Even though a design worked in the past...that does not mean it will meet today's IBC Building code.

This section demonstrates some common design practices we feel could present problems meeting today's IBC building codes.
We recommend consulting your local building department for approval before using these designs.

Note: The building codes have changed over the years... and since the tragedy of 9-11, other changes are being considered.

Furthermore, almost all states have adopted the IBC code standards. Accordingly what was acceptable in the past may not be approved today. Outdated and non-compliant designs need to be removed from the market.

Questionable Designs Provided by Others

Fire Safety
Design 1. Hardboard walls with a polystyrene core.
Reason: Polystyrene must have a 15 minute thermal barrier protecting it. Hardboard does not meet that requirement.
For further information, please see IBC Code 2603.4

Design 2. Steel clad polystyrene walls without proper testing.
Reason: This product is allowed in Freezers or Coolers, and other applications with the proper fire tests such as NFPA 286 or 25' Corner Test.
For further information, please see IBC Code 2603.8

Design 3. Aluminum structural elements used as column supports for steel beams.
Reason: Typically column supports require hourly ratings. Aluminum melts and can not meet this requirement.
For further information, please see IBC Table 601

Design 4. One-hour walls without proper certification.
Reason: The system is claimed to be one-hour rated because of a single material namely the gypsum surface is one-hour rated, however the "system" may have never been tested and certified.


Structural Safety
Design 5. DOC*- Allowing a beam to rest on top of a wall's connecting post or the wall alone for structural design.
Reason 1: Typically this places weight on the wall greater than the allowable 100 pounds per linear foot making the wall load bearing. In most instances that requires the wall to have an hourly rating. Most modular companies do not have hourly rated systems.

Reason 2: The design is a "slip" connection and does not have a "bolted and anchored" design thus reducing greatly the allowable safe load.

For further information, please see IBC Table 601
*DOC - Dependent office wall concept (not deck of cards) - refers to the beam hinged (or attached) to the top of the wall without proper structural column support. The support is dependent on the wall.

Design 6. Not using steel support on end walls.
Reason 1: When a load bearing roof design is used the end walls usually have loads that exceed 100 PLF. This makes the wall classified as load bearing. In most instances that requires the wall to have an hourly rating. Most modular companies do not have hourly rated systems.
For further information, please see IBC Table 601


Egress Safety
Design 7. Steep stairs and stairs without proper hand rails.
Reason: The design only meets OSHA criteria but does not meet the IBC building code requirements.
For further information, please see IBC Table 1009.3