Building Code Glossary
Steel Member, Structural: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009 define steel member, structural, 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
Steel member, structural is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Steel. The code's own words are: “Any steel structural member ofa building or structure consisting ofa rolled steel structural shape other than cold-formed steel, or steel joist members.” 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 Steel (IBC 2009), Fire and Smoke Protection Features (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. 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?
Steel Member, Structural — IBC 2009, Steel:
Any steel structural member ofa building or structure consisting ofa rolled steel structural shape other than cold-formed steel, or steel joist members.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Steel Member, Structural is defined once in this corpus, in the Steel chapter of the International Building Code (IBC) 2009:
Any steel structural member ofa building or structure consisting ofa rolled steel structural shape other than cold-formed steel, or steel joist members.
Where steel member, structural 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Steel | IBC 2009 | 5 |
| Fire and Smoke Protection Features | IBC 2009 | 3 |
| Definitions | IBC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about steel member, structural, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
As used in these sections, W is the average weight of a structural steel member in pounds per linear foot (plf).
The terms steel member, structural is built out of
The definition above leans on 4 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what steel member, structural covers:
- Steel Joist — IBC 2009: Any steel structural member of a building or structure made of hot-rolled or cold-formed solid or open-web sections, or riveted or welded bars, strip or sheet steel members, or slotted and expanded, or otherwise deformed rolled sections.
- Structure — IPC 2009: That which is built or constructed or a portion thereof.
- Building — IBC 2009: Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.
- Steel — IFC 2009: Hot-or cold-rolled as defined by the International Building Code.
Steel Member, Structural: 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 | Steel | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Steel (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fire and Smoke Protection Features (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IBC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Steel Joist | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Structure | |
| 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
- Steel Joist: Building Code Definition
- Structure: Building Code Definition
- Building: Building Code Definition
- Steel: 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 steel member, structural?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Steel as: “Any steel structural member ofa building or structure consisting ofa rolled steel structural shape other than cold-formed steel, or steel joist members.” 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 steel member, structural?
In this corpus the term is used across 3 chapters, led by Steel 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 considered a structure in 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 steel member, structural, which the IBC 2009 defines as “Any steel structural member ofa building or structure consisting ofa rolled steel structural shape other than cold-formed steel, or steel joist members.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
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