This course introduces students to professional codes of conduct and ethics adopted by the International Building Codes. Students examine building classification and fire protection systems, as well as regulations worldwide to classify buildings as safe. This course provides a thorough examination of the height limitations, structural strength requirements and occupancy regulations. Upon completion, students should be able to determine the code constraints governing construction projects. (Fall) [Graded (Standard Letter)]

This course introduces building code with an emphasis on the IBC, International Building Code, which is designated to introduce current building codes to carpenters, contractors, building inspectors, real estate inspectors, fire prevention personnel and more. Application of administrative procedures included. Ethics are a major focus and will be considered throughout this course.

The course discussed several important aspects of Building Codes and Ethics including:

• The ethics consideration in buildings;
• Efficient fire-resistive precautions in buildings;
• The construction specifications for materials used and workmanship; and
• Prepare design considerations in any construction project.

Many designers feel intimidated by building codes. They can seem daunting and complicated at first glance. It is essential to know that they are a product of years of accretion and evolution. Sections start simply and are modified, and new material is added to address additional concerns or to address interpretation issues from previous code editions. The complexity of a building code often comes from this layering of new information upon old without regard to overall continuity. It is essential to keep in mind that there is no single author of the building code. Each section has a different author. Building codes are living documents, constantly under review, and modification. It is vital to an understanding of codes to keep in mind that they are a human institution, written by ordinary people with specific issues in mind or particular agendas they wish to advance.

Over the past several editions of the IBC, there has been an increase in the number of code revisions made to “clarify” the code. This trend has often resulted in the reorganization of code sections, often without any substantive changes. For those code users who are familiar with the previous code editions, these changes can be upsetting and confusing. It may seem that familiar and well-understood code provisions have disappeared when in actuality they have just been relocated and renumbered. We strongly recommend that code users obtain electronic copies of the codes. These lend themselves to keyword searches that make it possible to find moved provisions based on the unchanged text content. For identifying and understanding the significant changes from one edition of the code to the next, we suggest obtaining the Significant Changes to the IBC published by the International Code Council.

Required Textbook:
International Building Code is updated every three years with the 2024 version being the most up to date version and will be a primary source.

NOTE: There are additional sources of free versions of the IBC 2018 for you to utilize.

Additional materials may be introduced throughout the course including…

• 1. International Building Code®.
• 2. International Building Code Illustrated Handbook
• 3. International Fire Code®
• 4. to https://www.iccsafe.org/wp-content/uploads/ICC-CDP-How-It-works.pdf.Ching, Francis D. K.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will have the relative ability to …..

• ….. formulate or design a system, process, procedure or program to meet desired needs.
• ….. understand ethical and professional responsibilities and the impact of technical and/or scientific solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
• ….. function effectively on teams that establish goals, plan tasks, meet deadlines, and analyze risk and uncertainty.

Course Objectives

Students will become familiar with the purposes for building codes as they deal with standards and public safety.

The primary purpose of this course is to familiarize students with the 2018 International Building Code® (IBC). It is intended as an instructional text on how the Code was developed and how it is organized, as well as a primer on how to use the Code. It is intended to be a companion to the IBC, not a substitute for it. Secondary objects are as follows:

• Identify the ethical practices and requirements
• Explain safety practices and procedures
• Describe commonly used building codes
• Describe construction documents
• Define terms associated with inspections
• Identify the various codes used in construction
• Identify tables, charts, and guidelines contained in codes
• Recognize requirements in construction inspections
• Describe methods and techniques for inspections
• Describe construction classifications and occupancy categories
• Demonstrate dexterity in inspecting projects

Course Structure

This course is designed as a lecture, discussion, and presentation style course with assigned reading, homework, practical theory, terminology, projects, quizzes (scheduled and unscheduled) and exams. Attendance is key and required for this course, although will not be used for credit.

Assigned Homework

To be determined. NOTE: The instructor reserves the right to substitute and/or add quizzes and/or assignments as applicable.

What you will turn in

Assignments may accompany material discussed in class from each chapter, topic, article and industry practical examples.

Student Presentation(s) (150-200 points) will accompany this and will consist of the following…

• Written Summary/Outline (40%)
• Class Presentation (40%)
• Peer Evaluation (20%)

Peer Evaluations (typically 15 points each) will be turned in for each presentation including constructive input and honest evaluation. Constructive input for improvements of presentation organization, the presenter’s knowledge/familiarity of the topic, material explanation and benefit, and “Ahh!” and/or “Ah ha” moments of enlightenment.

Evaluation

Student assignments will vary in value from 10 to 200 (Student Project/Presentation) points.
All quizzes typically range in value of 10-50 points each (there may be some exception here).
Midterm Exam is anticipated to be worth 100-250 points.
Final Exam is anticipated to be worth 100-250 points.
Student Presentation is anticipated to be worth 100-250 points.

Assessment

Assessment will be performed under the following criteria:

• 100 - 94% = A
• 93 – 90% = A-
• 89 – 87% = B+
• 86 - 84% = B
• 83 - 80% = B-
• [HEADING-1] 79 – 77% = C+
• [HEADING-1] 76 - 74% = C
• [HEADING-1] 73 - 70% = C-
• 69 – 67% = D+
• 66 -64% = D
• 63 -60% = D-
• 59 – 57 = F+
• 56 – less = F

To earn a grade of A students must complete at least 95% of the work satisfactorily and attend class 95% of the time.

To earn a passing grade students must attend at least 75% of class regardless of the amount of work that is submitted.

Midterm 100-250 points

The midterm exam will be given during class time. Date of the midterm exam will be announced at a later time.

Final 100-250 points

As per policy the final exam will be administered during the scheduled time during finals week. Do not ask to take the final exam early. There will be NO make-up if a student misses the final exam.

Please do not come and ask what your grade is before grades are posted. The grading process is long and tedious. For this class your instructor will review and/or grade all papers, quizzes, and exams. Graders may or may not be used for this course. First assignments have to be examined as a whole. Then assignments must be graded. Then those grades must be entered, calculated, and finally submitted. Your grades will appear as soon as they are submitted.

Tentative Schedule

Chapters and other corresponding course work covered this semester will be revealed prior to class discussion. Presentations and class lectures/discussions will be based on IBC 2018 chapter topics.

Late Assignments and/or makeup work

Make up work or extra credit work is possible. For extra credit work come see me. Late quiz will only be allowed with prior communication with the professor and if taken prior to the return of graded quizzes. Late quizzes will be worth half credit.

There will be NO make-up if a student misses the final exam.

It is against university policy to submit work AFTER grades have been issued. Course grades will NOT be changed after the fact unless there is an instructor error. Students will be awarded the grade they earned. Grades are issued on student performance, attendance, and participation.

Attendance Credit

Students receive 10 points of attendance credit for each class period they attend providing they are not late. Arriving to class late can result in NO attendance credit. Attendance credit will be added towards your final course grade.

Attendance is mandatory for passing this course. Your attendance will be calculated into your final grade using the criteria described above. Simply getting the assignments from a class mate is not permitted.

Attendance is only taken once per class period at the beginning. You will receive 10 points of attendance credit for being on time to class and staying the entire time. If you are late to class you will lose 1 point of attendance credit for each minute you are late. If you are 10 minutes or later to class you will not receive any attendance credit for that day. This does not mean you have to leave class, is simply means that for that day, you will not receive any attendance credit.

Students are required to bring text books and all other materials to each class meeting. Any student who attends class without a text book and other materials will receive an absence.

Any student who does work from another class in class will be given an absence.

Attendance

Attendance is mandatory for passing this course. Your attendance will be calculated into your final grade using the criteria described above. Simply getting the assignments from a class mate is not permitted.

You will earn 10 points per day for each day you attend class. At the end of the semester your attendance credit will be calculated with your performance credit.

Attendance is only taken once per class period at the beginning. You will receive 10 points of attendance credit for being on time to class and staying the entire time. If you are late to class you will lose 1 point of attendance credit for each minute you are late. If you are 10 minutes or more late to class you will not receive any attendance credit for that day. This does not mean you have to leave class, it simply means that for that day, you will not receive any attendance credit.

Class participation

Students are required to bring text books and all other materials to each class meeting. Any student who attends class without a text book and other materials will receive an absence. Any student who does work from another class in class will be given an absence.

Building codes represent the rules for minimum standards in the construction industry.

Desire to learn and ability to join in course work.

There will be none of the following:

• Vulgar jokes or comments said to other students of the same sex or of the opposite sex, or to the instructor.
• Chewing tobacco

Violation of any of these policies will result in an absence.

COMMUNICATION IS OF KEY IMPORTANCE
If by chance you start falling behind through no fault of your own, PLEASE communicate with me and do not drop the class at the first sign of turbulence, I understand that life is also a test. The sooner you come see me, the sooner we can develop an intervention plan to get you back on track. I am available to work with any student willing to put forth a little extra effort. If for some reason you are feeling bad about life in general come and see me, I may be able to provide some insight that will help you feel better about everything.

Safety and Professional Behavior: Projects may involve the use of lab or other university equipment. Students should maintain professional behavior at all times, but particularly when operating equipment. Students are required to read and follow instructions for use of equipment and only to use the equipment in a safe manner to minimize the danger to oneself and others. Disregarding safety and/or other procedures will result in your dismissal from the lab area and a grade of zero for the associated project (at a minimum). If you are unsure as to how to operate equipment in a safe manner, ask for help.

Required text: Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advanced notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.