Building Code Glossary
Special Structural Wall: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009 define special structural wall, 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
Special structural wall is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Concrete. The code's own words are: “A cast-in-place or precast wall complying with the requirements of 21 .1.3 through 21.1.7,21.9 and 21.10, as applicable, in addition to the requirements for ordinary reinforced concrete structural walls or ordinary precast structural walls, as applicable. Where ASCE 7 refers to a "special reinforced concrete structural wall," it shall be deemed to mean a "special …” 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 3 chapters of this corpus, most often in Concrete (IBC 2009), Structural Tests and Special Inspections (IBC 2009), Definitions (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?
Special Structural Wall — IBC 2009, Concrete:
A cast-in-place or precast wall complying with the requirements of 21 .1.3 through 21.1.7,21.9 and 21.10, as applicable, in addition to the requirements for ordinary reinforced concrete structural walls or ordinary precast structural walls, as applicable. Where ASCE 7 refers to a "special reinforced concrete structural wall," it shall be deemed to mean a "special structural wall. "
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Special Structural Wall is defined once in this corpus, in the Concrete chapter of the International Building Code (IBC) 2009:
A cast-in-place or precast wall complying with the requirements of 21 .1.3 through 21.1.7,21.9 and 21.10, as applicable, in addition to the requirements for ordinary reinforced concrete structural walls or ordinary precast structural walls, as applicable. Where ASCE 7 refers to a "special reinforced concrete structural wall," it shall be deemed to mean a "special structural wall. "
Where special structural wall is used in the code
The term appears in 3 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete | IBC 2009 | 19 |
| Structural Tests and Special Inspections | IBC 2009 | 3 |
| Definitions | IBC 2009 | 1 |
The terms special structural wall is built out of
The definition above leans on 2 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what special structural wall covers:
- Addition — IBC 2009: An extension or increase in floor area or height of a building or structure.
- Shall — IRC 2009: The term, when used in the code, is construed as mandatory.
Special Structural Wall: 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 | Concrete | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Concrete (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Structural Tests and Special Inspections (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IBC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Addition | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Shall | |
| 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
- Addition: Building Code Definition
- Building: Building Code Definition
- Construction Documents: Building Code Definition
- Registered Design Professional: 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 special structural wall?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Concrete as: “A cast-in-place or precast wall complying with the requirements of 21 .1.3 through 21.1.7,21.9 and 21.10, as applicable, in addition to the requirements for ordinary reinforced concrete structural walls or ordinary precast structural walls, as applicable. Where ASCE 7 refers to a "special reinforced concrete structural wall," it shall be deemed to mean a "special structural wall. "” 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 special structural wall?
In this corpus the term is used across 3 chapters, led by Concrete 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 a special reinforced masonry shear wall?
Shear Wall is a separate defined term. The IBC 2009 defines it as: “A wall designed to resist lateral forces parallel to the plane of a wall.” That is not the same as special structural wall, which the IBC 2009 defines as “A cast-in-place or precast wall complying with the requirements of 21 .1.3 through 21.1.7,21.9 and 21.10, as applicable, in addition to the requirements for ordinary reinforced concrete structural walls or ordinary precast structural walls, as applicable. Where ASCE 7 refers …” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
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