April 22nd, 2026 •
Code Corner: 2024 IPC Chapter 3: General Regulations
The Code Corner explores sections of the International Codes® each month, focusing on key elements of these essential codes. This month, we’re spotlighting the scope of Chapter 3 of the 2024 International Plumbing Code®.

The International Codes® (I-Codes®), developed by the International Code Council (ICC), are a family of fifteen coordinated, modern building safety codes that help ensure the design and construction of safe, sustainable and affordable structures.    The I-Codes are…

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April 21st, 2026 •
Evaluation of ASCE 7‑22 Equivalent Lateral Force Procedures: Method 2 Versus Method 1
Here we examine the differences between the two methods and compare the resulting seismic response coefficient values across a range of site classes, structural periods, and geographic regions.

ASCE 7‑22 introduced Method 1 for determining the seismic base shear in the Equivalent Lateral Force (ELF) procedure, based directly on multi‑period design response spectra, while retaining the traditional method…

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March 27th, 2026 •
What’s Changed in ASTM C90 and TMS 602 Since 2000, and Why It Matters
While updates to ASTM C90 and TMS 602 have been in place for years, they still influence how modern masonry assemblies are specified and reviewed. Knowing where those changes occurred can help streamline plan review and inspection. 

Masonry has a long history of durable performance, but the standards that govern concrete masonry unit (CMU) construction have continued to change. As a result, ASTM C90 and the TMS…

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