The Code Council Unveils New Off-Site Construction Guideline on Advanced Panelization

The International Code Council has recently published a new off-site construction resource, Guideline 6: A Guideline on Advanced Panelization, which covers lessons learned from global approaches to advanced panelization. It focuses on utilizing panelized systems to integrate automation into the construction process, aiming to capitalize on advantages such as heightened precision, improved productivity and minimized waste.

This Guideline offers a system-based approach to the approval of advanced panelized systems that adhere to advanced fabrication and monitoring criteria, guiding national, state and provincial, and local jurisdictions. It also helps to efficiently verify compliance with existing criteria including building codes, standards and acceptance criteria.

Understanding Advanced Panelization

The method for advanced panelization outlined in Guideline 6 is intended to eliminate confusion on how closed panels are treated from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. This opens opportunities for greater degrees of finish and encourages greater investment in automation due to increased certainty.

It provides a specific approach to approving prefabricated systems under the International Building Code® (specifically Sections 104.11 and 1703.6) and International Residential Code® (Section R104.4) but can be used to satisfy building code requirements contained in other codes as well.

Advanced panelization 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).

Code Council Resources on Off-site Construction

Guideline 6 adds to the suite of resources developed by the Code Council to support the use of off-site construction, which include ICC/MBI Standards 1200, 1205 and 1210 for Off-Site Construction and other relevant existing code requirements.

Click here to learn more and to purchase Guideline 6.