CBC · California Building Code

How are metal building systems and steel cable structures regulated?

The CBC requires that metal building systems be designed, fabricated and erected under § 2210 with each steel product governed by its specific steel section (e.g., § 2202 for structural steel, § 2204 for cold‑formed, § 2207 for joists) and that steel cables (including connections and protective coatings) be designed and installed per ASCE 19 as required in § 2214.1.

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Last reviewed: July 5, 2026

What the code requires — 2–4 sentences

The California Building Code (CBC) requires that metal building systems be designed, fabricated and erected in accordance with the provisions of Section 2210 (metal building systems) and that each material-type be designed to its applicable steel design section (structural steel, cold‑formed steel, joists, or steel cable) as specified in § 2210.1 and § 2210.1.1.1–.4. The CBC requires that steel cables (including connections and protective coatings) be designed and installed in accordance with ASCE 19 as adopted by the CBC in § 2214.1.

Requirements in detail

Scope and general rule

Metal building systems: design, fabrication and erection must follow Section 2210; the section directs designers to the specific material standards for the design method to be used (structural steel, cold‑formed steel, steel joists, steel cable). See § 2210.1 and § 2210.1.1.
Steel cable structures: design, fabrication, erection, related connections and protective coatings of steel cables for buildings must be in accordance with ASCE 19 (ASCE/SEI 19). See § 2214.1.

Which standard to use for each component

The CBC does not re‑state the technical rules for each steel product inside § 2210 — it maps each product to the applicable Chapter 22 standard or referenced standard. Use the mapped standard for calculations, detailing and shop fabrication documents as required by the building official.

Decision‑relevant table

Component / Decision item	Code requirement or value (decision‑relevant)	Code Reference
Who governs the metal building system overall	Design/fabrication/erection per Section 2210	§ 2210.1
Structural steel members (design & erection)	Use Section 2202 (AISC/specifications referenced there)	§ 2210.1.1.1 → § 2202
Cold‑formed steel members	Use Section 2204 (cold‑formed provisions)	§ 2210.1.1.2 → § 2204
Steel joists	Use Section 2207 (steel joist rules)	§ 2210.1.1.3 → § 2207
Steel cables and their connections	Design/fabrication/erection and protective coatings per ASCE 19	§ 2210.1.1.4; § 2214.1
Seismic design of steel systems	Where required, seismic design/fabrication/erection per § 2202.2.1 or § 2202.2.2	§ 2210.2 → § 2202.2.1/2.2.2
Protective coatings for cables	Covered by the ASCE 19 requirement invoked in § 2214.1	§ 2214.1

Seismic and special structural controls

The CBC explicitly directs seismic design of metal building systems to the structural steel seismic provisions in § 2202.2.1 or § 2202.2.2, when seismic design is required; for metal building designers this means using the seismic‑force resisting provisions identified in § 2202.2.x. See § 2210.2.
For steel cables, the CBC treats them as a specialty item by requiring ASCE 19; if steel cables form part of a tensile membrane system that uses fabric, that combination may be treated as an alternative system (see exceptions in § 2214.1).

Exceptions & special cases

Tensile membrane with steel cables: steel cables with glass or polymer fabric acting as a tensile membrane structure are identified in the CBC as an "alternative system" subject to the alternative materials/design approval routes; § 2214.1 notes this specifically. That means the designer will typically rely on ASCE 19 plus the authority having jurisdiction may require additional justification or approvals for the alternative system.
Material‑type delegations: § 2210.1.1 delegates design responsibility to the specific material sections (e.g., § 2202 for structural steel). If your metal building system uses multiple steel products, each is governed by its mapped section.

Common mistakes

Assuming § 2210 itself contains the detailed design rules — it does not. Designers must follow the specific sections to which § 2210 delegates (e.g., §§ 2202, 2204, 2207, 2214). Many applicants fail to submit calculations to the correct standard reference.
Treating steel cables as ordinary tension members without following ASCE 19: § 2214.1 explicitly brings cables under ASCE 19 (including connections and coatings). Omitting ASCE 19 compliance are a frequent review comment.
Overlooking seismic direction: for metal building systems in seismic regions, the CBC points the seismic design back to § 2202.2.1/2; not following those seismic provisions leads to noncompliant submittals.
Forgetting coatings and connection details for cables: § 2214.1 includes protective coatings and related connections in the scope for ASCE 19 compliance; reviewers commonly request coating specifications and connection shop drawings.

Worked example — canopy with steel cables (concrete scenario)

Scenario: You are designing a pedestrian canopy supported by steel cables that span 30 ft (9.14 m) between two steel columns and support a lightweight polymer fabric membrane.

Step 1 — Code path: Because this is a metal building component that uses steel cables and a membrane, start with § 2214.1: the CBC requires the design, fabrication, erection, related connections and protective coatings of steel cables for buildings be in accordance with ASCE 19. If the cable‑membrane combination is used as the tensile membrane, the CBC recognizes that as an alternative system; plan for the alternative approval process.

Step 2 — Documentation to submit: Provide calculations and details that follow ASCE 19 (cable sizing, termination details, fatigue checks, corrosion protection, membrane attachment details). Because § 2210.1.1.4 points the metal building system designer to § 2214, reference both § 2210.1.1.4 and § 2214.1 on the drawings and calculations.

Step 3 — Seismic check: If in a seismic area, determine whether the cables or their supporting frames are part of the seismic force‑resisting system. If they are, seismic design rules in § 2202 (as referenced by § 2210.2) apply to the supporting structural steel elements (columns/frames). Document which parts are governed by ASCE 19 and which parts fall under § 2202 seismic requirements.

Note: The CBC (in the retrieved sections) points you to ASCE 19 for cable technical detail; the code text in § 2214.1 does not reproduce ASCE 19 design formulas or sizing tables. You must use ASCE 19 itself for numeric design checks and provide those calculations to the building official.

Related provisions

§ 2210.1 — Metal building systems general requirement (design/fabrication/erection).
§ 2210.1.1.1 — Structural steel design delegated to § 2202.
§ 2210.1.1.2 — Cold‑formed steel design delegated to § 2204.
§ 2210.1.1.3 — Steel joists delegated to § 2207.
§ 2210.1.1.4 — Steel cable delegation to § 2214.
§ 2210.2 — Seismic design reference for metal building systems (points to § 2202.2.1 or 2202.2.2).
§ 2214.1 — Steel cable structures: requires ASCE 19 and notes tensile membrane alternative systems.
§ 1705.2.8 and Table 1705.2.6 — special inspection category that references Metal Building Systems (useful for understanding required special inspections). See index entry referencing metal building systems and § 1705 special inspection rules.

Code references

Grounded in the retrieved California Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:

CBC § 2209.1 High relevance — show source text
Exception: For single-story, nonbuilding structures similar to buildings, the minimum deck thickness need not apply if the steel roof deck is not being used as the diaphragm and there are no suspended hangers or bracing for nonstructural components attached to the deck.

SECTION 2209—STEEL STORAGE RACKS

2209.1 General. The design, testing and utilization of steel storage racks made of cold-formed or hot-rolled steel structural members shall be in accordance with ANSI MH16.1. The design, testing and utilization of steel cantilevered storage racks made of cold-formed or hot-rolled steel structural members shall be in accordance with ANSI MH 16.3.

2209.2 Seismic design. Where required by ASCE 7, the seismic design of steel storage racks and cantilevered steel storage racks shall be in accordance with Section 15.5.3 of ASCE 7.

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2209.3 Certification. For steel storage racks that are 8 feet (2438 mm) in height or greater to the top load level and assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or F at completion of the storage rack installation, a certificate of compliance shall be submitted to the owner or the owner’s authorized agent stating that the work was performed in accordance with approved construction documents.

SECTION 2210—METAL BUILDING SYSTEMS

2210.1 General. The design, fabrication and erection of a metal building system shall be in accordance with the provisions of this section.

2210.1.1 Design. The design of metal building systems shall be in accordance with Sections 2210.1.1.1 through 2210.1.1.4, as applicable.

2210.1.1.1 Structural steel. The design, fabrication and erection of structural steel shall be in accordance with Section 2202.

2210.1.1.2 Cold-formed steel. The design of cold-formed carbon and low-alloy steel structural members shall be in accordance with Section 2204.

2210.1.1.3 Steel joists. The design of steel joists shall be in accordance with Section 2207.

2210.1.1.4 Steel cable. The design, fabrication and erection of steel cables, including related connections, shall be in accordance with Section 2214.

2210.2 Seismic design. Where required, the seismic design, fabrication and erection of the structural steel seismic force-resisting system shall be in accordance with Section 2202.2.1 or 2202.2.2, as applicable.

SECTION 2211—INDUSTRIAL BOLTLESS STEEL SHELVING

2211.1 General. The design, testing and utilization of industrial boltless steel shelving shall be in accordance with MHI ANSI/MH 28.2. Where required by ASCE 7, the seismic design of industrial boltless steel shelving shall be in accordance with Chapter 15 of ASCE 7.

SECTION 2212—INDUSTRIAL STEEL WORK PLATFORMS

2212.1 General. The design, testing and utilization of industrial steel work platforms shall be in accordance with MHI ANSI/MH 28.3. Where required by ASCE 7, the seismic design of industrial steel work platforms shall be in accordance with Chapter 15 of ASCE 7.
CBC § 2210.1.1.1 High relevance — show source text
2210.1.1.1 Structural steel. The design, fabrication and erection of structural steel shall be in accordance with Section 2202.

2210.1.1.2 Cold-formed steel. The design of cold-formed carbon and low-alloy steel structural members shall be in accordance with Section 2204.

2210.1.1.3 Steel joists. The design of steel joists shall be in accordance with Section 2207.

2210.1.1.4 Steel cable. The design, fabrication and erection of steel cables, including related connections, shall be in accordance with Section 2214.

2210.2 Seismic design. Where required, the seismic design, fabrication and erection of the structural steel seismic force-resisting system shall be in accordance with Section 2202.2.1 or 2202.2.2, as applicable.

SECTION 2211—INDUSTRIAL BOLTLESS STEEL SHELVING

2211.1 General. The design, testing and utilization of industrial boltless steel shelving shall be in accordance with MHI ANSI/MH 28.2. Where required by ASCE 7, the seismic design of industrial boltless steel shelving shall be in accordance with Chapter 15 of ASCE 7.

SECTION 2212—INDUSTRIAL STEEL WORK PLATFORMS

2212.1 General. The design, testing and utilization of industrial steel work platforms shall be in accordance with MHI ANSI/MH 28.3. Where required by ASCE 7, the seismic design of industrial steel work platforms shall be in accordance with Chapter 15 of ASCE 7.

SECTION 2213—STAIRS, LADDERS AND GUARDING FOR STEEL STORAGE RACKS AND INDUSTRIAL STEEL WORK PLATFORMS

2213.1 General. The design and installation of stairs, ladders and guarding serving steel storage racks and industrial steel work platforms shall be in accordance with MHI ANSI/MH 32.1.

SECTION 2214—STEEL CABLE STRUCTURES

2214.1 General. The design, fabrication and erection including related connections, and protective coatings of steel cables for buildings shall be in accordance with ASCE 19.

[OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Steel cables with glass or polymer fabric material acting as a tensile membrane structure shall be considered as an alternative system.

SECTION 2215 — ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR COMMUNITY COLLEGES [DSA-SS/CC]

2215.1 General.

2215.1.1 Shear transfer at column base plate. Where the holes in column base plates are more than [1] / 8 inch (3 mm) larger than the anchor rods, as permitted by AISC 360, the anchor rods shall be designed for the induced bending stresses in combination with axial and shear stresses. Alternatively, shear lugs designed in accordance with ACI 318 Section 17.11 shall be permitted to transfer shear forces between column base plates and the supporting structure.

2215.2 Modifications to AISC 341.

2215.2.1 Section B5. Modify exception of Section B5.2(a) as follows:
CBC § 1.1.4 High relevance — show source text
2210 A .1.1.4 Steel cable. The design, fabrication and erection of steel cables, including related connections, shall be in accordance with Section 2214 A .

2210 A .2 Seismic design. Where required, the seismic design, fabrication and erection of the structural steel seismic force-resisting system shall be in accordance with Section 2202 A .2.1 or 2202 A .2.2, as applicable.

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SECTION 2211 A —INDUSTRIAL BOLTLESS STEEL SHELVING

2211 A .1 General. The design, testing and utilization of industrial boltless steel shelving shall be in accordance with MHI ANSI/MH 28.2. Where required by ASCE 7, the seismic design of industrial boltless steel shelving shall be in accordance with Chapter 15 of ASCE 7.

SECTION 2212 A —INDUSTRIAL STEEL WORK PLATFORMS

2212 A .1 General. The design, testing and utilization of industrial steel work platforms shall be in accordance with MHI ANSI/MH 28.3. Where required by ASCE 7, the seismic design of industrial steel work platforms shall be in accordance with Chapter 15 of ASCE 7.

SECTION 2213 A —STAIRS, LADDERS AND GUARDING FOR STEEL STORAGE RACKS AND INDUSTRIAL STEEL WORK PLATFORMS

2213 A .1 General. The design and installation of stairs, ladders and guarding serving steel storage racks and industrial steel work platforms shall be in accordance with MHI ANSI/MH 32.1.

SECTION 2214 A —STEEL CABLE STRUCTURES

2214 A .1 General. The design, fabrication and erection including related connections, and protective coatings of steel cables for buildings shall be in accordance with ASCE 19. Steel cables with glass or polymer fabric material acting as a tensile membrane struc- ture is an alternative system.

SECTION 2215A—[DSA-SS] LIGHT MODULAR STEEL MOMENT FRAMES FOR PUBLIC ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS, AND COMMUNITY COLLEGES

2215A.1 General.

2215A.1.1 Configuration. Light modular steel moment frame buildings shall be constructed of factory-assembled modules comprising a single-story moment-resisting space frame supporting a floor and roof. Individual modules shall not exceed a width of 14 feet (4.25 m) nor a length of 72 feet (22 m). All connections of beams to corner columns shall be designed as moment-resisting in accordance with the criteria of Section 2215A.2. Modules may be stacked to form multistory structures not exceeding 35 feet or two stories in height. When stacked modules are evaluated separately, seismic forces on each module shall be distributed in accordance with Section 12.8.3 of ASCE 7, considering the modules in the stacked condition. See Section 2215A.2.5 of this code.
CBC § 15.5.3 High relevance — show source text
2209 A .2 Seismic design. Where required by ASCE 7, the seismic design of steel storage racks and cantilevered steel storage racks shall be in accordance with Section 15.5.3 of ASCE 7.

2209 A .3 Certification. For steel storage racks that are 8 feet (2438 mm) in height or greater to the top load level and assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or F at completion of the storage rack installation, a certificate of compliance shall be submitted to the owner or the owner’s authorized agent stating that the work was performed in accordance with approved construction documents.

SECTION 2210 A —METAL BUILDING SYSTEMS

2210 A .1 General. The design, fabrication and erection of a metal building system shall be in accordance with the provisions of this section.

2210 A .1.1 Design. The design of metal building systems shall be in accordance with Sections 2210 A .1.1.1 through 2210 A .1.1.4, as applicable.

2210 A .1.1.1 Structural steel. The design, fabrication and erection of structural steel shall be in accordance with Section 2202 A .

2210 A .1.1.2 Cold-formed steel. The design of cold-formed carbon and low-alloy steel structural members shall be in accordance with Section 2204 A .

2210 A .1.1.3 Steel joists. The design of steel joists shall be in accordance with Section 2207 A .

2210 A .1.1.4 Steel cable. The design, fabrication and erection of steel cables, including related connections, shall be in accordance with Section 2214 A .

2210 A .2 Seismic design. Where required, the seismic design, fabrication and erection of the structural steel seismic force-resisting system shall be in accordance with Section 2202 A .2.1 or 2202 A .2.2, as applicable.

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SECTION 2211 A —INDUSTRIAL BOLTLESS STEEL SHELVING

2211 A .1 General. The design, testing and utilization of industrial boltless steel shelving shall be in accordance with MHI ANSI/MH 28.2. Where required by ASCE 7, the seismic design of industrial boltless steel shelving shall be in accordance with Chapter 15 of ASCE 7.

SECTION 2212 A —INDUSTRIAL STEEL WORK PLATFORMS

2212 A .1 General. The design, testing and utilization of industrial steel work platforms shall be in accordance with MHI ANSI/MH 28.3. Where required by ASCE 7, the seismic design of industrial steel work platforms shall be in accordance with Chapter 15 of ASCE 7.
CBC § 2702.2 High relevance — show source text
Membrane structures 2702.2

Platform lifts 1009.5, 2702.2 Smoke control 909.11, 2702.2 Smokeproof enclosure 909.20.7.2, 2702.2 Special inspection 1705.13.6 Underground buildings 405.8, 2702.2 Standpipe and Hose Systems (see Standpipes, Required) 905, 3106.4, 3308.1.1, 3311 Cabinet locks 905.7.2

Dry 905.8 Hose connection location 905.1, 905.4, 905.5, 905.6, 912 Standpipes, Required Assembly 905.3.1, 905.3.2 Covered and open mall buildings 402.7.1, 905.3.3 During construction 905.10, 3311

Elevators, fire service access 3007.9 Helistops 905.3.5 Marinas 905.3.6 Parking garages 406.5.8 Roof gardens and landscaped roofs 905.3.7 Underground buildings 405.9 State Law 102.2

Steel Chapters 22 and 22A Anchor Rods 2201.5

Cable structures 2214

Calculated fire resistance 722.5

Cold-formed 2206

Composite structural steel and concrete 2202

Conditions of restraint 703.2.1.3

Connections 2201.4

Decks 2208

Identification 2201.2 Industrial boltless steel shelving 2211 Industrial steel work platforms 2212, 2213 Joists 2207 Metal building systems 2210 Open-web joist 2207 Parapet walls 1503.3, 1503.5 Protection 2201.3

Seismic provisions 2202.2, 2204.2, 2206.1.1, 2207.1.1, 2209.2, 2210.2 Special inspections 1705.3 Stainless Steel 1705.2.2, 2203, 2205 Stairs, ladders and guarding for steel storage racks and industrial steel work platforms 2213 Storage racks 2209, 2213 Structural steel 2202

Stone Masonry 2103.1, 2113.11.2.1 Stone Veneer 1404.8 Slab-type 1404.9 Stop Work Orders 115 Storage Occupancy (Group S) 311 Accessibility Chapter 11B Accessory 311.1.1 Area 406.5.4, 406.5.5, 406.6.1, 503, 505, 506, 507, 508 Equipment platforms 505.2 Group provisions Hazard storage, low, Group S-2 311.3 Hazard storage, moderate, Group S-1 311.2 Hazardous material display and storage 414.2.5 Height 406.5.4, 406.6.1, 503, 504, 505, 508, 510 Incidental uses 509

Interior finishes Table 803.13, 804 Live loads Table 1607.1 Means of egress Aisles 1018.5
CBC § 22-9 High relevance — show source text
2210 Metal Building Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-9

2211 Industrial Boltless Steel Shelving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-9

2212 Industrial Steel Work Platforms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-9

2213 Stairs, Ladders and Guarding for Steel Storage Racks and Industrial Steel Work Platforms . . . . . 22-9

2214 Steel Cable Structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-9

2215 Additional Requirements for Community Colleges [DSA-SS/CC] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22-9

2216 Testing and Field Verification

[OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-10

CHAPTER 22A STEEL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22A-1

2201A General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22A-3

2202A Structural Steel and Composite Structural Steel and

Concrete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22A-3

2203A Structural Stainless Steel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22A-6

2204A Cold-Formed Steel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22A-6

2205A Cold-Formed Stainless Steel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22A-6

2206A Cold-Formed Steel Light-Frame Construction . . . . .22A-6

2207A Steel Joists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22A-7

2208A Steel Deck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22A-8

2209A Steel Storage Racks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22A-8

2210A Metal Building Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22A-8
CBC § 22-1 High relevance — show source text
CHAPTER 22 STEEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-1

2201 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-3

2202 Structural Steel and Composite Structural Steel and Concrete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-4

2203 Structural Stainless Steel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-6

2204 Cold-Formed Steel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-6

2205 Cold-Formed Stainless Steel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-6

2206 Cold-Formed Steel Light-Frame Construction . . . . 22-6

2207 Steel Joists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-7

2208 Steel Deck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-8

2209 Steel Storage Racks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-8

2210 Metal Building Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-9

2211 Industrial Boltless Steel Shelving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-9

2212 Industrial Steel Work Platforms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-9

2213 Stairs, Ladders and Guarding for Steel Storage Racks and Industrial Steel Work Platforms . . . . . 22-9

2214 Steel Cable Structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-9

2215 Additional Requirements for Community Colleges [DSA-SS/CC] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22-9

2216 Testing and Field Verification

[OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-10

CHAPTER 22A STEEL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22A-1

2201A General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22A-3

2202A Structural Steel and Composite Structural Steel and
CBC § 1.1 High relevance — show source text
1.1_|||||||||X||X|X|||X|||||||||| |2201.1.2|||||||||X||X|X|||X|||||||||| |2201.1.3|||||||||X||X|X|||X|||||||||| |2201.1.4|||||||||X|||||||||||||||| |2201.1.5|||||||||X||X|X|||X|||||||||| |2201.4.1|||||||||||X|X|||X|||||||||| |2201.5.1|||||||||||X|X|||X|||||||||| |2202.1|||||||||||X|X|||X|||||||||| |2202.2.1.2|||||||||||X|X|||X|||||||||| |2202.2.2|||||||||||X|X|||X|||||||||| |2202.3|||||||||||X|X|||X|||||||||| |2202.4|||||||||||X|X|||X|||||||||| |2202.2.1|||||||||||X|X|||X|||||||||| |2207.4|||||||||||X|X|||X|||||||||| |2207.6|||||||||||X|X|||X|||||||||| |2214.1|||||||||||X|X|||X|||||||||| |2208.1|||||||||||X|X|||X|||||||||| |2204.2|||||||||||X|X|||X|||||||||| |2206.1.1.2|||||||||||X|X|||X|||||||||| |2206.1.3|||||||||||X|X|||X|||||||||| |2206.2|||||||||||X|X|||X|||||||||| |2215|||||||||X|||||||||||||||| |2216|||||||||||X|X|||X||||||||||

The state agency does not adopt sections identified with the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.

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22 STEEL

User notes:

About this chapter: Chapter 22 provides the minimum requirements for the design and construction of structural steel (including composite construction), cold-formed steel, steel joists, steel cable structures and steel storage racks. This chapter specifies appropriate design and construction standards for these types of structures. It also provides a road map of the applicable technical requirements for steel structures. Chapter 22 requires that the design and use of steel structures and components be in accordance with the applicable specifications and standards of the American Institute of Steel Construction, the American Iron and Steel Institute, the Steel Joist Institute and the American Society of Civil Engineers.

This chapter was extensively reorganized for the 2024 edition. For complete information, see the relocations table in the Preface information of this code.

ICC code development note: Code change proposals to this chapter will be considered by the IBC—Structural Code Development Committee during the

2025 (Group B) Code Development Cycle.

CBC § 1-8.1 High relevance — show source text

INSULATING MATERIALSm—continued	Col2	Col3	Col4	Col5	Col6	Col7
STRUCTURAL PARTS TO BE PROTECTED	ITEM NUMBER	INSULATING MATERIAL USED	MINIMUM THICKNESS OF INSULATING MATERIAL FOR THE FOLLOWING FIRE-RESISTANCE PERIODS (inches)	MINIMUM THICKNESS OF INSULATING MATERIAL FOR THE FOLLOWING FIRE-RESISTANCE PERIODS (inches)	MINIMUM THICKNESS OF INSULATING MATERIAL FOR THE FOLLOWING FIRE-RESISTANCE PERIODS (inches)	MINIMUM THICKNESS OF INSULATING MATERIAL FOR THE FOLLOWING FIRE-RESISTANCE PERIODS (inches)
STRUCTURAL PARTS TO BE PROTECTED	ITEM NUMBER	INSULATING MATERIAL USED	4 hours	3 hours	2 hours	1 hour
1. Steel columns and all of primary trusses— continued	1-8.1	Wood-fibered gypsum plaster mixed 1:1 by weight gypsum- to-sand aggregate applied over metal lath. Lath lapped 1" and tied 6" on center at all end, edges and spacers with 0.049" (No. 18 B.W. gage) steel tie wires. Lath applied over1/2" spacers made of3/ 4" furring channel with 2" legs bent around each corner. Spacers located 1" from top and bottom of member and not greater than 40" on center and wire tied with a single strand of 0.049" (No. 18 B.W. gage) steel tie wires. Corner bead tied to the lath at 6" on center along each corner to provide plaster thickness.	—	—	15/8	—
1. Steel columns and all of primary trusses— continued	1-9.1	Minimum W8x35 wide flange steel column (w/d ≥ 0.75) with each web cavity filled even with the flange tip with normal weight carbonate or siliceous aggregate concrete (3,000 psi minimum compressive strength with 145 pcf ± 3 pcf unit weight). Reinforce the concrete in each web cavity with a minimum No. 4 deformed reinforcing bar installed vertically and centered in the cavity, and secured to the column web with a minimum No. 2 horizontal deformed reinforcing bar welded to the web every 18" on center vertically. As an alter- native to the No. 4 rebar,3/4" diameter by 3" long headed studs, spaced at 12" on center vertically, shall be welded on each side of the web mid-way between the column flanges.	—	—	—	See Note n
2.

CBC § 1.9.2.1 High relevance — show source text
Chapter 20 contains standards for the use of aluminum in building construction. This chapter references national standards from the Aluminum Association (AA) for use of aluminum in building construction, AA ASM 35, Aluminum Sheet Metal Work in Building Construc- tion, and AA ADM, Aluminum Design Manual .

Chapter 21 Masonry.

Chapter 21 provides comprehensive and practical requirements for masonry construction.

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Chapter 21A Masonry.

Chapter 21A provides comprehensive and practical requirements for masonry construction. Chapter 21A is applicable to structures regu- lated by the Division of the State Architect—Structural Safety, which include public elementary and secondary schools, community colleges, and state-owned or state-leased essential services buildings (applications listed in Section 1.9.2.1 (DSA-SS)), and by the Depart- ment of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development, which include hospitals and correctional treatment centers (applications listed in Sections 1.10.1 (OSHPD 1) and 1.10.4 (OSHPD 4)).

Chapter 22 Steel.

Chapter 22 provides the requirements necessary for the design and construction of structural steel (including composite construction), cold-formed steel, steel joists, steel cable structures and steel storage racks. Chapter 22 requires that the design and use of steel materials be in accordance with the specifications and standards of the American Institute of Steel Construction, the American Iron and Steel Institute, the Steel Joist Institute and the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Chapter 22A Steel.

Chapter 22A provides the requirements necessary for the design and construction of structural steel (including composite construction), cold-formed steel, steel joists, steel cable structures and steel storage racks. Chapter 22A is applicable to structures regulated by the Division of the State Architect—Structural Safety, which include public elementary and secondary schools, community colleges, and state-owned or state-leased essential services buildings (applications listed in Section 1.9.2.1 (DSA-SS)), and by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development, which include hospitals and correctional treatment centers (applications listed in Sections 1.10.1 (OSHPD 1) and 1.10.4 (OSHPD 4)).

Chapter 23 Wood.

Chapter 23 provides minimum requirements for the design of buildings and structures that use wood and wood-based products.

Chapter 24 Glass and Glazing.

Chapter 24 establishes regulations for glass and glazing that, when installed in buildings and structures, are subjected to wind, snow and dead loads.

Chapter 25 Gypsum Board, Gypsum Panel Products and Plaster.

Chapter 25 contains the provisions and referenced standards that regulate the design, construction and quality of gypsum board, gypsum panel products and plaster and reinforced gypsum concrete.

Chapter 26 Plastic.

Chapter 26 addresses the use of plastics in building construction and components. This chapter provides standards addressing foam plastic insulation, foam plastics used as interior finish and trim, and other plastic veneers used on the inside or outside of a building.

Chapter 27 Electrical.

CBC § 721.1 High relevance — show source text

TABLE 721.1(3)—MINIMUM PROTECTION FOR FLOOR AND ROOF SYSTEMS a, q—continued	Col2	Col3	Col4	Col5	Col6	Col7	Col8	Col9	Col10	Col11
FLOOR OR ROOF CONSTRUCTION	ITEM NUMBER	CEILING CONSTRUCTION	THICKNESS OF FLOOR OR ROOF SLAB (inches)	THICKNESS OF FLOOR OR ROOF SLAB (inches)	THICKNESS OF FLOOR OR ROOF SLAB (inches)	THICKNESS OF FLOOR OR ROOF SLAB (inches)	MINIMUM THICKNESS OF CEILING (inches)	MINIMUM THICKNESS OF CEILING (inches)	MINIMUM THICKNESS OF CEILING (inches)	MINIMUM THICKNESS OF CEILING (inches)
FLOOR OR ROOF CONSTRUCTION	ITEM NUMBER	CEILING CONSTRUCTION	4 hours	3 hours	2 hours	1 hour	4 hours	3 hours	2 hours	1 hour
6. Steel joists constructed with a poured reinforced concrete slab on metal lath forms or steel form units.d, e —continued	6-4.1	Ceiling of5/8" Type X wallboardc attached to7/8" deep by 25/8" by 0.021 inch (No. 25 carbon sheet steel gage) hat-shaped furring channels 12" on center with 1"-long No. 6 wall- board screws at 8" on center. Channels wire tied to bottom chord of joists with doubled 0.049 inch (No. 18 B.W. gage) wire or suspended below joists on wire hangers.g	—	—	21/2	—	—	—	5/8	—
6. Steel joists constructed with a poured reinforced concrete slab on metal lath forms or steel form units.d, e —continued	6-5.1	Wood-fibered gypsum plaster mixed 1:1 by weight gypsum to sand aggre- gate applied over metal lath. Lath tied 6" on center to3/4" channels spaced 131/2" on center. Channels secured to joists at each intersection with two strands of 0.049 inch (No. 18 B.W. gage) galvanized wire.	—	—	21/2	—	—	—	3/4	—
7.

CBC § 2213.1 Medium relevance — show source text
SECTION 2213—STAIRS, LADDERS AND GUARDING FOR STEEL STORAGE RACKS AND INDUSTRIAL STEEL WORK PLATFORMS

2213.1 General. The design and installation of stairs, ladders and guarding serving steel storage racks and industrial steel work platforms shall be in accordance with MHI ANSI/MH 32.1.

SECTION 2214—STEEL CABLE STRUCTURES

2214.1 General. The design, fabrication and erection including related connections, and protective coatings of steel cables for buildings shall be in accordance with ASCE 19.

[OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Steel cables with glass or polymer fabric material acting as a tensile membrane structure shall be considered as an alternative system.

SECTION 2215 — ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR COMMUNITY COLLEGES [DSA-SS/CC]

2215.1 General.

2215.1.1 Shear transfer at column base plate. Where the holes in column base plates are more than [1] / 8 inch (3 mm) larger than the anchor rods, as permitted by AISC 360, the anchor rods shall be designed for the induced bending stresses in combination with axial and shear stresses. Alternatively, shear lugs designed in accordance with ACI 318 Section 17.11 shall be permitted to transfer shear forces between column base plates and the supporting structure.

2215.2 Modifications to AISC 341.

2215.2.1 Section B5. Modify exception of Section B5.2(a) as follows:

Exception: The forces specified in this section need not be applied to truss diaphragms designed as a part of a three-dimensional system in which the seismic force-resisting system types consist of ordinary moment frames, ordinary concentrically braced frames, ordinary cantilever column systems, special cantilever column systems, or combinations thereof, and where each diagonal bracing member resists no more than 30 percent of the diaphragm shear at each line of resistance and where the truss diagonal members conform to Sections F1.4b and F1.5 and the connections conform to Section F1.6.

2215.2.2 Section D2. Modify Section D2.6c(b)(2) as follows:

(2) The moment calculated using the load combinations of the applicable building code, including the amplified seismic load, provided the connection or other mechanism within the column base is designed to have the ductility necessary to accommodate the column base rotation resulting from the design story drift.

2215.3 Seismic requirements for composite structural steel and concrete construction. In addition to the requirements of Section 2202.2.1, steel and concrete ConXtech ConXL composite special moment frame with the approved moment connections in accordance with AISC 358 Chapter 10 shall be permitted provided: 1. Beams are provided with reduced beam sections (RBS);

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STEEL

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to submit ASCE 19 calculations with my plan set?

Yes. § 2214.1 requires design, fabrication and erection of steel cables and protective coatings in accordance with ASCE 19; reviewers will expect the ASCE 19–based calculations and details.

If I use steel cables only as non‑structural hangers, does § 2214 apply?

§ 2214.1 applies to "steel cables for buildings" (design, fabrication, erection, connections and coatings). Whether the full ASCE 19 package is required for non‑structural hangers is a project‑specific determination by the building official, but the code directs you to ASCE 19 for cables.

Where do I find seismic rules that apply to a metal building system?

§ 2210.2 directs seismic design of the structural steel seismic force‑resisting system to § 2202. Use § 2202.2.1 or § 2202.2.2 as applicable.

Are cable coatings required by the CBC?

Yes — § 2214.1 explicitly includes "protective coatings" within the ASCE 19 scope for steel cables, so coating selection and specification should be part of the ASCE 19–based submittal.

Can a tensile membrane with cables be treated as a prescriptive CBC assembly?

No. The CBC identifies steel cables with glass or polymer fabric tensile membranes as an alternative system in § 2214.1; that means you must use the alternative approval routes and provide the necessary documentation and justification.

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Joists, deck, storage racks, metal building systems and cable structures

California Building Code