Which code is primarily referenced for structural design within the IRC?

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 7 is primarily referenced within the International Residential Code (IRC) for structural design, particularly in determining load requirements for buildings. ASCE 7 provides the minimum design loads for buildings and other structures, which includes factors such as dead loads, live loads, wind loads, snow loads, and seismic loads. This standard is critical in ensuring that structures can effectively withstand various environmental pressures and are safe for occupancy.

The IRC recognizes the importance of these loads and standards established by ASCE 7, making it an integral part of the structural design process in residential construction. Builders, architects, and engineers refer to ASCE 7 to ensure compliance with safety and performance criteria necessary for structural integrity. This reliance on ASCE helps enforce uniformity and establishes a baseline for evaluating risks associated with weather and other forces acting on buildings.

In contrast, the other codes mentioned, such as the NFPA Code, the IBC, and the AISC Code, serve particular purposes in the broader context of building safety, fire protection, and steel construction but do not serve as the primary reference for structural design loads within the IRC. Each of these codes has a specific focus: the NFPA deals mainly with fire safety issues,