Suggestion, when referencing codes it helpful to put the year edition and whether it's IBC or IFC. Right now some of the references don't match up looking at 2006 or 2009.
The separation reductions are based on "Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.1.1". (Table 508.4 IBC 2009) So if you interpret "throughout" as we typically do then no, not sprinklering the attic doesn't meet "throughout" but I'm not an architect so it really is up to him to define and interpret the code for this project. Since this is "B" occupancy and only two stories, and if he's not take any height or area allowances then it very well could be constructed as non-sprinklered with exception of the basement. Other data would be needed to validate that of course. I'm not sure where you're getting the 3,000 sq ft increase from off the top of my head, don't have time to look right now. Also you say you don't have water to do dry or 3,000 sq ft, what exactly is the deficiency, flow or pressure? Here's one other question, is this a State or Federal courthouse? Government buildings often have stricter requirements beyond the Codes, hopefully he's checked and verified if that is or isn't the case here. Craig L. Prahl, CET Fire Protection CH2MHILL Lockwood Greene 1500 International Drive Spartanburg, SC 29304-0491 Direct - 864.599.4102 Fax - 864.599.8439 CH2MHILL Extension 74102 [email protected] -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Rod DiBona Sent: Thursday, May 26, 2011 8:08 PM To: [email protected] Subject: building code tradeoff We have a project where the architect has stated the following: 1. We have installed draftstops in the attic space to subdivide the space into areas less than 3000 sf. 2. We are installing the fire protection system in the basement according to 903.2.11.1. 3. We are installing fire protection on the first and second floors to allow a reduction in fire rating of the corridor walls, stairs, and the wall separating the courtroom A3 from the B occupancy. 4. We are installing the draftstops in the attic space and not accepting the reduction but utilitzing the exception to 901.2. 5. The architect has stated that only the basement is required to be sprinklered. This is a new courthouse. This is an architect that we have done work with and he is sharp but I don't see read the IBC the same way. First we were questioning not sprinklering the combustible attic. We don't have the water available to do a dry system in that attic without a fire pump. I don't think the reductions can be taken on first and second floor unless the entire building is sprinklered per NFPA 13. Can he subdivide with draftstops and then take the rating reductions on the first and second floor? I don't think so but even if I am wrong and this can be done, wouldn't we still have to increase our area on the second floor to 3,000ft? If so we would need the pump anyway. Thanks for your input. Rod DiBona Rapid Fire _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://fireball.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum For Technical Assistance, send an email to: [email protected] To Unsubscribe, send an email to:[email protected] (Put the word unsubscribe in the subject field) _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://fireball.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum For Technical Assistance, send an email to: [email protected] To Unsubscribe, send an email to:[email protected] (Put the word unsubscribe in the subject field)
