b'YOUR TOOLKIT FOR BUILDING EXCELLENCELike any building, barndominiums must be compliant with all applicable building codes. The adopted codes will vary locally. Currently in the United States, most states have adopted some form of the International Building Code and the International Residential Code. It is important to understand how both of these codes can apply to barndominiums. The International Residential Code, or IRC, applies to single-family houses or two-family houses and buildings consisting of three or more townhouse units. These buildings are limited to a height of three stories above grade plane. The IRC is a prescriptive code, meaning that all design specifications can be found in the tables, charts and other content within the code. It encompasses common and conventional residential construction practices. The IRC doesneeds. The National Frame Building Associations reference other building codes as alternative meansPost-Frame Building Design Manual and other of compliance for systems or methods that it lacksindustry-approved references found on the NFBA coverage for. The International Building Code, orwebsite are important resources for foundation IBC, is the building code standard that applies todesigns specific to post-frame systems. The IRC commercial buildings and buildings that do notspecifies foundation systems only for typical fall under the scope of the IRC. Since the mainwood-frame houses. structure of a post-frame barndominium is not constructed with conventional residential framingEmbedded posts with a concrete footing, typical methods, the structural design requirements ofto most post frame buildings can be utilized in the IBC would apply. With any building project,barndominiums. A poured concrete foundation it is always recommended to check with the localwall with the posts fastened to the top of the wall building department to ensure that the permittingwith a bracket is another option for those wanting process is understood and the correct codes anda continuous foundation wall. In regions where requirements are being used. Doing this can avoidfrost depth isnt a concern, a concrete slab on grade costly delays. It is also important to know whatwith posts attached by brackets to a thickened inspections will be required prior to and duringslab edge is a common design choice.A shallow construction. foundation is still acceptable in frost-prone areas, Site-specific designs are essential for structurallyas long as it includes correctly placed insulation sound, code compliant buildings. There is not afor frost protection. The foundation insulation one-size-fits-all design. The geographic locationshall conform to ASCE-32 and consists of rigid of the building will change the requirements forinsulation under the slab and along the perimeter, snow loads, wind loads and even soil bearingextending away from the building for a specific capacity. The design professional uses the site- distance. The perimeter of concrete slabs on grade specific criteria to ensure an efficient design, whilemay also require insulation to satisfy energy code still meeting the minimum code requirements.requirements and to protect against heat transfer. Whatever type of foundation is selected, it should Foundation design of barndominiums shouldbe designed and installed properly in order to be reflective of the site conditions and buildingact effectively as part of the post-frame system.continued on page: 14 FRAME BUILDER - VOL61 / 13'