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Airspace R-Value

The presence of an airspace enclosed within a building envelope assembly is known to contribute to the overall thermal performance of the assembly. But, the actual R-value of an airspace can vary significantly depending on various conditions of use, such as the air-tightness of the assembly of materials enclosing an airspace. This research report reviews current technical knowledge and regulatory requirements to provide guidance for appropriate R-value characterization and limitations of use for airspaces within building assemblies for code compliance.

The Story Behind IRC Wall Bracing Provisions

In this article, the derivation of the IRC wall bracing provisions is documented and discussed in view of the technical research, engineering analyses, and judgments they embody.

The Story Behind the 2009 IRC Wall Bracing Provisions (Part 2: New Wind Bracing Requirements)

This article documents the development of a rational and quantitative wall bracing analysis approach for resisting wind loads. The efforts have led to new wall bracing provisions in the 2009 IRC for wind.

Welcome to Applied Building Technology Group

At ABTG, we believe sound science and engineering are the foundation of building design, construction, and material innovation.

Standards Development

ABTG Standards Announcement

Final Action on ANSI/ABTG FS 100-2025, Standard Requirements for Wind Pressure Resistance of Foam Plastic Insulating Sheathing Used in Exterior Wall Covering Assemblies (revision of ANSI/ABTG FS 100-2012 (R2018)) was published on June 20, 2025, in Volume 56, No.

Building Designer Resources

We've gathered these resources to create and promote design tools that will make engineering evaluation, specification and implementation of innovative products easier. As this group of resources grows, these tools will range from design examples to “calculator” like tools. Please check back regularly for the latest state-of-the-art design support information.

IRC Wall Bracing: A Guide for Builders, Designers and Plan Reviewers

First published in 2016, this guide provides designers, code officials and builders a basic understanding of how to apply the IRC bracing provisions for code-compliant dwellings and how the IRC bracing provisions can be used to create maximum value in a diverse housing market.

Continuous Insulation & Foam Plastics in the Building Envelope

Presented as a full-day, live course at the 2025 Colorado Chapter of ICC Educational Institute, Eric Banks, Jay Crandell, P.E. and Marcin Pazera cover the important aspects of using foam plastic insulating sheathing (FPIS) continuous insulation (ci) in the building envelope.

2024 IECC Commercial Envelope

Presented as a live, full-day course at the 2025 Colorado Chapter of ICC Educational Institute, Jay Crandell, P.E. and Thomas Culp, Ph.D. cover the importance of the building thermal envelope in the context of the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code

Ci by Climate Zone in Commercial Energy & Building Codes

This program introduces the importance and functions of the Building Thermal Envelope (BTE) and then covers code compliance with the commercial energy and building codes for appropriate use of continuous insulation in all climate zones.