Take a SMARTcodes Test Drive

An enhanced online demonstration of SMARTcodes, the new, cutting-edge system to automate code-compliance checking developed by the Intl. Code Council (ICC), is now available for a test drive.

Building owners and managers, architects, engineers, and other construction professionals can test-drive SMARTcodes at (www.smartcodes.org). Users will be able to automatically check a building design for code compliance and provide feedback to the ICC via an online survey.

Test drivers can choose from a number of Building Information Models (BIMs), place the building in different geographical locations, and pick a model-checking software to run the code check. With those simple selections, SMARTcodes will automatically check the building for compliance with envelope and lighting provisions of the 2006 Intl. Energy Conservation Code, highlight areas of non-compliance, and provide a three-dimensional view and written description of the codes violations. Users can run the demonstration multiple times to pick a new building, see the same building in another region of the country, or use different model checking software.

Visitors can also try out a manual code search feature, access specific code criteria, and drill down to relevant referenced standards, code commentary, and code interpretations, as well as related product listing directories that link directly to manufacturers' product information.

The enhanced online demonstration, which will run for some time and be regularly updated, opens the door for construction industry professionals to try out auto code checking and manual code searching, and gives them a chance to make suggestions on how to make SMARTcodes even better.

The Intl. Code Council, a membership association dedicated to building safety and fire prevention, develops the codes used to construction residential and commercial buildings.