IRC & IBC Code Terms
Terms and Definitions are from The International Building Code 2003 & The International Residential Code 2003:- Balcony, exterior-an exterior floor projecting from and supported by a structure without additional independent supports.
- Deck-an exterior floor supported on at least two opposing sides by an adjacent structure, and/or posts, piers or other independent supports.
- Design Strength-the product of the nominal strength and a resistance factor (or strength reduction factor).
- Dwelling Unit- A single unit providing complete, independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation.
- Guard-a building component or a system of building components located at or near the open sides of elevated walking surfaces that minimizes the possibility of a fall from the walking surface to the lower level. This code term is commonly interchanged with GUARDRAIL.
- Handrail-a horizontal or sloping rail intended for grasping by the hand for guidance or support.
- Ramp-a walking surface that has a running slope steeper than one unit vertical in twenty units horizontal (5% slope).
- Shall-the term, when used in the code, is construes as mandatory.
- Stair-a change in elevation, consisting of one or more risers.
- Stairway-one or more flights of stairs, either exterior or interior, with the necessary landings and platforms connecting them, to form a continuous and uninterrupted passage from one level to another.
- Stairway, exterior-a stairway that is open on at least one side, except for required structural columns, beams, handrails and guards. The adjoining open areas shall be either yards, courts or public ways. The other sides of the exterior stairway need not be open.
- Stairway, interior-a stairway not meeting the definition of an exterior stairway.
- Winder-a tread with nonparallel edges.
