New app calculates maximum allowable heights for building occupancy types, classes of construction
By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor
The American Wood Council (AWC) and WoodWorks released a public beta version of an updated app that calculates maximum allowable heights and areas for buildings of various occupancy classifications and types of construction.
The Heights & Areas Calculator uses provisions in the 2015 International Building Code (IBC) and earlier editions of the code. Users can input the proposed building height and area for any occupancy classification, and the app provides allowable types of construction.
The tool can be especially useful for designs of structures with mixed occupancies or when looking to increase the size of a mid-rise project, according to a news release. The public beta version of the app is available on iOS and Android devices. After some user input, final mobile versions and a Windows desktop version are expected to be released later this year.
To download the app, visit the AWC website at: www.awc.org/codes-standards/ca