reports, state and city code supplements, product approvals, and environmental product declarations can be found at: Evaluation Reports – MiTek Residential Construction Industry.
Product evaluation reports are a strong indicator of a manufacturer’s research and development, engineering, manufacturing, and quality management systems. While developing a product evaluation report requires significant investment in time and money by the manufacturer, this alternative approval pathway plays a pivotal role in advancing construction innovation. Product evaluation reports empower code officials to confidently approve new technologies, helping modernize the industry while also ensuring the safety and well-being of the public who live, work, and play in the buildings we design and construct.
For additional information, or if you have questions, please contact the MiTek Testing & Regulatory Compliance Team or the MiTek Engineering department.