Taken from commentary to 2006 IBC. [F] 903.3.1.1.1 Exempt location

"Because installation is required to be in accordance with NFPA 13, if the
standard allows for the omission of sprinklers in any location, then the
building is still considered as sprinklered throughout."

So if NFPA 13 allows unsprinklered areas, then tradeoffs from IBC for a
fully sprinklered building can be applied. Also have to decide if the
commentary can be accepted as code.

Mike Hill


-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of
[email protected]
Sent: Friday, May 27, 2011 8:58 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: RE: building code tradeoff

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, SCĀ  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






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