Local Codes
We launched a comprehensive study of the International Residential Code in Tennessee to see which versions of the code were being used by local code jurisdictions. We also did a ‘deep dive’ to understand how the IRC code treats exterior concrete on residential construction – and found that the IRC does not cover exterior concrete at all. Based on our findings, TCA’s Technical Committee put together a document and a webpage explaining ACI 332 – Residential Code for Concrete. This information was used as the basis for presentations to several local homebuilder association groups to educate them about appropriate concrete mix designs and finishing practices as detailed in ACI 332. A one-page printable document was made available to all TCA members as a tool to educate their customers. Based on the positive response generated in 2018, TCA plans to target at least one local jurisdiction in Tennessee in 2019 and lobby for adoption of the provisions of ACI-332 to apply for exterior concrete in that jurisdiction. TCA’s Technical Committee also did a research project (more details in Research tab) to demonstrate the impacts of water addition on strength and set time.
As a direct result of our 2017 strategic planning process, TCA hired a local codes consultant in 2018 to help educate the TCA Board and member companies about the codes process as well as to help TCA increase our presence and build relationships in the Tennessee code community. Mr. Terry Cobb, formerly Director of Codes for Metro Davidson County (Nashville) for nearly 20 years, was hired by TCA in mid-2018. One of Mr. Cobb’s first tasks was to help in assembling a current email list of Tennessee code officials – primarily in response to a request from Mr. John Loyer (NRMCA) as part of NRMCA’s efforts to lobby against the Tall Wood code changes that were presented to the International Code Congress in late 2018. Mr. Cobb helped create a local codes strategy that was reviewed by the TCA Board in November of 2018 to guide our ongoing efforts in this important arena in 2019 and beyond, and Mr. Cobb represented TCA and the concrete industry at a December meeting of code officials from several southeastern states.
Executive Director Sparkman prepared a Basics of Concrete presentation targeted toward local codes inspectors and delivered this 4-hour program to over 100 building officials from Middle Tennessee in early 2018. The response was very positive and Director Sparkman was invited back to present to this group again in 2019. Mr. Cobb is working with his contacts with local codes groups across the state to have this program presented across the state in coming months.
TCA included a talking point about the importance of strong statewide building codes during our annual Local Legislative events held in November of each year. TCA holds a series of six events – typically either a breakfast or lunch event – in six communities stretching from Memphis to Johnson City. Click HERE for a look at our handout for these events. The events are designed to bring local legislators together with the TCA members who work and vote in their districts. Thanks to Mr. Cobb, we knew that 2019 would be a significant year for the updating of code versions across the state and we included information about this in our discussions with state legislators to help pave the way for any actions that might be introduced in the 2019 state legislative session.