CBC · California Building Code

What code provisions apply to steel deck and composite deck systems?

For homeowners: the California Building Code says steel roof or floor decks and concrete‑on‑steel composite slabs must be designed using the Steel Deck Institute standard and a minimum steel thickness (20 gage / 0.0359 inch) unless a narrow exception applies; your designer must follow SDI and any diaphragm rules in AISI S310 and confirm the deck thickness meets § 2208.1.

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Last reviewed: July 5, 2026

What the code requires — 2–4 sentences

The California Building Code requires that the design and construction of cold‑formed steel floor and roof decks and composite concrete‑on‑steel decks be performed in accordance with the Steel Deck Institute standard (SDI SD). Cold‑formed steel diaphragms must also follow the additional provisions of AISI S310 where applicable, and the CBC establishes a minimum base‑material thickness for steel deck of 0.0359 inch (0.9 mm, 20 gage) unless an exception applies. See § 2208.1 § 2208.1 .

Requirements in detail

1) Governing text

  • Controlling CBC text: § 2208.1 requires design and construction per SDI SD and diaphragm design per AISI S310, and it states the minimum base material thickness for steel deck. § 2208.1 .

2) What “in accordance with SDI SD” means (scope — as referenced by the CBC)

  • The CBC calls out the SDI SD standard as the design/installation standard to use for cold‑formed steel decks and composite slabs; the specific prescriptive design details (profiles, shear connection practice, span tables, fastening, etc.) are contained in SDI SD itself (the CBC references SDI in the standards list for § 2208.1). The CBC text requires compliance with that standard but does not reproduce those SDI tables in § 2208.1. § 2208.1 .

3) Minimum base material thickness

  • The CBC sets a minimum base material thickness for steel deck: 0.0359 inch (0.9 mm) (20 gage). This is a clear threshold in § 2208.1. § 2208.1 .

Decision‑relevant values (quick reference)

Decision variable Requirement / value Code Reference
Design/installation standard for cold‑formed steel floor/roof decks and composite slabs Must be in accordance with SDI SD (Steel Deck Institute Standard) § 2208.1
Diaphragm design (cold‑formed steel diaphragms) Additional provisions of AISI S310, as applicable § 2208.1
Minimum base material thickness of steel deck Not less than 0.0359 in (0.9 mm) (20 gage) § 2208.1
Exception for single‑story open structures (limited case) Minimum thickness may be waived where deck is not used as diaphragm and no suspended hangers/bracing for nonstructural components attach to deck (see CBC exception text) § 2208.1 (Exception)

4) What the CBC does not specify in § 2208.1 (and where to look)

  • § 2208.1 delegates the detailed geometric, fastening, shear‑connector, and composite‑action rules to SDI SD (and to AISI S310 for diaphragm details). The CBC does not reproduce SDI SD tables or step‑by‑step fastening schedules; those are in SDI SD and in AISI S310. § 2208.1 .

Exceptions & special cases

  • Single‑story, open (nonbuilding) structures: the CBC includes an exception allowing the minimum deck thickness requirement to be waived where the steel roof deck is not acting as the diaphragm and there are no suspended hangers or bracing for nonstructural components attached to the deck. See the exception to § 2208.1 .
  • Agency‑specific notations: the CBC text shows bracketed agency references (for example OSHPD / DSA) adjacent to some provisions; check the adoption notes for your project (state agencies may adopt amendments or exceptions). The SDI reference likewise appears in the CBC’s referenced standards list for § 2208.1 .

If you need a different or more lenient thickness for a particular jurisdictional program (DSA, OSHPD, etc.), verify that agency’s adopted amendments — those appear as bracketed notes in Chapter 22 and the section text where applicable. See Chapter 22 and § 2208.1 .

Common mistakes

  • Treating SDI SD as optional: the CBC mandates SDI SD for these systems; don’t skip consulting the SDI standard when designing or specifying deck profiles, shear connectors or composite slab details. § 2208.1 .
  • Using deck thinner than the CBC minimum when the deck is required to act as a diaphragm — the CBC minimum is 0.0359 in (20 gage) unless the explicit exception applies. § 2208.1 .
  • Assuming diaphragm design is covered only by SDI SD — if the deck is functioning as a diaphragm, the additional diaphragm requirements of AISI S310 apply per § 2208.1. § 2208.1 .
  • Not checking agency amendments: local/state agencies (DSA, OSHPD) may have specific notes or additional requirements shown in Chapter 22; always confirm the enforcing agency’s amendments. Chapter 22 index and bracketed notes show agency references. .

Worked example — concrete scenario

Scenario: You are specifying a roof composite slab over a cold‑formed steel deck that will act as the diaphragm for lateral load transfer on a single‑story commercial building.

  1. CBC requirement check:

    • The deck and composite slab must be designed in accordance with SDI SD. § 2208.1 .
    • The base material thickness of the steel deck must be at least 0.0359 inch (0.9 mm, 20 gage) because the deck will act as the diaphragm. § 2208.1 .

  2. Compliance decision:

    • If the specified deck has base material thickness = 0.040 in: thickness requirement is satisfied (≥ 0.0359 in). Proceed to check SDI SD for profile, shear studs, required reinforcement, and AISI S310 for diaphragm detailing. § 2208.1 .
    • If the specified deck has base material thickness = 0.030 in: this is less than 0.0359 in and is not acceptable when the deck is a diaphragm. Either specify a thicker deck (≥ 0.0359 in) or remove the deck from diaphragm duty (and demonstrate the deck is not used as the diaphragm and that no suspended hangers/bracing for nonstructural components are attached) to rely on the CBC exception — which must meet the exact exception criteria in § 2208.1. § 2208.1 .

Note: after the thickness and standard selection, the designer must follow SDI SD and AISI S310 for the detailed connection, shear stud, and diaphragm design requirements; those detailed values are provided in the referenced standards, not in § 2208.1 itself. .

Related provisions

  • § 2201 — General provisions for Chapter 22 (scope, identification, protection, connections) .
  • § 2202 — Structural steel and composite structural steel and concrete provisions (composite design context) .
  • § 2207 — Steel joists (interaction when decking is supported by steel joists; certification / design per SJI standards) .
  • § 2210 — Metal building systems (related design/fabrication/erection rules for systems that often include deck) .
  • Referenced standards list entry for SDI (Steel Deck Institute) — SDI SD is the referenced standard for § 2208.1 (see referenced standards list). .

If you need the specific fastening schedules, shear‑connector layouts, span tables, or composite slab reinforcement requirements, those items are in SDI SD and in AISI S310 (for diaphragms); § 2208.1 points you to those standards rather than reproducing their detailed tables in the CBC. § 2208.1 .

Code references

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

  • CBC § 1704.5 High relevance — show source text

    2207 A .5 Certification. At completion of manufacture, the steel joist manufacturer shall submit a certificate of compliance to the owner or the owner’s authorized agent for submittal to the building official as specified in Section 1704.5 stating that work was performed in accordance with approved construction documents and with SJI 100 or SJI 200, as applicable.

    2207A.6 Joist chord bracing. The chords of all joists shall be laterally supported at all points where the chords change direction.

    SECTION 2208 A —STEEL DECK

    2208 A .1 Steel decks. The design and construction of cold-formed steel floor and roof decks and composite slabs of concrete and steel deck shall be in accordance with SDI SD. The design of cold-formed steel diaphragms shall be in accordance with additional provisions of AISI S310, as applicable. The base material thickness of steel deck shall not be less than 0.0359 inch (0.9 mm) (20 gage).

    Exception: [DSA-SS] For single-story open structures, the minimum deck thickness may be waived if the steel roof deck need not be used as the diaphragm and there are no suspended hangers or bracing for nonstructural components attached to the deck.

    SECTION 2209 A —STEEL STORAGE RACKS

    2209 A .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 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 .

  • CBC § 3.1. High relevance — show source text

    3.1. Joist supports. 3.2. Joist girder supports. 3.3. Field splices. 3.4. Bridging attachments. 4. Deflection criteria for joists and joist girder configurations that differ from those defined by SJI 100 or SJI 200. 5. Size, location and connections for bridging.

    1. Joist headers.

    Steel joist placement plans do not require the seal and signature of the joist manufacturer’s registered design professional.

    [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Not permitted by OSHPD.

    2207.5 Certification. At completion of manufacture, the steel joist manufacturer shall submit a certificate of compliance to the owner or the owner’s authorized agent for submittal to the building official as specified in Section 1704.5 stating that work was performed in accordance with approved construction documents and with SJI 100 or SJI 200, as applicable.

    2207.6 Joist chord bracing. [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] The chords of all joists shall be laterally supported at all points where the chords change direction.

    SECTION 2208—STEEL DECK

    2208.1 Steel decks. The design and construction of cold-formed steel floor and roof decks and composite slabs of concrete and steel deck shall be in accordance with SDI SD. The design of cold-formed steel diaphragms shall be in accordance with additional provisions of AISI S310, as applicable.

    [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] The base material thickness of the steel deck shall not be less than 0.0359 inch (0.9 mm) (20 gage).

    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.

  • CBC § 2202.3.1 High relevance — show source text

    2202.3.1 Section A4. Modify Section A4.1 Item (c) by adding the following:

    (c) Locations and dimensions of protected zones. The fabricator shall permanently mark protected zones of structural elements in the seismic force-resisting system in the building that are designated on the construction documents. If these markings are obscured during construction, such as after the application of fire protection, the owner’s designated representative shall re-mark the protected zones as they are designated on the construction documents. Primers or paints used to mark protected zones on steel surfaces, which are to receive sprayed fire-resistance material, shall comply with California Building Code Section 704.13.3.2.

    2202.3.2 Section I2. Replace Section I2.1 item (d) as follows:

    (d) Decking attachments that penetrate the beam flange shall not be placed on beam flanges within the protected zone, except power-actuated fasteners up to 0.18 in. diameter are permitted, provided that the penetration is less than 85% of beam flange thickness.

    2202.4 Modifications to AISC 358. [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5]

    2202.4.1 Modifications to AISC 358 Chapter 10. Steel and concrete ConXtech ConXL composite special moment frame connections shall be permitted, provided: a. Beams are provided with Reduced Beam Sections (RBS);

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    b. Web extension to beam web two-sided fillet welds are sized to develop expected strength of the beam web and shall not be less than a [1] / 4 inch fillet weld; and c. The built-up box column wall thickness shall not be less than 1.25 inches and the HSS column wall thickness shall not be less than [1] / 2 inch.

    2202.4.2 Modifications to AISC 358 Chapter 11 Welded Moment Connection. The welded sideplate steel moment connection shall be permitted, provided: 1. The beams shall consist of either rolled or built-up wide flange sections. 2. The biaxial dual-strong axis and column minor axis configurations of the moment connection shall be considered as an alternative system. 3. For SMF and IMF systems, U-shaped cover plates shall be used and the hinge-to-hinge span to beam depth, L h /d, shall be greater than or equal to 5. 4. The width-to-thickness ratios for beam flanges shall not be less than 3. 5. The spacing for lateral bracing of wide flange beams, L b , shall include the length of the side plate at beam ends. 6. The extension of the side plates beyond the face of the column shall be within the range of 0.77d to 1.0d. 7. The gap-to-side plate thickness ratio shall range from 2.1 to 2.3. Exception: The gap-to-side plate thickness ratio shall be permitted to be modified for moment connections with unequal _beam sizes on opposite sides of the column or when orthogonal beams acting as drag connections frame into the side plate.

  • CBC § 25.4 High relevance — show source text

    For composite and four-ply plywood structural panel, load shall be reduced by 15 pounds per square foot.
    c. Where the total load includes snow, use allowable stress design snow loads.|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 pound per square foot = 0.0479 kN/m2.
    a. Uniform load deflection limitations1/180 of span under live load plus dead load,1/240 under live load only. Edges shall be blocked with lumber or other approved type of edge
    supports.
    b. For composite and four-ply plywood structural panel, load shall be reduced by 15 pounds per square foot.
    c. Where the total load includes snow, use allowable stress design snow loads.|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 pound per square foot = 0.0479 kN/m2.
    a. Uniform load deflection limitations1/180 of span under live load plus dead load,1/240 under live load only. Edges shall be blocked with lumber or other approved type of edge
    supports.
    b. For composite and four-ply plywood structural panel, load shall be reduced by 15 pounds per square foot.
    c. Where the total load includes snow, use allowable stress design snow loads.|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 pound per square foot = 0.0479 kN/m2.
    a. Uniform load deflection limitations1/180 of span under live load plus dead load,1/240 under live load only. Edges shall be blocked with lumber or other approved type of edge
    supports.
    b. For composite and four-ply plywood structural panel, load shall be reduced by 15 pounds per square foot.
    c. Where the total load includes snow, use allowable stress design snow loads.|

    2304.8.1 Structural floor sheathing. Structural floor sheathing shall be designed in accordance with the general provisions of this code.

    Floor sheathing conforming to the provisions of Table 2304.8(1), 2304.8(2), 2304.8(3) or 2304.8(4) shall be deemed to meet the requirements of this section.

    2304.8.2 Structural roof sheathing. Structural roof sheathing shall be designed in accordance with the general provisions of this code and the special provisions in this section.

    Roof sheathing conforming to the provisions of Table 2304.8(1), 2304.8(2), 2304.8(3) or 2304.8(5) shall be deemed to meet the requirements of this section. Wood structural panel roof sheathing shall be of a type manufactured with exterior glue (Exposure 1 or Exterior).

    2304.9 Lumber decking. Lumber decking shall be designed and installed in accordance with the general provisions of this code and Sections 2304.9.1 through 2304.9.5.3. Other lumber decking patterns and connection designs shall be substantiated through engineering analysis.

  • 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 § 2611.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    SECTION 2611—LIGHT-TRANSMITTING PLASTIC INTERIOR SIGNS

    2611.1 General. Light-transmitting plastic interior signs shall be limited as specified in Sections 2606 and 2611.2 through 2611.4.

    Exception: Light-transmitting plastic interior wall signs in covered and open mall buildings shall comply with Section 402.6.4. 2611.2 Maximum area. The aggregate area of all light-transmitting plastics shall not exceed 24 square feet (2.23 m [2] ).

    Exception: In buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, the aggregate area of light-transmitting plastics shall not exceed 100 square feet (9.29 m [2] ), provided that all plastics are Class CC1 in accordance with Section 2606.4.

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    2611.3 Separation. Signs exceeding the aggregate area of Section 2611.2 shall be separated from each other by not less than 4 feet (1219 mm) horizontally and 8 feet (2438 mm) vertically.

    2611.4 Encasement. Backs of wall-mounted signs and non-illuminated portions of all signs regulated by this section shall be fully encased in metal.

    SECTION 2612—PLASTIC COMPOSITE DECKING

    [BS] 2612.1 General. Plastic composites shall consist of either wood/plastic composites or plastic lumber. Plastic composites shall comply with the provisions of this code and with the additional requirements of Section 2612.

    [BS] 2612.2 Labeling. Plastic composite deck boards and stair treads, or their packaging, shall bear a label that indicates compliance with ASTM D7032 and includes the allowable load and maximum allowable span determined in accordance with ASTM D7032. Plastic composite handrails and guards, or their packaging, shall bear a label that indicates compliance with ASTM D7032 and includes the maximum allowable span determined in accordance with ASTM D7032.

    [BF] 2612.3 Flame spread index. Plastic composite deck boards, stair treads, handrails and guards shall exhibit a flame spread index not exceeding 200 when tested in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723 with the test specimen remaining in place during the

    test.

    Exception: Materials determined to be noncombustible in accordance with Section 703.3.

    [BS] 2612.4 Termite and decay resistance. Where required by Section 2304.12, plastic composite deck boards, stair treads, handrails and guards containing wood, cellulosic or any other biodegradable materials shall be termite and decay resistant as determined in accordance with ASTM D7032.

    [BS] 2612.5 Construction requirements. Plastic composites meeting the requirements of Section 2612 shall be permitted to be used as exterior deck boards, stair treads, handrails and guards where combustible construction is permitted.

    [BS] 2612.5.1 Span rating. Plastic composites used as exterior deck boards shall have a span rating determined in accordance with ASTM D7032.

    [BS] 2612.6 Plastic composite deck boards, stair treads, handrails and guards. Plastic composite deck boards, stair treads, handrails and guards shall be installed in accordance with this code and the manufacturer’s instructions.

  • CBC § 21A-8 Medium relevance — show source text

    2106A Seismic Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21A-8

    2107A Allowable Stress Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21A-9

    2108A Strength Design of Masonry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21A-10

    2109A Empirical Design of Adobe Masonry . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21A-10

    2110A Glass Unit Masonry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21A-10

    2111A Masonry Fireplaces. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21A-10

    2112A Masonry Heaters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21A-13

    2113A Masonry Chimneys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21A-13

    2114A Dry-Stack Masonry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21A-18

    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

  • CBC § 2603.10 Medium relevance — show source text

    2603.10

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    REFERENCED STANDARDS

    SDI Steel Deck Institute, 2661 Clearview Road #3, Allison Park, PA 15101

    ANSI/SDI QA/QC—2022: Standard for Quality Control and Quality Assurance for Installation of Steel Deck

    1705.2.3

    ANSI/SDI SD—2022: Standard for Steel Deck

    2208.1

    SFM State of California, Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, Office of the State Fire Marshal, P.O. Box 944246, Sacramento, CA 94246-2460

    12-3: Releasing Systems for Security Bars in Dwellings

    1029.4

    12-7-3: Fire-testing Furnaces

    NA

    12-7A-1: Exterior Wall Siding and Sheathing

    703A.7, 707A.2

    12-7A-2: Exterior Window

    703A.7, 708A.2.1

    12-7A-3: Under Eave

    703A.7, 707A.8

    12-7A-4: Decking:

    703A.7, 709A.3

    12-7A-4A: Decking Alternate Method A

    703A.7, 709A.3

    12-7A-5: Ignition Resistant Building Material

    703A.7, 709A.3

    12-8-100: Room Fire Tests for Wall and Ceiling Materials

    NA

    12-10-1: Power Operated Exit Doors

    NA

    12-10-2: Single Point Latching or Locking Devices

    NA

    12-10-3: Emergency Exit and Panic Hardware

    NA

    (The Office of the State Fire Marshal standards referred to above are found in the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 12.):

    SJI Steel Joist Institute, 140 Evans Street, Suite 203, Florence, SC 29501

    SJI 100—2020: Standard Specification for K-Series, LH-Series, and DLH-Series Open Web Steel Joists and for Joist Girders

    1604.3.3, 2207.1, 2207.2, 2207.3, 2207.4, 2207.5

    SJI 200—2015: Standard Specification for CJ-Series Composite Steel Joists

    1604.3.3, 2207.1, 2207.2, 2207.3, 2207.4, 2207.5

    SPRI Single-Ply Roofing Industry, 465 Waverly Oaks Road, Suite 421, Waltham, MA 02452

    ANSI/SPRI GT-1—2022: Test Standard for External Gutter Systems

    1504.6.1, 1511.7.6.1

    ANSI/SPRI RP-4—2019: Wind Design Standard for Ballasted Single-ply Roofing Systems

    1504.5

    ANSI/SPRI VF-1—2021: External Fire Design Standard for Vegetative Roofs

  • CBC § 2201A.1.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    SECTION 2201 A —GENERAL

    2201 A .1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter govern the quality, design, fabrication and erection of steel construction.

    2201A.1.1 Application. The scope of application of Chapter 22A is as follows: 1. Structures regulated by the Division of the State Architect-Structural Safety (DSA-SS), which include those applications listed in Section 1.9.2.1. These applications include public elementary and secondary schools, community colleges and state- owned or state-leased essential services buildings. 2. Structures regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD), which include those applications listed in Sections 1.10.1 and 1.10.4. These applications include hospitals and correctional treatment centers.

    2201A.1.2 Amendments in this chapter. DSA-SS and OSHPD adopt this chapter and all amendments.

    Exception: Amendments adopted by only one agency appear in this chapter preceded with the appropriate acronym of the adopt- ing agency, as follows: 1. Division of the State Architect-Structural Safety: [DSA-SS] For applications listed in Section 1.9.2.1. 2. Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development:

    [OSHPD 1] - For applications listed in Section 1.10.1.

    [OSHPD 4] - For applications listed in Section 1.10.4.

    2201 A .2 Identification. Identification of steel members shall be in accordance with the applicable referenced standards within this chapter. Other steel furnished for structural load-carrying purposes shall be identified for conformity to the ordered grade in accordance with the specified ASTM standard or other specification and the provisions of this chapter. Where the steel grade is not readily identifiable from marking and test records, the steel shall be tested to verify conformity to such standards. [DSA-SS] All material iden- tification and testing shall be in accordance with Chapter 17A.

    2201 A .3 Protection. The protection of steel members shall be in accordance with the applicable referenced standards within this chapter.

    2201 A .4 Connections. The design and installation of steel connections shall be in accordance with the applicable referenced standards within this chapter. For special inspection of welding or installation of high-strength bolts, see Section 1705 A .2.

    2201A.4.1 Restrained welded connections. [OSHPD 1 & 4] Welded structural steel connections having a medium or high level of restraint, as defined by AWS D1.1 Annex H, shall have a minimum pre-heat temperature of not less than 150 [o] F (66 [o] C). Welded struc- tural steel connections with welds to flange, web, wall or plate having a high level of restraint shall maintain a post-heat temperature of 300 [o] F (149 [o] C) for a minimum of 1 hour after completion of welding.

  • CBC § 2.1. Medium relevance — show source text

    In addition to the design calculations submitted under seal and signature, the following shall be included:

    1. Bridging design that differs from SJI 100 or SJI 200, such as cantilevered conditions and net uplift.
    2. Connection design for: 2.1. Connections that differ from SJI 100 or SJI 200, such as flush-framed or framed connections.

    2.2. Field splices.

    2.3. Joist headers.

    2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 22A-7

    on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

    STEEL

    2207 A .4 Steel joist drawings. Steel joist placement plans shall be provided to show the steel joist products as specified on the approved construction documents and are to be utilized for field installation in accordance with specific project requirements as stated in Section 2207 A .2. Steel joist placement plans shall include, at a minimum, the following:

    1. Listing of applicable loads as stated in Section 2207 A .2 and used in the design of the steel joists and joist girders as specified in the approved construction documents.
    2. Profiles for joist and joist girder configurations that differ from those defined by SJI 100 or SJI 200.
    3. Connection requirements for:

    3.1. Joist supports. 3.2. Joist girder supports. 3.3. Field splices. 3.4. Bridging attachments. 4. Deflection criteria for joists and joist girder configurations that differ from those defined by SJI 100 or SJI 200. 5. Size, location and connections for bridging.

    1. Joist headers.

    2207A.4.1 Design approval. [DSA-SS] Joist and joist girder design calculations and profiles with member sizes and connection details, and joist placement plans shall be provided to the enforcement agency and approved prior to joist fabrication, in accordance with the California Administrative Code (Title 24, Part 1). Joist and joist girder design calculations and profiles with member sizes and connection details shall bear the signature and stamp or seal of the registered engineer or licensed architect responsible for the joist design. Alterations to the approved joist and joist girder design calculations and profiles with member sizes and connection details, or to fabricated joists are subject to the approval of the enforcement agency.

    2207 A .5 Certification. At completion of manufacture, the steel joist manufacturer shall submit a certificate of compliance to the owner or the owner’s authorized agent for submittal to the building official as specified in Section 1704.5 stating that work was performed in accordance with approved construction documents and with SJI 100 or SJI 200, as applicable.

    2207A.6 Joist chord bracing. The chords of all joists shall be laterally supported at all points where the chords change direction.

    SECTION 2208 A —STEEL DECK

    2208 A .1 Steel decks. The design and construction of cold-formed steel floor and roof decks and composite slabs of concrete and steel deck shall be in accordance with SDI SD. The design of cold-formed steel diaphragms shall be in accordance with additional provisions of AISI S310, as applicable. The base material thickness of steel deck shall not be less than 0.0359 inch (0.9 mm) (20 gage).

  • CBC § 2702.2 Medium 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 § 2207.3 Medium relevance — show source text

    2207.3 Calculations. The steel joist and joist girder manufacturer shall design the steel joists and steel joist girders in accordance with SJI 100 or SJI 200 to support the load requirements of Section 2207.2. The registered design professional shall be permitted to require submission of the steel joist and joist girder calculations as prepared by a registered design professional responsible for the product design. Where requested by the registered design professional, the steel joist manufacturer shall submit design calculations with a cover letter bearing the seal and signature of the joist manufacturer’s registered design professional. In addition to the design calculations submitted under seal and signature, the following shall be included:

    1. Bridging design that differs from SJI 100 or SJI 200, such as cantilevered conditions and net uplift.
    2. Connection design for: 2.1. Connections that differ from SJI 100 or SJI 200, such as flush-framed or framed connections.

    2.2. Field splices.

    2.3. Joist headers.

    2207.4 Steel joist drawings. Steel joist placement plans shall be provided to show the steel joist products as specified on the approved construction documents and are to be utilized for field installation in accordance with specific project requirements as stated in Section 2207.2. Steel joist placement plans shall include, at a minimum, the following:

    1. Listing of applicable loads as stated in Section 2207.2 and used in the design of the steel joists and joist girders as specified in the approved construction documents.
    2. Profiles for joist and joist girder configurations that differ from those defined by SJI 100 or SJI 200.
    3. Connection requirements for:

    3.1. Joist supports. 3.2. Joist girder supports. 3.3. Field splices. 3.4. Bridging attachments. 4. Deflection criteria for joists and joist girder configurations that differ from those defined by SJI 100 or SJI 200. 5. Size, location and connections for bridging.

    1. Joist headers.

    Steel joist placement plans do not require the seal and signature of the joist manufacturer’s registered design professional.

    [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Not permitted by OSHPD.

    2207.5 Certification. At completion of manufacture, the steel joist manufacturer shall submit a certificate of compliance to the owner or the owner’s authorized agent for submittal to the building official as specified in Section 1704.5 stating that work was performed in accordance with approved construction documents and with SJI 100 or SJI 200, as applicable.

    2207.6 Joist chord bracing. [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] The chords of all joists shall be laterally supported at all points where the chords change direction.

    SECTION 2208—STEEL DECK

    2208.1 Steel decks. The design and construction of cold-formed steel floor and roof decks and composite slabs of concrete and steel deck shall be in accordance with SDI SD. The design of cold-formed steel diaphragms shall be in accordance with additional provisions of AISI S310, as applicable.

    [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] The base material thickness of the steel deck shall not be less than 0.0359 inch (0.9 mm) (20 gage).

Frequently asked questions

What CBC section controls steel deck and composite deck minimum thickness?

The minimum base material thickness and the controlling references for steel and composite decks are in § 2208.1 .

Do I always have to use the SDI standard to design steel deck?

Yes — § 2208.1 requires design and construction of cold‑formed steel floor/roof decks and composite slabs to be in accordance with SDI SD; diaphragm design also follows AISI S310 as applicable. § 2208.1 .

Can I use a thinner deck if I’m not using the deck as a diaphragm?

Yes — the CBC includes an exception allowing the minimum thickness to be waived for single‑story open structures where the deck is not used as the diaphragm and no suspended hangers or bracing for nonstructural components attach to the deck. See the exception to § 2208.1 .

Where do I find the detailed tables for spans, fasteners, and shear connectors?

Those detailed provisions are contained in the SDI SD standard and in AISI S310 for diaphragm provisions; § 2208.1 references those standards rather than listing their tables. § 2208.1 .

Do agency amendments matter for § 2208.1?

Yes — Chapter 22 contains bracketed agency references and some provisions show agency‑specific notes. Confirm whether an enforcing agency (DSA, OSHPD, etc.) has adopted amendments that affect deck requirements. See Chapter 22 and § 2208.1 notes. .

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California Building Code