Updated 2026-09-07

Building Code Glossary

Impact Load: Building Code Definition

How the IBC 2009 define impact load, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.

On this page

Last updated September 7, 2026 · Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.

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Direct answer

Impact load is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Structural Design. The code's own words are: “The load resulting from moving machinery, elevators, craneways, vehicles and other similar forces and kinetic loads, pressure and possible surcharge from fixed or moving loads.” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IBC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 5 chapters of this corpus, most often in Glass and Glazing (IBC 2009), Structural Design (IBC 2009), Wood (IBC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted. Record the jurisdiction, the adopted edition, the application date and any local amendment that rewrites the definition before you use it on a live project, because a term redefined by amendment changes every requirement that depends on it.

Content and cited inputs reviewed by Scott Barrington, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.

What does this term mean?

Impact Load — IBC 2009, Structural Design:

The load resulting from moving machinery, elevators, craneways, vehicles and other similar forces and kinetic loads, pressure and possible surcharge from fixed or moving loads.

Labeled code-term definition diagram: Impact Load: Building Code Definition — How the IBC 2009 define impact load, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.

What must be verified before using this guidance?

Impact Load is defined once in this corpus, in the Structural Design chapter of the International Building Code (IBC) 2009:

The load resulting from moving machinery, elevators, craneways, vehicles and other similar forces and kinetic loads, pressure and possible surcharge from fixed or moving loads.

Where impact load is used in the code

The term appears in 5 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.

Chapter	Code	Mentions
Glass and Glazing	IBC 2009	8
Structural Design	IBC 2009	4
Wood	IBC 2009	2
Definitions	IBC 2009	1
Building Planning	IRC 2009	1

The term in use

How the code actually writes about impact load, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:

Other adjustments are applicable except that the impact load duration shall not apply.

— IBC 2009, Wood

The terms impact load is built out of

The definition above leans on 1 other defined term. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what impact load covers:

Loads — IBC 2009: Forces or other actions that result from the weight of building materials, occupants and their possessions, environmental effects, differential movement and restrained dimensional changes.

Impact Load: what to open, and in what order

Every row is a document this term depends on. The ICC code library and the ICC adoption maps cover the middle rows.

Check	Where	Confirmed
Read the definition in the adopted IBC	Structural Design
Re-check the requirement that uses it	Glass and Glazing (IBC 2009)
Re-check the requirement that uses it	Structural Design (IBC 2009)
Re-check the requirement that uses it	Wood (IBC 2009)
Re-check the requirement that uses it	Definitions (IBC 2009)
Confirm the dependent definition	Loads
Local amendment to any of the above	Jurisdiction's amendment list

A research aid, not a code determination. The authority having jurisdiction decides which edition and which amendments apply.

Sources and method

Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The ICC code library publishes the current model text and the ICC adoption maps show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.

Source links

Frequently asked questions

What is the code definition of impact load?

The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Structural Design as: “The load resulting from moving machinery, elevators, craneways, vehicles and other similar forces and kinetic loads, pressure and possible surcharge from fixed or moving loads.” The 2009 model text is reproduced here; the definition that binds your project is the one in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted, as amended locally.

Which parts of the code depend on impact load?

In this corpus the term is used across 5 chapters, led by Glass and Glazing in the IBC 2009. Those are the sections whose scope moves if the definition is amended locally, so read them together with Chapter 2 rather than on their own.

What is the definition of impact load?

In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Structural Design: “The load resulting from moving machinery, elevators, craneways, vehicles and other similar forces and kinetic loads, pressure and possible surcharge from fixed or moving loads.” It is defined in IBC 2009. Because it is a defined term, whatever the adopted edition says it means is what every section using it means — so check Chapter 2 of that edition and any local amendment before relying on this wording.

What are the four types of structural loads?

Loads is a separate defined term. The IBC 2009 defines it as: “Forces or other actions that result from the weight of building materials, occupants and their possessions, environmental effects, differential movement and restrained dimensional changes. Permanent loads are those loads in which variations over time are rare or of small magnitude, such as dead loads. All …” That is not the same as impact load, which the IBC 2009 defines as “The load resulting from moving machinery, elevators, craneways, vehicles and other similar forces and kinetic loads, pressure and possible surcharge from fixed or moving loads.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.

What does IBC mean in building codes?

Building is a separate defined term. The IBC 2009 defines it as: “Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.” That is not the same as impact load, which the IBC 2009 defines as “The load resulting from moving machinery, elevators, craneways, vehicles and other similar forces and kinetic loads, pressure and possible surcharge from fixed or moving loads.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.

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