Design Codes and Standards

Version 10 of Sizer updates several design codes and standards used in the program. The details of the associated changes to the program appear throughout the rest of this list of changes, this section just identifies the design standards changed.

1. Standards Updated (Feature 180)

   The implementation in Shearwalls the IBC has been updated from the 2009 edition to 2012, the ASCE 7 from 2005 to 2010, and the NDS from 2005 to 2012 as follows:

   1. ANSI / AWC National Design Specification for Wood Construction (NDS 2012)

      Version 10 of Sizer conforms to the NDS 2012, whereas version 9 conformed to NDS 2005. There were significant changes, particularly to glulam material properties.

   2. ICC International Building Code (IBC 2012)

      Version 10 of Sizer implements the 2012 IBC, whereas Version 9 implemented the 2009 version.

      IBC 2012 references ASCE 7 10 for all wind and seismic load generation procedures, so that the updates for ASCE 7 make the program compliant with IBC 2012 in this regard..

      The changes to the load combinations for ASCE 7 10 are identical to those in IBC 2012. Throughout what follows, we will refer to these changes as being due to ASCE 7 with the understanding that the same changes are in IBC. .

   3. ASCE 7 Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures (ASCE 7-10)

      Version 10 of Sizer implements the 2010 ASCE 7, whereas Version 9 implemented the 2005 version. There was a significant change to the wind load combinations factor.

2. References to the Design Standards

   The references to design standards have been updated in the following places:.

   1. Welcome, About Sizer, and Building Codes Dialog

      The new design standards implemented are listed in the Welcome dialog box that appears on program start-up, and can be invoked later via the Help menu, and in the About Sizer box from the help menu. More detailed information is given in the Building Codes dialog box invoked from the Welcome box.

   2. Messages, Notes, and Results Output

      The references in all informational and warning messages, and in the Design Summary, Analysis Results, and Design Check Results, have all been updated for the new references.

   3. Help File

      The Help documentation has been updated both with the new references and with any changes in explanations needed.

3. AITC Reference in Design Notes

   The glulam note giving the governing design standards has removed reference to AITC, which was dissolved Jan1, 2013. APA is now responsible for glulam standards.