2015 and 2018 International Building Code® Resources Portal

When ASTM D7147 was first developed, we made the change to our testing protocols, essentially changing to the standards that are currently adopted. For years, however, the IBC continued to reference the older ASTM D1761 standard, so we maintained our existing testing and load ratings for our connectors that predated development of the new standards. For these connectors, we have been working diligently on re-evaluating construction connector loads to the new standard in order to update our product evaluation reports to the 2015 I-Codes. We are the first manufacturer to update all our connector allowable load tables to meet the new standards set by 2015 IBC. All of our connector IBC code reports are now updated to the 2015 IBC, and 85% of them are updated to the 2018 IBC. The new catalog reflects these changes.

In most cases, the changes were less than 5%. As an example, the allowable load for one of our most popular hangers, the LUS26, decreased by 1.3% or 15 lb. Any change greater than 5% is shown in red in the new 2019–2020 catalog.

Yes, this is an industry-wide change. We are the first manufacturer to completely update all our connector load values to the 2015 IBC. Construction professionals engaged in designing current and future projects in states adhering to the 2015 or 2018 I-Codes should check existing product load tables against our updated load values. While these load changes do not affect completed and permitted projects, Simpson Strong-Tie recommends using these new values going forward. Check with your local building officials to ensure acceptance.

If you have already designed a project and it is permitted, we stand behind the loads in our previous catalog (C-C-2017). If you're in the middle of designing a project, check the load table again for the updated load values.

These changes are applicable to jurisdictions that adhere to the 2015 or 2018 IBC, which is about half the country. Current projects in jurisdictions using 2012 or older building codes can reference the load values in our 2017–2018 Wood Construction Connectors catalog and use the current versions of our Connector Selector® software and Joist Hanger Selector web application. (Note: This software will be updated with the new allowable loads by the end of March 2019.) Check with your local building officials to ensure acceptance. You can check the ICC website map to see which edition of the building codes your state is following.

We are working on that now. These applications will be updated and available on strongtie.com by the end of March.

Although our database that pushes data to external, third-party software will be updated by the end of March, we've been informed that third-party software may not incorporate these changes until September.

It's important to understand that our products haven't changed; the building code requirements for how to evaluate joist hangers and similar products for wood construction are what have changed. Due to the time required for software and building plans to incorporate these allowable load changes, Simpson Strong-Tie will continue to support and stand behind the use of allowable loads published in C-C-2017 until October 2019. For building departments enforcing the 2015 or newer I-Codes, we recommend continued acceptance of projects utilizing these older load values through that same period, but ultimately acceptance is up to the authority having jurisdiction.