One of the methods for determining fire resistance per section 703.3 in the 2018 International Building Code is fire-resistance designs documented in approved sources. The American Wood Council’s Design for Code Acceptance No. 3 (DCA-3), Fire-Resistance-Rated Wood-Frame Wall and Floor/Ceiling Assemblies is commonly used as an approved source to specify wood frame fire-resistance rated assemblies. This presentation reviews building code fundamentals for fire performance and establishing fire resistance, the basis for using the DCA-3 assemblies for code compliance, and the correct use of the tables and assemblies in fire design. In addition, new options for wall/floor intersection details for Type III construction will be explained, as well as using the DCA-3 assemblies for complying with code requirements for sound transmission.

Learning Objectives:

1. Recognize the sources of fire-resistance ratings and how they are used in the context of building codes.
2. Explain the types of assemblies described in DCA3 and how the tables can be used.
3. Identify the building code requirements for sound transmission and how these are addressed in DCA3.
4. Discuss the code requirements that may apply to floor-wall intersections in Type III platform construction and examine example solutions from DCA3.

Funding provided in part by the Softwood Lumber Board.