ICC-ES AC174

Full Name

ICC-ES AC174 – Acceptance Criteria for Deck Board Span Ratings and Guardrail Systems (Guards and Handrails)

Scope

ICC-ES AC174 is a set of acceptance criteria used to evaluate the performance of deck board span ratings and guardrail systems (guards and handrails). This evaluation is done in the context of building codes such as the International Building Code (IBC) and the International Residential Code (IRC).

Specifically, the scope of ICC-ES AC174 encompasses:

  • Deck board span ratings: evaluating the structural capacity of deck boards to safely support loads. This evaluation considers factors like the wood species, grade, size, and spacing of the deck boards.
  • Guardrail systems: assessing the strength and durability of guardrail systems, including both the railing itself and the connections to the deck or supporting structure. This evaluation involves testing for resistance to vertical and horizontal loads, as well as impact resistance.

The acceptance criteria cover various performance aspects, including structural integrity, durability, and safety. It provides a standardized framework for manufacturers and building officials to ensure that deck boards and guardrail systems meet minimum requirements for safety and performance.

ICC-ES AC174 Accredited Inspection Agency

Applied Testing & Geosciences, LLC is accredited for performing inspections using the ICC-ES AC174 acceptance criteria.

Contact us for more information.

Resources

Keywords

acceptance criteria; deck board; guardrail systems; span ratings; load capacity; structural integrity; durability; safety; handrails; guards; testing; evaluation reports; building codes; International Building Code; International Residential Code; Uniform Building Code; BOCA National Building Code; Standard Building Code; wood species; grade; size; spacing; connections; vertical loads; horizontal loads; impact resistance; performance