A Practicing Engineer’s Approach to Wood-Framed Type III Construction

By Jared Hudson and Shaun Kreidel
Structure Magazine
April 30, 2024
Category: Wood, Paper & Green Building
Region: United States, US East

Light frame wood construction is often a desired construction method for low-rise multifamily structures due to readily available labor and materials, speed of construction, sustainability, and relatively low construction costs. A Type V construction classification as defined by the International Building Code (IBC) is commonplace for these structures; however, this construction type is limited to four stories of stacking wood construction. A Type III construction classification allows conventional wood-framed structures to include an additional level, bringing the allowable height to five stories above grade. …This construction type may be attractive to developers looking to maximize the occupiable square footage of a defined footprint while taking advantage of the many benefits that come with light-frame wood construction. …The structural designer must consider many factors when pressing the limits of conventional wood framing to new heights to ensure appropriate fire-resistance ratings, structural performance, and constructability. 

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