A Path Forward for Tall Wood Construction: Code Provisions & Design Steps

We are at an exciting confluence in timber construction. The need for sustainable, urban construction has never been higher. Concurrently, mass timber products such as cross-laminated timber have opened the door to many new opportunities for construction, one of which is tall wood. In January 2019, the International Code Council (ICC) approved a set of proposals to allow tall wood buildings of up to 18 stories as part of the 2021 International Building Code (IBC). This presentation will introduce the new tall wood code provisions in depth. Starting with a review of the technical research and testing that supported their adoption, it will then take a detailed look at the new code provisions and methods of addressing the new requirements. Topics will include fire-resistance ratings and allowances for exposed timber, penetrations, sprinklers, connections, exterior walls and much more. Designers can expect to take away the knowledge they need to start exploring tall wood designs on their projects. 

Austin has adopted the 2024 International Building Code (IBC), which includes provisions allowing for more exposed wood in Type IV-B buildings. Specifically, the 2024 IBC permits 100% exposed timber ceilings in Type IV-B construction, a significant increase from the 20% allowance in the 2021 IBC. This change, based on fire testing results, provides more design flexibility while still requiring careful planning to meet fire resistance standards. Austin’s adoption of the 2024 codes, including the IBC, took effect on July 10, 2025.

Speaker: Mark Bartlett, PE | WoodWorks

Credits: Attendees can earn 2.0 AIA/CES HSW LUs, 2.0 PDH credits or 0.2 ICC credits

Online Attendees:

• WoodWorks will send each attendee a certificate of completion within 2 weeks via email.
• Please note that to receive a certificate, attendees must stay for the duration of the event.

For questions or additional information, please contact:

Jaime Krohn, CMP | jaime@woodworks.org | (312) 841-8272

Image credit: City of Cedar Park

**This is not a City of Cedar Park or Library sponsored event.