Fire-Resistance and Sound Ratings for Wood Frame Assemblies

Building height, area, occupancy class, and number of stories will often determine the fire resistive construction requirements of building elements in light wood frame construction. This presentation introduces requirements for fire resistance and sound transmission in wood frame buildings of Types III and V construction.

One of the methods for determining fire resistance in the International Building Code (IBC) is fire-resistant designs documented in approved sources. The American Wood Council Design for Code Acceptance No. 3 Fire-Resistance-Rated Wood-Frame Wall and Floor/Ceiling Assemblies (DCA3), is commonly used as an approved source to specify fire-resistance-rated wood-frame assemblies. The DCA3 can also be used to demonstrate compliance with sound transmission requirements.