Reason: This code change purpose is to introduce intermodal shipping containers into the International Residential Code based on requests by code officials in the U.S. Prior to this proposal, several jurisdictions had created their own individual regulations or ordinances, or had administered additional requirements beyond the code (e.g. Section R104.11 “Alternative Materials, design and methods of construction and equipment”) so at to be comfortable to ensure a safe structure. This code change proposal is in response to those requests to develop a provision in order to establish a consistent set of provisions which cover the minimum safety requirements, but which do not duplicate existing code provisions.
The proposed definition is consistent with the successful code change proposal to the International Building Code, new Section 3114. For consistency, we are introducing that same definition here.
The reference to the International Building Code has been modeled after Sections R301.1.1 through R301.1.3. The BCAC Shipping Container Working Group chose not to duplicate the newly accepted shipping container structural design language in the International Building Code. This proposal is making a simple reference the new section in the IBC where the provisions for shipping container structural safety are contained. As Section R301.1 applies to structural design only, the other non-structural provisions of the International Residential Code would apply as required (e.g. energy, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, etc.). Also, because Section R301.1.1 deals with primarily alternative sources of structural design (e.g. independent reference standard structural design resources outside the codes), the BCAC shipping container Working Group determined it to be more appropriate to separate this reference to the IBC for clarity.
This proposal is submitted by the ICC Building Code Action Committee (BCAC). BCAC was established by the ICC Board of Directors in July 2011 to pursue opportunities to improve and enhance assigned International Codes or portions thereof. Since 2017 the BCAC has held 6 open meetings. In addition, there were numerous Working Group meetings and conference calls for the current code development cycle, which included members of the committee as well as any interested party to discuss and debate the proposed changes. Related documentation and reports are posted on the BCAC website at:
https://www.iccsafe.org/codes-tech-...-process/building-code-action-committee-bcac/.
