Specifying a Newer Building Code than the one adopted

[Anupam Tetu]

Hi,

The current building code in North Carolina is 2018 NC BC based on 2015 IBC. I wish to design a tower structure as per 2018 IBC and TIA-222-H. Can you specify a newer building code even if the state has not adopted it yet ?

Thanks in advance!

 

[IRstuff]

Newer doesn't always mean better; you run the risk that changes per a new code puts you in non-compliance with the existing code.

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[jayrod12]

Where we practice, no. You must use the locally adopted code.

 

[JAE]

You can use the newer code.....but your design must still meet the minimum requirements of the adopted code.



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[Once20036]

We've done it before, with permission from the local authorities.
Reach out to them to ask.
As others have said, you cannot make that decision on your own.

 

[azcats]

Trying to take advantage of the lower wind speeds in the new ASCE 7?

Like the others, I'd get approval from the reviewing authority first.

 

[ENGINEER92]

From what we can gather the new REV-H code lessons the load. I recommend specifying any new towers to be designed for the currently adopted code. You don't want to swap out antennas a year from now and fail the new tower for REV-G loads. It is a dollar now to design the tower for REV-G and it is 10 dollars later to bring it up to REV-G.

I do admit we have at times checked existing towers per REV-H, but you have to check with local code officials.

 

[wannabeSE]

I have had same experience as Once.

 

[Agent666]

Keep in mind your client needs to be on board with any alternative code being proposed/adopted as well. Ultimately it should be the clients final decision and they carry the risk, provided of course that the local authorities are accepting of any alternative codes. They obviously need to make an informed decision so might need to know what it gets them ($ saved usually does it).

In this part of the world (NZ) things work a little different to the US, it's basically universally accepted by the regional territorial authorities that the latest revisions to codes are able to be used as soon as they are published, this occurs prior to its formal citing in our building code, as it falls under the general practice of working to current best practice. It's all one standard nationally as well unlike the US.