Subsection 104.11 - Alternative Materials, Design and Methods of Construction and EquipmentThe provisions of 780 CMR are not intended to prevent the installation of any material or to prohibit any design or method of construction not specifically prescribed by 780 CMR, provided that any such alternative has been approved. An alternative material, design or method of construction shall be approved where the building official finds that the proposed design is satisfactory and complies with the intent of the provisions of 780 CMR, and that the material, method or work offered is, for the purpose intended, at least the equivalent of that prescribed in 780 CMR in quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability and safety.
104.11.1Research Reports. Supporting data, where necessary to assist in the approval of materials or assemblies not specifically provided for in 780 CMR, shall consist of valid research reports from approved sources.104.11.2Tests. Whenever there is insufficient evidence of compliance with the provisions of 780 CMR, or evidence that a material or method does not conform to the requirements of 780 CMR, or in order to substantiate claims for alternative materials or methods, the building official shall have the authority to require tests as evidence of compliance to be made at no expense to the enforcement authority. Test methods shall be as specified in 780 CMR or by other recognized test standards. In the absence of recognized and accepted test methods, the building official shall approve the testing procedures. Tests shall be performed by an approved agency. Reports of such tests shall be retained by the building official for the period required for retention of public records.780 CMR, ch. 1, pt. 2, 104, 104.11
Amended by Mass Register Issue 1532, eff. 10/11/2024.