Updated 2026-09-07

Building Code Glossary

Solid: Building Code Definition

How the IBC 2009, IFC 2009 define solid, 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

Solid is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy. The code's own words are: “A material that has a melting point, decomposes or sublimes at a temperature greater than 68°F (20°C).” The IFC 2009 defines the same term with different wording, so the controlling text depends on which code governs the question in front of you — the comparison below sets the versions side by side. The term is used in 89 chapters of this corpus, most often in Wall Construction (IRC 2009), Hazardous Materials-general Provisions (IFC 2009), Masonry (IBC 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?

Solid — IBC 2009, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy:

A material that has a melting point, decomposes or sublimes at a temperature greater than 68°F (20°C).

Labeled code-term definition diagram: Solid: Building Code Definition — How the IBC 2009, IFC 2009 define solid, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.

What must be verified before using this guidance?

Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Solid, and the wording is not identical — read the version that governs your question.

Code	Where it is defined	Definition
IBC 2009	Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy	A material that has a melting point, decomposes or sublimes at a temperature greater than 68°F (20°C).
IFC 2009	Hazardous Materials-general Provisions	A material that has a melting point and decomposes or sublimes at a temperature greater than 68°F (20°C).

Where solid is used in the code

The term appears in 89 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.

Chapter	Code	Mentions
Wall Construction	IRC 2009	222
Hazardous Materials-general Provisions	IFC 2009	72
Masonry	IBC 2009	66
Oxidizers, Oxidizing Gases and Oxidizing Cryogenic Fluids	IFC 2009	64
Soils and Foundations	IBC 2009	55
Water-reactive Solids and Liquids	IFC 2009	49
Fuel Gas	IRC 2009	49
Fire and Smoke Protection Features	IBC 2009	40
Roof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures	IBC 2009	39
Highly Toxic and Toxic Materials	IFC 2009	39
Foundations	IRC 2009	38
Chimneys and Fireplaces	IRC 2009	36

77 further chapters mention the term.

The term in use

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

Approvedend-jointed lumber identified by a grade mark conforming to Section R602.1 may be used interchangeably with solid-sawn members of the same species and grade.

— IRC 2009 §R602.1.1

The aggregate quantity of nonflammable solid and nonflammable or noncombustible liquid hazardous materials allowed within a single control area of a Group M display and storage area or a Group S storage area is allowed to exceed the maximum allowable quantities per control area specified in Tables 2703.1.1 (1) and 2703.1.1 (2) without classifying the building or use as a …

— IFC 2009 §2703.8.3.5

ASTM C 62 for building brick (solid masonry units made from clay or shale) ;

— IBC 2009 §2103.2

Solid: 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	Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy
Read the definition in the adopted IFC	Hazardous Materials-general Provisions
Re-check the requirement that uses it	Wall Construction (IRC 2009)
Re-check the requirement that uses it	Hazardous Materials-general Provisions (IFC 2009)
Re-check the requirement that uses it	Masonry (IBC 2009)
Re-check the requirement that uses it	Oxidizers, Oxidizing Gases and Oxidizing Cryogenic Fluids (IFC 2009)
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 solid?

The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy as: “A material that has a melting point, decomposes or sublimes at a temperature greater than 68°F (20°C).” 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 solid?

In this corpus the term is used across 89 chapters, led by Wall Construction in the IRC 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 a structure according to the building code?

Structure is a separate defined term. The IPC 2009 defines it as: “That which is built or constructed or a portion thereof.” That is not the same as solid, which the IBC 2009 defines as “A material that has a melting point, decomposes or sublimes at a temperature greater than 68°F (20°C).” — 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 solid, which the IBC 2009 defines as “A material that has a melting point, decomposes or sublimes at a temperature greater than 68°F (20°C).” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.

What is a SOLID pattern?

In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy: “A material that has a melting point, decomposes or sublimes at a temperature greater than 68°F (20°C).” It is defined in IBC 2009, IFC 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.

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