The Gypsum Association (GA) announced the release of the 21st edition of the Fire Resistance Design Manual (GA-600-2015). Revised on a three year basis, GA-600 has been referenced by the model building codes as a source of fire resistive

designs for more than 40 years. Now 306 pages, the 2015 edition contains nearly 100 new systems that supplement existing assemblies for walls and partitions, floor-ceiling systems, area separation walls and many others. Among these, are 20 new head-of-wall and base-of-wall systems that significantly expand the options for perimeter relief.

A much more interactive digital version of the Fire Resistance Design Manual (FRDM) is available with the 2015 edition. More like an e-reader than previous PDF versions, the new digital Manual is searchable, easy to navigate, delivered on demand, and allows users to print specific pages for reference. An added bonus: Customers who purchase the electronic version will receive a complimentary hardcopy of the Manual.

The FRDM is currently referenced by the International Building Code, and The National Fire Codes, as well as many state and local jurisdictions in the US and Canada as a source document for fire-resistance and sound-control rated designs that incorporate gypsum board in a variety of building systems. It should be noted that a recently revised ICC-ES Evaluation Report (ESR 1338) incorporates a reference to the 2015 edition of the Fire Resistance Design Manual as an acceptable source of generic fire-resistance and sound-control systems.

Over the years, the scope of the GA's flagship publication has steadily broadened to address sound and other factors of concern for designers, builders, code officials and the public. Featuring more than 700 systems, the 2015 Fire Resistance Design Manual remains among the best organized and easiest to use of the design reference manuals.

Visit the Gypsum Association Bookstore to purchase your hardcopy or e-reader/hardcopy combination, today.