Building Code Glossary
Joint: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009 define joint, 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.
Direct answer
Joint is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Fire and Smoke Protection Features. The code's own words are: “The linear opening in or between adjacent fire-resistance-rated assemblies that is designed to allow independent movement of the building in any plane caused by thermal, seismic, wind or any other loading.” 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 78 chapters of this corpus, most often in Sanitary Drainage (IPC 2009), Sanitary Drainage (IRC 2009), Water Supply and Distribution (IPC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted.
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?
Joint — IBC 2009, Fire and Smoke Protection Features:
The linear opening in or between adjacent fire-resistance-rated assemblies that is designed to allow independent movement of the building in any plane caused by thermal, seismic, wind or any other loading.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Joint is defined once in this corpus, in the Fire and Smoke Protection Features chapter of the International Building Code (IBC) 2009:
The linear opening in or between adjacent fire-resistance-rated assemblies that is designed to allow independent movement of the building in any plane caused by thermal, seismic, wind or any other loading.
Where joint is used in the code
The term appears in 78 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Sanitary Drainage | IPC 2009 | 299 |
| Sanitary Drainage | IRC 2009 | 259 |
| Water Supply and Distribution | IPC 2009 | 220 |
| Wall Construction | IRC 2009 | 184 |
| Hydronic Piping | IMC 2009 | 174 |
| Materials | IPC 2009 | 156 |
| Water Supply and Distribution | IRC 2009 | 113 |
| Fire and Smoke Protection Features | IBC 2009 | 99 |
| Wood | IBC 2009 | 97 |
| Fuel Gas | IRC 2009 | 80 |
| Exhaust Systems | IMC 2009 | 66 |
| Masonry | IBC 2009 | 65 |
66 further chapters mention the term.
The term in use
How the code actually writes about joint, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Joint surfaces shall be clean and free from moisture.
The joint shall be brazed with a filler metal conforming to AWS A5.8.
Pipe-joint compound or tape shall be applied on the male threads only.
The terms joint 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 joint covers:
- Building — IBC 2009: Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.
Joint: 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 | Fire and Smoke Protection Features | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Sanitary Drainage (IPC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Sanitary Drainage (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Water Supply and Distribution (IPC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Wall Construction (IRC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Building | |
| 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.
Where can you explore related guidance?
- Explore all glossary guidance
- Building: Building Code Definition
- Shaft: Building Code Definition
- Damper: Building Code Definition
- Fire-resistance Rating: Building Code Definition
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 joint?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Fire and Smoke Protection Features as: “The linear opening in or between adjacent fire-resistance-rated assemblies that is designed to allow independent movement of the building in any plane caused by thermal, seismic, wind or any other loading.” 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 joint?
In this corpus the term is used across 78 chapters, led by Sanitary Drainage in the IPC 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 a joint in building construction?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Fire and Smoke Protection Features: “The linear opening in or between adjacent fire-resistance-rated assemblies that is designed to allow independent movement of the building in any plane caused by thermal, seismic, wind or any other loading.” It is defined in IBC 2009. It is not the same as Building, which the IBC 2009 defines separately as “Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.” 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 is a joint in architecture?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Fire and Smoke Protection Features: “The linear opening in or between adjacent fire-resistance-rated assemblies that is designed to allow independent movement of the building in any plane caused by thermal, seismic, wind or any other loading.” 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.
Related pages
- Joint, Plastic Adhesive: Building Code Definition
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- Joint, Soldered: Building Code Definition
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- Joint, Welded: Building Code Definition
Joint, Welded — IMC 2009 definition: A gas-tight joint obtained by the joining of metal parts in molten state.
- Jurisdiction: Building Code Definition
Jurisdiction — IBC 2009 definition: The governmental unit that has adopted this code under due legislative authority.
- Key Box: Building Code Definition
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- Kitchen: Building Code Definition
Kitchen — IRC 2009 definition: Kitchen shall mean an area used, or designated to be used, for the preparation of food.