BLOG: Each building element is required to be protected.

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A common question. The following information may help identify which codes apply to a project :

This is based on project location. Keeping in mind that depending on the state the project is located some states have adopted a state building code and others do not. In either case, the best approach is to contact the local jurisdiction where the project is located, verify if there is a state building, and if so, verify the code year additions that were adopted, and verify the website source where the state building code and amendments are located. Also, local building code amendments can be viewed publicly on the local jurisdictions' website. In states where a state building code has not been adopted, each local jurisdiction must adopt a building code. This can add confusion when each local jurisdiction can adopt different code edition years throughout the state.

 An example of building code regulation: 

The International Residential Code governs residential projects but not all chapters may be applicable. Chapter 3 Building planning may regulate the structure only in addition to the International Energy Conservation Code. The remainder of the project construction may be regulated by the International model codes for plumbing, mechanical, and electrical (National Electrical Code NFPA 70) instead of the sections within the International Residential Code.

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 At this stage, you will want to check the code implications the selection of materials will have on your design. First, you will need to determine which of the 5 types of construction is appropriate for your choice of building materials. You will find this information in Table 601 of the International Building Code. (It should be noted that construction Types I and II are completely noncombustible materials while types III, IV, and V allow combustible materials.)

Note: For each type, there is also an “A” and “B” classification which refers to a variance in the amount of fire-resistance rating times.

Combustible

Type V Example: A one-story building designed with glue-laminated beams, wood roof joists, wood roof decking, 2×4 wood stud exterior wall, wood siding and wood stud interior partitions. This building would be classified as Type V-B construction.  If the walls, roof, columns, and beams are 1-hour fire rated the type of construction would be Type V-A.

Type IV Example: A one-story heavy timber building of 8″x8″ solid wood columns supporting 6″x12″ glue-laminated roof beams with 2″x6″ T&G wood decking exposed on the underside with 1-hour rated partitions and exterior wall panels is classified as Type IV construction.

Type III Example: A one-story building is designed with exterior 8-inch concrete masonry block walls, wood roof trusses, and interior bearing wood framed partitions. The type of construction would be Type III-B.  If the roof trusses and interior wood bearing partitions were one-hour fire rated the type of construction would be Type III-A.

Noncombustible

Type II Example: A steel building designed with steel beams purlins, noncombustible insulation, steel siding, roof panels and steel interior framing would be Type II-B construction.  If steel framing is properly protected with verifiable 1-hour fire rating the Type of Construction would be Type II-A.

Type I Example: A 20 story building built of steel framing and concrete elevator and stair core. The steel columns are 3-hour rated, primary beams are 3-hour rated, exterior bearing walls are 3-hour rated, floors are 2-hour rated and the roof is 1 1/2 hour rated.

Classification Rules

When classifying your building it is important to understand that your building must meet all the fire rating requirements for each building element as listed in Table 601. 

For example, in the Type II example above, if interior nonbearing combustible wood stud partitions were introduced into the building design, the building would not qualify for Type II construction since Type II construction is required to be entirely noncombustible. There are exceptions in Section 603 but these are narrow and very specific. Caution is always advised when exercising one of the exceptions in the code, making 100% sure that your design fully meets that exception before proceeding.

If your building will contain both combustible and noncombustible materials you might want to consider separating the types of construction so that both types of construction can exist in the same structure. This can be done by creating a “Firewall” (IBC section 706) thus creating two “buildings” or fire areas.  This has commonly been done where a grocery store is constructed of nonrated steel construction and an adjacent retail center building on one or both sides separated by a 3-hour firewall consisting of an 8″ concrete block wall. The advantage is that the retail building would not necessarily need to be sprinkled and can be constructed of any material assuming the building is not too large.

Note that firewalls are required to be structurally independent from structural elements on both sides and have specific rules for termination above the roof and past exterior walls (exceptions apply). See IBC 706 for specific requirements.

Specifics of Table 601

It is important to understand the terminology and its application to building components. The “primary structural frame” has a distinct meaning in the IBC:

The PRIMARY structural frame shall include all of the following structural members: 
1. The columns
2. Structural members having direct connections to the columns, including girders, beams, trusses and spandrels
3. Members of the floor construction and roof construction having direct connections to the columns
4. Bracing members that are essential to the vertical stability of the primary structural frame under gravity loading shall be considered part of the primary structural frame whether or not the bracing member carries gravity loads

The following structural members shall be considered SECONDARY members and not part of the primary structural frame:
1. Structural members not having direct connections to the columns
2. Members of the floor construction and roof construction not having direct connections to the columns
3. Bracing members other than those that are part of the primary structural frame

Exterior nonbearing walls and partitions are regulated by Table 602. Table 602 determines what fire rating, if any, is required based on proximity to a property line. Always read the footnotes to this table since the footnotes modify the requirements. Once your building is properly classified into one of the 5 types of construction in Table 601 and the occupancy is also known, the allowable building area can be determined.

If you have any questions about how to classify your next project, feel free to contact us!

Over 100 years ago architects and designers had a problem. Beautiful homes with ornate skylights, glass-walled atriums and tropical greenhouses were in high demand despite the growing number of injuries that resulted when skylight, atrium and greenhouse glass was broken in storms and natural causes. Their first attempt was to put up wire mesh to catch falling glass and prevent injuries, but then someone had a brain-storm. What would happen if the wire was imbedded in the glass? Frank Shuman, American inventor, was credited with inventing wire glass safety glass in 1892. This was the first step in the process of creating fire protective glass and the discovery was unintentional.

The premise behind wired glass was that when the glass broke it would stay in place and not fall or cause injuries. When this wired glass started to be used regularly it was discovered that it was fire protective as well – inhibiting flames and smoke, making it fire-protective. This great discovery helped, but it didn’t stop radiant heat.

Ceramic glass was developed next with many improvements over wired glass. For instance, it blocks smoke and fire for a longer time, has a much higher temperature rating and can be installed in locations subject to human impact. Additionally, it is more aesthetically pleasing by eliminating the wire, but it did not take glass to the next step of being fire-resistive. To have glass that is truly fire-resistive and protect people from radiant heat along with smoke and flame intumescent glass was created.

Intumescent glass has been on the market for the last 10-20 years and is a high-quality glass system that is virtually indistinguishable from standard glass. Featuring a clear intumescent layer, the glass is fire-resistant without sacrificing any light or visual lines. As the following graphic shows, intumescent glass incorporates a clear material sandwiched between glass layers, meeting fire-resistive standards (blocking flames, smoke, and radiant heat) when it is exposed to fire.

With the innovation of intumescent glass the glass glazing industry was able to finally offer a product that not only blocks smoke and fire, it blocks radiant heat and is the industry standard in fire-resistive rated glass. Since this is still such new technology, many people get confused about the difference between fire-protective and fire-resistive rated glass. Fire-protective rated glass blocks smoke and fire, but not radiative heat – wired-glass, glass blocks, and ceramic glass are all fire-protective glass. Meanwhile, fire-resistive rated glass, like intumescent glass, blocks all three dangers and is considered the highest standard in fire rated glass. This graphic illustrates the difference between the two categories of fire rated glass.

Many architects are using intumescent glass to enhance the natural light and beauty in their projects and capitalize on its ability to conserve energy. Intumescent glass opens possibilities for design that were previously impossible with fire rating standards, including whole fire rated walls.  As it is included in many more buildings, we all need to better understand how it works.  This graphic shows clearly how the tempered glass closest to the flame breaks down, but the clear gel material between layers turns opaque and absorbs the heat, protecting the layer of glass on the unexposed side. The flame side is over 1700 degrees, but the other side is not only free from smoke and flame, it is protected from radiant heat and only rises to about 250 degrees on the surface of the glass. Additionally, when intumescent glass is subjected to the hose stream test, it doesn’t break.

As we observe the rise in use of intumescent glass, code writers, officials, plan reviewers and contractors need to focus much more on it to make sure fire protection is more technically viable especially when it comes to maintaining fire rating of the building. As we’re learning more about how to keep buildings safe we can consider a few aspects that the International Building Code has already put in place providing fire safety.

A big change was when ceramic glass was developed it replaced wire glass in fire doors. Not to discount its fire safety, but ceramic glazing took the place of wired glass because people have been known to break through wired glass and have severe injuries. Ceramic glazing is allowed in locations subject to human impact and is popular in doors because of its unobscured view. Ceramic glazing is resistant to high temperatures and does not shatter when it is properly treated, and is therefore an appropriate glass in some doors.

With all these different kinds of glass available to them, contractors want to be sure to have the right kind of glass for each position in the project. The 2021 International Building Code (IBC) tables 716.3, 716.5 and 716.6 shows how glass is marked with corresponding positions it can be placed in a building. For a full list, click here: IBC Chapter 7. While this is not an exhaustive list, here are some of the most common markings found on glass.

W

Meets fire test requirements for a wall

OH

Opening and hose stream test

D

Door

H

Hose stream

T

Temperature

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Time in mind assembly treated for

As building inspectors and code experts we want you to be confident in the integrity of your project. We are often asked about fire rated walls and how the code applies in light of all the new glass innovations. Let us caution you, don’t confuse building construction type requirements with opening protection requirements. For example, a door or window opening in a one-hour rated building does not necessarily have to also be fire rated. The IBC is very clear about when opening protection is required to prevent fire spread in a building. Remember that unless the code requires opening protection specifically, opening protection is not required. With these seemingly contradictory requirements, many people are confused when trying to maintain code compliance. This is where it is valuable to consult with code experts such as those at JPS, before the costly code violations occur.

# 1 Have a Fire Prevention Program

Have a fire prevention program, make sure your workplaces are cleaned up and reduce the amount of clutter and extra materials that could provide fuel to a fire.  These include stacks of paper or dirty rags, or other combustible materials. Never let your employees burn candles or have any other open flames inside your building. Extension cords should never be used for permanent electrical use, if you need an extension cord for more than a couple of days you need to call an electrician and have a plug installed by code.  In the winter months space heaters can pose a hazard. You shouldn’t allow your employees to have space heaters and if they are used make sure they are kept away from anything they can easily ignite such as cloth or paper.  A simple life safety inspection and fire safety plan developed by us here at JPS Consulting can be an easy way to reduce the likelihood of your business having a fire event.

Part of a good fire prevention program is also ongoing training.  Every business should have fire drills several times a year. Part of this drill should be a meeting spot away from the building but close enough so that managers can report to first responders if anyone is missing.

#2 Fire Extinguishers

 Fire extinguishers are a great tool for businesses of all sizes. If a fire breaks out when it is still small or in the incipient stage it can be kept under control with a fire extinguisher. Fire extinguishers are also one of the best ways to ensure that path of egress can be kept open if a fire occurs. Employees should be trained periodically on how to use fire extinguishers.  Extinguishers are great for small electrical fires, trash can fires and some small equipment fires. Your employees should be trained to use fire extinguishers and be taught where they are located throughout your facility. 

#3 Fire Alarm Systems

If a fire should happen a properly installed and working fire alarm system can quickly notify all the occupants within your building as well as the local fire department.  During a fire response time is very important and fire alarm systems by code must report that the alarm is sounding within 90 seconds of the alarm going off for the first time. By notifying your local fire department quickly the fire alarm can help reduce both injuries and property damage. 

#4 Fire Sprinklers and Fire Suppression Systems

If a fire can’t be put out safely with a fire extinguisher a fire sprinkler or fire suppression system is the best line of defense.  You should think of fire sprinklers as having a firefighter with a charged fire hose sitting in your business 24 hours a day 365 days a year.  A working fire sprinkler system can limit the fire to the area that it started, and many times puts the fire out before first responders even get to your business.  Fire sprinklers are the best defense against fires. They can prevent significant damage and help keep your business operational. 

Fire suppression systems can also be utilized in server rooms. A clean agent suppression system which does not use water but will keep any type of electrical fire in check are designed specifically for these types of locations.  Commercial kitchens should also have an automatic fire suppression system for kitchens to keep any grease fires within the cooking area.  It’s a great idea if your business has a break room with a cook top to install a residential automatic fire suppression system for kitchens to make sure that no cooking fires get out of control. 

JPS Consulting will be happy to help you with your emergency action plan (EAP) to ensure your business is ready for any type of emergency that may arise inside your workplace anywhere in Georgia . We can help you with training, inspections and recommendations to make your workplace the safest that it can be.  Please reach out to us here at JPS Consulting or check out our web site anytime: http://jpsconsulting.services

One of the most frequent misunderstandings we’ve uncovered in our clients at JPS Consulting is confusion regarding fire resistive construction and types of construction classification including type v-b construction, in the International Building Code (IBC). This is where a JPS plan review saves projects time and money, since we are familiar with the many types of construction and the associated classifications and codes.

There are five types of classifications for buildings (as can be found in IBC, chapter 6, Table 601).  The intent of classifying buildings is to place appropriate limitations on the size, height and use of the building. As you can infer, the lowest type of construction, VB (unrated light frame), can be expected to perform relatively poorly under fire conditions compared to 1A (noncombustible and high fire rating).  The confusion our clients express is often with the IBC classifying building construction types differently than the fire rating requirements to compartmentalize a fire area.

The best way to clear up this confusion is to look at an example. If a building is classified as Type II A construction, it must be built from noncombustible materials with the various building components and each building element having fire ratings indicated by Table 601 as follows:

Structural Frame: 1 Hour
Interior and Exterior Bearing Walls: 1 Hour
Interior Nonbearing Walls & Partitions: 0 Hour
Floor Construction: 1 Hour
Roof Construction: 1 Hour

Let’s assume the building is an office building (B occupancy) of Type II A construction and has an interior bearing wall with a 1 hour fire rating. This wall is located between offices with a door connecting two offices. Since the wall is a 1 hour fire rated wall – what do you think the door’s fire rating should be? 0 Hour or 1 Hour?

SIGNIFICANCE OF 1 HOUR RATING

ACCORDING TO THE IBC, 1 HOUR ALLOWS FOR FIRE DEPARTMENTS TO RESPOND TO AND EXTINGUISH A FIRE BEFORE THE BUILDING COLLAPSES.

Many people logically conclude that the door must be 1 hour fire rated, but that conclusion is wrong. Openings in this interior bearing wall (with a 1 hour fire rating) do not have to be fire rated because the whole building was created to meet the Type II A requirements. When a building meets the Type II A construction requirements it can be expected to remain standing structurally for a period of 1 hour under fire conditions – even without the openings also having a 1 hour fire rating. The door between offices has no effect on the protected bearing wall. Opening protection is required in the following fire rated walls: stair enclosures, horizontal exits, corridors, occupancy separations, fire walls, exit passageways, dwelling/sleeping unit separations, and exterior walls (due to proximity to property line).

Sometimes creating an enclosed stair or fire rated corridor can add to confusion in our example building. The purpose of fire rated corridors and enclosed stairs is to prevent the spread of fire from one side of the wall to the other.

If you refer to Table 601, our example building shows that interior nonbearing walls and partitions have a 0 hour fire rating. In this case, an opening in a nonbearing wall or partition would be required to be protected with a fire rated door or fire damper.

You don’t have to make inferences when dealing with the International Building Code. The IBC is specific in its requirements and you can trust experienced experts in the code, like us, to help you build the best plan for your structure. Contact us for your plan review today.

REMEMBER:

A FIRE RATED WALL ONLY REQUIRES OPENING PROTECTION IF THE IBC SPECIFICALLY REQUIRES IT.