UpCodes Overview
UpCodes is a comprehensive platform designed to streamline building code research, analysis, and compliance for architects, engineers, and other construction professionals. Here’s a detailed look at what the product does and its key features:
Core Functionality
UpCodes aggregates building codes from across the United States into a single, searchable database. This database includes over 5 million code sections, more than 1,700 state and city codes, and 160,000 local amendments, ensuring users have access to the most current and relevant building regulations.
Key Features
Code Search and Navigation
- UpCodes allows users to search and navigate through a vast library of building codes, including state and city-specific amendments. The platform updates approximately 7,000 code sections monthly to ensure the information is current.
UpCodes Copilot
- Copilot is an AI-powered code research assistant integrated into the UpCodes platform. It helps users accelerate code research by:
- Answering specific code-related questions.
- Summarizing and explaining complex code sections.
- Finding related code sections.
- Performing calculations and generating checklists based on project parameters.
- Providing tailored responses filtered by jurisdiction, code year, and building type.
Code Automation
- The platform includes a code calculator that requires users to input project details such as area, height, occupant loads, and construction type. This tool automatically checks compliance with building heights, areas, plumbing, and fire ratings, and generates a project profile that can be exported as a code summary sheet.
Code Analysis and Information
- Code Diagrams: UpCodes offers digital diagrams that illustrate code requirements, making it easier to understand complex code sections. These diagrams include illustrations, accompanying text, and relevant code sections.
- UL Assemblies: Users can filter through over 12,000 UL (Underwriters Laboratories) assemblies based on various criteria such as assembly type, fire or acoustic ratings, and manufacturer name.
- Product Library: The platform includes a vast library of manufacturer-sourced building product information, including product data sheets, spec sheets, BIM models, and more.
Collaboration and Documentation
- UpCodes facilitates team collaboration by allowing users to tag team members, share notes, assign tasks, and bookmark relevant code sections. Users can also generate and export code reports, including PDF and Excel files, to share with stakeholders.
Premium Features
- While the basic version of UpCodes is free and includes access to the code database, the premium plans (Essentials and Professional) offer additional features such as unlimited use of Copilot, advanced collaboration tools, and enterprise discounts for larger teams.
In summary, UpCodes is a powerful tool that simplifies the process of building code research, analysis, and compliance by providing a comprehensive database, AI-driven research assistance, automation tools, and robust collaboration features. This makes it an invaluable resource for professionals in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry.