The International Code Council Publishes Guideline on Advanced Panelization

This new off-site construction resource provides a systems-based approach to the approval of panels to support increased automation, investment and consistency

Washington, D.C. – The International Code Council published a new resource, Guideline 6: A Guideline on Advanced Panelization, which employs lessons learned from international approaches to panelization. This guideline aligns with ICC/MBI Standards 1200 and 1205 for off-site construction and joins additional off-site construction resources including ICC/MBI Standard 1210 and ICC/THIA Standard 1215, which is currently in development.

Adding to the suite of resources developed by the Code Council to support the use of off-site construction, Guideline 6 focuses on panelized systems as an opportunity to infuse automation into the construction process, bringing the benefits of increased precision, enhanced productivity and reduced waste. The guideline focuses on panelized systems as an opportunity to infuse automation into the construction process, bringing the benefits of increased precision, enhanced productivity and reduced waste. Approaches to automated processes with a robust quality assurance program, extensive documentation of the production process and product traceability are expected to change to verify compliance.

Guideline 6 provides jurisdictions with guidance on the approval of panelized systems that meet advanced fabrication and monitoring criteria. It helps to efficiently verify compliance with existing criteria including building codes, standards and acceptance criteria.

“We are continuously working to provide jurisdictions and the building industry with the most helpful and up-to-date guidance for leveraging the benefits of off-site construction,” said Code Council Vice President of Innovation Ryan Colker. “Guideline 6 is a step in the right direction and will ultimately help improve the health, safety, affordability and welfare of the built environment.”

The method for advanced panelization outlined in this guideline is intended to eliminate confusion on how closed panels are treated from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. This opens up opportunities for greater degrees of finish and potentially increased investment in automation based on that certainty. It also allows for panels to be considered building components under a product evaluation and listing type process similar to other finished products (e.g., windows, doors, HVAC equipment).

The guideline is available in digital and print formats here. More information on Guideline 6 can be found here.

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About the International Code Council
The International Code Council is the leading global source of model codes and standards and building safety solutions. Code Council codes, standards and solutions are used to ensure safe, affordable and sustainable communities and buildings worldwide.