The International Code Council suite of I-Codes are perhaps the most robust building codes in the world. Protecting life and property—the goal of the I-Codes—requires ongoing maintenance. Codes must adapt to new technology, and new building practices. Mistakes and unintended consequences must be regularly addressed. Working within an open and collaborative hearing process, the Gypsum Association worked to further several pertinent changes to the 2021 International Building Code, 2021 International Residential Code and 2021 International Fire Code.
One change that the GA submitted involved references to ASTM C1629/C1629M Standard Classification for Abuse-Resistant Nondecorated Interior Gypsum Panel Products and Fiber-Reinforced Cement Panels, last updated in 2019. This is the standard for evaluation of abuse and impact resistance for gypsum panels. As noted in the scope of ASTM C1629/C1629M, “This standard is a method of classifying gypsum panel product performance and is not intended to classify systems for abuse resistance.”