# Splice: Building Code Definition

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

- Canonical: https://harth.build/resources/glossary/splice/
- Last updated: 2026-09-07
- Data source: 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.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Defined in | IBC 2009 (2009 editions transcribed in this corpus) |
| Primary source | IBC 2009 Fire and Smoke Protection Features (model text, not a jurisdiction's adopted text) |
| Chapters using the term | 26 (counted across the codes hosted here) |
| Wording identical across codes | Single code (compare before citing one code's wording under another) |

## Direct answer

Splice is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Fire and Smoke Protection Features. The code's own words are: “The result of a factory and/or field method of joining or connecting two or more lengths of a fire-resistantjoint system into a continuous entity.” 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 26 chapters of this corpus, most often in Wall Construction (IRC 2009), Masonry (IBC 2009), Soils and Foundations (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](https://nz.linkedin.com/in/barrington), Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.*

## What does this term mean?

**Splice** — IBC 2009, Fire and Smoke Protection Features:

> The result of a factory and/or field method of joining or connecting two or more lengths of a fire-resistantjoint system into a continuous entity.

![Labeled code-term definition diagram: Splice: Building Code Definition](https://efwwel0vyt9vy5so.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/images/glossary/splice/diagram-1344.webp)

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

## What must be verified before using this guidance?

**Splice** is defined once in this corpus, in the [Fire and Smoke Protection Features](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/fire-and-smoke-protection-features.md) chapter of the International Building Code (IBC) 2009:

> The result of a factory and/or field method of joining or connecting two or more lengths of a fire-resistantjoint system into a continuous entity.

## Where splice is used in the code

The term appears in 26 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](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/wall-construction.md) | IRC 2009 | 46 |
| [Masonry](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/masonry.md) | IBC 2009 | 41 |
| [Soils and Foundations](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/soils-and-foundations.md) | IBC 2009 | 41 |
| [Building Planning](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/building-planning.md) | IRC 2009 | 30 |
| [Structural Design](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/structural-design.md) | IBC 2009 | 27 |
| [Power and Lighting Distribution](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/power-and-lighting-distribution.md) | IRC 2009 | 24 |
| [Wood](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/wood.md) | IBC 2009 | 22 |
| [Roof-ceiling Construction](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/roof-ceiling-construction.md) | IRC 2009 | 22 |
| [Foundations](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/foundations.md) | IRC 2009 | 20 |
| [Concrete](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/concrete.md) | IBC 2009 | 18 |
| [General Requirements](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/general-requirements.md) | IRC 2009 | 16 |
| [Floors](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/floors.md) | IRC 2009 | 11 |

_14 further chapters mention the term._

### The term in use

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

> The maximum gap between noncontact parallel bars at a lap splice shall not exceed the smaller of one-fifth the required lap length and 6 inches (152 mm).

— [IRC 2009 §R611.5.4.3](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/wall-construction.md)

> A welded splice shall have the bars butted and welded to develop at least 125 percent of the yield strength, f y, of the bar in tension or compression, as required.

— [IBC 2009 §3.3.3.4](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/masonry.md)

> Splices shall be constructed so as to provide and maintain true alignment and position ofthe component parts of the deep foundation element during installation and subsequent thereto and shall be designed to resist the axial and shear forces and moments occurring at the location of the splice during driving and for design load combinations.

— [IBC 2009 §1810.3.6](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/soils-and-foundations.md)


## The terms splice 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 splice covers:

- **[System](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/system.md)** — IFC 2009: An assembly of equipment consisting of a tank, container or containers, appurtenances, pumps, compressors and connecting piping.

## Splice: what to open, and in what order

Every row is a document this term depends on. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-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 | Wall Construction (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Masonry (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Soils and Foundations (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Building Planning (IRC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | System | |
| 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](https://harth.build/resources/glossary.md)
- [System: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/system.md)
- [Shaft: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/shaft.md)
- [Damper: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/damper.md)
- [Fire-resistance Rating: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/fire-resistance-rating.md)

## 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](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.

### Source links

- [codes.iccsafe.org](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes)

- [iccsafe.org](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/)

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the code definition of splice?

The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Fire and Smoke Protection Features as: “The result of a factory and/or field method of joining or connecting two or more lengths of a fire-resistantjoint system into a continuous entity.” 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 splice?

In this corpus the term is used across 26 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 meant by splice?

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 result of a factory and/or field method of joining or connecting two or more lengths of a fire-resistantjoint system into a continuous entity.” 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 is a splice structure?

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 result of a factory and/or field method of joining or connecting two or more lengths of a fire-resistantjoint system into a continuous entity.” It is defined in IBC 2009. It is not the same as Structure, which the IPC 2009 defines separately as “That which is built or constructed or a portion thereof.” 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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